JUNE 2015 INSIDE THIS MONTH

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Prison work program p. 4

Community gardens p. 8

The Corporate Review 2015 Springfield’s tourism glass is half-full Women of Influence event p. 10 page 18

Virtual golf p. 11

Del Rio Super Tacos p. 26

COMING IN JULY SMALL BUSINESS

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PRSRT STD PRSRT SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL BUSINESS SPRINGFIELD 2 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal PHOTO BY TERRY FARMER Meet Brian Oaks General manager, Prairie Capital Convention Center By Roberta Codemo

he also considered becoming a chef and The walls of Brian Oaks’s office at the he wanted to own his own business; at times taking classes offered by the International renovations. Conventions are the bread and Prairie Capital Convention Center are hung Association of Venue Managers, where he butter and fill in the gaps between events. with signed guitars. “I’ve always loved live baseballsinger-songwriter. cards growing “My momup. thought I was a learned every aspect of venue management. “These are everybody’s Super Bowl,” said events,” said Oaks. “Shortly after I got into star in the making,” said Oaks, who collected “This place has a lot of moving pieces,” he said. Oaks, who said they can bring in upwards it, I didn’t want to do anything else. This is “I was never good with routine,” of 2,000 people. Conventions are the biggest where I was meant to be.” While a junior at the University of Illinois continued Oaks, adding that every day poses events of their year and bring jobs and tax A Springfield native, Oaks has deep at Urbana-Champaign, where he majored in a different challenge. “No two days are the revenue to the city. roots in the community. His grandfather, speech communication, he started traveling same,” he said. That’s his favorite part about The Center has landed a couple of big Bill, was a pastor at Elliott Avenue Baptist to trade shows every weekend and selling the job. pieces of business since the renovations. Church for 30 years and his father, John, baseball cards and memorabilia. Following Running the facility takes hard work. “We Nothing had been done to the building was a football coach at Springfield High graduation, he moved back to Springfield work when everyone else plays,” said Oaks. since it opened in 1979 and it was in need School and was inducted into the Illinois and opened two baseball card stores. “It was “Every day is different and poses different of major upgrades. The biggest piece of Coaches Hall of Fame. a natural landing place,” said Oaks. challenges,” adding that it is all worth it business is the upcoming Illini basketball His family moved a lot before landing in In 2003, he felt he needed a regular job when the curtain raises and the first chord games. The advance team noted the Auburn right before he started high school. and answered an ad for box office manager is played and the hairs stand up on the back expansive lobby doors, and Oaks said if “It made me a social butterfly,” said Oaks, at the PCCC, although he had no box office of his neck. It’s great knowing he had a role renovations had not included installing adding it prepared him for his current experience. “There’s a lot of responsibility to play in that. bathrooms on the main floor, the Center position, which is all about meeting new with running a small business,” said Oaks. “I The job puts a strain on his family life. He would not have been considered. people and building relationships. knew numbers and sales.” and his wife, Anjelique, have been married Oaks has had other opportunities and Raised in a Christian home, he has a He turned his eye towards concert 11 years and have a five-year-old daughter, acknowledges there may come a time younger brother, Billy. His parents are both promotion in 2005 and told then-general Avery. “My wife tolerates it,” said Oaks. when the building says it needs someone educators who taught him the value of manager Judy Meiron of his interest. He “She’s supportive. It’s an incredible job.” He different to take care of it. For right now, hard work and instilled in him honesty and lined up an investor to buy the show Casting added that he’s lucky to have a great team his roots are here. integrity. From a young age, Oaks has had Crowns with no guarantees of repayment of people around him. Everyone works hard “It’s a great job,” said Oaks. “If you do an entrepreneurial spirit. “My mother [Jan] and teamed up with Business Men in Christ to pull off different events. “You’re only as something you love, you never work a day in loves to tell a story about when I was five to bring the Christian group to town. “We good as the team you put around yourself,” your life.” Roberta Codemo is a full-time and I’d pick dandelions out of neighbors’ made $9,000 in profit,” said Oaks. The group he said. “The way we work together drives freelance writer. She can be reached yards and go up to their door and try to sell donated the money to local charities. our success.” at [email protected] them,” he said, laughing. Oaks was promoted to general manager In 2015, the Center has 225 event days Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 3 He always knew in the back of his mind in 2007. As director of operations, he started booked, which he attributes to recent PRISON WORK PROGRAM

Set up to succeed Illinois’ inmates make everything from grills to boxer shorts in a program designed to train offenders for post-release work By Zach Baliva

mandate of the Illinois General Assembly now trains inmates to produce furniture, passing an American Board of Opticianry to produce products inside the state’s train and groom dogs, make food and exam. Thirty-five of ICI’s 95 inmates in the correctional centers to help rehabilitate manufacture garments. Inmates at a Danville Dixon lab will be ABO certified this year. incarcerated individuals. She says the facility design graphics and wrap Department According to Aholt, eyeglass companies and program has many benefits, from lowering of Corrections and state vehicles. Participants clinics in the surrounding area are already recidivism rates to saving taxpayer dollars. must have a high school diploma or GED and starting to hire inmates prior to their release. According to ICI’s 2014 annual report, an meet certain behavioral standards to qualify. Critics of this and similar programs increase in Earned Good Conduct Credit days “We are not only teaching offenders a trade contend that each prisoner involved attributed to the program saved taxpayers or a skill but also working with them on soft accounts for one job lost on the outside, $320,980 that year. The self-funded program skills like communication and teamwork. and correctional industries have an unfair Jen Aholt PHOTO BY MARANDA POTTERF does not receive tax dollars and exists Those are the things that are a big detriment competitive advantage since they don’t pay solely on the sale of the goods and services to people who leave prison and exit into standard wages. In response, Aholt says it provides to state agencies, political units, the work environment for the first time, so “Only .02 percent of our sales are to non- nonprofits, and public institutions. this program sets them up for success upon government and nonprofits. We are not out “The program is on a voluntary basis,” release,” says Aholt. competing for any private industry’s market If you received glasses in Illinois through says Aholt. “There is not a mandate to ICI is now partnering with the share. We hire union staff to oversee training Medicaid, a prison inmate fabricated your participate.” In fact, there is an application Department of Labor to legitimize its training programs that teach our fellow U.S. citizens a eyewear at the Dixon Correctional Facility. and interview process. It is also important program through the issuance of credentials trade, and these people are moving back into And that’s not all. More than 900 offenders, to note that participating inmates are in fact and certificates. “We’re also working with our communities better prepared and able to managed by 120 state employees in nearly 20 paid. “Many people think we do not pay the companies that are similar so they can see be taxpayers and providers to their families.” Illinois facilities work in a volunteer program inmates,” she says. “In fiscal year 2014 our how strong our training is, so they’ll be ready Although ICI’s central office is in to produce about 1,000 products available inmate payroll was $1,844,198.” to hire a pre-trained staff,” Aholt explains. Springfield (and Aholt is working to hire through Illinois Correctional Industries. Until 1976, each prison operated The program’s optical lab in Dixon is one of post-release clerks for that office) the closest Jen Aholt, chief executive officer of ICI, independent programs, but legislation Aholt’s success stories. Field practitioners operation is in Lincoln, where the program runs the program, created by legislative passed that year unified the program that must obtain an industry certification by operates a sign and chair shop. The same

4 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal Inmate trainees in the ICI Helping Paws program ICI metal shop trainee at Shawnee Correctional Center at Logan Correctional Center. welding a piece of institutional furniture.

An Executive Mission Style desk is being built by two inmate trainees PHOTOS COURTESY in the ICI wood furniture shop located at Graham Correctional Center. OF JEN AHOLT city’s female facility runs dog training and jobs’ as well as to perform mock interviews recycling programs. Another facility offers to better prepare the inmate trainees for dog grooming, and while it may seem like an such opportunities,” she says. On June 19, unusual service, Aholt says managers picked both Midwest Fiber and ICI will receive the the service because it provides a low-cost Outstanding Public/Private Partnership entrepreneurial opportunity for inmates award from the Illinois Recycling Association. upon their release. Although Aholt says recidivism rates While ICI gives participants skills, it aren’t available and the 2014 Annual Report gives them something else – hope. “We’re concurs, citing database issues from 2005, a not competition, we’re a training program. correctional industry program similar to ICI in We are training a segment of the Illinois Indiana boasts a rate of 24 percent compared workforce that has been undertrained,” says to the Illinois Department of Corrections rate Aholt. “Inmates who have gone through this of 48 percent. Aholt says that she’s asked program know they can look forward to a job for an employment study to determine how the day they get out of prison. They will have many former ICI inmate participants actually something for their resume, skills to back up obtained gainful employment upon their that experience and the work ethic to keep release. Results are pending, but she expects the job.” that when recidivism rates are again available This readied and trained workforce they will show that ICI has a lower number is being acted upon by one of our Illinois than the statewide average. “I can tell you businesses seeing significant growth, that withZach confidence,” Baliva is she a media says. producer and Inmate trainees work together to re-upholster a chair for the Department of Human according to Aholt. “Midwest Fiber has writer living in Springfield. Services at the ICI shop located inside of Graham Correctional Center. traveled to each of ICI’s recycling centers to discuss career opportunities in ‘green collar

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 5 TRANSPORTATION

Brad Gubin, owner and president of Benmar Sunrooms, whose business was relocated due to the high-speed rail project.

On the fast track High-speed rail development continues in Springfield By Gabe House

The Illinois Department of Transportation first underpass is on Carpenter Street, (IDOT) held a series of informal meetings which will allow for faster access for from late April through late May throughout ambulances,” wrote Erica Cusumano, the the state. This “listening tour” was all about public relations representative for St. infrastructure: its current state, the ever- John’s Hospital, via email. present need to improve it and what the Karen Carlson, director of the SIU future may hold. School of Medicine Office of Public Springfield, in the throes of high-speed Affairs, emailed a statement with a railway expansion slated to last several similar sentiment, writing the relocation more years, is naturally very concerned would be a boon for the many medical about infrastructure. The city plays host facilities located around the 3rd Street to a number of higher education campuses corridor, which “effectively divides the and medical facilities and is the seat of mid-Illinois medical district in two.” state government. To say infrastructure “This division is a safety and and reliable intrastate transportation is convenience issue for patients, the general important for the capital city would be a public, residents, students and medical gross understatement. personnel who must pass through this “Infrastructure and having the jobs busy rail area at 3rd St. when they move in our community is very important, among the various medical campuses,” and we know we’re a big piece of that,” Carlson wrote. said Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Furthermore, Carlson wrote, the Springfield Public School District 186, current railway location is prohibiting regarding the high-speed railway. further development in the medical “Having a great school system brings community. Vibrations from the passing people to our community, and I’m sure trains preclude the building of laboratories this project will bring jobs here and help and other facilities adversely affected by build our infrastructure so that we can be such movement, Carlson wrote. And then, a better city for the future.” of course, trains are loud, detrimentally so HSHS St. John’s Hospital, located at 800 for recuperating patients. E. Carpenter St., is equally supportive of the “Relocation to the 10th Street corridor high-speed railway as part of its inclusion will remove it from the medical district, in the overarching railway consolidation. improve safety and encourage business The years-long consolidation process and medical service development in this being undertaken in Springfield is to divert area of Springfield,” Carlson wrote. rail traffic from 3rd Street to the 10th University of Illinois Springfield Street corridor. chancellor Susan Koch was also enthused, “We continue to support the but in her case, the possibility of enhanced 6 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal consolidation and are happy that the transportation for UIS students from St. PHOTO BY MARANDA POTTERF

Louis and Chicago – totaling more than was being displaced by eminent domain. 500, Koch said – through the high-speed They were forced to leave the building rail was the cause for celebration. and warehouse they had built specifically “Many of (those students) use the for their business, and Gubin leased a train to commute from home, and any property at 4051 W. Jefferson St. on the improved rail access to Springfield for west side of Springfield. students, both current and prospective, After all is said and done, though, will be of great benefit to UIS,” Koch beenGubin good. was pleased with the process. He wrote. “A recent economic impact study was fairly compensated and business has showed that students who relocate to Springfield contributed $5.9 million “I think timing will always be lousy to the local economy each year. That talking about a move from one location number will only grow if after a number of years; access to the UIS campus “I’m sure this it was amazing how is improved for students project will bring much we’d accumulated,“ and their families.” Gubin said. “But overall, The potential economic jobs here and it was a pretty good impacts of the high-speed experience. They kept railway are manifold. help build our on top of things; I can’t First, in terms of the jobs really say anything bad.” the project itself will infrastructure so Gill has also been bring and secondly for that we can be keeping an eye on the its effects in the years railway development to come. But as with any a better city for with Lanphier High large project, there will be School and Lincoln effects felt immediately the future.” Magnet School both businessthat aren’t is as one pleasant. such case. An being on 11th Street. urgent need to relocate a – Jennifer Gill Ensuring that students, families and buses have “It was probably easy and quick access 2013 … I went to one to the schools is of of the IDOT meetings paramount importance. downtown, and it was pretty interesting,” Although neither Gill nor any District recalled Brad Gubin, owner and president 186 representative took part in IDOT’s of Benmar Sunrooms, previously located listening tour stop in Springfield, they at 929 East Carpenter Street. “They had a have been in contact with Hanson layout of the corridor, and I asked them Engineering as needed. how soon it would be happening. He “Along the way, we’ve been an active indicated not for years, so I thought I had voice in the conversation,” Gill said. “We’ve nothing to worry about. been very up front about those concerns “About a year later, I got a call from and any ideas we may have, but we see Hanson Engineering needing to set up many pluses to bringing high speed rail to a meeting for property acquisition. They Springfield as well.”Gabe House is a freelance gave me not quite a year to get ready writer from Springfield. to move.” After 36 years, Benmar Sunrooms Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 7 COMMUNITY GARDENS

Grow Springfield Urban agriculture comes to town By David A. Kelm Photo by Maranda Potterf

Community gardens are popping up across Springfield in a positive direction. “We are Springfield, throughout Illinois, and have looking to use the funds for several start- become a national movement. Urban up projects including a garden directory farmers are repurposing empty lots in and web-site build-out,” Reynolds said. densely populated neighborhoods by Grow Springfield plans on hosting similar replacing brush and rubble with beds of events in the future with the next set for vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. In sometime this fall. Additionally, grant funds some areas of Detroit, for example, entire gardensare being in pursued 2016. so that Grow Springfield blocks have been tilled under and planted can increase its presence and support of with vegetables, fruits and flowers. In Springfield, school yards, small specks “There are 24 gardens in Springfield of land and some roof tops have become mostly growing vegetables and flowers but the landscape of an urban Old MacDonald also some herbs and fruits,” said Eby. Many (though mostly without the E I E I O). Here of the gardens are housed on the grounds of in Springfield, a number of individuals and Springfield’s schools. “Many of the school- organizations that are committed to the based gardens are associated with genHKids principles of community gardening – access teaching school kids about growing healthy to fresh, healthy foods, self-sufficiency and foods,” Eby said. Currently, flowers grown job opportunities – have recently come are used to beautify community gardens. together to form Grow Springfield. In the future, Grow Springfield will seek to Grow Springfield began through a teach gardeners how to propagate flowers dialogue conducted in 2014 with the for commercial sales at farmers markets Illinois Stewardship Alliance, University of and other outlets. Illinois Extension, genHKids, Lincoln Land Part of the urban agriculture movement Community College, Springfield Urban and part of the mission of Grow Springfield League, Springfield Community Federation is to train individuals to become successful and Springfield Community Garden & Family gardening entrepreneurs. Some families Fit Center. “Grow Springfield was established are looking to make a little extra income by as part of a larger planning process that selling extra produce to friends, family and looked at ways to increase the consumption road-side stands while others are looking of fresh, healthy foods,” said Lindsay Record, towards commercial viability. A number of Program Director at the Illinois Stewardship programs provide training and educational Alliance. The new organizationgardens and wasfor opportunities to develop gardens into established in order to support Springfield’s marketable size that can provide a sole- learn from each source of income. “There is one for-profit gardeners to garden in Springfield,” said Record. “The idea is for others to learn and then seek other and share an opportunity to develop a commercial gardensbest practices. are run urban garden.” Such gardens typically “Most of the sell produce at farmers markets and to restaurants seeking fresh, local produce for aby need volunteers for their menu. Lindsay Record and there was Grow Springfield is part of a rapidly developing movement that is taking root in networking Illinois and nation-wide. Representatives about managing of Grow Springfield have met with, or are at gardens and people,” Record added. least aware of, other groups in Illinois such According to Record, the planning as Windy City Harvest, which is an urban conducted last year identified three guiding agriculture effort of the Chicago Botanic principles that form the foundation of Grow Garden, the DeKalb County Community Springfield. Springfield’s community gardens Gardens and the Columbia Center for Urban will increase access to fresh, healthy food. Agriculture in Missouri. Additionally, in The gardens are also intended to educate Chicago, the NeighborSpace was formed a andneighbors families and can community become membersmore self- in number of years ago to purchase vacant land proper gardening techniques so individuals for use as both green space and gardens. NeighborSpace is one of the largest nonprofit sufficient. Finally, sponsoring organizations land trusts in the country and owns dozens seek to provide training and education for of gardens throughout the Chicago area. employment and economic development Community gardens are certainly opportunities in urban agriculture. changing Springfield’s landscape. Formerly Grow Springfield is administered vacant lots are again busy with gardeners through a partnership between the Illinois – young and old – learning together about Stewardship Alliance and the Springfield fresh, healthy food, respect for the land, Urban League. The organization recently self-sufficiency and myriad economic added two full-time staff members who opportunities. Grow Springfield, and its are AmeriCorps workers. Joe Eby is the partners, are at the forefront of a nationwide Coordinator for Grow Springfield and Alana movement to bring together organizations Reynolds has joined the organization as and individuals to enhance and support Garden Coordinator. community gardens and urban agriculture In April, organizers, gardeners and in Springfield.David A. Kelm is a Springfield- supporters of community gardens gathered area attorney. He can be reached at at Maldaner’s for a kick-off fundraiser. [email protected] Reynolds said that the event was a success, 8 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal with significant funds raised to move Grow PERSONALITY PROFILE

The physical side of psychology By Eric Woods

Nicole Pacheco grew up in Peoria and and medical professionals, and other and adapt,” she said. Pacheco also stresses moved to Springfield in 2011. She has organizations. “I work with people who the importance of finding a good work-life enjoyed learning about the city and its are in high-stress positions who want to balance. She was advised that work should Nicole Pacheco history as well as getting to know the improve and know there is a gap between be a form of play that comes naturally. “If people. “We have found that the people where they are and where they want to be,” you are good at what you do, there will E-mail: [email protected] here are wonderful. This is the easiest and she said. “I bring the mental side over so always be a need.” Education: Psy.D from Adler School of most convenient town to live in,” she said. we can understand how the body responds There have been many proud moments Pacheco would like to see more economic to stress in order to gain more control over the years for Pacheco. In college she Professional Psychology growth, especially in the downtown area. over that in order to function at our best.” picked up the cello and even played in the Family: Husband – Paul; “We need to balance moving to the future Currently Pacheco is working with a number Millikin Symphony Orchestra. “It was neat to Child – Paul but maintaining the history.” of golfers, as the sport is very popular this play with a group like that,” she said. Pacheco As an avid music fan, Pacheco grew time of year. loves being a mom and having a family. In up wanting to be a piano teacher. Her The clinical practice is one where addition to her son, she has another child on Favorites – high school piano teacher was her biggest Pacheco helps people with general anxiety the way. Her career has also been a blessing, Book: Shadow of the Wind by Carlos influence. “She was an amazing woman, and depression. She uses neurofeedback as she loves being able to help others. “I can Ruiz Zafón very motivating. She never made it feel like and looks at brain waves to help with do both work and family. I did not have to practice,” said Pacheco. “It is what I think treatment. “This method is as effective pick one or the other.” Restaurant: American Harvest about in work. Help those who feel stuck.” In as medicines for ADHD,” she said, adding Pacheco is set in her career and plans Sports team: Peoria Rivermen Hockey hadhigh noschool, bad jobsPacheco and tookhas learned on her firstfrom job each as that “looking at brain waves is fun.” to continue for several years. “I hope a busperson for a family restaurant. She has Pacheco currently belongs to the American work continues to be fun. I see it as a slow Tidbits – Counseling Association, the Association process,” she said. “I am blessed with what one over the years. Pacheco learned early in of Applied Sports Psychology, the I have received and want to give back to Plays the piano and cello life the importance of having fun and being International Society for Neurofeedback the community.” When she gets to a point Always enjoyed music classes in school content with what she had. and Research, and the Rotary Sunrise Club. in life where retirement may be an option, Wants to someday go scuba diving Pacheco has had her clinical practice Psychology is a huge industry, according Pacheco hopes to travel and see more of since 2009 and her company, Professional to Pacheco. For those looking to enter the the world. Eric Woods can be reached Edge, has been around since 2013. With field, getting experience is crucial. “Figure at [email protected]. Professional Edge, Pacheco serves as a out what you like and what fits your coach and consultant to athletes, business personal values. Be willing to learn, grow

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 9 2015 Awards Presentation

On May 12, more than 200 people attended a reception held at the Inn at 835 to recognize the 2015 Women of Influence. Elly Mackus, president and CEO of Security Bank, introduced the recipients. She described the extensive community involvement of each one, and emphasized the bank’s commitment to female leadership. The recipients each spoke about the influences in their lives, ranging from strong female role models at home to women who mentored them along the way. The 2015 Women of Influence were Lisa Funderburg, Kathryn Harris, Sonya Jones, Kim Pate and Susan Zappa. To learn more about this program or make a Gail Simpson, left, and Georgetta Slaughter, front, joined Woman of Influence PHOTOS BY GINNY LEE nomination for next year, visit www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com. Kathryn Harris at the May 12 event. Georgetta is Kathryn’s sister.

Sherman Elementary School students helped their teacher, Sonya Jones, celebrate her award.

Kim Pate (left) was one of five Women of Influence receiving awards. Elly Mackus presented the awards.

District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gill (left) joined Woman of Influence Lisa Funderburg at the event. Leo Zappa and SBJ Associate Publisher Michelle Higginbotham with honoree Susan Zappa (right).

10 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal GOLF

Virtual golf at Illini Country Club. PHOTO BY MARANDA POTTERF

Totally unreal! Virtual golf at Illini Country Club By Colin Patrick Brady

Since February, members of Illini Country Banff, Calgary, is popular for its imagery of Club have been able to tee off at Pebble mountain ranges in the distance and overall Beach or perfect their short game at bucolic tranquility. Depending on the course Augusta, all in the same afternoon, thanks they choose, golfers may select a range that to the club’s newly installed virtual golf extends 100, 150 or 200 yards. Data and system. John Gilchrist, golf pro at Illini, feedback regarding driving range swings extolled the virtues of simulated golfing as a are available through computer rendering. means to get one’s tee-time in on a rainy day Up to six players at a time can enter and or to practice during the off-season. “All golf play an entire 18-hole game in the simulator, stops during bad weather,” Gilchrist says. which usually takes around two hours. “The “However, now it can come indoors when system keeps track of player order and it’s raining.” The Virtual Golf system allows individual scores, just like a score card,” he one golfer in its play space at a time. A says. One player may stay in the tee-off area high-definition overhead projector displays at any given time, while other members are real-worldimages on golf a white,courses. back-padded screen sheltered behind a glass window. Heavy, simulating 23 different options of complete black-padded curtains line each side of the play area, while rolls of netting line the Players must provide their own ceiling and the wall above the simulator – clubs, and there is a benefit in this, says all methods of slowing and containing a ball Gilchrist. “We have here a computer that while in play. can determine the speed, trajectory, height, The floor of the simulated play area is and spin that you put on your ball from a Astroturf on a one-inch padding, which drive.” This is thanks to four high-definition gives a spongy feeling when walking on cameras present on site that utilize infrared it. Putting on the simulator is a slightly lights to provide a world of data to both different game than driving. When putting, the serious and weekend golfer. The first Gilchrist says, a virtual grid pops up on the camera looks down at the face angle of projection screen. “It is supposed to inform the club. “This one can tell you if your club you about your short game.” Once again, face is squared and lined up by a matter of you hit an actual ball, which morphs into degrees” says Gilchrist. The second camera a virtual ball on screen. “You can change measures the spin put on your ball, including the digital green speed to run faster or revolutions per minute. The remaining two slower depending on your needs,” Gilchrist cameras are located at high right and high continues. “This system is as close to real left and are used to calculate speed. life as you can get.” A player takes an actual, physical swing Since debuting in February, Gilchrist with their choice of wood or iron, at an says, the golf simulator has gotten a lot of actual golf ball, aiming at a screen several use, with the data and feedback a popular feet in front of them – what comes next is a feature to help members improve their bit of computer wizardry. game. A Toronto-based company provides “The computer takes information from the rendering of digitized geodata on any your swing then flies a virtual reality in- number of actual courses that exist in the real camera image of a ball projected on the world, bringing even the most subtle features screen before you. Every kind of club and of sites from around the country alive on even sand wedges can be used,” according a screen in Springfield. Those wishing to to Gilchrist. “An entire round of golf can be learn more about the company providing the played on the simulator.” virtual golf experience may do so by visiting In poor weather, Gilchrist says, “Illini theirColin website Patrick at: www.hdgolf.com Brady is a freelance writer members can come in, stretch and get living in Decatur. He can be reached at loosened up” then choose from any number [email protected]. of driving ranges to practice their long June 2015 game. A virtual rendering of a resort in Springfield Business Journal | | 11 Sources: The Individual Golf Courses. * - Same rate weekday / weekend PUBLIC GOLF COURSES (Listed Alphabetically)

COURSE NAME NUMBER PAR COST TO PLAY STREET ADDRESS PHONE (-) WEBSITE (www.) OF MEN/ YARDAGE WITHOUT CART RESERVATION YEAR CITY/ST/ ZIP FAX (=) E-MAIL HOLES WOMEN MEN/WOMEN SLOPE (WKY / WKD) MANAGER REQUIRED OPENED

$10.25 wky/ $12.25 wkd - res, Bergen Golf Course $12.25 wky/ $13.25 wkd - non-res, 2,657; 50.5/red, not 2900 Clear Lake Ave. 217-753-6211 [email protected] 9 35 $9.25 wky / $11.25 wkd - jr (-18) / Archer Logan 1935 2,467 48.5/white required 1 Springfield, IL 62702 sr (62+) res, $11.25 wky / $13.25 wkd - jr (-18) / sr (62+) non-res

Brookhills Golf Club 217-787-8576 2,082; 45/men, $9 (M - F), $10 (Sat - Sun), $8 Jr., 5350 Old Jacksonville Road [email protected] 9 31 Angie Timm preferred 1991 217-726=5528 1,606 41.5/women Sr. (M - Fri) 2 Springfield, IL 62711

$18.25 res./$22.25 non-res - wky, Bunn Park Golf Course 6,297/blue; 118/blue, $20.25 res./$24.25 non-res - wkd, 217-522-2633 Paul not 2500 S. 11th St. 18 72 6,094/white; 118/white, $20.25 / $24.25 - jr (-18) / sr (62+), 1905 217-544=9506 Loutzenhiser required 3 Springfield, IL 62703 5,232/red 119/red 9 holes - $10.25 res./$12.25 non- res wky; $11.25/$13.25 wkd 6,414/red; 1993 Country Hills Golf Course 119/red, Up to 7 217-632-7242 countryhillsgc.com 6,144/white; $15 / $18 - 18 holes, Glenn (9), 21723 Smoot St. 18 72 116/white, days in 217-632=2099 [email protected] 5,064/ *$10 - 9 holes Simmering 2002 4 Greenview, IL 62642 113/red advance yellow (18) 6,667/m blue; 128/m blue, 6,258/m 124/m Edgewood Golf Club white; *$22 - 18 holes, *$13 - 9 holes, Up to 7 217-438-3221 golfedgewood.com white, Douglas 16497 Kennedy Road 18 71 5,589/m $15 - 18 holes Jr., Sr., days in 1963 217-438=3299 [email protected] 117/m gold, Kindlon 5 Auburn, IL 62615 gold; $10 - 9 holes Jr., Sr. advance 122/w gold, 5,589/w 116/w red gold; 5,035/w red $20.25 res./$24.25 non-res - wky, 6,813/blue; 120/blue, $22.25 res./$26.25 non-res - Lincoln Greens Golf Course springfieldparks.org 217-786-4111 6,576/white; 118/white, wkd, $18.25 / $22.25 - sr (62+) 700 E. Lake Drive lgproshop@springfield- 18 72 Jim Sutzer preferred 1957 217-786=4122 5,591/grey; 115/grey, / jr (under 18), 9 holes - $12.50 6 Springfield, IL 62712 parks.org 5,166/red 114/red res./$14.50 non-res wky; $13.50/$15.50 wkd

$13 - 9 holes wky / $14 - 9 holes Long Bridge Golf Course longbridgegc.com 3,034/blue; 217-744-8311 wkd, *$20 - 18 holes, $12 - 9 holes Michelle 1055 Camp Sangamo Road michelle@longbridgegc. 9 36 2,752/white; 107m, 102w preferred 1998 217-744=8950 (Tu-Th before 3 PM) jr/sr, $18 - 18 Buerkett 7 Springfield, IL 62702 comcastbiz.net 2,216/red holes (Tu-Th before 3 PM) jr/sr

Nichols Park Golf Course 2,463; not 319 Hollkenbrink Drive 217-479-4663 linksofjacksonville.com 9 33/32 NA *$7 unlimited Keith Ward NA 1,941 required 8 Jacksonville, IL 62650

9 holes walking- $8, w/cart-$16, 18 Northridge Hills northridgehills.com 2,199; 105/black, holes walking-$12, w/cart-$23. Tue. Howard 1265 Sandusky 217-243-4241 9 32 preferred 1998 9 [email protected] 1,837 103/yellow after 10AM and Sun. before noon- 9 Pillsbury Jacksonville, IL 62650 holes w/ cart-$12, 18 holes w/ cart $18

$10.25 wky/ $12.25 wkd - res, Pasfield Park Golf Course 217-698-6049 2,299/white; 44.5/white, $11.25 wky/ $13.25 wkd - non-res, 1700 W. Lawrence Ave. springfieldparks.org 9 34 Lance Flury preferred 1898 217-726=6725 1,934/red 45/red $9.25 / $11.25 - jr (-18) / sr (62+) 10 Springfield, IL 62704 res, $11.25/$13.25 non-res 7,005/gold; 132/gold, Piper Glen Golf Club $18 - 9 holes, $28 - wky / $34 - Up to 7 217-483-6537 6,612/blue; 128/blue, 7112 Piper Glen Drive piperglen.com 18 72 wkd - 18 holes, $22 - twilight (after David Impastato days in 1996 217-483=6539 6,124/white; 123/white, 11 Springfield, IL 62711 5 PM) - 18 holes advance 5,138/red 116/red

Weekday: 9 Hole Walk-$10.00, 18 Hole Walk-$16.00 1964 Shambolee Golf Course 6,748/blue; 119/blue, Up to 7 golfshambolee.com Weekend: Carts Required until 2 (9), 442 South Shore Drive 217-632-2140 18 72 6,368/white; 116/white, Jeff Broughton days in [email protected] PM, 9 Hole-$20.00, 18 Hole-$30.00 1994 12 Petersburg, IL 62675 5,155/red 114/red advance Twilight Everyday-2PM-close, 9 Hole (18) Walk- $9.00, 18 Hole Walk-$16.00

The Links Nichols Park 6,836/blue; 122/blue, 217-479-4663 linksofjacksonville.com 18 72 $16 / $20 Keith Ward preferred 1979 13 319 Hollkenbrink Drive 5,265/white 119/white Jacksonville, IL 62650 6,130/blue; 117/blue, The Oaks Golf Course Inc. 5,608/white; 114/white, theoaksgolfcourse.com $19 / $22 - 18 holes, member 851 Dave Stockton Drive 217-528-6600 18 70 4,985/ 112/gold, Danny Pesch preferred 1926 [email protected] rates available 14 Springfield, IL 62707 gold; 4,399/ 112/orange orange 6,630/ The Rail Golf Course champ; $31 wky / $39 wkd - 18 holes, 217-525-0365 127/champ, 10 days in 1400 S. Clubhouse Drive railgolf.com 18 72 6,012/reg *$21 - 9 holes, $21 after 4 PM Jim Johnson 1968 217-525=6510 121/regular advance 15 Springfield, IL 62707 m; 5,406/ (M - Th), $25 after 4 PM (Fri -Sun) reg w 12 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal LOCAL GOLF OUTINGS

June

• 4 – Sherman Area Chamber of Commerce 0365.Golf Outing, The Rail Golf Club, 1 p.m. Shotgun Start, Mary Johnson, (217) 525-

• 5 – Rochester High School Football Team Golf Outing, Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Double Shotgun Start, Jim Sutzer, (217) 786-4111. • 6 – Don “Poochie” Byus Charity Outing Benefiting American Cancer Society, The Links Golf Course, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,Keith Ward, (217) 479-4663. • 7 – Pat Schaddel Memorial Golf Outing, Long Bridge Golf Course (9 hole), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Shotgun Start, (217) 744-8950. • 12 – Camp COCO Children’s Cancer Fund at SIU School of Medicine Golf Outing, The Rail Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, Ruth Slottag (217) 545-2955 • 13 – Play for the Cure, Brookhills Golf Course, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Shotgun Starts, Golf Outing, Edgewood Golf Course, 12 p.m. Shotgun Start, Scott Selinger, (217) 494- (217) 479-4663 (217) 787-8576 Shotgun Start, Lee-Ann Burgener, (217) August8040. • 10 – Friend In Deed Golf Outing, Piper Glen • 13– Putts for Mutts Miniature Golf Outing July698-4941. Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, Butch to benefit APL, Family golf outing at Knight’s Elzea, (217) 787-1633. Action Park, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Deb Bonner • 1 –Greenview Firemen Santa’s Helper Golf • 11 – The Calvary Academy MC Johnson (217) 544-7397. • 3 – Esper Figueras Golf Outing, Lincoln Outing, Country Hills Golf Course, 8 a.m. Memorial Golf Classic, 1 p.m. Shotgun Start, • 13 & 14 – Mike Steele Memorial Golf Greens Golf Course, 12 p.m. Shotgun, Jim Shotgun Start, (217) 632-7242. Tina Casper, (217) 546-9700 X210 Outing, The Rail Golf Club, 8 a.m. Shotgun Sutzer (217) 786-4111. • 3 – Ansar Shriners Charity Golf Outing, • 18 – Be a Hero For Babies Golf Outing Start, Mary Johnson, (217) 525-0365. • 4 –Annual Over 50/Under 50 Tournament, Piper Glen Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun supporting March of Dimes, Piper Glen Golf • 14 – 7th Annual Fr. Franzen Memorial Golf Country Hills Golf Course, (217) 632-7242. Start, (217) 483-6537 Club, 10 a.m. Shotgun Start, Kathy Starkey, Outing, Edgewood Golf Club, 1 p.m. Shotgun • 4 –Firecracker Open, Brookhills Golf • 6 – 9th Annual St. John’s Children’s Hospital (217) 793-0500. Start, Kevin Collings (217) 259-6884. Course, Open tee times, (217) 787-8576. Golf Challenge, Piper Glen Country Club, • 19 – 24rd Annual Derek Dolenc Memorial • 14– 20th Annual Scottie Open Golf Outing • 9 – 20th Annual Greater Springfield 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, (217) 544-5437. Golf Outing supporting the Derek Dolenc sponsored by the Waverly Sports Boosters, Chamber of Commerce Corporate Cup • 14 – Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Cancer Patient Assistance Fund at Memorial Terry Park Golf Course, 11 a.m. Shotgun Challenge Golf Outing, Piper Glen Golf Club, Golf Outing, Northridge Hills Golf Course, Medical Center’s Regional Cancer Center, start, Nancy Heriford, (217) 971-8719. 7:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Shotgun Starts, (18 Holes), 2 p.m. Start, (217) 245-2174. Edgewood Golf Club, 10 a.m. Shotgun Start, • 14 – Lutheran High School Crusader Ashley Earnest, (217)525-1173, four- • 28 – Josh Langfelder Sangamon County Kent Dolenc, (217) 553-4449. Aiders, The Rail Golf Club, 1 p.m. shotgun person team, Scramble Recorder Golf Outing, Piper Glen Golf Club, • 21 – 12th Annual Orthopedic Center of start, four person scramble, Jenny Walker • 10 – SPARC 22nd Annual Mike Ferrence 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, Misty Buscher, Illinois Foundation (OCIF) Chip in Fore (217) 546-6363 x117. Charity Golf Outing, Piper Glen Golf Club, 12 (217) 726-0632. Charity!, Illini Country Club, 12:30 p.m. 6537.• 16 – Lions Club Charity Outing, Piper Glen p.m. Shotgun, Scramble, Denise Schainker, • 29 – Drive Out Cancer Golf Outing Shotgun Start, Lori (217) 547-9100. Golf Club, 1 p.m. Shotgun, David, (217) 483- 793-2206 X145. Benefiting St. Jude’s Children Research • 25 – Henson Robinson Zoo Golf Outing, • 10 – Little Flower Men’s Club, Lincoln Hospital, Edgewood Golf Course, 1 p.m. Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 12 p.m., Shotgun • 17 – 29th Non-Annual CaddyShack Open, Greens Golf Course, Jim Sutzer, (217) 786- Shotgun, Jeff Dorr, (217) 652-3978. Start, Jim Sutzer, (217) 786-4111. Piper Glen Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun 4111 • 30 – Brown Bomber Golf Outing, Long • 25 – Lincoln Land Community College 23rd Start, Joanie Whaley, (217) 241-6202 • 11 –Menard County Masonic Golf Outing, Bridge Golf Course (9 hole), 1 p.m. Shotgun Annual Baseball Team Golf Outing, Piper • 18 – Rep. Raymond Poe Golf Outing, The Country Hills Golf Course, 8 a.m. Shotgun Start, (217) 744-8950. Glen Golf Club, 12:30 Shotgun, Ron Riggle, Rail Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, Start, (217) 632-7242. • 31 – Tee Off Against Cancer, The Rail (217) 786-2426 Mary Johnson, (217) 525-0365 • 17 – Bridge Pin and Links Golf Outing, Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, Mary • 26 – 7th Annual Mark Timm Memorial Golf • 19 – Springfield High School Golf Outing, Lincoln Greens Golf Course, Jim Sutzer, SeptemberJohnson, (217) 525-0365. Outing, Brookhills Golf Club, 9 a.m. and 1 Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 12 p.m. Shotgun (217) 786-4111 Octoberp.m. Shotgun Starts (217) 787-8576. Start, Jim Sutzer, (217) 786-4111 • 18 –Cubs/Cardinals Outing, Brookhills • 20 –Henning Memorial Golf Outing, Golf Course, Open tee times, (217) 787- • 3 – Chatham Chamber of Commerce Golf Country Hills Golf Course, 8 a.m. Shotgun 8576. Outing, Piper Glen Golf Club, 12 p.m. Shotgun • 2 – Matt Helm Memorial Golf Outing, Start, (217) 632-7242. • 20 – Golf Fore Girls, LPGA Legacy for Start, (217) 483-6537. Lincoln Greens Golf Courses, 12:30 p.m. • 22 – Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Leadership, The Rail Golf Club, 1 p.m. • 4 – 17th Annual Springfield YMCA Golf for Shotgun Start, (217) 786-4111. Golf Outing, Jacksonville Country Club, Shotgun start, Kate Peters (217) 523-8159 Kids Charity Tournament, Lincoln Greens • 2 – Jim Langfelder Golf Outing, Piper Glen 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, (217) 245-2174, x1618. Golf Course, Noon Shotgun Start, Jane Frech, Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, (217) Scramble • 30 – Sangamon County Republicans (217) 544-9846 X116 483-6537. • 23 – 21st Annual Ronald McDonald House 0365.Golf Outing, The Rail Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. • 6 – NFL Kickoff Golf Outing, Long Bridge • 2 – 8th Annual Central Counties Health Golf Classic, Piper Glen Golf Club, 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start, Mary Johnson, (217) 525- Golf Course (nine hole), Time TBD , Michelle 2310.Centers Outing, Edgewood Golf Course, Shotgun Start, Johanna Moll (217) 528-3314 Buerkett, (217) 744-8311. 1 p.m. Shotgun Start, Melinda (217) 788- ext 4. • 31 – 7th Annual Carter’s Drive Golf Outing, • 8 – Bud Light Benefit Outing, The LinksGolf • 25 – Springfield Home Builders Association Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 12:30 p.m. Course, 12:30 p.m. Shotgun, Keith Ward,

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 13 Sources: “Large Employers and Manufacturers” produced by the Quantum Growth Partnership; the manufacturers MANUFACTURERS - SANGAMON COUNTY DND - Did Not Disclose. (Ranked by number of full-time employees) BUSINESS NAME STREET ADDRESS PHONE (-) FULL-TIME YEAR CITY/ST/ ZIP FAX (=) WEBSITE (www.) EMPLOYEES FACILITY SIZE (SQ. FT.) PRINCIPAL(S) PRODUCT/SERVICE EST’D Manufacturer of a complete line of Bunn-O-Matic Corporation 217-529-6601 commercial dispensed beverage 1400 Stevenson Dr. bunn.com 500 DND Arthur Bunn, President & CEO 1957 217-542=2827 equipment, paper filters and home 1 Springfield, IL 62703 coffee brewers

Standard Aero 800-731-7371 Kevin Malutinok, vice pres. / standardaero.com 250 250,000+ Aircraft service, modification 1911 2 1200 N. Airport Dr., Springfield, IL 62707 217-541=3365 general manager

Simplex Inc. 217-483-1600 Load banks, day tanks, simplexdirect.com 205 125,000 Thomas Debrey, president 1952 3 PO Box 7388, Springfield, IL 62791 217-483=1616 fuel supply systems

Nudo Products Inc. Laminated wood panels 217-528-5636 1500 Taylor Ave. nudo.com 200 400,000 Darryl Rosser, president and related plastic extrusions 1954 217-528=8722 4 Springfield, IL 62703 manufacturing DICKEY-john Corporation Electronic design and manufacture 217-438-3371 Jeff Schertz, vice pres. 5200 Dickey john Road dickey-john.com 180 225,000 of systems controls for agriculture 1966 217-438=6012 of operations 5 Auburn, IL 62615 and public works

Brandt Consolidated Inc. 217-547-5800 Fertilizers, crop protection, micro- 2935 S. Koke Mill Road brandt.co 150 25,000 Rick Brandt, CEO 1953 217-547=5801 nutrients, spray adjuvants, seed 6 Springfield, IL 62711

Springfield Coca-Cola Bottling Co. 217-747-8200 Brad Harden, 3495 E. Sangamon Ave. coca-cola.com 105 80,000 Coca-Cola Distribution 1986 217-747=8400 distribution center manager 7 Springfield, IL 62707

Mel-O-Cream Donuts Intl. David Waltrip, director 217-483-7272 Frozen dough products and frozen 5456 International Parkway mel-o-cream.com 100 70,000 of operations; 1932 217-483=7744 pre-fried donuts 8 Springfield, IL 62711 Dan Alewelt, plant manager

Henry Technologies 217-483-2406 Sandy MacDonald, general Components for HVAC / Industrial henrytech.com 88 DND 1914 9 701 S. Main St., Chatham, IL 62629 217-483=2462 manager / plant manager & Commercial Refrigeration

Solomon Colors Inc. Manufacturing of iron oxide 217-522-3112 Richard Solomon, pres./CEO; 4050 Color Plant Road solomoncolors.com 82 250,000 pigments, color for concrete, 1927 217-522=3145 Charles Kreutzer, vice pres./CFO 10 Springfield, IL 62702 mortar and concrete products

Springfield Plastics, Inc. 217-438-6167 7300 W. State Route 104 spipipe.com 70 DND Steve Baker, president Manufactured plastic drainage pipe 1978 217-438=6949 11 Auburn, Illinois 62615

Sources: “Manufacts” produced by the Quantum Growth Initiative; Jacksonville Regional Economic Development MANUFACTURERS - MORGAN COUNTY Corporation; the manufacturers (Ranked by number of full-time employees) BUSINESS NAME STREET ADDRESS PHONE (-) FULL-TIME YEAR CITY/ST/ ZIP FAX (=) WEBSITE (www.) EMPLOYEES FACILITY SIZE (SQ. FT.) PRINCIPAL(S) PRODUCT/SERVICE EST’D

Reynolds Consumer Products 217-243-3311 360,000 (West Plant), 500 E. Superior reynoldsconsumerproducts.com 750 Jeff Phillips, plant manager Polyethylene bags and films 1962 217-479=1222 508,000 (East Plant) 1 Jacksonville, IL 62650 Perma-Bound Hertzberg 217-243-5451 James Orr, CEO; Bill Hull, Prebound books for schools New Method Inc. perma-bound.com 300 320,000 1953 217-243=7505 plant manager and libraries 2 617 E. Vandalia Rd. Jacksonville, IL 62650 Nestle USA 217-245-9511 Brent Keener, general 1111 Carnation Drive nestleusa.com 181 30 acres Non-dairy creamer 1970 217-479=2280 manager / plant manager 4 Jacksonville, IL 62650 Bound to Stay Bound Books 217-245-5191 Bob Sibert, president; 1880 W. Morton Ave. btsb.com 147 110,000 Prebound children’s library books 1920 217-245=0424 Rob Crain, plant manager 5 Jacksonville, IL 62650 Wholesale/retail distributor of ILMO Products Company 217-245-2183 Linda Standley, CEO; Brad industrial, medical, laboratory EPA 7 Eastgate Drive ilmoproducts.com 100 40,000 (8 acres) 1913 217-243=7634 Floreth, president protocol & specialty gases and 6 Jacksonville, IL 62650 welding equipment sales & service Westermeyer Industries, Inc. Manufacturer or pressure 217-754-3277 1441 State Route 100 westermeyerind.com 100 72,000 Gary Westermeyer, CEO vessels for refrigeration and air 2001 217-754=3288 6 Bluffs, IL 62651 conditioning components Brahler’s Truckers Supply Retread truck tires and sales, truck 217-243-6471 Richard Brahler, CEO; Terry 21 Harold Cox Drive brahlers.com 92 80,000 (4 buildings) and industrial tire sales and service, 1972 217-245=0565 Ranson, plant manager 7 Jacksonville, IL 62650 farm tires CCK Automations, Inc. Product/Service: Printed circuit 217-243-6040 500 Capitol Way cckautomations.com 72 100,000 JJ Richardson, CEO board assemblies, industrial control 1999 217-245=4105 8 Jacksonville, IL 62650 panels, injection molded parts. Illinois Road Contractors 217-245-6181 Liquid asphalt and aggregate P.O. Box 1060 ircgrp.com 65 44,000 P. Devon Davidsmeyer, CEO 1925 217-243=0604 application 9 Jacksonville, IL 62651 Eli Bridge Company Amusement ride manufacturing 800 Case Ave. 217-245-7145 elibridge.com 23 66,000 Patty Sullivan 1919 and metal fabrication 10 Jacksonville, IL 62650 14 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal PERSONALITY PROFILE

Preparing the CPAs of tomorrow By Eric Woods

Tom Krehbiel has been a Springfield citizen these years later I still cannot believe how many in the younger generation strive to be since age 10. His family moved around a accurate that was.” entrepreneurs without getting their feet wet bit after he was born, staying in Iowa and Krehbiel started as a staff accountant for in the corporate world first. Missouri, before finally settling in the Illinois a small firm in 1986 that merged with Sikich Those who do want to get into the industry capital. Krehbiel loves the closeness of the in 1989. He climbed the ranks over the years should really start out at a public accounting Tom Krehbiel community. “Springfield is very relationship- and made partner in 1998. In 2002, he was firm, according to Krehbiel. “You would get a based. It is a great place to raise a family,” he named to the firm’s executive board. “That lot of exposure to a number of different clients Title: Partner in Charge of CPA Services, said. The size of the community, the ease of was in order to get training to take over which means you can do different things. You Sikich getting around, and the local history are also running the office,” said Krehbiel. In 2005, will see 10-20 different clients with different E-mail: [email protected] positives for Krehbiel. He admittedly is not a he was indeed named the partner-in-charge businesses to learn from,” he said. “Many kids big fan of the political side, but understands of the Springfield office. This past March he come out of college with little knowledge of the Education: B.S. in accounting from Illinois State that part comes with a state capital. was named partner-in-charge for all CPA real world. Here you can see the specialty area University Attracting new businesses to Springfield services company-wide. “I work with other that is the best fit.” Krehbiel highly encourages Family: Wife – Julie; Children – Scott, is something of which Krehbiel would like partners-in-charge of CPA practices across college students to take internships. Sikich to see more. “We want people to come the firm to ensure consistent practices and employs a number of interns every year, and Matthew, and Ellie live here and work here so we continue to improve the quality of services.” Sikich many have gone on to work for the firm after grow,” he said. The public school facilities in currently has 11 different offices across 10 their internship was completed. Favorites – Springfield could also be better, according to locations, and they are actively looking to his Krehbielknowledge wants is passed to retire along within before the next he Hobby: Golfing Krehbiel. “Funding is a major obstacle there.” expand operations on a more national basis. eight to ten years but wants to ensure that Movie: Caddyshack In his youth, Krehbiel wanted to run in They are in constant talks regarding mergers Sports team: St. Louis Cardinals the Olympics, having done well running and acquisitions, and Sikich is in the position goes. “We work as a team here and share track in high school. He then figured that he to be an acquirer. knowledge. I want to pass this along to future Tidbits – would be wise to find a career that involves Looking ahead, Krehbiel is curious how leaders so they are in a position to succeed,” Keeps a koi pond and water garden computers. His first job was walking beans in the industry will handle the retirement of he said. One after-retirement project for in his backyard the field, which he recalls being a challenging the remaining baby boomers. “There is a Krehbiel will be to get back involved with non- Wants to travel to all 50 states experience. “It was hot, and you would get brain drain going on in most industries. profits and possible assist those who struggle sunburned. You had to show up early but A lot of industry knowledge is retiring, with financial operations. “I will research and Has a collection of over 400 beer cans it created a discipline to get the job done,” and we need to find people to replace that see where the bestEric fit might Woods be.” can be reached he said. Krehbiel took a placement test in knowledge base,” he said. “It is hard to find at [email protected]. high school which told him he was suited talented people who want to stay in the for a career in accounting or computers. “All same field long term.” Krehbiel notes that

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 15 16 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal Sources: The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. * - State of Illinois number includes all state government agencies, including education institutions within Sangamon County. MAJOR EMPLOYERS (Ranked by number of employees)

NUMBER OF YEAR EMPLOYER NAME EMPLOYEES PRINCIPAL PRODUCT/SERVICE EST’D WEBSITE

1 State of Illinois 18,100 Bruce Rauner, Governor Government 1818 illinois.gov

2 Memorial Health System 5,908 Edgar J. Curtis, President & CEO Healthcare 1897 memorialmedical.com

3 HSHS St. John’s Hospital 3,100 Charles Lucore, President & CEO Healthcare 1875 st-johns.org

4 Springfield Public Schools #186 2,270 Jennifer Gill, Superintendent Education 1854 sps186.org

Michael A. Pick, Chairman; Springfield Clinic 2,140 Healthcare 1939 springfieldclinic.com 5 Randall A. Bryant, CEO

Susan J. Koch, Ed.D., University of Illinois-Springfield 1,558 Higher Education 1969 uis.edu 6 Vice President & Chancellor

J. Kevin Dorsey, M.D., Ph.D, SIU School of Medicine 1,539 Higher Education / Healthcare 1970 siumed.edu 7 Dean & Provost

8 City of Springfield 1,450 James O. Langfelder, Mayor Government 1832 springfield.il.us

Jim McLean, Vice President Blue Cross/ Blue Shield 1,300 Insurance 1969 bcbsil.com 9 of Operations

10 Horace Mann 1,007 Marita Zuraitis, President & CEO Insurance 1945 horacemann.com

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 17 CORPORATE REVIEW 2015

The Corporate Review 2015 Springfield’s tourism glass is half-full

Lincoln funeral reenactment SBJ: We’ve come off the biggest local To see all the people in their costumes was tourism event in recent memory with just terrific. They were very engaging with the Lincoln funeral reenactment. I’d like the employees. It was just a feel-good time to to get your perspective on how that went SBJ: How did the funeral event impact be glad you’re a part of Springfield. for everybody. Springfield’s historic sites? Cory Jobe: Justin Blandford:

Any time we can talk about We have state our history and honor one of our favorite historic sites in numerous neighborhoods sons here in the capital city it is good for both in Springfield, so this was a nice event in Springfield and Illinois. President Lincoln that it tied many of those neighborhoods has many followers. Any chance we can get, together. It also gave us an opportunity to here in the state of Illinois, to promote and complete a very important preservation talk about his impact – whether it be the project, which was the restoration of the reenactment or his living history at any of receiving vault where Lincoln was initially the historic sites in Springfield – we are well buried, where his body lay in rest for almost nine months in 1865. The funeral served.Gina The Gemberling: museum is a major opportunity for us to talk about Lincoln. reenactment gave us the opportunity to Of course I agree work with new partners, the different with Cory, any time we can get Springfield’s parts of the Funeral Coalition. With name out in the United States or around the most of those groups, this was our first world, that’s more people who will think interaction with them, and so this was PHOTOS BY PATRICK YEAGLE of Springfield as top-of-mind. The local a good experience for us to meet new organization, the Funeral Coalition, did a partners. Looking forward – to touch on wonderful job, as well as the city services, what Karen said – we want to find ways working together to make it all happen. to keep finding the best methodology On Monday, May 11, the Springfield Business Journal invited a Of course we [Springfield Convention and in the event planning. We want to find small group to a business luncheon for the purpose of discussing Visitors Bureau] subsidized some of the city what worked, and see what we can take the state of the tourism industry in Springfield. It was held at the services, but also we’ve been working for fromJobe: this so we can add value to future opportunities. Inn at 835 from noon until 2 p.m. the last year on the marketing efforts for the event. We’ve been reaching out to media This event illustrated how giving across the United States as well as travel our community is, especially when you look at all the things that were accomplished at Oak The panelists included Justin Blandford, superintendent of state media. We’ve encouragedBoston travel Globe writers to Ridge Cemetery. A lot of that was done by the historic sites, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; Karen Conn, Washingtoncome to Springfield. Post They’ve done multiple private sector. Mike Lelys [executive director] president of Conn’s Hospitality Group and president of Downtown stories, from the to the , it’s been about everywhere and his team at Oak Ridge Cemetery deserve Springfield, Inc.; Gina Gemberling, director of the Springfield out there. All of the articles we’ve seen are big kudos and hats-off. The Convention and Convention and Visitors Bureau; Cory Jobe, director of the Illinois Visitors Bureau stepping up, the city council positive,Karen and Conn: that just helps put Springfield Office of Tourism and Springfield Ward 6 Alderman; and Bob Van on the map. stepping up, added to the partnership. This The partnership that the public-private partnership is what we at the Bergen,The general manager of the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel. Springfield Business Journal’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and the state want to encourage even more. This was Funeral Coalition and the retail industry had an opportunity and Springfield hit it out of editor and publisher, was good. Any time we can bring all of that the SBJ: park. Are Everybody there parts worked of it together that could to Fletcher Farrar, and associate editor, Scott Faingold, moderated together and partner and get the word out, havemake beenit happen. done better? the discussion. What follows is an edited transcript of the one- it’s great. From a perspective of the retail Jobe: hour conversation. and the hotel industry – I’m going to speak for ourselves [Conn’s Hospitality] – I mean Working with the railroad should it was fantastic. We would love to see that have been the first thing to be done. The train could not travel all along the railroad. The panelists were all vitally enthusiastic about Springfield everyBob weekend. Van Bergen: We broke records because tourism, each committed to its promotion and expansion and each there was so much activity. I’ve worked locally on some projects with the railroad – Canadian National in my case – it bringing a unique perspective, ranging from the public to the private We [President Abraham takes time and it takes a lot of persistence sector. The group was practical and occasionally circumspect, but Lincoln Hotel] did very well, and not only economically. It was a great success. The and willingness to have patience. All the always unfailingly optimistic and forward-looking. people who were there were so interesting partners that shared the railroad should’ve and they held Lincoln in such high reverence. been worked with early on.

18 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal CORPORATE REVIEW 2015

and spring campaigns. We are getting ready try to find ways to attract families during to do some commercials right now in the the spring break periods by putting out a Chicago area. That is the first time in my concentration of living history performances history at the bureau that we’ve done any or musical performances. Last year was the TV advertising, so we’re trying to improve first year we had all of the sites working on that. Our main feeder cities are Chicago together on that. So we’re excited about and St. Louis. We want to be top-of-mind in this summer, when we hone in and find out thoseJobe: communities for a weekend or a three- what we can make happen with the existing or four-night getaway. resources and continue to do a great job. We just launched our brand new The early planning meetings we had were “Find Something More” ad campaign. For the extremely positive. It’s important in a tourist first time ever in the history of the Illinois city to reach capacity to sustain events. That Office of Tourism, we are doing national cable showsSBJ: a Youcapacity mentioned that we partneringdid not have with five television buys. We typically advertise in the theyears private ago. sector. We have two private feeder markets within the Midwest. With our sector people here. Are there any things “Find Something More” campaign we’re now you’d like to see happen to bring people changing a bit to talk about the emotional into the market? feel of travel. Our Springfield spot highlights Conn: a grandfather and his grandson taking a train rideBlandford: on Amtrak down to Springfield to visit “History Comes Alive” is great, the historic sites. I can’t speak enough about it. To use the We’re looking at ways the Lincoln Funeral weekend as an example, Justin Blandford: “It’s important to remain positive and to communicate.” “History Comes Alive” brand can be sustained the feel of having everybody dressed up in for the future. That’s something that we’ve the Lincoln Home area on Sunday morning Blandford: partnered with the Illinois Office of Tourism was solemn. You could hear a pin drop. If on for many years. We’re now looking at the we could create that kind of experience, When we’re looking at events one of the most sought-after experiences, capacity that past investments have helped that’s going to ripple throughout the this size, a hallmark of any community that toWhat’s see the train. coming up? us build. We’re excited about the chance to country and people are going to know, does it well is safety. That’s something that SBJ: Looking forward, what projects are be able to sustain that program among our Springfield, Illinois, it’s home of Lincoln. we want to continue to look for ways to you working on now? local sites and our partners and the private It’s an experience in itself, it’s educational, improve upon. Now this was a very safe Gemberling: sectorSBJ: businesses Can you thatsay more want to about see thosewhat it’s take the family, let’s get away, let’s do event but nonetheless, the temperature “Historythings continue Comes in Alive” their is?community. a weekend getaway or let’s do a living, did touch into the mid-80s and there was At the Convention and Blandford: learningVan Bergen:experience for our kids. Let’s just the need for emergency responders at Oak Visitors Bureau last fall we launched our continue to enhance that experience. Ridge. Whatever we’re planning, we want to “Always Legendary” brand. Part of that was Through our cooperation The coalitions that we ensureSBJ: that Any theother guests “do-overs”? who are coming are bringing our tourism product, our leisure with the Springfield Convention and Visitors experienced recently, they were great goingVan to Bergen: have a safe experience. product and our convention products Bureau, “History Comes Alive” is our and showed what you can do when you together so that we have one consistent Springfield living history and arts brand. work together. There’s a number of these The biggest disappointment message. We’ve expanded our media buys These tend to be focused in a 10-week opportunities coming up. The University I heard was the train, that it was too and our media outreach significantly period during the summer, but we’ve been of Illinois is coming here this November crowded down at the train station and this year. Instead of just summer media successful at bringing them back during for basketball, requiring a lot of people to difficult to get around. That was probably campaigns we are now doing summer, fall the holiday season. In the future we might work together to make that happen. There

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 19 CORPORATE REVIEW 2015

provide that hospitality that’s going to set that stepped forward and said, ‘If you do us apart from maybe another experience in an activity, we’ll give you a better rate on a different town. When that was re-formed, ice cream so that a family of five can each the U of I games were specifically part of the have ice cream for a $10 bill. Those are the discussion. It was very clear that there was kind of partnerships and relationships that another opportunity where there would be we want to keep attracting. I’d be remiss if a heavy concentration downtown of people I didn’t mention Memorial Medical Center – who would come out of that convention they stepped in five years ago and made a center and not know where to go. That’s a matching grant for the last five years so that groupSBJ: that’s Would already you gearing clarify theup for funding those the Civil War Medical Encampment could situationvisitors. for “History Comes Alive”? takeSBJ: place The in U our of community, I basketball and games what at a Blandford: Prairiewonderful Capital contribution Convention for them Center to make. will be huge, and not specifically Lincoln- The Looking for Lincoln centered. This provides an interesting Heritage Coalition is working with the opportunity to get people in town, get tourism office and pulling together some them interested in Springfield and what funds. Springfield’s iconic living history we have to offer. The question was raised: person is Abraham Lincoln. So that’s what What do they do once they walk out of the we’re focusing on in step one. I’ve reached convention center? out to the Old Capitol Chorale, which is a Gemberling: group of about 20 volunteer musicians who Gina Gemberling: “The millennial market wants those individual experiences.” PHOTOS BY PATRICK YEAGLE sing. These folks practice about 30 weeks We’ve been having those a year, every Tuesday night at the Old State Capitol. How can we engage them to provide a are other major sporting events that we can strategically, more creatively. Look at the weeknight experience, after 5 workConn: together to get. Working together, all number of volunteers who gave their time p.m. in one of our historic sites? things are possible. and dedicated their weekend. What’s the Another great example that We should not overlook continuing next step? We probably can look at some we’ve already talked about is to nurture those relationships. Once the volunteer opportunities. How do we keep the 114th Volunteer Regiment event’s over let’s not just forget about it, let’s that momentum going? I don’t know if the volunteers. They’ve been doing continue to nurture the relationship with Funeral Coalition has ideas of the next step a program out at Lincoln’s tomb Statethose groups cutbacks and coalitions. mean or whatBlandford: kind of legacy they want to leave for a very long time and when volunteer opportunities behind, but what a great opportunity. “History Comes Alive” was One group that is a sort of Jobe: created we were quick to say, a segment of the funeral planning group is ‘You’ve already been doing this Justin and I have talked about this called “Company’s Coming Again.” That is but it’s now a part of the Living quite a bit – how do we continue this a restart of the effort from the opening of History brand,’ so that Tuesday the museum 10 years ago – a completely night event is going to continue “History Comes Alive” in terms of volunteer Bob Van Bergen: “Working together, all things are possible.” effort? Sometimes the funding may not volunteer-guided effort both to help to happen because of the be there at the levels it has been there in clean up the downtown and to prepare strength of those volunteers. the past, and so we have to think more volunteers to answer questions and We have an ice cream business

20 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal CORPORATE REVIEW 2015

conversations with the convention center looking at difficult times in the state. Tourism since the day they announced. We have a continues to create jobs, over 300,000 direct Friday and Sunday event, what can we do and indirect jobs were created by tourism to get them here on Saturday? We started the past year. The governor understands last fall, we ran some radio spots on the this. He has said he will judge the economic Big Ten network, again trying to get the development turnaround of the state by season ticket holders and others in our tourism. We’re making difficult choices. feeder cities to think, ‘When the games are We’re looking at streamlining efforts, trying in Springfield, we can stay those two nights to work with our 42 convention and visitors and spend a whole day in Springfield.’ We bureaus around the state to see what needs talked about working with DSI on creating they have, that have or have not been met some other opportunities and activities for over the years. I think fiscal year 2016 will Newthat Saturday. governor and mayor be a good year for us. We’ll think leaner SBJ: Let’s switch gears. We are at the front and meaner. Our core responsibilities at the end of two new administrations, on the state are to promote and advertise the state state and the local level. There is going of Illinois to domestic and international to be restructuring going on as well as visitors. Over the years we’ve strayed away from that in some areas and that’s hurt our budget issues. What kind of effects are we SBJ: Any other thoughts about things Cory Jobe: “We’re talking about the emotional feel of travel.” looking at so far? partnerships.under Gov. Rauner? Jobe: Jobe:

From the state’s perspective, When Gov. Rauner was in the an alderman [general laughter]. If you want an open mind, a can-do attitude, he’s we’re looking more strategically in terms private sector, for three years he chaired to ask about finances, I’ll put my comptroller approachableGemberling: and he just re-appointed Gina of our partnerships. We just announced “Choose Chicago,” which is their convention hat on too! As an alderman, I think it’s [congratulatory applause from group]. new numbers last week. Last year was the and visitors bureau. He was the one who refreshing. Mayor Langfelder has already My conversations thus fourth consecutive year for domestic visitor transformed “Choose Chicago” into the reached out to me more than a handful of far have shown he knows the importance growth in the state, the third consecutive engine it is today. Look at the successes times, and we were just sworn in on Thursday. of tourism. His first official act after the year of increases of hotel-motel tax revenues over the past three years – just in this past He text-messages me all the time. I think inauguration was to stop by our “Legends in to the state, and just last year we moved 10 days the NFL draft was held in Chicago you’ll see that will be a refreshing approach, Tourism”Jobe: awards and did a quick welcome. from sixth to fifth in the country in terms for the first time it’s been outside of New whether it’s related to tourism efforts or We think that’s a good sign. of domestic spending, beating out Nevada. York in 51 years; the James Beard Awards – greening and cleaning the downtown. We I think he understands. City hall And we have no shoreline – think about that. which is the Oscars of the food and beverage just announced the new streetscape project operates heavily off sales tax, received It shows the diversity of the state, whether industry – the first time ever outside of New around the Lincoln Home area which I think revenue, so what better industry to support you’re enjoying the big city of Chicago and York City and we have it for the next two will stimulate additional growth and activity. than tourism? The more conventions and the museum campus and everything that’s years; and then the Microsoft conference. He has this can-do attitude. I’m kind of meetings and sporting events that Gina happening in the Loop right now, to the He [Rauner] helped guide that transition so caught off-guard by it a bit, because my first can book and attract, that means more great neighborhoods in the Chicago area, he clearlySBJ: We’re understands also looking the economic at a new mayor.impact term in office, that wasn’t the attitude from heads in beds, which generates our hotel- or historic sites in Springfield or Route 66 Anythat tourismobvious brings changes to our on thestate. horizon from the administration. But it’s refreshing that motel tax receipts, and butts in seats, that Bob Van Bergen: “Working together, all things are possible.” or the scenic beauty of Shawnee National Mayor Langfelder? he’s reaching out. I think so far, so good, but generate our sales tax receipts. Sales tax is Forest and the Great River Road – we have so Jobe: we’reConn: not even past the first week. Ask me in critically important but so is our hotel-motel many great things to see and do. a year [general laughter]. tax, to continue to fund operation of the Those numbers are great, but we are Well, let me put my other hat on as I’ll second that. Jim does have visitors bureau and expand our marketing

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 21 CORPORATE REVIEW 2015

that if we don’t act upon we’re going to miss. It thatGemberling: a Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, can all just serves us all best in the long run when we benefit from. can make sure that we’re communicating and We are fortunate in remaining as positive as possible throughout Springfield because we have both products, the discussion. That’s going to put Springfield and when you look at most other cities, even in the best light and that’s going to help us second-tier cities, we still have more visitor reach our potential. We recently worked leisure products than most of those cities with several state leaders to host the first that are much larger than us around the ever Cinco de Mayo at the Old State Capitol. Midwest. We are very fortunate that we have Hundreds of people traveled to Springfield both leisure and conventions. Now we need to be a part of that and had we not remained to look strategically at how we can use one positive, had we not found the potential in to help the other. How can we reach out to that event and had we not worked with the our convention attendees to further market Hispanic Caucus that would have been an to them so they come back on the leisure opportunity lost. But we kept the dialogue side? Or it may be reaching leisure travelers going, we found a can-do attitude and we to understand just what Springfield has so made sure that a very important event maybe they’ll consider bringing a meeting continued to happen in our community. or SBJ: sporting What eventkind of or statistics something do you else have to I think it sometimes can be easy to look at aboutSpringfield. how this year’s going for tourists the half-empty glass a little too early. We’ve visiting Springfield? got to make sure that we’re the ones who Gemberling: Karen Conn: “Let’s do a living, learning experience for our kids.” PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE continueConn: to keep pouring the water in and insisting that, no, it’s indeed half-full. We receive the Hotel Yes, for the whole tourism Occupancy, the Star [Smith Travel Research rental stations, more nightlife options, industry we need to continue to be positive Global] report. As far as occupancy, we are interactive technology, larger music and to nurture our partnerships and to pretty much holding our own, give or take opportunities. We need to keep pushing events. How can we best serve the desire communicate, because when we have a maybe less than a point. Three years ago, in an emphasisSBJ: When on ittourism comes and to how attracting we can on the part of millennials for these kinds bad event or we have something that we’ve 2013, we all of a sudden saw a huge spike in tourists,expand our we efforts. have He the gets historic all that. elements of festivals and events? planned that’s not successful, it’s usually due our local occupancy, we spiked 4 percent. all in place. Are there attempts Jobe: to a lack of communication. I’ve advocated Over the past 30 years, Springfield has never to court younger people to come for years that we should have an advisory spiked that 4 percent before. Unfortunately visit Springfield, to perhaps make When I hear someone in board made up of Historic Sites, Convention we’ve been unable to specifically pinpoint Springfield more like Champaign, with Springfield say there’s nothing to do here, and Visitors Bureau, Illinois Tourism, where that 4 percent came from three years its robust cultural climate? I quickly tell them here’s what’s going on industryJobe: partners, as well as the city – so we ago. But we have been able to maintain that Gemberling: here! You could be busy every weekend, can SBJ:just get I’d together be interested and talk. in the hotel the last two years so we’re happy with that. or every evening, practically. Special perspective. That’s Are a greatevents idea. a good driver for We usually don’t see the large spikes and The millennial market events, a vibrant downtown, are great, hotel rooms? Are some better than others? increases like some of the other communities. wants those individual experiences. Yes, not only for our citizens but they send a Van Bergen: RightVan now, Bergen: Chicago’s seeing a huge increase. they’d be happy to see the Lincoln sites, but great message for the visitors too. Tourism But we are maintaining. what really sets you apart as a community? really does drive the quality of life things. Some are better than others. For the hotel, I measure And it’s also how you market to them. We’re Tourism should be involved in how our I’m all for events. The little disruption that myself against my prime competitors moreJobe: into the digital world, of course, just parks look, how our downtown looks and they cause in trying to reach us or get out of through the same report that she has for like everyone else. the various special events. They all have the parking garage, I usually never complain the whole city. For my prime competitors, At the Illinois Office of Tourism, an economic impact and benefit tourism. about that because the overwhelming benefit of which I identify five, business is very we partner with organizations like Atlas We’ve had some unfortunate missteps over of theSBJ: events What’s supersedes the best mykind personal of driver needs for stagnant. It’s not growing for those five. Obscura – we’re the first state to partner the years with music festivals or things yourfor that business? particular day. It’s growing for me, but at the expense of with them in terms of packages and like that, which might send a message that Van Bergen: others. I think there’s a lot of positives in unique trip ideas and tours. They focus Springfield doesn’t care about these sorts the future, with what the Crowne Plaza on the uniqueness, of the mysterious of things. To the contrary, we do care about The best kind of event and the Holiday Inn Express and the Hilton things of travel in certain areas of the thoseConn: events. The music and downtown is a multi-day event, like the State Fair. are doing with their renovations, and we state. We’re going to launch a couple of festivals are important. Conventions are great. The U of I basketball [President Abraham Lincoln Hotel] are new opportunities that’ll be focused on I don’t think that the city’s Convention-algames will be very good thinking for me. going to continue to keep up. So the whole millennial travelers later this summer. We’re against music festivals but you have to Jobe: community is rising to create a better going to put a stronger emphasis on “made- look at everybody’s perspective. Business experience for everybody that comes to in” type products in the state, with the craft owners get a little upset, residents get a Something the state’s missing out on Springfield and that’s always good. distilleries and the microbreweries and the little upset when there is loud music, the and something that Springfield would benefit The other thing I want to say about great culinary scene. Millennials love that. street’s closed and my customers can’t from, is a greater emphasis on attracting tourism is I think you have to get your local Friday night when they come home from get to me. You have to take into account meetings, conventions and sporting events community to embrace tourism. They can be work they’re hitting the road, and money’s everybody’sImportance perspective. of that have left the state and bringing them back. your biggest ally, the 100,000 people who no object. They’re quick planning, last communication It’s something that the Rauner administration live here, to build more tourism because they minute, spur of the moment. That’s why wants to put a bigger emphasis on. When all have relatives who want to come visit, SBJ: We did a little bit of crowdsourcing Blandford: moms and dads or grandmas and grandpas viayou’ve Facebook got to be to so ask heavily the online reliant community on digital. we know those convention attendees, those they all have high school reunions, they all what kinds of things they might look Another thing that’s really have organizations they belong to that can for in a visit to Springfield. There important is to remain positive and to attending little Johnny’s sporting event for a come to Springfield and they are the ones were suggestions of things like bike communicate. We’ve recently had a lot of weekend, drive major return on investment. that the people interact with that come here. good dialogue between tourism offices and They spend for multiple hotel nights, multiple If they put forth a positive tone it’s all going state offices on fast-moving opportunities restaurants, shopping, dining. It’s something to be great for us. PANELISTS 2015

Justin Blandford Karen Conn Gina Gemberling Cory Jobe Bob Van Bergen Illinois Historic Conn’s Hospitality Group Springfield Convention Illinois Office of Tourism President Abraham Preservation Agency 835 S. 2nd Street and Visitors Bureau 500 E. Monroe Lincoln Hotel 1 Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, IL 62704 109 N 7th St Springfield, IL 62701 701 E Adams St Springfield, IL 62701 217-523-4466 Springfield, IL 62701 217-785-6276 Springfield, IL 62701 217-782-4836 [email protected] 217-789-2362 [email protected] 217-544-8800 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 22 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal MEDICAL NEWS

MCLI: New horizons in medical education By Colin Patrick Brady

Memorial Medical Center for Learning and those who will have to travel no further can be used to host mock interviews for Innovation had its grand opening on May 17, than Springfield,” Allbritton states. medical professionals or provide a space 2015. According to Aimee Allbritton, vice Floor 3 of the MCLI is home to all to dispense behavior-modification advice president of Organizational Development simulations available to physicians, nurses, to an employee. Other environments and chief learning officer for Memorial students and others. Provided here is include a nursing station, and emergency Health System, “persons from SIU School what Allbritton terms a “physically and treatment room, a mock waiting room, and of Medicine, Memorial Medical Center, and psychologically safe place to practice even a faux-restaurant in which to simulate anyone in the community seeking additional medical skills on mannequins and simulated a cardiac arrest event in a patient (it was educational opportunities will benefit from systems.” Such simulated environments not mentioned whether the faux-menu this new center.” The four-story facility will are designed to be true to those a medical contains a preponderance of high-fat food stand on 72,000 square feet of property professional would encounter in the real items, adding to realism). and will serve as an “educational space for world, including a full residence complete Lastly, the fourth floor finds a healthcare workforce,” Allbritton stated with animatronic dog (responders often standardized participant rooms, a medical ahead of the grand opening on May 17. encounter pets when servicing patients) library and continuing medical education Each of the four levels of the MCLI as well as a stand-alone simulated patient office. Here, Allbritton says, students and offers a unique and varied educational bedroom. There is also an actual ambulance caregivers have encounters with persons experience. The first floor will feature a rigged on hydraulic lifts that simulates and scenarios equivalent to real world Aimee Allbritton PHOTO BY MARANDA POTTERF 400-person auditorium with a café on maneuvers around corners, over potholes environments. On the top floor, one finds site. “The auditorium will host national and other perils to help the student develop the wet and dry labs. Wet labs are home conferences and speakers; it has already IV skills across many different scenarios colonoscopiesto cadavers, tissue and samples,bronchoscopies and physical are hosted a visiting professor from Mayo Clinic, and challenges. In addition, floor three models, while in the dry lab, virtual Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. The MCLI as well as the Illinois Cancer Partnership.” features a trauma room and a patient has a full docket of activities planned for The second floor houses classrooms care room, as well as intensive care lab, typical offerings. Six Sigma workshops for the future: according to Allbritton there suited for up to 160 persons at a time. Also operating room, and a labor simulator that management through change are found on are over 1,700 events scheduled to take present are collaborative and gathering gives simulated birth, with traditional and the fourth floor as well. place thereColin betweenPatrick Brady now andcan September.be reached at workspaces incorporating over $5 million cesarean section settings. The open house took place on May 17, [email protected] of technology. “What was once only Aside from medical simulations, 2015, with speakers including Allbritton, available in Chicago is now accessible to Allbritton speaks of an office space that Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 23 BOOK REVIEW

Bringing home the bacon for life By Brittany Limper

Bacon is the only food that can be served for type of business a “lifestyle business,” which for the growth of your business, but it is also system – Make regular financial reports breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. On the means the business allows you the luxury important for the longevity of your business. (know basic accounting principles surface, a bacon-themed restaurant seems to enjoy the people and things you like best. To build a business and maintain it for years and financial systems) and compare to be a great idea. But would this greatLifestyle idea Whatever the reason you decide to go into a to come, Ivy suggests having a strong financial financial statements to budgets. Entrepreneurship:translate into a successful A CPA’s business? Perspective lifestyle business, it’s about making sure your system in place from the start. D. Optimization – Create and provide Evelyn Ivy, author of business is different from the others; more A strong system means being better internal business processes and , takes importantly, “it’s about prepared for unexpected procedures (day-to-day systems of potential business owners’ dreams – such becoming the person you events which can how your business is run) and develop as opening a bacon-themed restaurant – and have been created to be,” drastically affect your clear metrics to oversee goals, which provides them with a realistic and pragmatic Ivy said. business. If started and ultimately allow you to walk away from strategy for not only starting and maintaining With the multitude run correctly, a financial the business and still earn money. a business but also approaching the other of businesses out there, system can allow you The remaining chapters of the book are details of business ownership, like finances. it can be hard to create to walk away from dedicated to a more detailed explanation Although this book is written by Ivy, a your own lifestyle your business later in of the “ABCDs,” and while at times, the CPA and Springfield resident, she doesn’t business focused on your life while still earning terminology and numbers can be tricky, overwhelm readers with numbers and “God-given talent,” as Ivy Lifestyle Entrepreneurship: enough to live your Ivy clearly defines unfamiliar terms and accounting terminology. To begin, she calls it. A way to focus desired lifestyle. If you numbers through definitions and examples. simply asks this question: “Do you think and build your lifestyle A CPA’s Perspective decide not to implement What I liked most about this book is that living the life you really want is just business is to just think. businessa financial will system, crumble Ivy that it’s an accounting-driven book without a dream?” To me, the question Ivy asked Things to consider are says, eventually your being an Accounting 101 book. Much of it is seems impossible – and in the beginning she your personal beliefs Evelyn Ivy, softcover, $15.99 focused on building your business’ financial thought her dream of living a life she wanted and value system, your – maybe not overnight, system, but Ivy presents the information was impossible, too. family and your likes but it will eventually run for anyone, whether he or she is a CPA or Ivy answers her own question, along and dislikes. She also said creating your itself out of business due to bad choices. not. with all the people out there who have asked own lifestyle business takes time, another To create a successful financial system, For right now, this book doesn’t apply to themselves, “Can I successfully operate my important skill for lifestyle entrepreneurs. Ivy suggests following the steps listed below. my life, but when the day comes for me to own business?” “In today’s microwave society, using time A. Mapping System – Create your business open my bacon-themed restaurant, I’ll know According to Ivy, yes, anyone can operate to grow is seen as a bad thing. On the contrary, purpose, a basic strategy. which book to pickBrittany up. Limper is a freelance a successful business, and she goes a step I think it is a beautiful thing. If we are always B. Budget – Define your revenue writer in Springfield. further by saying people can operate their in a hurry, we miss a lot of important life generation system and cost structure, own business while simultaneously enjoying lessons along the way,” Ivy said. along with cash management issues. their own freedom and luxuries. She calls this The value of time isn’t only important C. Invest in an accounting information

24 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Legends in Tourism Award Winners

BUSINESS NEWS The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted a Legends in Tourism awards ceremony Thursday, May 7, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Springfield CWLP Named 2015 IMUA Springfield to recognize and thank the local hospitality industry Member Municipality of the Year Business Journal, for their efforts during the past year. The event “Forty Under 40” by the opportunity to redevelop an entire city agriculture innovation and addressing coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week, and Student Laureate by block, totaling 2.35 acres (102,400 square global and local food insecurity by 2025. which is May 2-10. Mayor Jim Langfelder welcomed The City of Springfield/City Water, Light the Lincoln Academy of Illinois during his feet). The city envisions market rate and The Food and Agriculture RoadMap for the approximately 150 attendees and Illinois Office & Power (CWLP) has been awarded the Northundergraduate Mansion studies. block asworkforce urban landscaping housing, retailand public and use hospitality spaces. Illinois (FARM Illinois) outlines strategic of Tourism Director Cory Jobe was the evening’s Illinois Municipal Utilities Association’s development opportunity developments with related amenities, such recommendations that will set the keynote speaker. Awards included: Legendary Event: (IMUA) 2015 Member Municipality national and international standard for SOHO Music Festival; Legendary Community Care of the Year Award. The award was The web page and request for letters of how the food and agriculture system Event: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and presented to City of Springfield chief The City of Springfield is seeking a interest and proposals went live in May. can improve health, contribute to the Museum Green Food Drive; Legendary Getaways utility engineer Eric Hobbie on May 7 by qualified partner or partners to design Letters of interest are due to the Office of economy, create jobs, employ new Collaboration: From Abe to Z package, Hilton IMUA President & CEO Kevin M. Gaden and develop the North Mansion Block (The Planning and Economic Development by technologies, preserve the environment, Springfield and Abraham Lincoln Presidential during the association’s 2015 Annual Block), bounded by Capitol, Fourth, Fifth, June 11. OPED will respond, on the web adapt to a changing climate, and help Library and Museum; Legendary Community Conference and Awards Banquet. The and Jackson Streets. The redevelopment page, to all questions submitted by July 10. underserved communities. Lead funding Care: President Abraham Lincoln-A DoubleTree by presentation took place at the Abraham opportunity is in the southern part of Strategieshttp://nmb.springfield.il.us/ to make Illinois global for the initiative was provided by the Hilton Hotel; Abe’s Accolades Grand Prize Winner: Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center in Springfield’s central business district, hub for food by 2025 Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Darlene Collins, President Abraham Lincoln-A Downtown Springfield. adjacent to the Executive Mansion and Trust, in collaboration with the Illinois DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel; Legendary Hospitality: located four blocks west of Lincoln’s home Farm Bureau and with additional Justin Blandford, Superintendent, Springfield State and three blocks east of the State Capitol A new plan shows that Illinois and financial support from organizations and Historic Sites, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; building. Numerous office buildings Chicago have the potential be a regional, businesses around the state. Legendary Tourism Development: Prairie Capital are a short walk away. This is a unique national, and global hub for food and Convention Center Renovations; Legendary Friend of Tourism: Brian Oaks, General Manager, Prairie Capital Convention Center and Jim Craft, retired Executive Secretary, Illinois Association FFA; Lifetime Celebrity Citizen: Mike Walton, American Legion CustomState Convention cabinet shop moves to south side of IMUA President and CEO Kevin M. Gaden and Eric Hobbie. Springfield

Benedictine launches redesigned Woodhaven Woodworks will move its offices and Master of Education in Reading cabinet production facility from Woodhaven Drive and Literacy to 3112 Normandy Road off Stevenson Drive in

Benedictine University’s National Moser Center for Adult Learning has announced that it is launching an updated Master of Education in Reading and Literacy program for licensed teachers in central Illinois. “Teachers who complete this degree program will not only bring to the classroom a deep knowledge of literacy development and instructional strategies to support today’s readers, but they will be well-equipped to lead and develop the skills of other teachers,” said Cindy Sedam, Ph.D., programdirector ofcombines education classroom at Benedictine sessions University at Springfield. The updated with highly interactive online learning. Students can complete the degree in 15 instructional months and for $10,000 – part of the National Moser Center’s strategy to meet adult higher education needs with degree programs that are Springfieldaffordable and attorney attainable. to serve second term on Board of Governors of Illinois State Bar Association

Incumbent Charles “Chuck” Y. Davis, a partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP in Springfield, won an uncontested Charles Y. Davis election to serve a second term on the Board of Governors of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). The 27-member board oversees the operations and activities of the statewide organization. First elected to the ISBA board in 2012, Davis has a diverse litigation and transactional practice, concentrating in commercial transactions and litigation, general civil litigation, energy law, corporate law, real estate law, and employment law. He serves on his firm’s Management Committee. He is a member of the ISBA Energy, Utilities, Telecommunications, and Transportation Section Council, and a member of the Sangamon County Bar Association. Active in his community, he has served on the boards of directors for the Ronald McDonald House, the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation, and Leadership Springfield. Davis was Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 25 recognized in 2010 as one of Springfield’s RESTAURANT REVIEW

Del Rio Super Tacos is located at 219 South Fifth Street. Del Rio Super Tacos By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr.

I had noticed Del Rio Super Tacos, which stream of customers came through Del Rio’s opened a few months back, during my doors, including several large groups. travels downtown over the last several Diners order at the counter located at months. But it wasn’t until a client posed the front of Del Rios. The beverage fountains the question “Just what the heck is a Super and all the other necessities (more on that Taco?” that I was intrigued enough to find later) are located at the back. Seating is out. I’m glad I did. primarily at booths, with a few booth/table Del Rio is located on South Fifth Street combos. The booths aren’t all that large, just south of the square in the former so we could imagine competition for the Emilio’s/Coney Island space. booth-table combos could be severe. There My guests and I visited on a Friday around seemed to be plenty of space for everyone. 11:15 a.m. We were the first diners and Ambiance is a bit thin and there didn’t were pleasantly greeted. The staff patiently seem to be much natural light. But that’s not answered our questions and walked us what you’re paying for at Del Rio. You’re through the menu and the different options. there for the food. As the lunch hour progressed, an increasing And on that topic, Del Rio’s menu is

26 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal PHOTOS BY MARANDA POTTERF

uncomplicated. There is a variety of nachos tacos?” And, in the main, the answer was ($6.00 for cheese to $9.00 for Supreme yes, with the salsa bar doing its part in with beef or chicken) as well as tacos, elevating the food to “super” status. That chimichangas, burritos and other delicacies. being said, the tortillas were fresh (or at Prices range from $6.00 to $9.00. Guacamole least as fresh as we can get in Springfield can be had for $5.00. In a strange twist, a – there’s nothing like a truly freshly made basket of chips is $1.50. Drinks are $2.00. tortilla) and the ingredients were all high In our collective opinion, Del Rio’s quality with plenty of flavor. In short, there offerings were rounded out by the was nothing not to like here. highlight of the day – the salsa bar. Del Rio Service was as uncomplicated as the sets out a smorgasbord of south-of-the- menu – it was fast and efficient. Our food border surprises. The best of the offerings appeared at the table before we could was an obviously homemade pico de gallo. even sit down and was piping hot. Two It was perfectly balanced with just the complaints: (1) Don’t tell diners an option right proportions of onion, tomato and is for the less hungry when it could have cilantro. I could have happily dined on a easily fed two and (2) Get rid of the wax big bowl of this and some chips. There paper on top of the plates – it gets soggy and was also a mild salsa, a hot salsa, a green starts to blend in with the food. However, salsa, sour cream and jalapeños. All in all, such First World Problems didn’t keep it made paying for a basket of chips a little Del Rio from revealing itself as a bright less annoying. spot in Springfield’s downtown dining As our main entrées, we selected the scene for those who want good food in an Three Amigos (three soft tacos on corn uncomplicated setting. tortillas with cheese, choice of steak, Del Rio Super Taco may not be the chicken or ground beef - $8.00), the three place to take a prospective client, but hard tacos (ground beef or chicken, with for a fast business lunch with colleagues cheese - $6.00) and the Super Taco (one or acquaintances, it’s a nice additional large soft taco on a flour tortilla, choice of downtown option. I wish them luck and steak, chicken, or ground beef, with cheese hope theyThomas do well. C. Pavlik, Jr. can be reached and the usual sides - $8.00). at [email protected] So the question at hand as we started in on our meals was: “Are these really super

Address: 219 South Fifth Street, Springfield, IL Atmosphere: HHH Phone: 217-523-1173 Service: HHHH Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Food: HHHH Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Closed Sunday Price: HHHH Wheelchair Access: Yes Suitability for Business Lunch: HHH1/2 Credit Cards: Yes OVERALL: 4

Springfield Business Journal | June 2015 | 27 EDITORIAL

Address:

P.O. Box 398, Springfield, IL 62705 1240 S. 6th, Springfield,Phone: IL 62703

Telephone: 217-726-6600 Fax: 217-753-2281Website:

www.springfieldbusinessjournal.comEmail:

[email protected]:

www.facebook.com/sbjmonthlyTwitter:

www.twitter.com/sbjmonthlyEditor and Publisher

Fletcher Farrar [email protected] Publisher

Michelle Higginbotham [email protected] Editor

Scott Faingold [email protected]

Zach Baliva David Kelm Colin Patrick Brady Brittany Limper Roberta Codemo Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. Gabe House Maranda Potterf Young people (including Brandon Carnes, with guitar) hanging out at Dumb Records in the Southtown neighborhood. PHOTO BY GINNY LEE GinnyProduction Lee DesignerEric Woods

David Hine [email protected] Designer

Diane Lyddon Hello, young Springfield! [email protected] Manager Hello? Young Springfield? Brenda Matheis [email protected] Assistant By Scott Faingold Associate editor Irma Wallace [email protected]

James Bengfort In this issue’s Corporate Review roundtable communities, national touring musicians, still be in Springfield,” said musician [email protected] discussion on tourism (p.18), the subject innovative art exhibitions and other and Southtown Studio owner-operator Beth Parkes-Irwin of ways to attract younger people to visit evidence of a thriving culture are currently Brandon Carnes (whose band, Looming, [email protected] Springfield was touched on briefly. It more plentiful than in years past. However, recently signed a contract with prestigious Stacie Lewis was suggested by our panelists that use in spite of young faces in the audiences California punk rock record label No Sleep), [email protected] of electronic media and framing area for jam-band concerts at Homespun and this attitude is echoed throughout attractions through a more emotional, Republic or art openings at DEMO project the Southtown community. There is Teri Hill experience-oriented lens could be key ways (the small, upstart gallery on the campus even a current crowdfunding campaign [email protected] to tap into this demographic. of the Springfield Art Association), such (online at https://www.kickstarter.com/ While this is likely the case – after events are still viewed as anomalies for projects/projectsouthtown/project- all, there’s no content a good app can’t Springfield, not the status quo. neighborhood.southtown) to raise money, in part to help SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL is published improve – it seems that one key to One exception is the fiercely make improvements to the run-down monthly by Central Illinois Communications., attracting millenials would be if Springfield independent community of small business P.O. Box 5256, Springfield IL 62705. The contents of SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL managed to be seen overall as a younger owners, musicians and skateboarders who A passionate, constructive, cultural are copyrighted, and material contained herein place. Unfortunately, the perception of have gathered around the once-blighted community like the one that has developed may not be copied or reproduced in any manner our city remains one where many of our corner of South Grand Ave. and 11th Street in Southtown can only be a good sign without the permission of the publisher. most promising young people can’t seem – the neighborhood know as Southtown – for the city as a whole – especially as Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and letters to wait to move away to start their “real” which over the past few years has evolved it is managing to make Springfield an to the editor are welcome, but SPRINGFIELD lives. Even with UIS ostensibly positioning into the home of a record store (Dumb attractive home for young adults who BUSINESS JOURNAL can take no responsibility us as a college town, our local culture and Records) a working recording studio could easily set up elsewhere. However, for them while in transit or in the office of the nightlife – two things often important to (Southtown Studio) and a skate shop it is only a start. This kind of “scene” is publication. Letters may be edited. Information the young, I understand – remain a far cry (Boof City), alongside a longer-standing almost by definition insular, with self- published in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL is from that of, say, Champaign-Urbana, let skateboard ramp (Skank Skate) and all- selecting participants pursuing often gathered from reliable sources, but the accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed. Opinions alone our fellow state capitals / college ages concert venue (The Black Sheep Café). highly specialized goals in rarefied, often Business Journal expressed in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL towns of Austin, Texas, and Madison, This staunchly alternative-minded purposefully ramshackle, environments. are those of their authors, and no information or Wisconsin, places where activities aimed group of young people is a bright spot in So, readers, you tell opinions expressed in SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS at young adults tend to be the rule rather a traditionally bleak local youth culture. me: What can Springfield do to attract and JOURNAL represent an endorsement or than the exception. These are young, talented, vital people who keep young people who don’t happen to be solicitation for purchase or sale by SPRINGFIELD It’s not as though the city doesn’t are choosing to live in Springfield long past punk rockers or skateboard enthusiasts? BUSINESS JOURNAL or its staff. try. While the pickings are still relatively the town’s usual sell-by date as a home base. Send your ideas to 28 | June 2015 | Springfield Business Journal slim compared to the above-mentioned “If I hadn’t started the studio, I wouldn’t [email protected] . LEGAL

Right of access to public documents By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr.

I’d be willing to bet that most people have never information with competitors. The accusing In short, there is no hard and fast rule as Springfield’s so-called “Shredgate”? considered the wealth of information, from party has the burden of proof of showing to what court records may be sealed. Much In Illinois, several statutes dictate that the mundane to the scintillating, contained in that the information was actually disclosed. discretion is left to the court to decide each the workings of our state government be court files throughout this country. This would, obviously, be hard to do without case on its own merits. Often, absent an open to public inspection. Exceptions include Want to know if your neighbor has describing the actual information at issue. objection from a third party, court records certain personnel matters, matters related been charged with driving under the Faced with the choice of further public will be sealed when all parties agree that to pending litigation, discussions regarding influence? Want to know if your employer disclosure of the treasured information it is appropriate. However, when third certain business and finance issues, law has been sued for sexual harassment or or prosecuting a claim against the alleged parties raise objections to the sealing of enforcement matters, student/education and discrimination? Want to know how much blabbermouth, the aggrieved party would be records, such as news organizations, courts welfare recipient matters and records that the former Mrs. Jones is getting in her smart to limit exposure by simply dropping will examine the matter further to decide may infringe on personal privacy. divorce? More often than not, the answers the whole matter. whether there is a compelling reason to The federal government has enacted to these questions are contained in court To accommodate these and other similar override the public’s right of access. The similar laws that allow the public access files throughout Illinois. Depending on concerns, Illinois courts are permitted to bottom line: With few exceptions, assume to the documents our government creates. your circumstances, such information restrict access to court files. This is called that anything introduced into the court’s file The exemptions are similar to those in might empower or embarrass you. For just “sealing” the records, and it may be done will be available to your nosy neighbor. Illinois. Fortunately, the law requires that a hint at what information is available, you only when it is “essential to preserve higher The public’s access to records also the government indicate what information might want to spend a few minutes at www. values and is narrowly tailored to serve extends well beyond just court records to is being withheld and on what basis so that thesmokinggun.com to check out the legal that interest.” Unfortunately, Illinois law other state and federal documents. Perhaps challenges may be lodged. And, don’t forget travails of the rich and famous. provides little guidance on the specifics of you will recall that Hillary Clinton’s emails that your natural curiosity won’t come The general rule in Illinois is that all applying those principles. from her tenure at the State Department cheaply – there may be a charge to recover the court records required to be kept by law are Should the man who wants to sue the were the subject of a FOIA (Freedom of direct costs of search, review and duplication, open for inspection by the public. This rule manufacturer or installer of his toupee Information Act) request? unless the costs are nominal. Before asking is in harmony with the U.S. Supreme Court’s for providing a bad “rug” be allowed to Wonder why the for the JFK assassination files, make sure you admonition that the public interest is best proceed under a false name so as not to public can request ask toThomas see the applicableC. Pavlik, Jr. fee is schedule.an attorney with served by increasing its knowledge about damage his reputation? Illinois case law those documents? Delano Law Offices, LLC. He can be reached what happens in our judicial system. In would suggest not. Perhaps a harder case Or why there was at [email protected] other words, in keeping with our democratic is where an individual is charged with an investigation principles and the First Amendment of the sexually molesting a minor in a civil suit for into the city of Constitution, the public has an interest in damages. Should the alleged molester’s noblemaking goal. sure that the judicial system is both identity be kept secret? Again, the answer effective and fair. Secrecy impedes that appears to be no. Some records involving But this general rule is subject to an minors are subject to important exception: Courts may limit specific exceptions to access to court files where disclosure might the general rule of full “become a vehicle for improper purposes.” disclosure. In that context, What does this mean? adoption proceedings and Consider the case where one party actions where a minor has is accused of breaching a confidentiality been sexually molested are agreement by sharing trade secret obvious examples.

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