THE BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS FORUM

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 5 JULY 2008

The Green Edition 2008

Sustainability Practices That Can

Boost Your Bottom Line
A Possible and Sustainable Future PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID

Green is Everyone’s Favorite Color

PERMIT #565
KANKAKEE, IL

Joliet Job Market Among

Strongest in Nation
Features Regulars
4 From the Editor | Andrew Wheeler
Cover Story
10 5 Around the County | Ed Piatt
Seeing Green: News and programs from the Illinois Department
of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Publication Director
Ken Munjoy
Sustainability Practices that Can 6 From the Desk Of Rep. Dugan | Lisa Dugan
Editor
Boost Your Bottom Line 6 Ask SCORE | Michael Holtzman
Life’s lessons learned from the Service Corps of
Andrew Wheeler

by Lisa Wogan | B2B Illinois takes a look at sustainability Retired Executives. Art Director
efforts and technologies from around the world, and right 16 Organize It! | Karen McGregor Kim Carpenter
outside your back door. Suggestions on how to get out from under the
clutter and into productivity. Advertising Manager
On the cover: Ron Romano of Connected Community with Jeff Egbert
26 Tech Corner | Wade LeBeau
Mark Johnson and Bill Bonner of Rhapsody Cove. Photo by Tips on utilizing your Internet broadband con- Copy Editor and Direct Connections Coordinator
Melissa Gaug. nection to the fullest. Vickie St. Louis
27 Innovative Management Solutions |
7 Manpower Releases Third Quarter Employment Patrick Seaton Distribution Manager
Outlook Survey Results Operational advice from an industry professional. Terry LaVoie
submitted by Beth Brosseau | Local employers relay hiring plans. 30 Spanish Language Training | Distribution Coordinator
Dr. Héctor López Becky Blackwell
9 A Possible and Sustainable Future Tips for businesses wanting to access the explod-
by Jerry Weber | KCC President Dr. Jerry Weber discusses his institution’s commit- ing Hispanic consumer market. Press Foreman
ment to sustainable practices and technologies. 33 How’s Business | Bill Guertin Dave Grams
Branding advice from an industry professional.
14 Wal-Mart Illinois Embraces Local Green Vendors 28 Out & About
Composing
Ross Bertrand and Marcus Jackson
by Andrew Wheeler | Sell or market a sustainable product? If so, Wal-Mart wants to
talk to you. 31 Out & About
Advertising Coordinator
34 Direct Connections Janet Jones
15 Green is Everyone’s Favorite Color
by Lindsay Gladstone | Governors State University’s commitment to our environment. 37 Direct Connections, Will Co. Information Systems
Mike Steele and Jennifer Hudson
16 Zip-Pak Research Findings
Staff Photographer
Manteno manufacturer part of the solution.
thanks to our Melissa Gaug

17 Arctic Snow and Ice Chooses Bradley Manufacturing Location independent Advertising Consultants
B2B staff report | Economic Alliance of Kankakee County lands Frankfort manufac-
turer.
contributors: Terry Atkins
Jo Ann Bachar
Marcia Hellmuth
Myrdis Hines
Beth Brosseau y Manpower y 815.939.7070 Sandy Behrends Blake Naylor
17 Back Power and Brain Power: Both Jobs Need Education Joanie Copenhaver Monte Parsons
Lisa Dugan y State representative, 79 th district y
Amy Eichholz Lisa Sunn
by Nancy J. Ruda | A B2B Illinois report from the “Public Agenda for Higher Educa- 815.939.1983
Thomas Goodrich Cary Turner
tion Summit” held at KCC in June. Joe Giunta y Joliet Junior College y 815.280.1555 Gina Harpin Lyle Turro
y jgiunta@jjc.edu y www.trainingupdate.org
18 Green…It’s the New Corporate Color
by Nancy J. Ruda | A B2B Illinois report from the June “Go Green and Learn How to Lindsay Gladstone y Governors State University y upcoming b2b ILLINOIS deadlines
708.534.7090 y l-gladstone@govst.edu
Make it Happen” event held at Moraine Valley Community College. August 1, 2008 Publication:
Bill Guertin y The 800-Pound Gorilla y
22 Pay Attention to Parents’ Investment Strategies 815.932.5878 y bill@The800PoundGorilla.com Ad space reservation / article submission
deadline: 7/11/2008
by Bob Meyers | Financial advice from industry expert Bob Meyers. Michael Holtzman y SCORE Chapter 0674 y
815.427.9818 Ad approval deadline: 7/21/2008
22 Hiring a Business Consultant Wade LeBeau y The Daily Journal y 815.937.3332 To advertise, contact your advertising
by Reneé Perry | What to look for in a consultant. consultant at The Daily Journal: 815.939.6642
Dr. Héctor López y BEST Solutions, Inc. y
23 Acres of Diamonds at Work 630.910.4509 y hector.lopez@bestsolutionsinc.
com
by Ron Price | According to author/consultant Ron Price, great managers look for ways How to Reach Us
to develop each employee’s strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses. Bob Meyers y Edward Jones y 815.939.1175 n To
receive this publication or change an
Karen McGregor y Organize It! Professional address, log onto our website:
24 Joliet Job Market Expected to be Among Strongest in Nation Organizing Services y 815.936.1108 y www. www.b2billinois.com
Joliet area manufacturers predict their hiring needs for Q3 2008. organizeitillinois.com n Editorial,
Andrew Wheeler: phone
Dorcilla C. Schoolman y Options Center for 815.791.3129; e-mail awheeler@b2billinois.com
25 Going Green in Will County Top Priority Independent Living y 815.936.0100 x 229 n Send announcements, press releases, etc. to:
by Lawrence Walsh | Green news from Will County Executive Larry Walsh.
Reneé Perry y Small Business Consultant and fax 815.935.0192; e-mail pr@b2billinois.com
Coach y 815.722.0041
29 The Home Energy Tipping Point (Or, How Can I Save Money?) n Direct
Connections, Vickie St. Louis: fax
by Tom Goodberlet | Tom Goodberlet discusses when it is cost effective to go with Edward Piatt y N.E. Senior Account Manager, 815.937.3362; e-mail vstlouis@b2billinois.com
green HVAC technology in your home, and in your business. Illinois DCEO y 312.636.0739 n Toll Free: 1.866.509.4B2B (4222)
Ron Price y 866.442.0556 y www.Price-Associates. n Mailingaddress: B2B Illinois, 8 Dearborn
31 Green Marketing: The Same Old Principles Still Apply com Square, Kankakee, IL 60901
B2B Illinois Staff Report | B2B looks at the latest in Green marketing efforts and the
Patrick Seaton y Innovative Management Tools,
balance between effective branding and ecological stewardship.
LLC y 715.340.9606 y pjseaton@tds.net y www.
B2B Illinois is a free publication of the Small Newspaper
innovativemanagementtools.com
32 Illinois Accessible Parking Group. Information published in B2B Illinois is the
responsibility of the author and may not reflect the
by Dorci Schoolman | Is your business compliant with handicap parking laws? Lawrence Walsh y Will County Executive y 815.
opinions of the B2B Illinois staff. All editorial content
774.7480 and advertising published is the property of the Small
38 What Do Gas Prices and Elder Care Have in Common? Jerry Weber y Kankakee Community College y Newspaper Group dba B2B Illinois.

by Joe Giunta | According to JJC training director Joe Giunta, telecommuting can be a 815.802.8100 y jweber@kcc.edu
great way to go green, if done under a few key parameters.
 Real Estate makes $ense,
Let us help you turn it
into Dollars!

www.nugentcurtis.com
Joe Nugent, Broker
Cell 815.509.9005
Chris Curtis, Broker
Cell 815.693.4949
COMMERCIAL
PRICE REDUCED!

Kankakee. 52,225 SF industrial facility on 5 acres. Kankakee. 2,994 SF office/service facility for sale. 1575 SF Kankakee. 7,075 SF facility. 5,000 SF clear span showroom w/ Kankakee. 9,300 sq ft cinder block building located on cor-
Features include 6 interior docks, 17’ + clear height, 4,560 finished office w/ track lighting. Large, open 1395 SF area w/ vaulted wood beam ceiling. 2,025 shop area w/ 10'x12' drive-in ner lot. Over 1.8 acres for expansion or storage. Zoned
SF office. Can be leased 25,000-52,225 SF. MLS 190516 12' ceiling and air conditioned. MLS 190847 door. 100% sprinklered. 750 SF mezzanine office area. MLS 190887 Industrial. Many uses possible. Call Joe Nugent. MLS 190516
$1,750,000 $275,000 $265,000 $248,500 $375,000

Grant Park. 5,500 sq ft facility. Multiple overhead doors for Kankakee. 18,000 - 80,000 SF for lease. 22' to 24' ceiling Bourbonnais. Low new construction rates. Suites available Bourbonnais. For sale or lease. 4,680 SF brick & block bldg.
ease of use. High ceilings. Ideal for operation of business or heights, up to 8 docks w/ levelers and 4 drive-in doors. 1,500 SF and larger. High visibility with large 2-story atrium Great location on busy Rt. 45 in the path of progress w/ add’l
storage. On slightly over 1 acre. MLS 191837 480/277 volt/400 amp/3 phase power. MLS 191837 lobby entrance. Suites available for sale also. MLS 191837 land for expansion. Many uses. MLS 191837
$255,000 $4.50 PSF gross $8.00 PSF NNN $700,000
LOTS AND LAND:
Manteno: 80 +/- Acres, $11,000 per acre • Manteno: 224 +/- Acres, $17,500 per acre • Bourbonnais: 75 Acres w/ Preliminary Plat, $50,000 per acre • Bourbonnais: .80 Acre lot on Rt. 45, $300,000

Real Estate makes $ense,

Let us help you turn it
into Dollars!

www.nugentcurtis.com
Pamela Baron Sandy Wurster Paul Walsh Nate Henrichs
Cell 815.955.2392 Cell 815.274.2535 Cell 815.955.2457 Cell 815.739.9859
RESIDENTIAL
PRICE REDUCED!

Kankakee. Custom built ranch w/ full lookout bsmt. Near Bourbonnais. Spacious 3BR, 2BA brick ranch w/ open floor Bourbonnais. Ranch w/open floor plan. Kit w/stone back- Mokena. Wooded land located in city limits. Close to all
Kankakee St. Pk. 4 BR, 3 BA. Kit w/brfst nook/sun rm, granite. plan. Kitchen updated. Good size utility/mud room off garage splash, granite counters, maple cabs. Bsmt w/home thea. sys., amenities. 2BR, 2BA, 2 car garage. Borders Hickory Creek
Mstr Suite w/ Jacuzzi, double sinks, skylight, ceram. shower. with new ceramic tile. Fireplace. Shed. MLS 191616 poss 4th BR, rec/family rm. Fenced backyard. MLS 191975 Forest Preserve. Call Pamela Baron. MLS 191843
$379,900 $179,900 $279,900 $409,000

Bourbonnais, Prarie Chase Subd. New 2-story w/ 4 BR, 2.5 Bourbonnais, Prarie Chase Subd. New brick ranch w/ split floor Bourbonnais. Neutral colors & lots of space. Partial unfinished Kankakee. Well maintained 2 BR, 2 BA condo. Outside park-
BA, 3 car gar & full bsmt. HW flooring. Kit w/ custom cabinets. plan. 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 car gar, full bsmt. HW floors. Kit w/ custom bsmt. Completely remodeled incl: new flooring, fixtures, doors ing & 1 car det. garage with storage & electric opener. Updated
Master Suite w/Jacuzzi, shower & WIC. MLS 192304 cabs, isl., pantry. Master Suite w/Jacuzzi, sep shower. MLS 192303 & trim. New Maple cabinets, ceramic tile in kit. MLS 192597 kitchen. Condo fee Includes water/sewage. MLS 192579
$299,900 $299,900 $239,900 $88,900
LOTS AND LAND:
Limestone: .70 Acre lot in River Crossing, $145,000 • Limestone: .70 Acre lot in River Crossing, $145,000 • Limestone: .78 Acre lot in River Crossing, $145,000

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063008217101136

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815-929-9095 office .DQNDNHH,OOLQRLV 815-929-9085 fax
 From The Editor | by Andrew Wheeler

Lessons from Kermit

“It’s not easy being available. I was shocked to find that B2B Il-
green.” linois is printed on bright white paper that
Kermit didn’t know uses no recycled stock. I can find no mill
how right he was. Al- that produces the ideal product, so I have
though his lamentation begun the process of finding a mill that
was centered on the vari- manufactures the type of paper I need,
ous problems a frog pup- switching to lower-end newsprint, and
pet can encounter, and the trials and tribu- exploring more dramatic options.
GET YOUR POINT ACROSS lations associated with being a pork lover,
Kermit’s words ring true for businesspeople
There aren’t a lot of easy answers here.
The best, long-term decision has to bal-
Throughout the year, The Daily Journal publishes Special in today’s economy…and ecology. ance the constraints of economics and
Sections and Feature Pages of the newspaper. These annual Becoming “green” in your operations is no the accountability to our planets’ ecology.
longer a matter of if; it’s a matter of how. Hopefully this edition of B2B Illinois
sections target lifestyles, address specific consumer needs The only real way to address your com- provides some ideas for both your office,
and/or feature event information of national and local mitment to sound, environmentally-sus- and your home.
importance. tainable practices is to take a hard look at On another note:
what you do, and how you do it. Is an in- During the Chicago Bears training
Special Sections and Feature Pages can be a cost-effective vestment in green technology ever going to Camp in 2007, a group of local economic
turn black dollars for my company? Is this development leaders, spearheaded by
way to reach thousands of readers with a particular interest. development in tune with our village’s com- Bradley Mayor Gael Kent and the Illinois
Plus, these sections generally have a longer shelf-life than prehensive plan, and more importantly, does Department of Commerce and Economic
the daily newspaper allowing your business' message to be my village’s plan address sustainability and Opportunity, hosted the first Internation-
seen again and again! green space? Are we going down the right al Trade Summit in Kankakee County.
road with all of this intermodal growth in Trade commissioners from around the
SPECIAL SECTIONS globe spent the
day visiting indus-
Month Section Publication Date try in the region,
July County Fairs Monday, July 14 and spent an af-
ternoon at Bears
Bears Extra Thursday, July 24* Camp. This year’s
The Answer Book Thursday, July 31 event, spearheaded
NEW! Regional Restaurant by Mayors Kent,
& Delivery Directory July 2008 Green, and Schore,
along with the
August Fall Home & Yard Thursday, Sept. 4 DCEO and Ben-
nett Commercial,
Sept. NEW! Constitution is set for the end of
July. The Tri-Cities
Day Section Thursday, Sept. 11
Trade Summit is a
Fifty Plus Thursday, Sept. 18 unique opportunity
Weijia Wang, from China, listens as Peddinghaus Corporation owner Anton Ped-
Weddings (Fall Edition) Thursday, Oct. 9 dinghaus greets the group of foreign business leaders and speaks briefly about for local industry to
his company during the 2007 International Trade Summit. initiate international
Photo by Nicholas Holstein/The Daily Journal
FEATURE PAGES business opportuni-
our area, or should we be focused on reduc- ties, and is a much-anticipated event for the
July Childcare Directory Sunday, July 27
ing the number of trucks on our roads and trade commissioners themselves. Kudos to
Hire-a-Pro Thursday, July 31 invest in low emission train transportation? the mayors, Jeff Bennett, Ed Piatt, and all
These are all questions we, as business- of the summit partners for taking advantage
August Pick the Pros Tuesday, Sept. 2 people, must ask of our industries and our of a tremendous marketing opportunity for
Fall Home & Yard Directory Thursday, Sept. 4 communities. our community and its employers.
*Publication dates are subject to change. While researching this edition, I took
a hard look at the sustainable practices of Best,
my operation, and the practices of our daily
For more information about any newspaper as well. With regard to our daily
of these Special Sections, contact paper, all in-house paper waste is recycled
your Advertising Consultant or into insulation. Our newsprint is made Andrew H. Wheeler
call 815.939.6642. from 30-40 percent post consumer recycled B2B Illinois Editor
paper, and we use sustainable inks where
06300820196389
 Around the County with the State of Illinois | by Edward S. Piatt

Opportunity Returns:
DCEO’s “Green” Grants
This month I would like to highlight the
Department of Commerce & Economic
Opportunity’s clean energy and environ-
mentally-friendly business practices and
design assistance grants for “green” com-
mercial buildings. These design assistance
grants, available through the Illinois De-
partment of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity, are for businesses using the
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Envi-
ronmental Design) building rating system.  
LEED is a voluntary rating system pro-
moted by the U.S. Green Building Council
to allow building owners and developers to
benchmark the environmental performance
of their building relative to others. The
LEED system considers environmental
factors such as the energy efficiency of the
building, the use of renewable energy and
the use of recycled content building materi-
als, among other factors. For more informa-
tion on LEED, see www.usgbc.org.
Under the new pilot program, businesses
with commercial building construction
and renovation projects will be eligible to
apply for awards of up to $100,000 if they
meet the LEED Gold level of performance,
achieve an energy performance of at least 20
percent beyond the minimum energy code,
and incorporate best practices in solid waste
management.
“Green buildings are a high growth area,
and when Gov. Blagojevich puts his seal
of approval on green building practices by
announcing this program, it helps make
the industry real and moves us another big
step forward,” said Lois Vitt Sale of Phoe-
nix Architects and the chair of the Chi-
cago Chapter of the U.S. Green Building
Council. “This funding will be very helpful
to move more green building projects for-
ward.”
Green design incorporates design prac-
tices that significantly reduce or eliminate
the negative impact of buildings on the en-
vironment and the building occupants.
Funding for the program is made available
from two sources. Half of the funding is a
grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Com-
munity Foundation; the other half comes
from the Illinois Solid Waste Management
Fund as administered by DCEO. Because
the program brings benefits in both energy
conservation and solid waste reduction, the
program is funded through both sources.
“The Illinois Clean Energy Commu-
nity Foundation has had a very successful
program for the past five years to support
the design and commissioning of LEED
projects to not-for-profits and government
agencies. The Foundation is very pleased
now to help Gov. Blagojevich make fund-
ing available to the private sector,” said Phil
Novak, chair of the Foundation. “With the
new DCEO program and the Foundation
program, funding for LEED projects will
be available to all sectors as an incentive to
develop state-of-the-art green buildings.”
 Prior Foundation grants have resulted in
60 successful green schools, college build-
ings, museums and affordable housing
models in communities across Illinois.
I would also like to take this opportunity
for anyone interested in the Opportunity
Returns program or seeking business assis-
tance to contact me at 312.636.0739 or e-
mail me directly at Ed.Piatt@illinois.gov.
Until next month, see you around the
county…
Edward Piatt is NE senior
account manager for the
Illinois Department of
Commerce & Economic
Opportunity, covering
Kankakee, Grundy and
southern Cook counties.
Iroquois County:
Paul Faraci, east-central manager
217.278.5851
E-mail: Paul.Faraci@Illinois.gov
Will County:
Beth May, NE senior account manager
815.721.3543
E-mail: Beth.May@illinois.gov

Solid, Experienced, Trustworthy…

063008210101112

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From the Desk of Representative Dugan | by Lisa Dugan

Community Service Brittanny Spangler—Manteno High

School
Richard Reyes—Bradley-Bourbonnais
Community High School

Scholarship Recipients
Community service is essential to the
progress of our neighborhoods. I believe it
is important that we teach the significance
of community service to children at an early
age to help foster a genuine love and concern
for the advancement of their communities.
That is why I established my Community
Service Scholarship, which provides finan-
cial assistance to community-minded high
school seniors.
It is important that I not only encourage
community service but that I am also an ex-
ample. Each year, I donate a portion of my
legislative salary to provide a scholarship
to one senior in each of the high schools
in my district. Since 2004, I have awarded
over $19,000 in scholarships. To qualify for
the $500 scholarship, students must reside
in the 79th Representative District, plan to
attend an Illinois college or trade school
in the fall, possess a record of community
service beyond that required of their high
school, and submit an essay describing how
they have served their communities and
how they plan to continue their efforts. I
am pleased to announce that this year I was
able to award $7,500 in Community Service
Scholarships to local students.
This year’s scholarship recipients are as
follows:
Amber Olbrot—Peotone High School
Ariana Dymerski—Marion Catholic High
School
Cameron Ohlendorf—Beecher High
School
Cornell Jones—Kankakee High School
Dane Langellier—Donovan High School
Eric Cavender—Momence High School
Erin Williams—Grant Park High School
Heather McKenna—Herscher High
School
Jenna Simmons—St. Anne Community
High School
Megan Quigley – Wilmington High
School
Nathan VanHoff—Kankakee Trinity
Academy
Tiffany Frugia—Crete-Monee High
School
Katelin Wilfinger—Bishop McNamara
High School
I am proud of these young people and
their commitment to our community. They
are shining examples of our bright future
and I hope their efforts encourage other
students to become more involved in their
schools and communities.
I would also like to remind you that I
have moved my local district office to:
Heritage Executive Centre
200 E. Court St., Suite 710
Kankakee, IL. 60901
Phone: 815.939.1983
Fax: 815.939.0081
E-mail: lisadugan@sbcglobal.net
Please feel free to contact me anytime I
can be of service.
Lisa Dugan, state representa-
tive, 79th district.

Ask SCORE | by Michael Holtzman

Put a Value on Try to match the person or method you

use for a valuation with the reason you are
professional valuators in cities and towns
nationwide. Look for the “Find a Valuator

Your Business
There are many reasons why you might
want to place a value on your business. Per-
haps you’re thinking about taking on a part-
ner who will buy into the business. Before
that can happen, you both need to know
what the business is worth.
And you’ll certainly need a valuation or
appraisal if you want to sell the business.
Other reasons you might need a valuation
include divorce, spin-offs, business disputes
and liquidation. Or how about this: You
might simply want know.
Accurately valuing a small business,
however, can be complicated. Most entre-
preneurs are capable of boosting the value
of their businesses by 40 percent simply by
paying attention to the things that make a
business valuable.
Too often, business owners brush aside
valuations, believing them necessary only if
they decide to sell. As a result, only about
one in 20 small businesses have done a for-
doing it. If the valuation is for loan pur- Directory” at the Web site, www.nacva.
poses, for example, look for someone who’s com.
done small business valuations for that pur- PriceYourBusiness.com offers simple
pose. small business valuation software you can
The National Association of Certified access online 24/7. Results are quick and
mal valuation, according to the National Valuation Analysts (NACVA) offers a free available anytime.
Association of Certified Valuation Ana- service online to help you find a business To learn more about valuing your small
lysts. valuation expert in your area. NACVA pro- business, contact SCORE “Counselors to
You can determine the value of a busi- vides training, certification and support for America’s Small Business.” SCORE is a
ness in many different nonprofit organization of more than 10,500
ways, from quick and volunteer business counselors who provide
cheap software-based free, confidential business counseling and
calculations you do training workshops to small business own-
yourself, to full-scale, ers. Call 1.800.634.0245 for the SCORE
certified valuations chapter nearest you, or find a counselor on-
by professionals. The line at www.score.org.
price range is enor-
mous, from as little Michael Holtzman is chairman
as $15 for the simplest of the Kankakee Valley
software, to thousands Chapter of SCORE.
of dollars for a detailed
analysis performed by
certified pros. Busi-
ness brokers, hoping
to sell your business,
may even do them for
free.
Manpower Releases
Third Quarter
Employment Outlook
Survey Results
Kankakee County employers expect to
hire at a respectable pace during the third
quarter of 2008, according to the Manpow-
er Employment Outlook Survey. From July
to September, 20 percent of the companies
interviewed plan to hire more employees,
while none expect to reduce their payrolls,
according to Manpower spokesperson Beth
Brosseau. Another 80 percent expect to
maintain their current staff levels.
“Employer sentiment about hiring ap-
pears to be less encouraging than in the
second quarter of 2008 when 30 percent
of companies interviewed intended to add
employees, and none planned to reduce staff
levels,” said Brosseau. “Hiring activity is
expected to be stronger than one year ago
when 13 percent of companies surveyed
planned to increase staff levels and 3 per-
cent expected to cut payrolls.”
For the coming quarter, job prospects
appear best in Construction, Non-Du-
rable Goods Manufacturing, Transporta-
tion/Public Utilities and Wholesale/Retail
Trade. Hiring in Durable Goods Manu-
facturing, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate,
Education, Services and Public Adminis-
tration is expected to remain unchanged.
Nationally, U.S. employers are project-
ing a slight decline in hiring for Quarter 3
2008, according to the seasonally adjusted
survey results. Of the 14,000 U.S. employ-
ers surveyed, 26 percent expect to increase
their workforces during the July-Septem-
ber period, while 10 percent expect to scale
back their payrolls for a net employment
outlook of 16 percent (seasonally adjusted
12 percent). Fifty-eight percent expect no
change in the hiring pace, and 6 percent are
undecided about their hiring plans.
Beth Brosseau is branch
manager of Manpower’s
Bourbonnais office.
submitted by Beth Brosseau
Employment Outlook Survey Summary Of Results For The State Of Illinois
3rd Quarter - 2008 (July/August/September)
The following table shows the percentage of employers in the state of ILLINOIS who plan to change or maintain the size of their
workforce during the indicated time period.
NET INCREASE/
INCREASE NO CHANGE DECREASE DON’T KNOW DECREASE
AURORA 23% 70% 7% 0% 16%
BLOOMINGTON 20% 57% 20% 3% 0%
CARBONDALE/MARION 20% 57% 20% 3% 0%
CHAMPAIGN AREA (GREATER) 19% 77% 0% 4% 19%
CHICAGO-CITY 30% 44% 26% 0% 4%
CHICAGO METRO AREA 26% 48% 23% 3% 3%
CHICAGO-NORTH SUBURBAN AREA 33% 20% 37% 10% -4%
CHICAGO-NORTHWEST SUBURBAN AREA 8% 65% 27% 0% -19%
CHICAGO-SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN AREA 27% 43% 13% 17% 14%
CHICAGO-WEST SUBURBAN AREA 37% 63% 0% 0% 37%
CHICAGO SOUTH 27% 43% 13% 17% 14%
CHICAGO-O’HARE 3% 90% 7% 0% -4%
DANVILLE 57% 23% 10% 10% 47%
DE KALB/SYCAMORE AREA 30% 63% 7% 0% 23%
DECATUR 20% 77% 3% 0% 17%
EDGAR COUNTY 17% 73% 3% 7% 14%
ELGIN 23% 63% 7% 7% 16%
ILLINOIS QUAD CITIES 27% 66% 7% 0% 20%
ILLINOIS VALLEY 17% 63% 3% 17% 14%
JOLIET 50% 40% 10% 0% 40%
KANKAKEE COUNTY 20% 80% 0% 0% 20%
LAKE COUNTY AREA 23% 77% 0% 0% 23%
LIVINGSTON COUNTY AREA 10% 87% 3% 0% 7%
MC HENRY COUNTY AREA 30% 70% 0% 0% 30%
NORTHBROOK 33% 20% 37% 10% -4%
OAKBROOK 37% 63% 0% 0% 37%
PEORIA 27% 70% 3% 0% 24%
QUINCY 30% 63% 7% 0% 23%
ROCKFORD 30% 57% 13% 0% 17%
SCHAUMBURG 14% 38% 48% 0% -34%
SPRINGFIELD AREA 27% 46% 7% 20% 20%
STATE AVERAGE: ILLINOIS 26% 60% 11% 3% 15%
A Possible and
Sustainable Future
by Dr. Jerry Weber, B2B Illinois correspondent
We are very fortunate in our region be-
cause much of the growth is yet to come.
We can watch it happen, or we can push or
drive development and growth in a way that
will make this area economically thriving
while still maintaining its natural appeal.
As energy costs rise and concerns about
environmental degradation increase, we
need to either adjust our ways of doing
business or find new approaches. One new
approach has been called sustainable devel-
opment. The guiding principles of sustain-
able development are as useful in this region
as they are throughout the whole Chicago
regional area. In this area, as in all areas of
education and training, Kankakee Com-
munity College is ready to assist residents,
businesses and corporations.
Because the term ‘sustainability’ is some-
what new, it may need some definition.
Sustainability is a term used by colleges,
universities, government agencies and many
corporations to encompass energy conser-
vation, alternative energy, environmental
issues and almost everything commonly
called “going green.”
Sustainable development is an approach
that recognizes the need for strong and con-
tinuous economic growth and development
while respecting the needs of future genera-
tions. In its simplest description, it means
designing houses, growing businesses, and
establishing policies and practices with
the needs of future generations in mind.
It means minimizing waste, efficiently us-
ing energy, and, wherever possible, reusing
materials or using renewable resources. Sus-
tainable development may also mean a new
entrepreneurialism.
At Kankakee Community College, we
intend to be both an example for sustainabil-
ity and going green and a partner to assist
others. The college will continue to promote
sustainability and sustainable development
in three ways: first, by being a model of sus-
tainability on our campus and in our facili-
ties through energy conservation, recycling,
and environmentally-friendly practices;
second, by creating resources to assist resi-
dents, small businesses, and corporations
in understanding the latest technology for
energy efficiency and in using all available
incentives for alternative energy and energy
conservation; and third, by offering educa-
tional programs and training to produce the
workforce to move the new energy economy
forward.
Walking the Walk:
Sustainability at KCC
The college started down this road with a
number of small steps that go back over five
years. Our faculty and students have carried
out pilot projects with solar energy and new
electronic and biofuel technology. For one
project, the students constructed a working
electric vehicle. In our newest facility, the
Arts and Science building, we received grant
funds to create a solar array using photovol-
taic cells that are integrated into a large glass
structure on the south side of the building
The documentation of this project is tracked
and recorded on a website at http://www.
sunnyportal.com/Templates/PublicPage-
O ver v iew.aspx?plant=e38eeed6-f 986-
4157-8b13-07c2686f9fbb&splang=en-us.
Two years ago, we conducted an energy
audit of the college facilities and have be-
gun a multi-year process of making energy
efficiency changes throughout the campus.
For two years now the college has hosted
a Sustainability Week bringing together
area residents and students with KCC fac-
ulty and students to look at all aspects of
sustainability. Local, regional and state pre-
senters joined our faculty in discussions of
corporate actions to the science of climate.
Because sustainability is very much about
the future, students have a natural inter-
est, and last year our Business Club created
a process to expand the college’s recycling
system.
The college is now completing the reno-
vation of a 30,000 square foot area that will
house our health careers programs. An ap-
plication seeking certification at the silver
level in Leadership in Energy and Environ-
mental Design (LEED) to the US Green
Build Association was part of this project
KCC glazed the South wall of its new greenhouse with building-integrated photovoltaics
panels from Atlantis Solar. The greenhouse is located at the far West end of KCC’s Fine Arts
and Applied Technology Building.
from its inception.
These first steps and pilot projects have
given way to our current approach of plan-
ning and systematic commitment. The col-
lege’s most ambitious hopes are now being
set forth in a long-term sustainability plan.
The plan will have measurable outcomes for
annual, multi-year and long range goals to
move the campus facilities and its program
offerings towards sustainability. While the
plan is still in draft form, our intention is to
Cor Hershbach, Deputy Consul General
from The Netherlands, and Barry Matchett,
from the Environmental Law and Policy Cen-
ter, were the featured speakers at Kankakee
Community College’s Sustainability Week
in late April. Hershbach discussed how the
Netherlands became a leader, by necessity,
in the reduction of landfill waste and Match-
ett focused on the current environmental
policies in Illinois, along with environmental
legislation currently in Springfield.
have the entire document reviewed college-
wide and approved this fall by our Board of
Trustees, after which our college sustain-
ability committee will then move this plan
forward and continue to find new and cre-
ative ways to conserve energy.
Our final sustainability plan will assur-
edly include a process to audit our green-
house gas emissions and then take steps to
gradually reduce those emissions as close to
zero as possible over a time frame that may
extend as long as 15 to 20 years. A side ef-
fect of reducing our greenhouse gasses and
institutional carbon footprint will be greater
energy efficiency. Our intention is to reduce
our energy cost and redirect those savings
to programs and instruction.
As one of our speakers for Sustainability
Week pointed out, the first thing you want
to do is reduce your own personal usage
as much as possible. Second, you want to
reuse as much as possible, and then third,
whatever you cannot reuse, you should try
to recycle.
While being carbon-free may sound like
an ambitious goal, there are already col-
leges and universities that are making great
strides and a few have plans to be carbon
neutral within 10 years. The good thing
about being powered by alternative sources
is that the savings are long term. Solar ar-
rays that have been put in place 30 years ago
have shown minimal need for maintenance
while providing a continuous supply of elec-
tricity over that cycle.
Replacing traditional sources of electric-
ity with solar makes sense for institutions
that expect to be in the same place for quite
a few years. One strategy we have discussed
would be to have our students install solar
panels each year as part of a program on re-
newable energy.
KCC Sustainability Center:
Resources for the Region
While taking care of our own house is
important, more important is our mission
to serve the needs of our customers, the
district residents, through education, train-
ing and services. We have expressed this for
over a decade by stating that our mission
is “enhancing the quality of life through
learning.”
By this fall, Kankakee Community Col-
lege will be starting a Sustainability Center
that will provide resources and information
on energy conservation, energy incentives
and alternative energy options for local ho-
meowners, builders, small businesses and
corporations within the region. Through
seminars, workshops and individual con-
sultations, the center staff will demon-
strate how energy efficiency can mean dol-
lars saved. For those who wonder whether
wind power or solar energy could be use-
ful at their home or business, this will be
one place to get answers. For someone who
Continued on page 39
COVER STORY
Seeing I
t seems one cannot pick up a single
publication these days without see-
ing numerous references to “go-
ing green.” A hot concept that has
practically spawned its own business sector,
the green scene and its related media buzz-
words, nonetheless, cause some skeptics to
Green
groan, “Are we talking about this again?
How does this affect me?” Regardless of
one’s personal views on climate change and
related subjects, sustainable business prac-
tices are proving beneficial to corporate im-
age as well as the bottom line.
As forecasted in a benchmark 2006 re-
port entitled “Green Perspective from Cor-
porate America," green and green build-
ing are emerging as a prominent corporate
trend. The study, commissioned by Siemens
Building Technologies and Siemens USA,
found that a majority of large U.S. corpora-
tions are embracing green as a part of the
foundation of their corporate philosophy.
Among those polled, 40 percent consid-
ered green and green building to be of high
importance to their organization, while
almost 60 percent agreed that green and
green building would lower operating costs.
And, three-quarters of the survey’s respon-
dents cited the escalating cost of energy as
a key driver of interest in green and green
building.
Sustainability Practices That A Good Neighbor
Tesco Corp. is one of the foremost super-
Can Boost Your Bottom Line market powers in the business world today.
In 2006, however, Tesco disclosed plans to
improve its image, due to growing public
by Lisa Wogan, B2B Illinois correspondent concern over its methods of doing business.
Specifically, Tesco wanted to be seen as
more “neighborhood friendly.” Revamping
operations in order to conduct business with
greater regard for the environment would be
a means to that end.
Today, Tesco
British retail giant tesCo offers green Clubcard Points to aims to conserve
its customers who reuse bags rather than taking new ones. energy, encourage
healthier living
among consumers
and support local
providers of pro-
duce to stimulate
the local econ-
omy. CEO Sir
Terry Leahy re-
cently was quoted
in UK-based The
Guardian, say-
ing that he made
these modifica-
tions as “the result of changing attitudes
among shoppers, who want businesses to
be responsible, fair and honest, and good
neighbors.” Tesco is finding that it is not
enough to care for its own interests; public
sentiments dictate that businesses become
more socially aware. In an effort to meet
that demand, Tesco has established a £100
million fund (equivalent to US$200 mil-
lion) earmarked for its stores’ green conver-
sion.
Tesco’s multifaceted green plan is ambi-
tious. Direct investment includes the incor-
poration of wind turbines, solar panels and
geothermal power. The company also hopes
to introduce gasification, which produces
energy from waste material. Additionally,
Tesco also has converted all of its bags to
degradable material to prevent landfi ll
waste and pollution. Attendant initiatives
include a commitment to clearer food label-
ing practices to encourage consumer health.
Tesco campaigns for increased physical
activity for both proprietors and custom-
ers. It also has invested in both advertise-
ments and the localization of its stores to
promote running, bicycling and walking.
Finally, Tesco is seeing a benefit in blend-
ing with the surrounding community. Th is
is achieved by designing stores that comple-
ment, not compete with, the style and de-
sign of the neighborhood. They have even
coordinated truck schedules and customer
orders to reduce home deliveries and the
traffic congestion.
Showcase of Green innovation
Wal-Mart is also renovating its stores
with green-geared innovation. In 2005, the
corporation set a goal to improve efficiency
in its existing stores by 20 percent by the
year 2009. To put this in perspective, Wal-
Mart currently operates 3,900 stores in the
United States alone, with 2,700 operating
stores abroad. The corporation’s green ini-
tiative is focused on three key sustainabil-
ity goals for change:
n Achieving a level of 100 percent renew-
able energy
n Attaining a level of zero percent waste
output
n Producing products that are both sus-
tainable and affordable
In order to meet these goals, Wal-Mart
has opened several prototype “high effi-
ciency” (HE) stores. The Western climate-
specific HE.5 is the latest prototype. Ac-
cording to spokesperson Kory Lundberg,
the site “features advancements in heating,
cooling, refrigeration and lighting to con-
serve energy and reduce greenhouse gas
emission.” The clincher: It reportedly uses
45 percent less energy than the baseline
Wal-Mart super center.
What makes this prototype unique is
the way it adapts to a particular climate.
Introduced in March 2008 in Las Vegas,

the store incorporates evaporative cooling
and radiant flooring techniques, utilizing
the natural surroundings to regulate the
internal environment, conserving energy
and resources. The evaporative cooling pro-
cess first pumps water into rooftop cool-
ing structures, then cycles it to the ground
floor. The cooled and circulated water is said
to provide climate control on par with tradi-
tional cooling systems.
GBT’s GreenMachine producing TerraBricks.
Other ecologically-minded technolo-
gies incorporated into the prototype stores
include white roofs, daylight harvesting
mechanisms, motion-sensitive light emit-
ting diodes (LEDs) in grocery and jewelry
cases, and efficient bathroom fixtures. The
corporation also uses recycled construction
materials, requiring as much as 20 percent
fly ash or 25 percent slag in its cement mix-
es. The steel used for structural building is
reportedly 90 percent recycled content, pro-
tecting the environment through the use of
by-products rather than raw materials. Not
only is this building method environmen-
tally friendly, but it is often economically
practical as well. The cement/fly ash com-
position uses fewer natural resources and
ages better than traditional options, requir-
ing less frequent replacement.
While Wal-Mart is making significant
ecological advancements, its HE
stores are still only prototypes.
The corporation maintains a
green orientation through its HE
stores by researching new meth-
ods of conservation, assessing the
data to see what works and what
does not, and using that informa-
tion to make its business more
environmentally friendly. The
result is “a win-win situation,”
explains Lundberg. “It’s environ-
mentally responsible and lowers
operating costs. Lesser costs are
then passed on to customers.”
Advancing Green Mideast
Reconstruction
Green technologies are expanding well
beyond our borders. Virginia-based Geo-
Building Technologies is utilizing green
technology in order to improve the con-
struction industry in Afghanistan as well
as in other developing countries. The firm
has created a self-powered system known
as “The GreenMachine,” which produces
Wal-Mart’s HE.5 prototype store in Las Vegas, Nevada. contractor Frederic S. Berger has comment-
ed that “The TerraBrick concept will not
only allow rapid development of urgently
needed, high quality residential facilities
for our faculty and staff, but also reflects
the long-term environmental responsibil-
ity the university must communicate to its
students.”
Yukiko Omura, executive vice president
of the World Bank Multilateral Invest-
ment Guarantee Agency adds, “Attracting
foreign direct investment is critical to the
reconstruction efforts and sustainable long-
term economic growth of Afghanistan.”
Local Green Outlook
A recent open house hosted by Kanka-
kee-based Connected Community high-
lighted the green movement. A few in
attendance shared their, sometimes humor-
ous, thoughts on the history of the green
concept. One speaker, for instance, recalled
the presidency of Jimmy Carter, who advo-
cated driving no faster than 50 mph as well
as reducing total vehicles on the road, in an
effort to create safer travel and lower emis-
sion output. Another admitted that, in her
youth, “they talked about recycling, but we
never did it.” Yet, most of the businesspeo-
ple at the event expressed a genuine inter-
est in understanding how preserving their
composite, exact
tongue-and-groove,
condensed earth
blocks known as
TerraBricks. Com- Energy-conserving electronics, like these offered by Connected
posed of subsoil and Community, can be integrated into homes and businesses to control
lighting, temperature, humidity and more.
small amounts of ei-
ther cement or lime,
these blocks do not require mortar and their natural surroundings and saving money can
production cost is said to be half that of tra- go hand in hand.
ditional kiln-fired bricks. The innovation Connected Community specializes in
has proven to be a sound source of efficiency custom design and construction of home
considering the production, installation and entertainment systems. Founder Ron Ro-
maintenance costs of other building materi- mano calls conservation the motivating fac-
als. And, the bricks’ largely carbon-neutral tor in how he conducts his business. “It’s in
composition adds to their earth-friendly the little things,” explains Romano, “trying
image. to consolidate and route vehicles to be more
GBT’s TerraBricks have found numer- fuel efficient, consecutively, instead of many
ous applications in Afghanistan, includ- little runs.
ing a Kabul housing complex comprising a “We take what we can and make it as
gymnasium, an orphanage and a vocational eco-friendly as possible so as to be respon-
training institute. American University of sible in our sales and as a company.” This is
Afghanistan Vice Chairman and building Continued on next page
 COVER STORY Continued from page 11

have a very positive effect on the environ-

ment,” says Connected Community partner
Amanda Romano. She explains that the
fi rm does not use “going green” as a mere
marketing ploy. Connected Community
seeks to provide real benefit to the region;
that is part of how the business thrives.

Commitment to open Space

Rhapsody Cove is a new housing develop-
ment located at the northeast corner of 6000
During an april presentation for the Will economic network, legat architects President/Ceo Patrick N. and 4150 W. Roads, adjacent to both
Brosnan stated that one of the most effective ways for municipalities to address green development Bourbonnais and Manteno. Here, develop-
is to adopt mixed-use developmental planning into their communities’ comprehensive plan.
ers aim to provide the best of both worlds—
nature and community. The site is five to 10
minutes from the Kankakee State Park, the
post office, the newly built Jewel store, I-57,
evidenced in Romano’s practice of recycling Electronics as its primary product provider. dinated into a single device, meeting com- Olivet Nazarene University, and countless
wire as well as in his company’s specialized Founded 40 years ago, Crestron is a lead- fort requirements while conserving time restaurants, churches and shopping venues.
lighting, heating and air control systems. ing proponent of control system design. Its and energy. Th is technology also provides At the heart of Rhapsody Cove, however, is
Green concepts are also employed in the control systems are said to significantly al- for remote access and control, allowing an its connection to the landscape.
office. The company’s personal lighting re- ter the way electronics perform, integrating individual to return to a lighted home with Cove developers Bill Bonner and Mark
portedly has been decreased by 6 percent, sub-system control and scheduling seam- the click of a remote control. Johnson told B2B Illinois that they aspire
performing efficiently at an undetectable lessly into the design of any building. Issues “From lighting and shading control to to design and engineer “one of the most
lower level, thereby conserving energy. of ambient light levels, season, time, occu- heating and air conditioning control, we’re beautiful, functional and sellable land
Connected Community uses Crestron pancy, temperature and humidity are coor- [showing] just how much electronics can plans.” The development consists of 243

Green Guide for Business Owners
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
Adopting environmentally friendly and energy-efficient business practices can benefit
business owners looking to control costs, attract customers and become socially re-
sponsible. Following are steps that may be taken to implement an effective environ-
mental strategy in order to become energy efficient, compliant with environmental
regulations and a recognized “green business.”
n Step 1: Comply with Environmental Regulations
Green businesses should comply with all relevant environmental
regulations. Compliance not only protects the environment, it
protects businesses from government fines and legal
action.
n Step 2: Develop an Environmental Management Plan
Running a green business means creating an environ-
mentally friendly, energy-efficient workplace. A sound
environmental plan can help minimize a company’s eco-
footprint and encourage green business practices throughout
the organization.
n Step 3: Build Green
Those opening businesses in new or remodeled buildings may
consider building green and installing energy-efficient heating
and air conditioning systems, appliances, equipment and lighting.
n Step 4: Buy Green Products
Consider buying green products that are made from post-consumer, recycled
materials as well as those that are bio-based, non-toxic, energy-efficient rated
products, such as those with the ENERGY STAR® logo. Consider renewable and
recyclable options in addition to locally-produced variations.
n Step 5: Adopt Energy-Efficient Practices
The prudent and conservative use of energy, says the U.S. Small Business Admin-
istration, is a proven way to cut costs, increase profitability and create shareholder
value. Given the potentially high returns and minimal risk, implementing energy-ef-
ficiency practices is at the core of most environmental management strategies. An
energy audit is recommended in order to identify energy-saving options for those
opening a home-based business or moving into an existing commercial building.
n Step 6: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Wastes
Most businesses can save a substantial amount of money by reducing waste. In
addition to lower removal costs, waste-reduction measures help cut costs on raw
materials, office supplies and equipment. Streamlining operations to reduce waste
may also enhance a company’s overall efficiency, productivity and public image.
Operational procedures may include the use of post-consumer, recycled prod-
ucts; elimination of excessive product packaging materials; optimizing the
use of paper products; and participating in recycling programs.
n Step 7: Conserve Water
By implementing a water efficiency program, businesses can not
only help conserve a precious resource, but also cut costs associ-
ated with buying, heating, treating and disposing of it. An initial water
audit may be conducted by a local water agency. Thereafter,
business owners may choose to conserve water by upgrad-
ing to newer technologies and using water-saving equipment
utilities. A related initiative involves minimizing discharges to
sewer/wastewater systems.
n Step 8: Prevent Pollution
All businesses pay to handle waste, regardless of the type or volume.
Companies actually pay twice for what they use—once when they
purchase raw materials and then when they rid themselves of any by-products. Re-
ducing waste and finding new uses for by-products will save money and improve
the environment.
n Step 9: Create a Green Marketing Strategy
Those starting a green business should properly market themselves. Adding
“green” claims and eco-labels to a marketing strategy will enhance brand im-
age and secure market share among the growing number of environmentally
concerned consumers.
n Step 10: Join industry Partnership and Stewardship Programs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsors a number of
industry partnership and stewardship programs that aim to reduce the impact
of industrial activities on the environment. These partnerships can be a way for
companies to forge relationships with other green business owners, as well as build
a brand that is credible.
 “Rhapsody Cove is a lot more involved
than the final profit margin; it is about
the heritage of our country and the
preservation of our land.”
—Bill Bonner, developer, Rhapsody Cove

acres, enough
space to ac-
commodate 107
single-acre home
development sites
along with 153 acres
earmarked for fishing
and boating lakes, wild-
life and pure open space.
The balance is to be reserved Local foreseeable future. And, going forward, a
for future expansion. applications company’s ability to harness the potential of
Bonner and Johnson were par- of the GeoComfort the green movement will likely contribute
ticular in hiring design profession- system include the City of to its overall success. Legat Architects, a
als for the Cove project. They say Kankakee’s Willow Street Ar- presenter at a recent Will County Economic
that only the best conservation devel- mory building, which houses fire de- Network luncheon said it quite succinctly:
opers, wetland and prairie experts, and partment officials. The site also serves as a “Our businesses, prospects and clients are
specialized contracting architects were public exhibit of the technology. Home Ap- learning about sustainability.”
consulted. energy costs re- pliance also will install a geothermal system “Are you prepared?”
“Rhapsody Cove is a lot more involved duced to an average in an earth home application in the Minne
than the final profit margin,” notes Bonner. of $100 per month. Monesse area. Olivet Nazarene University intern Ashley
Green is here to stay, at least for the DeArmond contributed to this feature.
“It is about the heritage of our country and Unlike changing air tempera-
the preservation of our land.” By promot- tures, ground temperatures four feet to six
ing the green development, Rhapsody Cove feet below the earth's surface remain rela- Announcing Speckman Commercial
not only accomplishes its primary goal of tively moderate and consistent all year. That
preservation, restoration, enhancement is because the earth absorbs 47 percent of
and stewardship of Illinois’ native prairies all the heat energy that reaches its surface
and wetlands for future generations. It also from the sun. Geothermal technologies es-
achieves what developers view as a better sentially tap the energy stored in the earth,
way of conducting business, one that ben- and according to industry representatives,
efits both the proprietors and the surround- totally eliminate the reliance on fossil fu-
ing community. els. Geothermal systems are said to save an
estimated 30 percent to 70 percent on users’
Seeking Energy Alternatives monthly utility bills as well.
Though geothermal technologies have Home Appliance carries EnerTech’s
been around GeoComfor t A division of
since the 1970s, systems. Com-
explains Bill pany literature Speckman Realty, GMAC
Batkiewicz of claims that a
K a nk a kee’s single piece of
Home Appli- equipment has
ance, they are the ability to
seeing increased heat and cool
use today as peo- a home, while
ple seek reliable providing some
energy alterna- or all of its hot
tives. The appeal water as well. 2195 S. Kensington Ave, Kankakee 609 E. Court, Kankakee 323 W. Broadway, Bradley
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notes that the 168 rentable units which features grav- Street/Route 17. Large showroom w/ Store front and 2 efficiency apartments
thermal reduces ground as a heat source to warm buildings in winters and as a heat extracted el drive, security fence & touch pad slid- offices and conference room. Call today above and one 1BR apartment. Call for
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overall energy can be put to

cost savings, which Batkiewicz calls “pretty use in fueling the air conditioning system. Manteno: 815-468-2880 | Bourbonnais: 815-937-4370
dramatic.” He tells of one residential cus- He adds that geothermal units can com- Kankakee: 815-932-7448 | Momence: 815-472-2428
tomer from Peotone who, after installing pletely replace or merely supplement tradi- Watseka: 815-432-1200
a geothermal system, has seen his total tional heating/cooling systems.
Wal-Mart Illinois
Embraces Local
Green Vendors
Wal-Mart Illinois is calling for local
vendors to supply sustainable products and
services to Wal-Mart stores across the state
and in Illinois. The program was announced
in April at the Greater Northwest Chicago
Development Corporation Annual Meet-
ing & Environmental Panel.
Whether it’s selling products made from
recycled materials or using energy-efficient
technologies, Wal-Mart is searching for
more ways to enhance its dedication to en-
vironmental stewardship. Some examples of
vendors’ “green” products and services could
include:
A farmer who sells organic goods
n
n A company that pressure-washes side-
walks using technology that captures the
water for reuse
n A landscaper who uses innovative tech-
niques to conserve water
n A recycling company that collects paint,
aerosol cans, old electronics, or other
by Andrew Wheeler
items
“Wal-Mart has made strides to imple-
ment environmentally friendly products and
practices in our stores, and we want to work
with more local companies to take sustain-
ability to the next level,” said Todd Libbra,
Wal-Mart Regional General Manager.
“Our call to vendors will not only help us
support our commitment to protecting the
earth, but also support our local businesses
and economies.”
Wal-Mart already has identified and is
working with local Chicagoland vendors vendor’s proposal, they provide it to the a streamlined design of the water-source
corporate Wal-Mart office heating, cooling and refrigeration system,
and looks forward to expanding those re-
lationships. coupled with the new secondary refrigera-
n The corporate office reviews the proposal
How the process works: tion loop. This is the first time secondary
and makes the final decision
loop technology has been paired with a
n A vendor contacts his or her local Wal- If approved, the vendor provides his or
n water-source system. The store components
Mart store manager to set up a meeting her products and services during a 6-12 include:
The vendor meets with the store manager month trial period; vendors may continue
n
n 100 percent integrated water-source for-
and/or market manager to pitch his or her to sell their goods past this time if suc-
mat heating, cooling and refrigeration
product or service cessful.
system, where water is used to heat and
If the Wal-Mart managers approve the cool the building
n Building Green
Wal-Mart also is stepping up their com- n State-of-the-art secondary refrigeration
mitment to green building technologies. In loop that reduces refrigerant by 90 per-
January, the retail giant opened their new cent

WE UNDERSTAND
High-Efficiency prototype (HE.2) store in n Motion-activated light-emitting diodes
Romeoville, Ill. Designed to significantly (LEDs) in refrigerated and freezer cases,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use 25

COMMITMENT.
plus additional glass doors on deli and
percent less energy than a typical Wal-Mart dairy cases
Supercenter, the Romeoville HE.2 Super-
center is the first of four expected to open n Optimized pump package that is 50 per-
this year. cent smaller than the HE.1 store's and
The HE.2 will use many of the energy uses even less copper piping
For decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing personal-
ized investment service to individuals. improvements from the first generation n Industry-leading daylight harvesting
High-Efficiency (HE.1) series as well as technology
You can rely on us for: introduce new and improved technologies,
Reflective white membrane roof
❙ Convenience such as a state-of-the art secondary loop re-
n

Face-to-face meetings, when and where you’re available frigeration system. n Recycled construction materials such as
“We’ve taken the most efficient prototype fly-ash, slag, integrally colored concrete
❙ Timely Information floors, and plastic baseboards and chair
in the retail industry and made it even bet-
Technology that gives you instant access to information on your account ter by incorporating some of the most inno- rails
and other investments vative products in building today,” said Eric n Sensor-activated low-flow bathroom fau-
❙ Personal Service Zorn, president, Wal-Mart Realty. “We cets and waterless urinals
Investment guidance for your personal needs hope to continue making our stores even
more efficient and sharing our learnings Andrew Wheeler is the editor
with the world, as we work toward a more of B2B Illinois.
sustainable future for our company and our
customers.”
The 5 percent improvement in energy ef-
ficiency over the HE.1 stores comes from
Tom Vaccaro David Robinson, AAMS Bob Meyers, AAMS
815/937-5674 815/932-8484 815/939-1175
Bourbonnais Kankakee Bradley
063008219101088

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Green is Everyone’s
Favorite Color
The growing awareness of global warm-
ing and the environmental dangers it poses
have ignited action on many levels, from in-
dustry regulation to community action, and
from coordinated institutional response to
individual initiatives. Responsible citizens
of the world, be they governments, busi-
nesses, or single families, are striving to go
green, preserve green and restore green in
our lifestyle and to our environment.
“As an educational institution, Governors
State University has a responsibility to our
students and the community to make our
environmental impact as positive as pos-
sible,” said Susan Rakstang, associate vice
president for Facilities Development and
Management. “We believe we have to lead
by example.”
With more than 6,000 students and 900
employees, Governors State University rec-
ognizes the need to be a model global citi-
zen. It has been environmentally responsible
for many years. A long-standing, university-
wide recycling program elicits the partici-
pation and support of students, faculty and
staff. More than 75 tons of recyclable mate-
rials are collected annually. Additionally, the
Workplace Wellness Programs Pay Off
THE PROBLEM
He
Increase workforce R.O.I. through Wellness Solutions.
187 S. Schuyler Ave., Suite 500, Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone 815.936.3580 Fax 815.936.3583 Toll-Free 877.936.3580
by Lindsay Gladstone
university also recycles copper, aluminum,
oil, batteries, and construction materials as
upgrades and renovations occur. The house-
keeping staff uses earth-friendly cleansers
and products throughout the facility.
In 2006, the university installed one of
the largest solar-thermal systems in Illinois.
The system pre-heats water for GSU's swim-
ming pool and provides domestic hot water
for portions of the university. Through grants
from the Illinois Clean Energy Community
Solar thermal collectors on the roof of GSU’s gymnasium.
sts
Co
e
ar
hc
alt
Call CIBC—your solutions specialists.
Foundation, the university replaced high
wattage lamps with energy efficient lamps
that consume 154,000 less watts per year.
“This upgrade in light fixtures represents
a sizable amount of energy and financial
savings,” explained Charles DeBrizzio,
chief engineer at GSU. “We removed all of
the old lights, broke them down into their
component parts, and sold the scraps. Very
little ended up in the landfill. We recycle
everything we can and use recycled materi-
als wherever possible. Our goal is to reduce
our production of waste products and our
use of energy.”
In addition to the institutional response
to environmental issues, the university
has also responded academically, with in-
creased coursework and research on the
THE SOLUTION
He
alt
hc
ar
eC
os
ts
environment.
Within the science programs, there are
numerous opportunities to study the effects
of pollution; environmental chemistry, biol-
ogy, physiology, and toxicology; as well as
population ecology. In addition to classes,
there are also many research opportunities
in and around the GSU campus, using the
variety of natural environments that provide
an ideal laboratory. Environmental study
opportunities are also offered in Michigan,
Belize and China.
Public Administration and Social Sci-
ences programs include a focus on urban
growth and planning, with an emphasis on
the environmental impact. Within the Col-
lege of Health Professions, courses and re-
search opportunities investigate the effects
of environmental issues on health and ac-
cess to healthcare. Additionally, GSU also
provides environmental education opportu-
nities for students learning to be teachers so
they can better teach about environmental
issues when they graduate.
“While these actions are very effective
and we are very proud of everything we do
here at GSU, we recognize that preserving
and protecting the environment is a con-
tinuous process,” adds Rakstang. “We are
always looking to take positive steps toward
energy conservation.”
Lindsay Gladstone is the assistant coordi-
nator of Public Affairs for Governors State
University.
063008209101154
www.cibcinc.com
Organize It! | by Karen McGregor
Ask The Organizer
Thank you to everyone who submitted
questions for me to answer in my column
this month! Here is what was on your
minds, along with my responses.
Q: Getting out of the house in the
morning on time (and intact) is a chal-
lenge! I can never find what I need. Any
suggestions?
A: Organize your “landing/launching
pad”—the space in your home where every-
thing gets thrown when you “land” at home
and later “launch” yourself into the world.
Put up hooks for keys, purses, umbrellas,
backpacks and coats; provide racks or bins
for shoes; hang slots for incoming/outgoing
paperwork; add a mirror for final appear-
ance checks; and keep a basket or tote there
for things to take with you when you leave.
Q: I work out of my car a lot and it’s a
disaster. I lost some mail the other day
when I opened the door and it blew away
down the street. Yikes! What can I do?
Zip-Pak
Research Findings
Sustainability of Flexible Packaging for
Deli Meat and Cereal Applications
Zip-Pak, a world leader in differentiating
brands with resealable packaging technolo-
gy, announces its latest research findings on
the relationship between flexible packaging
and sustainability. The life cycle inventory
(LCI), conducted by Franklin Associates,
an independent third party research firm,
demonstrates the smaller environmental
footprint of flexible resealable packaging as
compared to rigid alternatives.
The study included eight packaging
systems consisting of six deli meat pack-
ages and two breakfast cereal packages. The
packages included both flexible packaging
formats with resealable closures as well as
rigid packaging formats. Key findings of
the LCI include that products packaged
in flexible pouches with resealable clo-
sures had lower energy consumption, solid
waste generation and greenhouse gas emis-
A: Treat your car like any other “office”
space, creating zones and containerizing
where necessary. There are many organiz-
ing products made specifically for vehicles:
portable hanging file bins, back-of-the seat
hanging organizers and passenger seat
mini-desks are a few examples. Accessibil-
ity is key—keep safety while driving in the
forefront when choosing these products.
Portability may also be essential if you fre-
quently alternate between working in your
car and a stationary office.
Q: I hate my closet! Getting ready for
work in the morning is no fun. I can’t find
matching clothes quickly and always end
up frazzled. I’m tired of starting my day
this way! Something needs to give!
A: Here are a few tips specific to closets
that may help.
Start by sorting and purging your clothes
first. Use the hanger “flip trick” to find the
items you don’t ever wear. Start a season
with all clothes hangers facing the same di-
from press release
sions than the rigid systems included in the
analysis. Further, although transportation
energy accounted for less than 17 percent of
total energy for all systems, the results show
that transportation energy requirements for
the reusable rigid containers are higher than
those for the flexible packaging systems.
The study concluded that resealable flex-
ible packaging is a more sustainable option
when compared to rigid packaging. This
conclusion is bolstered by the superior prod-
uct-to-package ratio, lower energy foot-
print, lower solid waste footprint and lower
greenhouse gas emissions throughout the
life-cycle of resealable flexible packages.
“Inspired by the packaging industry’s
commitment to a greener future, Zip-Pak
is likewise dedicated to the issue of sustain-
ability and is mindful of its own environ-
mental footprint. Through this research,
rection on the hanging rod. Once you wear
an item, “flip” the hanger around the other
way on the rod. At the end of the season,
all of the “unflipped” items are those that
didn’t get worn (and probably won’t next
summer, either!). Get rid of those items.
Separate casual from dress clothes.
Group like clothing together: short-sleeved
blouses, long-sleeved blouses, sweaters,
blazers, slacks, skirts and dresses. It is also
helpful within those categories to further
sort by color. Hang clothes shortest to lon-
gest, so that other items can be easily stored
under the short-hanging items.
Containerize where appropriate. Get
a belt rack or hanger and use decorative
boxes or hanging organizers for items like
socks, pantyhose and jewelry.
Consider redesigning your closet system
to maximize the space and make things
more accessible. Include in this plan good
lighting, especially in the bottom of the
closet where shoes usually get stored.
Q: So much of my life is disorganized
that I don’t know where to start. I’m just
no good at organizing, even though I des-
perately see the need to change. What can
Zip-Pak has become a more educated re-
source in sustainability so we may help our
customers reduce their own environmental
footprint,” says Bob Hogan, director of
international sales and marketing of Zip-
Pak. “The conclusions of the Franklin As-
sociates study further encourage Zip-Pak to
aggressively pursue future developments to
help reduce the environmental footprint of
packaging, including packaging that incor-
porates next generation materials, films and
closures.”
Shredding on-site provides high
efficiency. Flexible programs will
I do?
A: First, know that EVERY person has
one area of his/her life that IS organized.
Take some time to think about what yours
is. Your recipes? Your music collection?
Your car care products in the garage? Once
you identify this thing, ask yourself, "why
it is so?" Often times you can transfer that
knowledge to other areas of your life. Start
small, in a high impact area, set a timer,
and see what you can accomplish in a set
amount of time. Disorganization causes
clutter to accumulate over time. Don’t ex-
pect things to reverse overnight and enlist
help if you just don’t have the focus or mo-
tivation to stay with it on your own.
NEXT MONTH: Organizing Students
for Back-to-School.
Karen McGregor is a
professional home and
business organizer and
public speaker for Organize
It!
About Zip-Pak
Zip-Pak, celebrating over 20 years of
resealable packaging innovations, offers
seven distinct technologies that provide the
framework for more than 200 patented zip-
per profiles. A global leader for resealable
packaging solutions, Zip-Pak is an Illinois
Tool Works (ITW) Company. World head-
quarters are located in Manteno, Ill., USA.
Zip-Pak is a proud member of the Sustain-
able Packaging Coalition.
security, convenience and cost
fit any size office’s needs.
Serving you since 1987.
815-932-3889
063008209101153
Arctic Snow and Ice
Chooses Bradley
Manufacturing Location
At a May press conference, area econom-
ic development leaders formally welcomed
Arctic Snow & Ice Control to the Kanka-
kee River Valley. The Economic Alliance
of Kankakee County announced the intent
of the Frankfort-based snowplow manufac-
turer to occupy nearly 60,000 square feet
Back Power and
Brain Power: Both Jobs
Need Education
by Nancy J. Ruda, B2B Illinois correspondent
The message at the Public Agenda for
Illinois Higher Education summit held at
KCC in June was loud and clear: If you
build an educated workforce, businesses
and industries that offer high-paying jobs
will come to the state. A fact that explains
the education/economic development di-
lemma in Illinois: an increase in the num-
ber of individuals without high school
diplomas and in jobs that do not require
higher education.
How can the state increase its education
potential so that it is more appealing to the
businesses and industries that can jumpstart
its economy?
The National Center for Higher Educa-
tion Management Systems is on a fact-find-
ing mission to study the state’s challenges/
opportunities facing higher education,
workforce needs, demographic trends and
funding, and to develop a plan that will
allocate government resources to address
these needs.
NCHEMS divided the state into 10 Eco-
nomic Development Regions. Kankakee,
Will and Grundy Counties are grouped in
the Northeast Region.
Northeast Region
n The largest and most diverse economic
area in the state
n Two levels of dramatic population
B2B staff report
of manufacturing space in the Ken Hayes
Industrial Park.
According to The Alliance, the operation
is expected to produce a $4 million invest-
ment at the site, and Arctic Snow and Ice
will manufacture their plow on-site. Owner
Randy Strait anticipates that approximately
40 new employees will be required once the
operation is running at full capacity, 15 to
20 of which will be hired in the start-up
phase.
“We are very pleased that Arctic Snow
has chosen the Ken Hayes Industrial Park
to expand its business,” remarked Econom-
growth:
• Adults, age 65+
• Latinos
“The success rate of the current popu-
lation faces a major challenge,” Aims
McGuinness Jr., NCHEMS, said. “It has a
large number of individuals entering the job
market without high school diplomas who
are taking lower-paying jobs. But, this is
where they are staying.
“To earn a living wage in Illinois, you
must have the minimum of a high school
education and some college. This is not hap-
pening; hence, the lack of significant busi-
Experienced
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0208-068
ic Alliance President Mike Van Mill. “The
move clearly illustrates that our community
pied by now defunct furniture manufacturer
Abitare, Inc. The Kankakee County Eco-
is a desirable manufacturing locale. And, nomic Development Association, a private
considering Arctic Snow’s innovative snow economic development organization which
plow design, the company’s growth poten- supplies seven members to the board of the
tial is truly limitless.” Economic Alliance of Kankakee County,
Part of the manufacturing space Arctic manages the Ken Hayes Industrial Park.
intends on occupying is the space formerly
occupied by the Three Source order fulfill-
ment center, and the space formerly occu-
“(Arctic’s) move clearly illustrates
that our community is a desirable
manufacturing locale.”
— Mike Van Mill, Economic Alliance president
nesses and industries looking for employees
with higher educations. The result is lack of
economic development.”
n
n
Special Education
Computer Systems
He used the following information for the
Northeast Region to demonstrate his point.
The cost of higher education in Illinois
certainly contributes to the spiral. The na-
Top 5 Occupations with the Most Aver-
age Annual Openings
tional percentage of income needed to pay
for four-year college expenses is 31 percent.
In Illinois, higher education requires 35
n Retail Salespersons percent of one’s income.
Nationally, students borrow $3,619 each
n Laborers/Stock Movers
year for college expenses. In Illinois, they
Cashiers
n borrow $3,770—almost 10 percent more
Waiters/Waitresses annually.
n
McGuinness drew these conclusions.
n Food Prep/Fast Food
n While the Northeast Region has the fast-
But, there are sectors of higher-education est growing population in the state over-
employment across the state that are expe- all, it is attributed to individuals without
riencing the opposite—more demand than higher educations.
supply. n The state needs to produce the educated
population that business and industry are
Nursing looking for today.
n Secondary/Vocational Education
n Computer Engineering
Legris & Associates
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Susan D. Legris, C.P.A.
Specializing in QuickBooks®
Individual & Business Income Tax Preparation
Accounting and Payroll Processing
Certified QuickBooks® ProAdvisor
Consulting (Both on-site and in our office)
FOR ALL YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
AND PERSONAL NEEDS
(815) 935-8088
16A Briarcliff Professional Center,
Bourbonnais, IL
www.legriscpa.com
Green…It’s the
New Corporate Color
by Nancy J. Ruda, B2B Illinois correspondent
It doesn’t matter if you’re responsible for
the heating and air conditioning system, for
office supplies, for information technology,
or for just getting to work on time, you’d have
to be living under your desk if you haven’t
heard about the importance of “going green”
in the workplace. Across America, employ-
ers and business owners are looking earnest-
ly at the external and internal make-ups of
their buildings and work sites for innovative
solutions through sustainable practices.
And, it’s a commitment that everyone in
the boardroom to the mailroom takes seri-
ously. Guided by principles of integrity and
compliance, operations are being managed
with a trained eye on environmental pro-
tection, social responsibility, and economi-
cal soundness. In other words, protecting
the environment and the health and safety
of employees, customers, contractors, and
the public by learning how to make green
happen.
Several leaders in environmental services
gathered on April 17 for a panel discussion
on the business of going green. Here is a
synopsis of the topics that were presented.
Panelists at the “Go Green and How to Make It Happen” program listen to remarks from Mary Beth Hearn, 1st vice president, EDCSS. From left to right: Stan Rob-
inson, executive director of Environmental Services, University of Chicago Medical Center; Tony Holub, AIA LEED AP, Demonica Del Muro Associates, LLC; and
William Haas, Energy Division representative, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Photo by Nancy J. Ruda.
Tony Holub, AIA LEED AP, Demonica
Del Muro Associates, LLC
“Environmental conscientiousness is not
a new concept. It is simply re-understand-
ing and relearning how to be good stewards
of our health and of our world.”
Holub called special emphasis to the im-
portance of the words “re-understanding
and relearning” because while the corpo-
rate world knows what it should be doing
to conserve energy and to curb pollution is
not necessarily what it is doing. “No mat-
ter when, the focus is always on the bottom
line. The difference between then and now
is how safely we get there.”
He refers to today’s spreadsheet number
as a “triple bottom line” or as a reinforc-
ing combination of people, the planet, and
prosperity that are guided and mentored by
nature. The core of these three components
is sustainability or finding a better way to
“build green.”
In construction, he says, the key is to
start early—to “think green” from the out-
set. “Conservation should not be an af-
terthought because the price of ‘building
green’ reduces the overall costs of employee
absenteeism, maintenance, site longevity,
and operations. The return on investment
can be as high as 25 to 45 percent with a
three- to five-year payback in increased
productivity and sales.”
Buildings and construction are responsi-
ble for almost half of all the greenhouse gas
emissions and energy that is consumed in
the U.S. each year. This figure includes the
energy that is used in the production and
transportation of materials to work sites and
what is used to operate the building itself.
“The importance of designing sustain-
able, high-performance or LEED®-based
green buildings cannot be overstated in
their ability to reduce overall energy use and
to improve indoor air quality and comfort.”
He concluded, “The question shouldn’t be
how much will it cost to build green…but
how much will it cost not to build green?
It’s important for builders to lead in sustain-
ability—not to wait for others to act and
then to follow.”
Stan Robinson, Executive Director of
Environmental Services, University of
Chicago Medical Center
“Waste is a measure of inefficiency. If you
are not reducing, reusing, and recycling, you
are operating inefficiently at all levels.”
While the University of Chicago Medi-
cal Center is “at the forefront of medicine,”
Robinson says that it is “at the forefront of
being green” in the healthcare industry as
well. In the past three years, the system has
upped the amount of its recyclables from 2
to 25 percent and has targeted 40 percent
as its goal.
“It’s one thing to ‘think green.’ It’s anoth-
er thing to actually do it. Without a doubt,
going green saves green.” Here are some of
the endeavors that Robinson initiated at the
medical center and in other buildings on its
campus.
n Replaced chemical-heavy cleaning prod-
ucts with clean-air ones wherever pos-
sible. In one instance, Robinson nixed six
commercial cleaning products with a sin-
gle earth-friendly alternative. “The new
green product is all six of the old products
in one healthy cleaner. It’s an all-around
winner for our patients, our workers, and
the atmosphere.”
n Began buying green. “Green purchasing”
means using recycled-content products,
environmentally preferable products and
services, bio-based products, energy- and
water-efficient products, alternate-fuel
vehicles, and alternatives to hazardous or
toxic chemicals.
n Invested in a baler to recycle all corrugat-
ed cardboard. Rather than incur the cost
of disposal and the discomfort of sending
its cardboard to landfills, the healthcare
center is now sending $2,000 in savings
per month to its bottom line thanks to
corrugated recycling.
n Recycling plastics, construction prod-
ucts, metals, aluminum, and electronics
for scrap.
n Sending old furniture to third world
countries in need
Robinson believes that companies and
businesses should make sure that their com-
munities and government leaders are aware
of what they’re doing to protect the environ-
ment. He said it shows that you care about
the future and that you value their support.
“When we take care of the environment,
we take care of our patients. It has been and
always will be the right thing to do.”
William Haas, Energy Division Repre-
sentative, Illinois Department of Com-
merce and Economic Opportunity
“A holistic energy plan that identifies op-
portunities for saving money should be part
of every corporate strategy.”
While Illinois’ new Energy Efficiency
programs were not available until June,
Haas pointed out that there are plenty of
steps that every business can take to become
more energy efficient and to prepare for par-
ticipation in the programs.
n Review past energy audits.
n Assess performance with these tools.
n ComEd Building Energy Analysis Tool:
ComEdCARE.com helps participants
understand how they use energy to run
their businesses, and it provides tips for
better management usage.
n Energy Star Benchmarking and Portfolio
Manager: energystar.gov/buildings
n DCEO-LEAP Program: This Depart-
ment of Commerce and Economic Op-
portunity program targets clients that
have energy costs greater than $500,000
per year and provides rebates of 50 per-
cent (up to $10,000 each) for the cost of
developing an energy-efficiency action
plan and for a technical assessment.
n Consult a technical expert.
n Find an “energy engineer” at energystar.
gov/index.cfm or research the Smart En-
ergy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC)
at sedac.org.
n Learn about available energy efficiency
grants from the Illinois Clean En-
ergy Community Foundation at illi-
noiscleanenergy.org.
n Learn about best practices.
n Building Operator Certification: boccen-
tral.org
n Federal Energy Management Program:
eere.energy.gov/femp
n American Council for an Energy Effi-
cient Economy: aceee.org
n ComEd Energy Essentials: ComE-
dCARE.com
n Smart Returns Program: A “load re-
sponse” program from ComEd that pays
financial incentives to business customers
for reducing their electricity usage during
times when ComEd’s distribution system
is experiencing high levels of demand.
Label-Watching
Watch for building and maintenance
products and companies that bear these
certified earth-friendly labels.
Energy Star
Established by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency, Energy Star products per-
form as well as their traditional counterparts
while using up to 75 percent less energy.
Products include appliances, electronics,
and light bulbs.
FSC
The FSC logo signifies that paper and
wood products (such as furniture and floor-
ing) have been harvested using certified
sustainable standards. It was developed by
the Forest Stewardship Council.
Green Building Initiative
The mission of the Green Building Initia-
tive is to accelerate the adoption of practices
that result in energy-efficient, healthier,
and environmentally sustainable buildings
by promotion credible and practical green-
building approaches for commercial and
residential construction.
Green Seal
Products like cleaners, paints, and paper
earn a Green Seal certification if they have
a low impact on the environment through-
out their life cycles, from manufacturing to
disposal.
GreenSpec® Listed
This database includes over 2,100 green
building products, specifications, and prac-
tices for use by architects and construc-
tion professionals. It was developed by the
editors of Environmental Building News,
an independently published and advertise-
ment-free newsletter.
LEED®
The Leadership in Energy and Environ-
mental Design (LEED®) Green building
Rating system™ is a nationally accepted
benchmark for the design, construction,
and operations of high-performance green
buildings. LEED was developed by the
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC),
a nonprofit organization working to trans-
form the building industry to sustainable
practices. It is the industry standard for
green building specifications.
Oikos Product Directory
This directory is the most comprehen-
sive listing of products and services for en-
ergy-efficient, environmentally responsible
building construction.
Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
SBIC members and partners share the
common goal of delivering buildings that
provide long-term value and performance;
that reduce operating costs; that keep oc-
cupants safe, comfortable, and healthy; and
that protect the natural environment.
The “Go Green and Learn How to Make
It Happen” program was presented and
sponsored by the Economic Development
Council for the Southwest Suburbs (EDC-
SS), Moraine Valley Community College,
Great Lakes Bank of Choice, Workforce
Development and Community Services,
the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity, the Southwest
Conference of Mayors, and the Economic
Development Council for the Southwest
Suburbs. More than 200 persons from a di-
verse range of companies attended.
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815-935-9960
www.connectedcommunityonline.com
 “Man shapes himself through decisions that shape his environment.”
—René Dubos

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Pay Attention to
Parents’ Investment
Strategies
If your parents are getting older, you may
have to assist them in various aspects of
daily life—one of which may be their in-
vestment strategies. And by being “proac-
tive,” you may be able to make things much
easier for Mom and Dad in their retirement
years.
One of the best things you can do for your
parents is to find out if they are investing in
a way that’s appropriate for their situation.
When many people get older, they tend to
get more financially conservative, choosing
investments that offer significant preser-
vation of principal, such as certificates of
deposit (CDs) and U.S. Treasury securi-
ties. And of course, this is understandable,
because your parents, like many people at
their stage of life, probably don’t want to
take too many financial risks. And yet, by
“taking no chances” with their money, they
could actually be taking on more risk than
they think.
Why? Because by investing too
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conservatively, they might not be able to
afford the lifestyle they’ve chosen, given the
importance of two factors: longevity and
inflation.
Let’s consider longevity first. The aver-
age 65-year-old man is expected to live 16.5
more years, while the average 65-year-old
woman has 19.1 more years of life expec-
tancy, according to the Social Security Ad-
ministration. And these figures, as noted,
are averages, which means that half of all
men and half of all women can expect to
live longer than 81.5 years and 84.1 years,
respectively.
Consequently, your parents could easily
spend two or three decades in retirement.
And if they’re investing predominantly in
fixed-income vehicles, their returns may not
even keep up with inflation. For example,
suppose your parents’ total cost of living
is currently $80,000 per year. If inflation
were to average 3 percent annually over the
next 20 years, your parents would then need
063008201101526
more than $144,000 per year just to main-
tain the same standard of living that they
enjoy today.
So, given the possibility of a long retire-
ment combined with the cumulative effects
of inflation, your parents will likely need at
least some growth potential in their invest-
ment portfolio. A reasonable percentage of
quality stocks may be able to provide them
with that potential, but their mix of invest-
ments really depends on their individual
needs, lifestyle choices and risk tolerance.
Here’s one other investment-related ques-
tion you may want to raise with your par-
ents: How much should they take out each
year from their 401(k) and IRA? It’s essen-
tial that they neither withdraw so much that
they deplete their accounts nor so little that
they can’t afford the things they enjoy. Yet,
because the ideal withdrawal rate depends
on several factors—investment mix, risk
tolerance, life expectancy, other sources of
Hiring a Business
Consultant
When I was starting my consulting/
coaching business, I struggled to call myself
a consultant. Business consultants are not
created equal. It seems as if everyone likes
to call themselves a consultant these days.
Some consultants are very good, while oth-
ers just know the right things to say. If you
are thinking of hiring one, I would suggest
talking to them about their background and
their services offered to see if it’s a great
match with you and your business, and se-
riously consider the amount of money they
are charging. I have met really good consul-
tants who do not charge an arm and a leg or
insist on taking your first born child.
Quite a few years ago, when we were ex-
periencing some major growing pains, we
had a big consulting firm contact us. I had
heard of some bigger companies in our area
using this firm, so I thought I’d at least en-
tertain the idea. They sent a fellow who was
very bright and said things that made me
feel as if he could “fix” our business. He was
basically sent to analyze our business and
then they would send two others to actually
show us how to bring in a lot more profit.
He was a great salesman. I agreed to hire
this company with the knowledge that I
could only fire them in the first four hours.
Needless to say, we fired them within the
four hour period.
My biggest lesson learned is that no one
knows your business better than you do, nor
income—it’s not always easy to determine
the appropriate amount.
You might not have the expertise to help
your parents address these two issues—
choosing the right investments during their
retirement years and taking out the right
amounts from their 401(k) and IRA. And
that’s why you may want to encourage your
parents to work with a professional financial
advisor, if they don’t already have one. At
their stage of life, they really need to make
the right moves.
Bob Meyers is a financial
advisor with Edward Jones in
Kankakee.
by Reneé Perry
should they. You should build your busi-
ness with your vision and ideas. No stranger
is going to have that magic formula that
would allow you to miraculously make tons
of money and have the business of your
dreams. It’s important to be true to your
passion, to your mission, and to be aligned
with your values, which is what business
coaching helps you develop.
There is definitely a place for a good busi-
ness consultant to help business owners/
entrepreneurs get through issues they just
seem unable to overcome by themselves in
an efficient manner. Business consultants
should have at least owned their own suc-
cessful business at some point. I person-
ally believe there’s more to being successful
than just the mechanics of a business. It’s
important to run your business well and to
maintain balance in three parts: 1) physical-
ly—the processes of your business, 2) emo-
tionally—having your values in place, and
3) spiritually—having a vision statement.
Finally, don’t ask a banker about how to
run your business, unless it relates to actual
banking issues. You wouldn’t ask an accoun-
tant for legal advice, and so on. You need to
rely on your instincts when taking advice,
and to consider the source of information,
as well as the possible agenda of others.
Reneé Perry is a small business consultant
and coach in Joliet.
Acres of Diamonds
at Work
There is an old story about a fellow in the
ancient world who, upon learning about di-
amonds, sold his successful farm and spent
his fortune traveling the world in search of
the gems. Several years after he died, hav-
ing never found the diamonds he sought;
others discovered the largest diamond mine
ever found in Africa—on the farm he sold
to begin his quest.
Just for a moment, let’s pretend there was
a special machine that took a retina scan of
every employee in your business and, based
on this scan, it could tell you exactly what
each employee was capable of becoming in
the future. You could then create a custom-
ized development program that resulted in
the most profitable and fulfilling use of ev-
ery employee in your business. Would you
use such a machine, if it were available?
Business leaders often discover an internal
conflict between taking care of the immedi-
ate concerns of the business and a longing to
“do it right” and manage more strategically
for long-term success. Beleaguered execu-
tives often confess that even if they did have
a perfectly clear picture of the best way to
develop and manage their people, current
circumstances wouldn’t allow it.
Research has revealed that mediocre su-
pervisors work under the assumptions that,
everyone should be able to learn how to do
a job with training; and the greatest em-
ployee growth is realized by focusing on the
employee’s areas of weakness.
In contrast, exceptional supervisors as-
sume that, everyone has unique and endur-
ing talents; and, a person’s greatest potential
lies in developing their areas of strength.
Great managers constantly look for ways
to develop and leverage each employee’s
strengths rather than getting trapped in
trying to fix weaknesses.
Business leaders serious about identify-
ing, developing and deploying talent under-
stand that in today’s world getting the right
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people doing the right things is the most
important differentiator in any successful
business. How they understand and manage
people should come before thinking about
how they will effectively compete in the
marketplace. For most business leaders, this
is a difficult shift in mindset to make. After
all, business leaders are normally measured
by annual revenue,
stock value,
earnings, or
the organiza-
tion’s credit rating—all
“hard” financial measures of success. These
“hard metrics” are easy for business leaders
to think they can control and manipulate
through decision-making and the priori-
ties they establish for their organizations.
On the other hand, understanding and de-
ploying talent is much more difficult and
it requires more humility—it doesn’t fit
the “alpha male” concept of many leaders.
How can we balance the scales by creating
equally compelling measurements for iden-
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tifying, hiring, developing and optimizing
talent?
There isn’t a retina scan that measures
potential and illuminates the most effective
pathway to success. But it’s getting closer.
The convergence of psychometrics with job
benchmarking is opening up new methods
to identify deeper reservoirs of potential
in people. Exceptional leaders have expe-
rienced breakthroughs in performance by
asking three simple questions:
n What talent patterns is this job asking
for in order to achieve superior per-
formance? There are specific activities,
rewards and evaluative judgment
patterns that result in superior
performance for every job.
By defining these in detail,
business leaders can de-
velop a profound clarity
that will lead to su-
perior performance.
This picture of what
the job wants can be
used to improve the
hiring process, cre-
ate highly custom-
ized training and
development strate-
gies, and pinpoint
the most important
performance manage-
ment issues for continu-
ous improvement.
n What natural talent
patterns does this person bring
to the job and how should we lever-
age this talent? Every individual brings
a unique combination of behavioral ten-
dencies, motivational biases and evalua-
tive judgment inclinations to their work.
When these fall in relative alignment
with what the job is asking for, superior
performance is practically inevitable (we
call them, “a natural for the position”).
When there is mis-alignment between
these talent patterns and what the job is
asking for, it doesn’t matter what edu-
cation or past experience the employee
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brings, there will always be a struggle
to perform at a superior level. This is the
hard work of managing others—to un-
derstand and leverage the strengths and
to work around or neutralize the weak-
nesses.
n What is the most effective way to de-
velop and focus each person’s talent for
success based on the alignment between
the job and the person? Diagnosis is 90
percent of the cure. If business leaders
can develop a laser-like focus of what a
job is asking for and how natural talent
patterns relate to the job, then learn how
to apply this knowledge to leveraging
strengths and neutralizing weaknesses,
they will begin to understand that their
people represent one of the greatest unde-
rutilized resources in the organization.
Most leaders think they are effective at
identifying opportunities. They pride them-
selves in their ability to understand the dy-
namics of the marketplace, to develop prod-
ucts and services that create future wealth,
to build a loyal customer base, and to man-
age the financial statements for increased
net worth and cash flow. As savvy as these
leaders may be when it comes to markets,
products, customers and assets, they con-
tinually miss the greatest treasure of all.
As a result, they forfeit their own “acres of
diamonds.”
Ron Price is the founder and
CEO of Price Associates, a
company dedicated to
helping business leaders and
entrepreneurs solve problems,
identify solutions and
implement change in strategy and
performance. Ron is also the author of
“Finding Hidden Treasures,” a series of
essays with action steps to aid readers in
mining their own inner talents. As the
former president of the AIM Companies,
Ron directed the strategic, marketing,
compensation and incentive planning, as
well as field training and operations.
Wes Andrews
063008217101137
President; IICRC Certified
Joliet Job Market
Expected to be Among
Strongest in Nation
Joliet area employers expect to hire at a
brisk pace during the third quarter of 2008,
according to the Manpower Employment
Outlook Survey. Among survey partici-
pants, the Joliet area employment outlook
is the tenth best in the nation. From July
to September, 50 percent of the companies
interviewed plans to hire more employees,
while 10 percent expect to reduce their pay-
rolls, according to Manpower spokesperson
Suzanne Cosme. Another 40 percent expect
to maintain their current staff levels.
“Employer sentiment about hiring ap-
pears to be more encouraging than in the
second quarter of 2008 when 34 percent of
companies interviewed intended to add em-
ployees, and 10 percent planned to reduce
staff levels,” said Cosme. “Hiring activity is
expected to be stronger than one year ago
when 23 percent of companies surveyed
planned to increase staff levels and none ex-
pected to cut payrolls.”
For the coming quarter, job prospects ap-
from press release
pear best in Durable Goods Manufacturing,
Transportation/Public Utilities, Services
and Public Administration. Employers in
Construction plan to reduce staffing levels,
while those in Non-Durable Goods Manu-
facturing and Wholesale/Retail Trade voice
mixed hiring intentions. Hiring in Finance/
Insurance/Real Estate and Education is ex-
pected to remain unchanged.
Nationally, U.S. employers are project-
ing a slight decline in hiring for Quarter 3
2008, according to the seasonally adjusted
survey results. Of the 14,000 U.S. employ-
ers surveyed, 26 percent expect to increase
their workforces during the July-September
period, while 10 percent expect to scale back
their payrolls for a net employment outlook
of 16 percent (seasonally adjusted 12 per-
cent). Fifty-eight percent expect no change
in the hiring pace, and 6 percent are unde-
cided about their hiring plans.
(See page 7 for a summary of all Illinois
Survey Results.)

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Going Green in
Will County Top Priority
With greater awareness to environmen-
tal issues, Will County is committed to
continuing the dialogue and efforts for a
healthier environment throughout the year.
Recently, the Will County Waste Services
Division of the Land Use Department
made a big difference in the environment by
hosting various recycling and waste collec-
tion events, along with educating hundreds
of school children and members of the com-
munity on how to Go Green.
Environmental Awards for
Local Schools
At their recent annual Environmental
Awards program, the County group hosted
35 local schools and recognized students for
their contributions to the environment. Held
at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, the
students were heralded for collecting over
716 tons of paper for recycling. Former coun-
ty environmental educator, Joan O’Keefe of
Lockport was also honored for being Will
County’s first environmental educator, as
well as for her numerous contributions.
“I am so proud of what we have done in
Will County to not only educate others on
the importance of a healthy environment,
but to actually walk the walk as well,” said
Will County Executive Larry Walsh, who
personally handed out the awards to the
schools. “We have come a long way in the
last few years when it comes to going green
as a County. It is a top priority.”
Medication Take-Back
Program
A healthy environment also means pro-
tecting water resources, while reducing
materials going into local landfills. The
County’s Medication Take-Back Program
is one way to stop the flushing of unwanted
medications down the drain. With this new
program, residents can drop-off medica-
tions, personal care products and other
The Medication Take-Back Program, here being implemented at Doc’s Drugs in
Peotone, keeps unwanted or expired medications out of our drinking water.
by Lawrence Walsh
medical items to local pharmacies. Last
year, the County established Take-Back
partnerships at all four Basinger Pharmacy
locations in Joliet. This month, the Waste
Services group held grand-openings for
five new partnerships with Doc’s Drugs in
Beecher, Braidwood, Peotone, Monee and
Wilmington.
“I’m so pleased that this new program is
clearly making a difference—and it’s im-
portant to thank both pharmacies for their
interest in and dedication to the environ-
ment,” said Marta Keane, Will County
Recycle Program specialist. “It is estimated
that over 4,600 tons of pharmaceuticals
and personal care products enter the waste
stream yearly—and many pharmaceuticals
are making their way into the drinking wa-
ter. So these partnerships are very impor-
tant to have.”
Shoe Collection and
Special Events
Another recent event included a county-
wide shoe collection bringing in nearly 8,000
shoes for recycling or reuse. The County also
held household hazardous waste (HHW)
events in Romeoville and Beecher and an
electronic collection event in Manhattan.
Over 49,000 pounds of hazardous waste
were collected at the Romeoville HHW
event, nearly 300 participated at Beecher,
and over 58,000 pounds of electronics were
recycled from the Manhattan event.
Electronics Recycling
Will County and Waste Services staff
also continue an aggressive approach to
recycling and the environment throughout
the year with programs and events, includ-
ing the appropriate disposal of tires, house-
hold hazardous waste, books and electron-
ics. In the past year, the County established
partnerships with the Village of Boling-
brook, Channahon, Plainfield and Troy
The Village of Bolingbrook recently began its electronic recycling program with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony.
With the help of local schoolchildren, a county-wide shoe collection effort yielded nearly 8,000 shoes.
Townships, and Washington Township/
Village of Beecher for electronics and/or
traditional recycling materials. And more
partnerships are being developed. Dean
Olson, Waste Services manager, estimates
that over $57,000 has been spent for recy-
cling through these local partnerships over
the past 10 months, collecting over 330,000
pounds of electronics and an estimated
98,000 lbs of other recyclables.
The County also expects to receive as
much $146,000 in grants for its enforce-
ment program with the Illinois Environ-
mental Protection Agency (IEPA), a re-
imbursement of $137,000 from the IEPA
for cleanup of the Brownfield site in Crete
Township, and a reimbursement grant of
as much as $51,000 from the Department
of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
(DCEO) for the expansion of the Will
County Offices recycling program. In 2007,
over 22,000 tires were collected at an event
with the IEPA, saving the County thou-
sands of dollars.
Household Hazardous Waste
One future project that the Waste Servic-
es Division hopes to accomplish is the build-
ing of a new permanent household hazard-
ous waste facility for Will County residents.
Household hazardous waste includes clean-
ers, chemicals, old gasoline, solvents and
other potentially harmful items such as oil-
based paint and batteries. The Division has
had contracts with the City of Naperville
for seven years to partner with the Naper-
ville Fire Station HHW to dispose of haz-
ardous waste for area residents, mostly from
DuPage, Kane and Will County residents.
The last one contract was in 2006.
“While the Naperville site is important to
the proper disposal of household hazardous
waste in the area, a new Will County fa-
cility would be a huge benefit to even more
County residents—however cost estimates
aren’t in yet.” added Olson.
The proposed Will County Household
Hazardous Waste site will be located near
Route 52 and Laraway -Road just south of
the County’s Highway Department.
Upcoming Events
HHW collections are also held through-
out the County, including the one set at Jo-
liet Junior College. Residents can also look
forward to a Waste Tire Collection with the
IEPA on September 19 and 20 in Univer-
sity Park, a Book Collection on September
12, 13 and 14, at Pilcher Park in Joliet, and
a Household Hazardous Waste collection
event in New Lenox on September 13.
“Residents can be assured that a main
focus of Will County is the environment,
including recycling – and we continue to do
all we can do to make life better and health-
ier for them,” said Olson. “We’ve not only
received great support from County Execu-
tive Walsh, but by so many countywide. We
are certainly proud of all we’ve done and all
we hope to do.”
Lawrence Walsh is the Will
County Executive.
Tech Corner | by Wade LeBeau

Leveling Your
Business Network
Today’s business networks are compli-
cated. There are data packets flying around,
cables, routers, switches, and of course, the
Internet. Businesses now demand more
bandwidth for daily operations. To ensure
even bandwidth distribution and stabilizing
users, business owners need a simple tool:
bandwidth management.
This is a long-run process that can help
you save money, better plan for future net-
work upgrades, and help determine future
bandwidth needs and costs. On a wider
scale, bandwidth management can help
with remote locations, warehouses and of-
fices anywhere in the world. In some cases,
bandwidth management has saved com-
panies significant dollars by determining
problems, acting as a stop agent, and pro-
viding resolutions based on reports and sta-
tistics.
One of the key elements in maximizing
your investment in technology is by utiliz-
ing your Internet broadband connection to
the fullest. With the evolution of higher
broadband standards, we see the need for
more consumption for both data and voice
information. Recently, we have found a
product that is plug-and-play and desig-
nates utilization of broadband evenly: the
NetEqualizer.
As shown below in our network evalu-
ation, the NetEqualizer NE2000 is a 1U
(14 inches deep) unit that connects to your
network. The basic functions are tracking
bandwidth and equalizing the network so
all sessions are equal, thus improving speed
and efficient use of your company’s data in-
frastructure.
NetEqualizer is one of the most cost-ef-
fective management units on the market,
and we found the unit easy to install—right
out of the box. We made three setting
changes to match our network using the web
(browser) interface, connected the unit, and
right away traffic shaping started, about 10-
minutes total setup time. The unit has two
Ethernet ports as shown above, one port
toward your user network, the other ports
toward your broadband connection/server
if applicable. A couple of simple clicks and
you can see reporting live as it happens. In
testing, we ran our unit for 30-days and saw
our broadband reports stabilize and our us-
ers receiving the same slices of broadband
access. With the NetEqualizer, there is no
burden of extensive policies to manage.
How the unit works
The NetEqualizer is based in your broad-
band connection. The unit is rule based
(similar to IPTables in Linux) to dynami-
cally control traffic by user on the network
and then fairly distribute the available band-
width. Installation requires no network
changes, and the unit runs in transparent
mode. For you techie’s out there, you will
notice the command line interface (shell) is
Unix. You can also access it using an SSH
connection.
The NetEqualizer is a nice tool to add
to any network of any size. Businesses can
see how important the Internet is and how
hungry users can be for information. In local
networks, there are congestion issues and, at
times, issues with the utilization of network
resources. By using this unit, network ad-
ministrators now have tools to manage all of
these network issues. IPTables adds firewall
capacities to the NetEqualizer, which is yet
another option with these types of units.
One last word on firewalls and protecting
your network—the NetEqualizer has con-
nection limits which can help protect your
network from malicious activities like vi-
ruses, trojan horses and worms.
Unit specifics
Of course, bandwidth limiting and dis-
tribution top the list of desired unit capa-
bilities. The equal bandwidth distribution
process includes those that are regulated for
more bandwidth usage based on Host, Sub-
net, MAC Address, port or VLAN.
The NetEqualizer is available in a
range of configurations from 2Mbps up to
300Mbps. It provides a host of reporting
features based on your needs. The reports
are browser-based in real-time and can be
saved and kept as log files.
More information about the NetEqual-
izer can be found at http://netequalizer.
com.

Wade LeBeau is the network

operations director for The
Daily Journal and a WiFi
Kankakee, LLC board member.
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Innovative Management Solutions | by Patrick Seaton
Going Lean, Part 6:
Avoiding Implementation
Setbacks
Similar to last month’s column, I’d like
to focus this month’s message to those who
have already launched their lean efforts in
the last two years. To some people, making
any forward progress with lean or moving
into a more proactive mode is considered a
success. To others, making small advance-
ments isn’t enough, so they consider the
progress as a failure.
By reducing implementation “setbacks”
you will reduce the pool of naysayers.
Here’s a great example of what not to do:
I was asked into a small (35 employees)
plastic injection-molding manufacturer to
do some “Lean Kick-Off” work. They had
been talking about lean for about four years,
but never got anything going. The company
is privately held. The general manager and
the plant manager are brothers-in-law.
During my first meeting with the general
manager, he told me that he had two priori-
ties—reduce set-up time and install robots
on the production lines. I asked if I could
interview the employees in groups to hear
what their priorities were. He agreed and I
took a few hours to interview the people.
One priority that came through in each
group was a revamp of their scheduling pro-
cess. The line supervisors and set-up people
were extremely frustrated with a schedule
that changes daily, sometimes hourly. Even
more frustrating to them was that the sched-
ule was changed in the computer, but not
all affected employees receive the changes.
They spent many hours a week setting up
a mold and the production run only to find
out that the schedule had just been changed
and they needed to change the set-up.
Another priority that came up related to
materials management in a small five-per-
son department. Their biggest challenge is
that they run out of glue. Yes, I said glue.
They use a costly glue that affixes labels
extremely well, and it needs to be refriger-
ated until use. Amazingly, the refrigerator
is not in their department. It is in the plant
manger’s office and the employees don’t like
to bother him, so they wait until he is out of
his office and then go in and get the glue.
Sometimes they go in to get glue and they
are out of stock because they didn’t tell the
manager to order more the last time. They
have pulled the parts, collected the labels,
set the jigs, and then went to get the glue.
To get more glue takes up to five days, so
they put everything back and wait for the
glue to arrive.
I wanted to share this story with you be-
cause having a disconnect between what
management believes is important, and
what employees believe to be important, is
one of the top five drivers of lean implemen-
tation setbacks. The top five list follows.
Lack of Management Support
It starts at the top. If management isn’t
fully on board with lean, it will show in the
areas under that person. Management needs
to eat, live and breathe the lean principles
and show the employees that everybody will
be expected to embrace lean, be held to the
same standards, and make decisions in the
lean spirit.
If there is no Lean Champion in the
company to help guide, train and measure,
implementation will stagnate down the
road because nobody is watching the prog-
ress and holding people accountable.
If management doesn’t recognize efforts
at all levels of the organization, or allow su-
pervisors and managers to recognize people,
there will be less and less effort put into lean
initiatives.
Lack of Management Focus
If your management team doesn’t have
a vision or direction for the company, how
can the employees move the company for-
ward toward its goals? Management needs
to be very clear on what is to be accom-
plished and why.
Don’t create activity just for the sake of
being able to say that you are “doing lean.”
Have a purpose and goals. I heard of one
company that was in their third year of 5S
(cleaning and organizing work areas). They
had no clue why they were doing 5S be-
cause it wasn’t tied to their strategic busi-
ness plan. In fact, they didn’t even have a
business plan. They wanted to be able to say
that they were “going lean” and 5S seemed
like an easy place to start. That is true, but
activity needs to have a purpose.
Waste reduction is a process that will
positively impact the bottom line, it pro-
vides a clear focus to team members, and it
will send a very clear message to the em-
ployees that they and their time are valuable
to the company. It also frees up their time
to consider the larger change projects that
management might have in mind.
Lack of Empowerment,
Responsibility, Accountability,
Expectations and Recognition
Alright, I know I threw many items in
this group, but they are all so important and
closely related. If employees are empow-
ered to make decisions and changes, lean
initiatives will flourish. Lean is top down
in vision and direction and bottom up in
changes and behaviors. It takes both to get
long-term, world-class results.
However, before you can empower em-
ployees, they need to know their area(s) of
responsibility and how they will be held ac-
countable for their decisions and action. If
you allow lean to be everybody’s job implic-
itly and nobody’s job explicitly, your lean
initiatives will have setbacks down the road.
And please don’t forget to set clear expecta-
tions for people.
Last, but not least, make sure there is a
recognition program in place to show your
appreciation for the work that people do.
People will repeat those actions that get
positive attention.
Too Much at Once
The big ideas are great, but remember that
people have daily tasks and responsibilities.
When companies try to do too much all at
once, it’s just too much for the people to
manage on top of their daily responsibili-
ties. Very often the same key people become
overloaded with too many projects at the
same time and not enough time to get ev-
erything done. This is especially common in
smaller companies where the resource pool
is limited. Instead, focus on smaller, key
Serving Kankakee and Will Counties
Smith, Koelling,
Dykstra & Ohm, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants and Advisors
Professional Accounting
& Business Advisory Services
1605 N. Convent, Bourbonnais • 815-937-1997
www.skdocpa.com
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improvements that will drive other results.
Too Much Management-
Centric Focus
As we saw in the plastics company story,
it is important to keep a perspective on what
the employees feel is important to change.
They have their challenges to overcome and
are looking for somebody to help them re-
solve their problems. The company could
have pushed forward with robots, but they
would still run out of glue—only at a faster
pace potentially. Management could have
continually measured and cracked down
on reducing set-up times, but as long as the
scheduling problem existed, set-up times
would suffer. The morale of the plastics
company story is to have management-cen-
tric ideas (big picture, strategically-moti-
vated ideas) in mind, but first address the
employees’ day-to-day challenges. Employ-
ees will have little to no time to devote to
big projects/changes as long as their daily
routines pose challenges to them.
Final Thoughts on Lean
Lean is 20 percent equipment and tech-
nology and 80 percent people. Getting peo-
ple to change old habits, behaviors and ac-
tions is not easy. Employees will be cynical,
mistrusting and scared at first. That's why
management needs to really step up to the
plate and build trust through actions, not
speech. If you can identify your “people”
people, tap into them to help drive lean.
Patrick Seaton, Innovative
Management Tools LLC.
063008212101209
220 W. Main, Ste. 308 104 South Water
Peotone, IL Morris, IL Wilmington, IL
(815) 942-2554 (815) 476-4477
 ouT & ABouT
KANKAKEE COUNTY

2008 Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley Grant recipients, from left to
right: sandra Knight, success by six ®; Beth Kohn, KCC Parent education Programs; amy
allers, Kankakee river valley Forest Preserve District; Mary self & Josie Barnett, Bradley
elementary school District Make a Difference Program; Pam Debono, Chair of the Com-
munity Foundation of the Kankakee river valley; amy emerson, Child Care resource &
referral; norm strasma, executive Director of the Community Foundation of the Kanka-
kee river valley; Karl Kruse, riverfront trail initiative/greenways; Kathy Marquis, Kankakee
school District #111 First taste Program; Cathy gagnon, Bourbonnais township Park Dis-
trict. (submitted photo)

Joe Franco, Kankakee County economic alliance board chairman; Greg Leutloff, Bennett
Commercial real estate; Jerry Balthazor, City of Bradley trustee; Lucas and Randy Strait,
arctic snow & ice Control; state representative Lisa Dugan; Mike Van Mill, economic alli-
ance president; Jeff Bennett, Bennett Commercial real estate at the Ken Hayes industrial
Park in Bradley. (submitted photo)
left to right: Sandy Boyer, vice-president of iroquois-Ford association of realtors; Sandy
Workman, president of KCar; Connie Legris, executive officer for both Kankakee and
iroquois associations; and Sarah Powers, president-elect of KCar, in Washington, D.C.
during their visit with congressional legislators in June. (submitted photo)

BBrCC Business after Hours at Quality Concepts

vicki and greg yates of Quality Concepts. (Photo by Cary turner) left to right: Kathy Henricks of Bennett Commercial; Bill Menard of Pied Piper; and Char
Blanchette of Homestar Bank. (Photo by Cary turner)

n Send B2B illinois your press releases, business briefs, event photos (with individual identifications), and business-related events. E-mail to pr@b2billinois.com or fax to
815.935.0192.
The Home Energy
Tipping Point
(Or, How Can I Save Money?)
Going Green: these words have infiltrat-
ed our culture like wildfire. Energy has been
and always will be a major issue, especially
when we deal with non-renewable natural
resources. What is good for us? What can
we do to save money? And what can we do
to decrease our energy bills in our home and
businesses?
With so many options, ideas, and higher
costs involved, what is the right answer for
you? As an energy and indoor comfort con-
sultant, let me make this statement first:
Our energy and gas prices will continue to
rise. Our only choices today include higher
efficiency systems, using renewable resourc-
es and reducing usage. A natural by-prod-
uct of these practices and technologies is a
reduction in your costs.
Your home and business buildings are a
system. Everything works together; from
the basement, to the walls and windows,
attic, lighting, and heating and cooling sys-
tem. Most of us will start the energy saving
process with an upgrade of our furnaces and
air conditioners, but energy use and cost can
be lowered in other areas of your “system.”
Electrically, look at your lights. Changing
to fluorescents and low-voltage lighting will
make a big difference in electrical cost. In-
stalling a programmable thermostat saves
on both gas and electricity, while adding
insulation or upgrading windows reduces
air infiltration and keeps the drafts and the
amount of energy you use inside the home
instead of allowing for its escape. Sealing
and insulating forced air duct work is a
big energy saver. Insulating your hot water
pipes, turning your hot water heater down,
along with upgrading your home appliances
with newer models will all make your home
more efficient.
The biggest energy and money saver is
avoiding energy scams. Spending money
on things that don’t work is probably the
biggest form of energy waste. Every energy
contractor should be able to provide you
with a ROI (Return on Investment).
At today’s prices of gas and electricity,
purchasing new energy saving systems will
give you an average ROI that surpasses any
stock fund or bond on the market. So what
do we look for and what should we be pur-
chasing?
The answer is the highest efficient system
that you can afford and that will give you
the best ROI.
Heating and cooling systems allow for
numerous choices. The biggest key in pur-
chasing a system is getting the right size.
Proper installation and making sure the
by Tom Goodberlet
system is right for your home or business are
crucial, and a wrong decision can consume
more energy than what your current system
uses. Go to www.energystar.gov and it will Sick & Tired of Being Understaffed?
guide you through what to look for in a
heating and cooling contractor.
Many homeowners are now purchasing a
geo-thermal system to heat and cool their
homes. These systems are use ground wa-
ter or a ground loop for heating and cooling
and, mainly run by electricity, these systems
have a slightly higher price to install than
conventional systems. However, ROI or en-
ergy payback is very quick. With the new YOU NEED
technology, these systems are gaining pop-
ularity with many consumers and are being
The Recruitment Specialist
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for all your hiring needs
in urban area homes and businesses. Ask about our MULTI-MEDIA RECRUITMENT PACKAGE
Solar heating is starting to make a come-
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heating, and in attic ventilation. Although
we are not in the best climate to maximize
at 815-802-3888
the full potential of solar, it is still a very at- tatkins@daily-journal.com
tractive supplemental system if your home
or business is positioned to attract enough
Your Partners Within
sunlight.
Going green and saving energy is also
related to indoor air quality. Open any
magazine, newspaper, or listen to a radio the Supply Chain
talk show and everyone is talking about air
quality. Who do you believe? Consumers
should believe in the people who deal with
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air filtration, air conditioning and ventila-
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are trained to give you the proper answers Solutions Certified “Gold •Inter-modal Drayage
regarding your home’s problems. A typical
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a year and up to 72 trillion allergens will •Flat Bed Heavy Haul
find their way into your home. Currently •Time Definite Transport (JIT)
indoor air is 80 percent more polluted than
outdoor air. We are what we breathe, so by
cleaning and filtering our air and generat-
ing controls over humidity, our families will
stay healthier and our homes cleaner and
more comfortable. For more information
on indoor air qualities go to www.health- 3424 W. Mound Rd., Joliet, IL 60436
house.org or the American Lung Associa-
tion at www.lungusa.org.
866-460-1677
www.pathwaylogistics.com
Going green and saving energy dollars
is not always inexpensive, but it is the right
thing to do. If everyone does just a little at C-TPAT Participant
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Tom Goodberlet is president of Goodberlet
Heating & Air Conditioning.
Spanish Language Training | by Dr. Héctor López

Medical Interpretation
for Health Care Providers
Spanish, Polish is very popular, followed by
several dialects of Chinese and eastern Eu-
ropean languages. The interpreter is paged
and reports to the hospital when requested.
The interpreter greets that patient and in-
Hospitals, medical centers, doctor’s visits Medical Interpretation forms him of his/her services and proceeds
and other healthcare providers are requiring Telephone Line Services to interpret the whole conversation, while
more and more use of competent Spanish Some medical centers opt for a interacting with the patient. Doctors and
interpreters (other languages are less in de- telephone language service that nurses report feeling very comfortable with
mand). These non-English speaking patients offers a plethora of language- this procedure, as the
are insurance card holders, citizens and legal trained interpreters. This service patient and fam-
residents, too. Often times this patient pop- provides language assistance to ily are always
ulation are the spouses and extended family hospitals that have a minimal and/ kept informed
members who require a variety of services. or occasional need for a second lan- and patients can add
These services range from hospital care, guage interpreter. Using a sensitive information as needed
surgery and childbirth to treatment for oc- speaker phone, the health care team to help the medical staff ad-
cupational injuries. As recent arrivals, many communicates with the patient via dress the needs of the patient.
of these non-English speaking residents the phone service. For minor patient A competent medical interpreter
hold dangerous jobs and suffer occupational services this works fine and both the can help the medical staff make a treat-
injuries to their limbs. They suffer from medical staff and patient are usually satis- ment plan that helps the patient through
back problems fied. However, this emergency and or treatment. The flow
in dispropor- The interpreter greets that this type of of the conversation is quick and efficient.
tionate num- service does The interpreter can help clarify any confu-
bers when patient and informs him of his/ have its obvi- sion immediately by simply saying, for ex-
compared to ample, “The patient appears to want to add
similar work
her services and proceeds to ous drawbacks
something...” Physicians report that this
and limita-
groups in the interpret the whole conversation, tions. The first helps them administer proper care, speeds
U.S. drawback is up the process, and keeps the patient in-
An inter-
while interacting with the that the tele- formed as to what’s going on.
preter is of- patient. phone line An additional benefit of having a person
ten required must be made conduct the interpretation is the “people
to help medical personnel communicate available throughout the whole patient/doc- interaction.” Visual contact aids the inter-
with their patients. The questions asked tor visit. Secondly, the phone interpreter pretation process and helps medical staff
by the nurses and doctors require medical cannot see or more importantly hear what is and patients communicate more efficiently
knowledge both in English and in Spanish. being said by secondary sources if the phone and effectively. Interpreters are not permit-
Common everyday language is used, but speaker is not sensitive enough to pick up ted to help patients fill out forms directly,
additional healthcare-specific vocabulary other conversations that may aid the medi- however. Family members can help their
demands that the interpreter understands cal staff. Even if the microphone is sensi- language-challenged family member com-
the subtleties in language usage. Thus the tive, the interpreter may only hear gibberish plete the required forms.
interpreter serves as a vital link between the or garbled speech and not be able to inter- as the telephone interpreter is required
healthcare provider and the patient. pret the language being spoken. Even more to interpret only what is said directly into Training for Medical
importantly, the phone interpreter may the microphone. As long as this is not the Interpreters
ignore this background “noise” altogether, case, both the medical team and patient are Several local and Chicago area colleges
served. However, sometimes patients may offer extensive oral interpretation pro-
minimize their illness, making it necessary grams. All program participants must be
for the spouse or another family member to completely bilingual in both languages. The
inform the medical staff of any other ill- usual length of each training program var-
nesses the patient has. This additional in- ies from 100 to 160 hours of direct instruc-
formation may be important for the medical tion. To learn more about healthcare/medi-
staff to be aware of as part of the patient’s cal interpretation training, visit your local
treatment. college, or you may also contact me for more
information.
Medical Interpreter on Staff at
Hospitals Dr. Héctor D. López, BEST
Solutions, Inc.
Most of the major hospitals in large ur-
ban centers have full-time interpreters on
staff and on-call 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. These hospitals usually have access
to language services via phone as well and
offer a variety of language services. Next to
 Green Marketing:
ouT & ABouT the same old Principles still apply
KANKAKEE COUNTY
Positive growth leadership Breakfast Marketing a business can be a challenge.
How about marketing a green business? A
green business is one that believes in main-
taining the quality of our natural environ-
ment, while also providing their products
and services. When a business begins to
go green, the philosophy is incorporated
into their daily habits. It may start with en-
couraging employees to recycle within your
office, using solar energy to power the top
floor of your office building, finding ways
to reduce your carbon footprint, or even
serving organic produce to your employees
for breakfast or lunch. Externally, there
are many effective practices that can help
a green business utilize media to promote
their brand, and their image.
Accessing the media to promote your
business is best when using some funda-
the Positive growth leadership Breakfast was held on May 29, 2008 and sponsored by
HBaK, KCar, Kankakee regional Chamber of Commerce, Bradley Bourbonnais regional mental guidelines. Targeted advertising is
Chamber of Commerce and Manteno Chamber of Commerce. left to right: andy Czako, always a great way to reach potential cus-
sarah Powers and Cherie schmidt. (Photo by Cary turner) tomers. Just make sure that the media you
utilize best reflects the demographic you are
looking to address. Publicity is also a major
proven method of marketing a business. As
long as it is “good” press, having an article
published about you and your business is a
good thing. When trying to capture the at-
tention of the gatekeepers, it is important
to have something newsworthy. Newswor-
thiness is the major determining factor in
whether an editor or station manager will
give your business the attention you de-
sire. A good example of newsworthy
information could be a green business
receiving a certification, and sending
a press release to their local paper.
Sending in a press release about your
new showroom hours is a bad example
of newsworthiness.
Bill yohnka, Connie legris and Jaclyn Dugan-roof. (Photo by Cary turner)
LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Envi-
ronmental Design)
is a program created
by the U.S. Green
Building Council.
Their online bro-
chure reads that
LEED “encourag-
es and accelerates
global adoption
of sustainable green
building and development
practices”. Receiving and
publicizing this certification
will attract the attention of
other business owners and
consumers who admire and
sandy Workman, Melissa Cunha and sally schmidt. (Photo by Cary turner)
search out green businesses
to spend money with. As
the result of a 2007 Illinois
n Send B2B illinois your press releases, business briefs, event photos (with individual law, all state construction
identifications), and business-related events. E-mail to pr@b2billinois.com or fax to
815.935.0192.
grants now include a require-
B2B illinois staff report
ment that contractors and designs be LEED
certified, at a minimum.
Green media is primarily based online,
but many traditional print media providers
utilize sustainable practices in the materials
they use. Green media is focused on sus-
tainable lifestyles, including what we eat,
drive, wear and take when we are ill. Until
people evolve from their documented pref-
erence to a tactile approach in consuming
the written word, rather than reading from
a screen, there will always be printed books,
magazines and newspapers. Interestingly,
there have been rumblings about a potential
“Do Not Mail” list, notably in New York,
citing wasted paper and ink in landfi lls as a
major reasoning behind the legislation. Di-
rect marketers are quite fearful of this type
of shift in policy, and are taking the legisla-
tion head-on.
One of the most interesting ways of ac-
cessing Internet media is the blog. The blog
is a fairly recent creation on the Internet and
is a major communication tool. A blog is in-
teractive, which is ALWAYS better than
static web pages. The blog writers also add
videos, photos, links, podcasts and more.
These are all great ways to generate a buzz
about your business. Sending a press release
to one, or being interviewed by one will at-
tract the attention that you are looking for.
Here’s the rub: the consumer has to be
local. If the blog is national, there
are maybe only 100 individuals
within your area that potentially
could take advantage of what you
are offering. The key to all mar-
keting, especially in a local mar-
ket, is reaching as many potential
consumers as possible with
a recognizable and posi-
tive brand. If you just
invented a car that
runs on water, a blog
may be the way to
go. But if you are
“Hometown Oil
Change, Inc.” and
you want to pub-
licize your recla-
mation and disposal
program, you should
probably focus on media
that penetrates deep into
the consumer segment.
Sometimes “free” is good,
but targeted marketing is
ALWAYS best.
Johnny Coleman, II con-
tributed to this article.
Illinois
Accessible Parking:
Let’s Make 2008 the Year We Work to
Make Our Community More Accessible
You may have heard that people with dis-
abilities are the single largest minority in
the United States today. According to the
U.S. Bureau of Census, 51.2 million people*
living in the United States report having
some level of disability. These persons with
disabilities would like to shop, eat, seek en-
tertainment, do business and see medical
professionals—all locally.
Stated simply: Your business will not be
able to access the largest buying minority in
the nation if they cannot access your busi-
ness.
The following addresses the most com-
mon questions surrounding accessible park-
ing laws in Illinois:
Who is required to provide
accessible parking?
Any facility offering parking for employ-
ees or visitors must provide accessible park-
ing spaces for people with disabilities. It is
■ Group health, dental and life insurance
coverage through some of the industry’s leading
insurance companies
■ Pre-tax and premium-only plans to provide tax
incentives to you and your employees
■ Health savings accounts, using pre-tax money
in interest-bearing accounts to save for medical
expenses
Let us share with you some money-saving
ideas for maintaining quality health
insurance benefits for your organization.
SUPPORT SERVICES:
• Sales & Consulting
• Employee Counseling
• Enrollment Support
• Claim Assistance
• COBRA & Change Support
• Timely Renewal Services
698 Armour Rd., Bourbonnais
Toll-free: 888-935-2220
(815) 935-7977 • Fax: (815) 935-7974
E-mail: securecare@comcast.net
Web Site: www.securecareusa.com
must be 16 feet wide includ-
ing the access aisle.) The ac-
cess aisle can be located on
either side of the vehicle
portion of the parking place.
The law also calls for the use
of high quality yellow paint
designated by the manufac-
by Dorci Schoolman
turer to be used for pavement
important to note that the entire parking striping. Finally, accessible
space must be kept clear of obstructions at parking spaces should be
all times, including ice, snow, shopping cart level with the surface slopes
corrals, trash cans, seasonal garden displays not exceeding 1:50 (2 percent
and bicycle racks. grade) in all directions. We
should also note here that the
Where should accessible Illinois Accessibility Code
parking be located? prohibits the use of curb
The Illinois Accessibility Code requires ramps that protrude into or
that accessible parking spaces serving a interfere with the diagonally
particular building shall be located on the striped access aisle of acces-
shortest accessible route of travel from adja- sible parking.
cent parking to an accessible entrance.
What are the
What are the sizes and required signs for
markings required for accessible parking?
accessible parking spaces? A United States Depart-
The Illinois Accessibility Code requires ment of Transportation
that each accessible space, except on street R7-8 and an R7-I101 ($250
spaces, shall be 16 feet wide, with either fine) must be permanently
an 8-foot or a 5-foot accessible aisle. (This mounted in the center of the
means the total width of the parking place 16-foot wide accessible park-
ing space. The signs must
be placed no more than five feet from the What constitutes improper
front of the parking space and must be high use of Disabled License plates
enough so that they are visible over a parked or placards?
car. At minimum the bottom of the fine sign Under Illinois law disabled license plates,
Let us put together a must be four feet from the pavement. disabled veterans plates, and placards are not
custom package designed transferable. The authorized holder must be
for your organization. How many spaces are present in the motor vehicle and must enter
businesses required to or exit the vehicle at the time parking privi-
provide for people with leges are being used. Unauthorized use of
disabilities? plates and/or a placard can result in a $500
Number of fine, driver’s license suspension and suspen-
Accessible Parking sion or revocation of the plate or placard by
Total of Parking Spaces Required by the Illinois Secretary of State.
It’s in the best interests of each and ev-
Spaces Provided Law
1-25 1 ery employer, landlord and business owner
to take the time to do a self-evaluation of
26-50 2
their parking to make certain that it is in
51-75 3 compliance with Illinois law. Parking that is
76-100 4 in compliance with Illinois law will help to
101-150 5 assure that the largest minority population
151-200 6 can gain access to your facility to do busi-
ness with you.
201-300 7
*(See http://www.census.gov/Press-Re-
301-400 8 lease/www/releases/archives/facts_for_fea-
401-500 9 tures_special_editions/010102.html for
501-1000 2 percent of total more details)
Over 1000 20 plus 1 for each
Dorcilla Schoolman is operations manager
100 over 1000 for Options Center for Independent Living.
Medical Facilities specializing in treat-
ment of persons with mobility impair-
ments: 20 percent of total parking
063008212101208
Outpatient Medical Facilities: 10 percent
of total parking
How’s Business? | by Bill Guertin
The Most Important
Sale You’ll Ever Make
Brian walks into a deli at 11:15 a.m. and
orders the lunch special he heard advertised
on the radio just a few moments ago. The
young girl behind the counter has no idea
what he’s talking about.
“We don’t have a special on the Italian
Hero,” she says.
“Yes, you do,” he insists. “I just heard it
on 101.3”
“Well, nobody told ME about any spe-
cial!” she snaps back. “I can’t do that unless
my boss tells me, and he won’t be here until
11:30.”
The advertising did its job. Brian’s there,
mouth watering, money in hand. Only one
thing stands between the deli owner and
success: the person behind the counter.
If only someone in charge had told the
young lady what was being advertised, there
would be a seamless and positive experience.
Instead, Brian’s probably going to leave an-
gry, the young lady still doesn’t know the
special, and someone else is bound to come
in five minutes later and ask for the same
thing.
Where’s the knowledge gap? Where does
it start, and what happened along the way?
Advertising does work. It’s the commu-
nication dysfunction inside a business that
can kill off a great ad campaign, slowly and
silently.
As an advertising rep in the Joliet area
many years ago, I worked with a local fire-
place and gas grill store to create a Father’s
Day grill campaign. The ads were good, he
ran them in several local media, and I was
looking forward to hearing about the results
he was bound to receive.
After the ads ran, he told me it was a flop.
“I didn’t sell nearly the number of grills I
had projected. Those ads you created didn’t
work.” It wasn’t until days later that I learned
of four separate people that had come into
the store during the campaign. Three of them
waited several minutes, and walked out be-
cause no one had bothered to help them. The
fourth left because the poor young salesper-
son on the floor didn’t know anything about
the products and their features.
If four people that I knew walked out
without a grill (and felt like they wasted
their time!), how many others had the very
same experience? We’ll never know.
If only the deli and the grill store would
have clued their people in as to what was
on sale, how it was being advertised, and
why people should be excited about it, the
ads would have paid off many times over for
them.
The most important sale you’ll ever make
is inside your own building. The key is know-
ing what to do and how to get it done.
Selling The Inside™ is a process Andrew
Corbus and I developed and detailed in our
book, Reality Sells. It’s a regular system of
communicating important details to your
staff that goes beyond traditional training;
it actually helps them to be an active part of
the company’s success.
It’s important for a number of reasons:
Poor service is everywhere, and training
is expensive. People are quick to say it’s the
younger generation that’s at fault, but we
find that the problem is often a simple lack
of applied focus on the part of the business
owner to excite the employee about deliver-
ing value to each customer. It’s a different
story when each team member knows ex-
actly what each is contributing to the suc-
cess of the organization.
Your staff may not see or hear the ads you
run. Many business owners and managers
assume that their employees read, watch
and listen to the same things as their cus-
tomers. The problem is that employees often
have very different lifestyles than those they
serve. By making sure your people see and
hear all of your advertising messages, they
can deliver the promises the ads are mak-
ing, whether they see them in the market-
place or not.
Employees don’t like to feel stupid. In
our deli example above, the girl behind the
counter probably feels under-educated, out
of touch and frustrated because she doesn’t
know about the special of the day. Employ-
ees who feel like they’re up to speed on the
latest information about their work are gen-
erally more satisfied, more engaged and de-
liver more value to your customers.
Customer expectations are higher than
ever. We are the fussiest, most demand-
ing generation of consumers in history. At
the same time, every business category now
has several competitors fighting to be king
of the hill. Service has become one of the
most important differentiators in the battle
for business, and having a system in place
allows you to compete with much bigger
players.
In a nutshell, the Selling The Inside™
system involves seven distinct steps:
n Showcasing your current advertising to
your staff
n Discussing the features and benefits of
the advertised products
n Giving your staff some talking points on
n
those products
Reviewing the performance of the staff
since your last session
n Rewarding that performance
n Setting a new short-term goal
n Conducting a brief training session on
a fundamental service skill, such as eye
contact, greeting or handling upset cus-
tomers.
When done properly, Selling The In-
side™ delivers a higher return on invest-
ment from your advertising, because it clos-
es the knowledge gap between management
and front-line staff, which allows everyone
to serve customers best—and close more
business.
In today’s challenging economic climate,
it’s more important than ever.
Bill Guertin is an in-demand
speaker, author, and chief
enthusiasm officer (CEO) of
The 800-Pound Gorilla,
helping companies develop
leaders in sales performance,
service excellence and creative marketing
techniques. He is the co-author of “Reality
Sells: How To Bring Customers Back Again
and Again By Marketing Your Genuine
Story.” Bill travels to deliver many work-
shops, seminars, retreats and keynote
presentations each year.
B2B illinois DIRECT CONNECTIONS
KANKAKEE COUNTY
aWarDs
n Steve Lemner of Lemner’s Soo
Bahk Do Studio in Bradley recently
was named Region Five’s presidents vi-
sion team regional chairman and now
oversees the Midwest region. Master
instructor David Cooper, of Bourbon-
nais, has been made regional treasurer,
and is now also a certified master in-
structor.
Debbie Bond re-
ceived the River-
side Medical Cen-
ter “Volunteer of
the Year Award” at
Riverside’s Volun-
teer Appreciation
Dinner April 29.
President and CEO
Debbie Bond
Phil Kambic, Vice
President for Human Resources Becky
Hinrichs and Debbie’s husband, Harry
Bond, presented the award. Bond has
served more than 700 volunteer hours
at Riverside and continues to devote
her time. Her primary role is in River-
side’s Central Waiting and at the Pavil-
ion information desk.
n Rick Otto, sales manager for Coach
House Garages of Dwight presented
salesman Matt Foster with the Cop-
per Award for excellence in sales.
n Manpower has been named to the
second World’s Most Ethical Com-
panies list by the Ethisphere Institute,
a think tank dedicated to the research
and promotion of profitable best prac-
tices in global governance, business
ethics and corporate responsibility,
according to Beth Brosseau, Bourbon-
nais branch manager for Manpower.
The organization reviewed more than
10,000 companies around the world to
prepare its 2008 list.
n The U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency has honored Rohm and
Haas of Kankakee—a manufacturer
of specialty chemicals—with an En-
vironmental Performances Award, ac-
cording to an EPA press release. Rohm
and Haas was one of four companies
to receive the award that recognizes
“progress toward achieving environ-
mental performance goals.” Rohm and
Haas belongs to the agency’s National
Environmental Performance Track. To
become a performance track member,
companies must work toward reduc-
ing their environmental footprint and
demonstrate environmental steward-
ship, according to the EPA.
Joe Armenise Jr.,
district sales repre-
sentative, was rec-
ognized with the
Performance Food
Group Chairman’s
Award for his out-
standing achieve-
Joe armenise, Jr.
ments in sales with
Thoms Proestler
Company, according to a company
press release.
n Coach House Garages, a garage
manufacturer, bestowed the Chairman’s
Award on Matt Foster, Coach House
of Dwight, recently. The achievement
was based on sales volume and excel-
lence in customer service in the Dwight
area for the year 2007, according to a
company press release.
Jody Meyer is the
2008 recipient of
the Virginia M.
Long Scholarship.
Jody currently at-
tends Kankakee
Community Col-
lege and works as
an LPN at Provena
Jody Meyer
St. Mary’s Hospi-
tal. Scholarship recipients must em-
body Mrs. Long’s character qualities of
integrity, knowledge, strength and
compassion. They must also be enrolled
in the Kankakee Community College
(KCC) registered nurse or LPN transi-
tion program, must be returning to
school for a second career in nursing,
and must commit to two years of em-
ployment at Provena St. Mary’s.
n Freddie Mac named HomeStar
Bank a 2007 Tier One Gold Servicer.
The Tier One Platinum & Gold re-
cipients represent the top two percent
of all Freddie Mac service providers.
Servicers are ranked against monthly
performance benchmarks for investor
reporting, minimizing credit losses,
and helping delinquent borrowers
avoid foreclosure. HomeStar Bank is a
state-chartered community bank head-
quartered in Manteno, Illinois, with six
offices in Kankakee and Will Counties
and over $1 billion in assets.
n McColly Real Estate is proud to
announce that it has once again been
named to RISMedia’s 20th Annual
Power Broker Report & survey. Mc-
Colly Real Estate ranked 87th in the
nation in closed transaction sides in the
Power Broker Report, which identifies
and ranks America’s largest residen-
tial real estate brokerage companies
by transaction sides and sales volume.
McColly Real Estate was the only fi rm
headquartered in Northwest Indiana to
rank among the Top 100 and ranked
4th in the state of Indiana, only behind
three large companies based in India-
napolis. McColly’s ranking position
improved from number 95 in 2006.
Business
n The Ashkum branch of Centrue
Bank closed June 27, Thomas A.
Daiber, Centrue Financial Corp., an-
nounced in the company’s fi rst quarter
earnings statement recently. The bank,
located at Main Street and U.S. Route
45, is one of eight offices the company
sold or closed by the end of June, reduc-
ing the total number of bank branches
to 28. The Ashkum branch has three
employees who have been offered posi-
tions at other Centrue locations, Daiber
said. The closest Centrue branch for
Ashkum residents is in Kankakee.
n ComEd is nearing completion of
more than $3.4 million in improve-
ments in Bourbonnais, according to
a company press release. The work in-
cludes installation of a new 40-mega-
watt transformer at the Bourbonnais
substation on 6000N Road, west of
U.S. Route 45. The new transformer
will increase the available local capacity
by 10 percent, or the equivalent needed
to serve more than 8,000 additional
residential customers.
n Printec Press, Crouse Printing and
Custom Color Graphics, all commer-
cial printers based in Champaign, have
merged to form Premier Print Group.
The new organization will operate as
three divisions totaling more than $12
million in annual sales. Jeff Ruff ner
has represented Printec Press in the
Kankakee area for over a year.
n In early June, PetSmart held a
grand opening celebration at its new
store in the Water Tower Plaza, Route
50 North in Bourbonnais (near Mar-
shall’s). The store will have cats avail-
able for adoption at all times.
n MainSource Bank in Kankakee
has opened a financial services office at
1521 N. Convent St., Suite 300, Bour-
bonnais. The office will house Jerry
Alessi, commercial lending; Mimi
Barnes, mortgage lending; and Janet
Lundy, mortgage underwriting.
n Annalee Moutrey has opened a new
photo studio, Photographic Memo-
ries, in Bradley. Moutrey specializes
in maternity, babies, children, families,
engagement, pets and special events.
n Hogan Walker, a John Deere dealer
with stores in Dwight, Manteno, So-
monauk, Morris and Watseka, has
purchased the John Deere dealership,
Ehlers Lawn & Recreation, in Elburn.
The transition date was June 10. Hogan
Walker LLC was formed in December
1997 after the merger of Hogan Imple-
ment Company and Walker Sales Inc.
Both of the former companies were
founded in 1973.
Dr. Rosemary Er-
ickson Johnsen, as-
sistant professor of
English in the Col-
lege of Arts and
Sciences at Gover-
nors State Univer-
sity, was appointed
recently to the
Dr. rosemary Johnsen
Modern Language
Association’s Committee on the Status
of Women in the Profession. Johnsen, of
Steger, was appointed to the nine-mem-
ber committee for a three-year term.
PeoPle
n Angela Haggard will chair the
development committee at Provena
Intergenerational Center. Th is com-
mittee is responsible for all fundrais-
ing activities for Provena Fortin Villa
Child Care Learning Center and
Provena Adult Center.
Agente Staffing
announces the ad-
dition of Tammy
Lambert to the or-
ganization. Her ex-
perience includes
the areas of occupa-
tional health and
tammy lambert
safety and human
Continued on page 36
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B2B illinois DIRECT CONNECTIONS
KANKAKEE COUNTY ContinueD FroM Page 34
resources. Her responsibilities as an ac-
count executive include working with
existing client employers to meet their
staffing and recruitment needs, as well
as establishing new client employers.
n The medical office of Dr. Misba-
huddin Ahmed has met all criteria for
laboratory accreditation by COLA,
a national healthcare accreditation or-
ganization. Accreditation is given to
laboratories that apply rigid standards
of quality in day-to-day operations,
demonstrate continued accuracy in
the performance of proficiency testing
and pass a rigorous on-site survey.
steve Freeman Marilyn graf
Cognis Corp. has named its May and
June employees of the month. Steve
Freeman is May employee of the
month for his “strong work ethic,” ac-
cording to a company press release.
Marilyn Graf was named June em-
ployee of the month for her “dedica-
tion to controlling inventory,” accord-
ing to a press release.
The Daily Journal
and the Small
Newspaper
Group Internet
Innovations an-
nounced that Mo-
nique B. Howery
has accepted the
Monique Howery
position of online
sales consultant
for The Daily Journal. Her fi rst day at
The Daily Journal was June 9.
n The Illinois Department of Em-
ployment Security announced the
addition of Evelina Tainer Loescher
to the agency as the division manager
for economic information and analy-
sis. The division is responsible for the
collection, analysis, compilation, pub-
lication and distribution of Illinois
workforce, career resource and labor
market information. Loescher began
her position on June 2.
n Frito-Lay North America sales
representative Raymond Tovo, of
Manteno, will be honored this week as
one of PepsiCo’s top salesmen world-
wide with induction into the compa-
ny’s “President’s Ring of Honor.” Tovo
was chosen from among more than
85,000 global sales reps for the honor,
according to a company press release.
n Chris and Kelly Knobloch, of
Herscher, have joined the American
Angus Association, according to
John Crouch, chief executive officer of
the national breed registry organiza-
tion in St. Joseph, Mo.
Coldwell Banker
Residential Bro-
kerage and Mary
Jane Cleeland
announce the top
producers for
April 2008: Su-
san Fisher, Mar-
susan Fisher
lena Tharnish,
Michelle Roth,
Sarah Powers, Jerry Kern, Frank
Tripodi, Cindy Schimmel, Randy
McCurry, Tonya Woods and Sandy
Lackey.
Roland Rosen-
boom of Rosen-
boom Realty re-
cently announced
the agency’s top
producers for
April: Berry Mc-
Cracken, Mary
Murphy, Pam
Berry McCracken
Cordes, Rich
Hansen, Sandy Girard, Jennifer
Bilthuis, Francis Ciaccio, Lil Girard,
Mary Lou Knecht and Maria Pia-
centi. He also recently announced the
agency’s top producers for May: Berry
McCracken, broker, GRI; Mary
Murphy; Pam Cordes-Redding,
ABR; Leah Henrichs; Betty Hofbau-
er; Rich Hansen, broker, ABR; Sue
Miller; Jennifer Bilthuis; Mary Lou
Knecht, broker, gen. mgr; Fran Mar-
tin, broker; and Stephen Schroeder.
These realtors are all members of either
the Kankakee County Association of
Realtors or the Iroquois Ford Associa-
tion of Realtors, as well as the Illinois
and National Associations, the North-
ern MLSNI and the Kankakee Iro-
quois Ford Multiple Listing Service.
n Carle Clinic in Champaign-Ur- the Illinois Association of Realtors.
bana named registered nurse Nikia
Thomas
omas, of Bourbonnais, an “exem- Coldwell Banker
plary nurse” recently because “she Residential Bro-
manages to instill a sense of confi- kerage and Mary
dence in those who work with her,” Jane Cleeland,
according to a company press release. managing broker
are pleased to an-
n Claudiu Dumitrescu, Psy.D., is nounce that
now providing clinical and consult- Frank Tripodi
ing services in neuropsychology at has recently re-
Frank tripodi
Provena St. Mary’s Hospital. Dr. ceived his broker-
Dumitrescu is a fellowship-trained age license after completing 75 hours
neuropsychologist with extensive ex- of courses. Tripodi has been in real
perience in assessing general medical, estate sales for over 16 years and is a
neurological and psychiatric disorders. consistent top producer.
He received his postdoctoral training
at Northwestern University Hospital n Jessica Houde and J. R. Deuel
in Chicago, where he provided con- of the Coldwell Banker Residential
sultation to the departments of inter- Brokerage Bradley office recently
nal medicine, neurology, neurosur- completed the company’s “Fast Start”
gery and psychiatry. Dr. Dumitrescu program. Fast Start is a two-week
completed his internship at the VA program offered by Coldwell Banker
Medical Center/University of Michi- Residential Brokerage’s full-time ed-
gan Medical Center with an emphasis ucation department that includes ex-
in geropsychology-neuropsychology. tensive coverage of the preparation of
He fulfi lled his practicum training at contracts, review of real estate law and
the University of Chicago Hospital, other education that is covered in the
specializing in pediatric/developmen- basic license training class. These two
tal and adult neuropsychology. agents also completed the fi rst course
toward (GRI) Graduate REALTOR
Bennett Homes Institution designation.
announced its top
producers for the TrisTara Diaz of
month of May Kankakee recent-
2008 in the resi- ly became an in-
dential division. dependent con-
Tina Franklin sultant with
was the top Agent Usborne Books
for the month at Home, a na-
tina Franklin
with over $1.8 tional direct-sales
million in total transactions. Other company featur-
tristara Diaz
top producers were Dawn Olson, Su- ing high quality,
san Schreffler, Debra Foulks and educational children’s books that
Andy Czako. All five agents are make reading and learning FUN. As
members of the Kankakee County a consultant, TrisTara markets books
Association of Realtors, the National to schools, libraries, individuals, on
Association of Realtors, and the Illi- the web and by conducting home
nois Association of Realtors. bookstores, as well as coordinating a
variety of fundraisers.
Bennett Com-
mercial an- McColly Real
nounced its top Estate recently
producer for the recognized Azza
month of May Tawfik of their
2008 in the com- Bourbonnais of-
mercial division. fice for having
Greg Leutloff achieved top list-
was the top agent ing and top sales
greg leutloff
of the month with status for the
azza tawfik
over $2.6 million in transactions. months of April
Greg is a member of the Kankakee and May 2008. Vern Hanvey and
County Association of Realtors, Na- Bob Kuta each had over one-half mil-
tional Association of Realtors, and lion dollars in production for the

KANKAKEE COUNTY ContinueD
month of May. These agents are all
members of both the Kankakee-Iro-
quois-Ford Multiple Listing Service
and the Northern Illinois Multiple
Listing Service.
n Realtor Sandy Workman, presi-
dent of the Kankakee County As-
sociation of Realtors, President-elect
Sarah Powers, Realtor Sandy Boyer,
president-elect of the Iroquois Ford
Association of Realtors, and KCAR
Executive Officer Connie Legris
were among the more than 9,000 real-
tors attending the National Associa-
tion of Realtors’ midyear legislative
meetings and trade expo in May. Th is
year’s meetings marked 100 years of
NAR’s presence and influence in the
real estate industry. The Association
was founded in May 1908. KCAR
leadership visited Capitol Hill to meet
with their senators and representa-
tives and to press their concerns on a
variety of issues affecting homeown-
ers, potential homebuyers and real es-
tate in general. Among top concerns
are mortgage reform, homebuyer tax
credits, affordable and accessible prop-
erty, casualty and flood insurance, and
small business health insurance.
Provena St.
Mary’s Hospital
is pleased to wel-
come Hal Th in-
glum as the new
Speech-Lan-
guage Patholo-
gist. He attended
the University of
Hal thinglum
Illinois in Urbana
Champaign and obtained his Ph.D.
He received his undergraduate and
graduate level degrees from Northern
Michigan University in Marquette.
Hal is celebrating his 36th year as a
Speech-Language Pathologist.
Speckman Real-
ty, GMAC, an-
nounced their top
producers for the
month of May:
Amanda Armer-
Irps, Banner:
Over 2.3 million;
amanda armer-irps Sandy Boyer,
ABR, ASP,
RMM, QSC, Banner: Over 2.3 mil-
lion; Lori Naese, GRI, QSC,
SRMM, Banner: Over 1 million;
Lisa Sanford, ABR, BKR, CRS,
GRI, SRMM, Banner: Over 1 mil-
lion; Amanda Fedrow, ABR, GRI,
SRMM; Marilyn Roy, ABR, GRI,
SRMM; Tressie Clemans, ABR;
Brian Hoots, BKR, ECO; Rose
Mary Alberts, ABR, GRI, RMM;
Keith Lewis, GRI; Dusty Contreras;
and Brenda Dirks.
events
7/5/2008
Member Appreciation/4th of July
1st Annual “Ice Cream Social”
BBRCC Office, 6 p.m.
RSVP required.
BBRCC: 815.932.2222
7/9/2008
Chamber Meeting
First Community Bank & Trust,
8:30 a.m.
Peotone Chamber: 708.258.9450
7/15/2008
Business After Hours
Office Depot, 5 - 8 p.m.
BBRCC: 815.932.2222
7/17/2008
Mayor’s Panel Breakfast
Quality Inn & Suites, 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Connie Legris: 815.937.5551
7/17/2008
Ribbon Cutting &
Business After Hours
Dinner by Design: 5 - 7 p.m.
BBRCC: 815.932.2222
7/24/2008
Business After Hours
Vernon & Maz, Inc., 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
BBRCC: 815.932.2222
7/28/2008
Herscher Chamber Meeting
Herscher Legion Community Cen-
ter, 7 p.m.
Herscher Chamber of Commerce:
815.426.2131
B2B illinois DIRECT CONNECTIONS
WILL COUNTY
PeoPle
Will County
State’s Attorney
James Glasgow
has been named
State’s Attorney
of the Year. He
was honored in
June at the orga-
nization’s 12th an-
James glasgow
nual awards din-
ner. Th is is the second time in his
career as Will County’s top prosecutor
that Glasgow has received the honor
from the Illinois State Crime Com-
mission, the fi rst time being in 1996.
In naming him State’s Attorney of the
Year for 2008, the Crime Commis-
sion acknowledged Glasgow’s long
and distinguished career, during
which he has implemented initiatives
to investigate, prosecute and prevent
crime. Glasgow received his Juris
Doctor from the Northern Illinois
University Law School and has been
practicing law since 1981.
Braidwood Sta-
tion site vice pres-
ident Bryan Han-
son was elected to
the board of di-
rectors of the Will
County Center
for Economic
Development.
Bryan Hanson
The center is a
nonprofit organization whose purpose
is to attract and retain jobs and busi-
nesses in the county.
n Deon Pillard of Joliet has been
hired as the new homeland secu-
rity manager for Will County’s
Emergency Management Agency
(EMA). In this position, Pillard will
be responsible for the implementa-
tion, maintenance and monitoring of
homeland security-related prepared-
ness activities for Will County. The
new position helps to insure that
Will County is prepared for and can
adequately respond to incidents of
terrorism. Pillard came to EMA af-
ter leading the County’s Health De-
partment Emergency Preparedness
and Response Program since 2002.
In that position, she developed pub-
lic health emergency plans which en-
compassed bioterrorism preparedness
to pandemic influenza. Pillard holds
a Bachelor of Science degree from
the University of Iowa and a Master
of Science degree from Northern Il-
linois University. She also holds cer-
tificates in incident management and
emergency planning from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and
has lectured extensively across the
County and the State.
n Will County Executive Larry
Walsh restructured EMA last year,
promoting Harold Damron, long
time emergency management agency
staff member, to director (October
2007). With over 23 years of emergen-
cy management credentials, Damron
created the Homeland Security Pro-
gram. With the integration of the new
Homeland Security efforts into the
mission, Damron continues to grow
the agency and its services. The core
mission of the agency is to coordinate
emergency and disaster mitigation,
preparedness, response and recovery
efforts of the County. Damron has a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Gover-
nors State University and is currently
pursuing a Master of Arts degree
from American Military University.
He holds certifications as an Illinois
Professional Emergency Manager,
Certified Floodplain Manager and
Emergency Number Professional.
Damron has also attended training at
the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s Emergency Management
Institute and was awarded the Inter-
national Association of Emergency
Managers’ Certified Emergency
Manager designation in 1993.
Governors State
University re-
cently announced
the appointment
of Dr. Ellen Fos-
ter Curtis as dean
of the university’s
College of Busi-
ness and Public
Dr. ellen Foster Curtis
Administration,
effective July 1. Curtis most recently
served as academic division head for
the management division at the Penn
State Great Valley School of Graduate
Professional Studies. In that
position, she led in the university’s ac-
creditation from The Association for
the Advancement of Collegiate
Continued on page 39
What Do Gas Prices
and Elder Care Have
in Common?
I would like you to meet Fran. She is
about 50 years old and has a mother who
lives alone and requires moderate medical
attention. Unfortunately, Fran cannot af-
ford to pay for in-home nursing care.
Now I would like you to picture gas pric-
es at $6 a gallon. Many people will be forced
to leave their jobs to work at places
closer to home. This could create
major problems for employers.
What do gas prices and Fran have
in common? They could both benefit
from telecommuting. While that
may be true, many employers are
not comfortable with the telework
option.
In a recent survey of 100 human
resource executives conducted by
the global outplacement consultan-
cy Challenger, Gray & Christmas,
Inc., more than 57 percent said their
companies offered some type of re-
lief to ease the financial burden of
higher gas prices to employees. Only
fourteen percent, however, said they
were expanding their telecommut-
ing opportunities.
“Telecommuting may be the best
solution, but it is going to be a tough
sell when business conditions are as
weak as they are now,” said Chief
Executive Officer John A. Chal-
lenger.
According to WorldatWork, an associa-
tion of human resource professionals, more
than 28 million Americans work at least
one day per month from home. They esti-
mate that 100 million will be teleworking
by 2010.
In spite of these numbers, however, the
organization noted in a recent article posted
on its website (www.workingfromanywhere.
063008209101155
by Joseph P. Giunta
org) that the biggest obstacle to continued
expansion is that most managers have only
been trained to work with employees who
are physically present.
“Managers may have to learn how,” said
Challenger, “because telecommuting may
not only prove to be the most effective way
to attract and retain the best talent, but it
may be the key to reducing our dependency
on foreign oil.”
Another study by independent research-
ers Kate Lister and Tom Harnish reported
that 40 percent of Americans have jobs that
can be done at home, yet only four percent
of the workforce telecommute. If that 40
percent worked at home, they concluded, it
would save 625 million barrels of oil, reduce
greenhouse gas pollution by 107 million
tons of CO2, and save almost $43 billion
at the pumps.
It is apparent that the positive benefits of
telecommuting should be a strong incentive
for employers. Perhaps rising gas prices will
be the catalyst for change.
What about Fran?
Surprisingly, Congress may help her.
Since the passage of the Telework En-
hancement Act of 2007, Congress has been
looking at all the potential benefits of tele-
commuting for both workers and federal
agencies.
The General Service Administration
(GSA) highlighted one of those benefits in
a 2006 report that linked telecommuting
with dependent care.
Meetings & Events
Full Service Event Planning
PEGGY MAYER
1100 W. Calista, Kankakee, IL 60901
ph: 815-932-7092 • fax: 815-932-7094
peggymayer@sbcglobal.net
“A key benefit commonly associated with
telework,” said the report, “is its potential
for assisting employees with a disabled
spouse on a regular medication routine, or
providing a presence for an elder. Yet, many
organizations do not support the use of tele-
work to assist employees with dependent
care. However reasonable this exclusion
may seem at face value, the reality is that it
is based on out-dated opinion as opposed to
empirically tested fact and practice.”
Is Telecommuting a Real
Solution?
Yes. The trick is knowing which
jobs to convert to telecommuting
and how to supervise those workers.
Up until now, managers had few re-
sources to turn to.
One of those resources is Debra
A. Dinnocenzo’s excellent book on
telecommuting called 101 Tips for
Telecommuters. Dinnocenzo is presi-
dent of ALLearnatives®, a company
specializing in the development of
resources for telecommuters, tele-
managers, and other home-based
workers.
Another more recent resource
is coming this fall at Joliet Junior
College in Joliet and Illinois Val-
ley Community College in Oglesby.
Both schools are offering courses to
help teleworkers and telemanagers
prepare for the virtual workplace.
Look for them in their fall catalogs.
While the push to conserve en-
ergy and the need for workers to care for a
disabled or elder family member is coming
together to drive business to expand tele-
commuting opportunities, it is important to
remember that not all jobs lend themselves
to telecommuting. Some require workers to
be at the job site. Nevertheless, millions of
jobs can be done at home—even one or two
days a week. Each business should explore
the telework option to determine what is
best for them.
Joe Giunta is a contract
training manager for Joliet
Junior College’s Corporate
and Community Services
division.

WILL COUNTY ContinueD
Schools of Business (AACSB), the
premier accrediting agency for degree
programs in business administration
and accounting. Curtis’ experience
also includes faculty positions at
Northeastern University’s College of
Business Administration and the Col-
lege of Management at the University
of Massachusetts Lowell, where she
served concurrently as associate pro-
fessor of management and director of
graduate programs. Prior to joining
Penn State, Curtis was a performance
consultant specializing in manage-
ment and leadership development for
the financial services, operations and
systems division of Merrill Lynch.
Curtis earned her bachelor’s degree in
French and Germanic Studies from
Indiana University, graduating Phi
Beta Kappa. She holds a Master of
Business Administration degree,
graduating Beta Gamma Sigma, and
a Doctor of Business Administration
degree from the Kelley School of
Business at Indiana University.
Drs. Crossan and griffin
Paul D. Crossan, MD, and Vivian
Griffin, MD, will be joining the phy-
sicians currently on staff at Provena
Saint Joseph Medical Center. Dr.
Crossan attended Loyola University
Stritch School of Medicine and served
his residency at the school’s Depart-
ment of Radiation Oncology. He
served elective rotations at the Uni-
versity of Washington and the Puget
Sound Veterans Administration Hos-
pital in Prostate Brachytherapy. He
also served at St. Jude’s Children’s
Hospital in the Radiation Oncology
Department. Dr. Crossan is a board
certified Radiologist and is currently
involved in a research project involv-
ing CT-based 3D evaluation of inter-
fraction organ variation in HDR
brachytherapy of the cervix. He is a
member of several organizations in-
cluding the American Society for
Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology,
the Illinois Radiological Society and
the Chicago Radiological Society.
Paul Pawlak, president and Ceo of silver Cross
Hospital; 45-year service awardee Joann schi-
fler, surgery recovery room; 40-year service
awardee gwen ulmer, community relations;
and Mary Bakken, chief operating officer of
silver Cross.
During National Hospital Week, Sil-
ver Cross Hospital honored employ-
ees who reached milestones of 5 to 45
years of service. Over 85 employees
with 10 or more years were honored at
a special dinner held in May. Employ-
ees with five years of service received a
gift of their choice.
n Andrea Ramirez-Justin was re-
cently promoted to vice president at
Old Plank Trail Community Bank in
Mokena. Justin served as the assistant
vice president since joining the bank
in March 2007 and has more than 25
years of banking experience. She also
serves on the executive board of the
Frankfort Chamber of Commerce and
the ambassador board of the Cancer
Support Center in Mokena.
n Bobbie Reed, “Mrs. Bobbie,” has
recently retired from Bobbie Noon-
an’s Child Care in Homer Glen after
27 years.
Daniel Gutierr-
ez, M.D., an in-
ternal medicine
physician and for-
mer medical di-
rector of the Will
County Commu-
nity Health Cen-
ter, has joined the
Dr. Daniel gutierrez
Sanitas Medical
Group in Joliet. Partnering with Drs.
Jose Penaherrera and Diana Jaime, Dr.
Gutierrez is now seeing patients in the
Hershman Medical Arts Building on
the Silver Cross Hospital campus on
Monday and Thursday afternoons.
n McColly Real Estate recently rec-
ognized sales professionals who have
achieved top listing and/or sales status
for the month of April 2008: Michelle
Boicken—top listings and top sales,
Beecher; Sharon Patrick—top list-
B2B illinois DIRECT CONNECTIONS
ing, Crete; Don- A Possible and
na Hanrahan—
Sustainable Future
top sales, Crete; Continued from page 9
Nancy McCa-
be—top listings, wants help calculating the pay back period
Shorewood; Mike for extra insulation or energy star applianc-
Roche top sales, es, we will be able to assist or show how to
Shorewood; Don find the answer. And, as ComEd creates its
Michelle Boicken Moore—top list- portfolio of energy conservation incentives,
ing, Tinley Park; the center will provide resources to explain
and Kelly Ryan—top sales, Tinley how to access these incentives.
Park. McCOLLY Real Estate was es- As we develop this concept we plan to
tablished in 1974 and has grown to be have more information on just how the cen-
the largest residential real estate fi rm ter will operate and what parts will be vir-
tual and what parts physical.
in Northwest Indiana and the Chi-
cago Southland with over 800 sales
professionals. Educational Programs and
Training to Produce a New
Energy Workforce
events One of the benefits of sustainability and
alternative energy will be the increased jobs
7/8/2008 related to the new ways we produce and dis-
Monthly Membership Luncheon tribute energy and bring conservation and
Prairie Bluff Golf Club, Crest Hill sustainability to business practices. While
we are not exactly sure what these future
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
green jobs will look like, studies indicate
Romeoville Chamber: 815.886.2076
that the number of workers in green energy
jobs may double over our current conven-
7/15/2008
tional carbon-based systems that rely on
Business AFTER 5
coal, oil, and natural gas.
Back to Basics Health Center,
To provide opportunities in this emerg-
5 - 7 p.m.
ing employment market, this fall we plan to
Romeoville Chamber: 815.886.2076
add courses to our electronics curricula that
will train technicians for the new energy
7/18/2008 systems. These green jobs are likely to in-
Manhattan Chamber Annual Golf volve skilled technicians who are well com-
Outing pensated. In our region and the Chicago
Woodbine Golf Course, Homer Glen area, there will be local employment in the
Manhattan Chamber: 815.478.3811 installation of solar energy and both in the
installation and maintenance of wind gen-
7/19/2008 erators. Likewise, the ability to do energy
1st Annual Romeoville Job Fair audits and retro commissioning of HVAC
Romeoville Recreation Center, systems as well as a host of other jobs and
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. skills are likely to emerge.
Doris Mann: 815.886.7209
Working Together
7/23/2008 KCC continually strives to support eco-
nomic growth and provide education and
Society of Human Resource Man-
training for area business and industry
agers meeting
workforce needs. The college also stands
JJC Business and Technology Center,
ready to bring new technology and new ef-
8 - 9 a.m.
ficiency to give our companies the competi-
Derek Wright: 815.744.0111
tive edge. There will be a number of oppor-
tunities to lower operating energy costs, as
7/24/2008
KCC itself plans to do. However, the long
Business After Hours
range opportunity of sustainable develop-
City of Joliet, 5 - 7 p.m. ment will be to operate our economy so that
Joliet Region Chamber: 815.727.5371 we maintain the attractive features of this
region for decades from now.
7/25/2008
Annual Golf Outing to benefit Jerry Weber, president,
Lamb’s Fold Center for Women and Kankakee Community College
Children
Green Garden Country Club.
7:30 a.m. registration; 9:30 a.m. shot-
gun
Lindsey Savant: 815.723.5262