NAWBO® Central Illinois - The PULSE

Our Sympathies

It is with sad hearts that we share the passing of long-time NAWBO member Alice Anthony's father and Tina Thomas's grandfather Assaf Trad, Sr.  Mr. Trad passed away on July 30th.  The visitation and funeral was Monday, August 1st.  Donations can be made to St. Sharbel Maronite Church, Peoria, IL or St. Sarkis and Bakhous Church.  Online tributes and memorials can be made through www.woolsey-wilton.com.

"Good Neighbor" Business of the Month Award

Receive a little recognition for your good deeds!

State Representative Jehan Gordan is honoring businesses that show a dedication to improving their communities. Nominees for the award must show that they care about their communities and are committed to helping their neighbors.

Nominations will be received on an ongoing basis. Winners will be recognized with a visit from Representative Gordan and honored at a recognition dinner.

For more information, click here.

Government Affairs Update

We received the information below from Senator Christine Radogno, Illinois State Senate 41st District.  Senator Radogno is the minority leader in the Senate.
 
 Illinois’ Auditor General William Holland reports the state’s liabilities exceed assets so dramatically that Illinois’ net assets deficit is now the largest among all 50 states. Holland was able to compare the state’s fiscal year (FY) 2010 financial statement to all states but Hawaii, which has not yet been released.

The deficit in net assets is the difference between the state’s liabilities and assets. Examining a state’s net assets provides a state with a good picture of its fiscal health. Unfortunately, Illinois’ net assets have steadily deteriorated over the last decade, increasing from $12.8 billion in FY 2003 to $37.9 billion in FY 2010. In FY 2010, Governor Pat Quinn's first full year in office, the state’s net assets fell $8.4 billion.

Only three other states reported a net assets deficit in FY 2010, including California, Connecticut and New Jersey. However, Illinois' deficit far exceeds even those dubious companions. California reported a $4.2 billion asset deficit, Connecticut had a $13.7 billion and New Jersey shows a $28.2 billion deficit.

Holland also reported that Illinois’ general fund deficit has risen to a record $9.2 billion. The audit is one of numerous reports released by both state officials and private entities that reflect the state’s ongoing fiscal problems.

In May, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford released a report showing state taxpayers’ borrowing debt has jumped to $45 billion—or $24,000 for every Illinois family. Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has consistently cautioned that substantial structural budget changes are needed if Illinois is to ever eliminate its massive deficit.

Business Roundtable Invite

You're invited to attend a Business Roundtable hosted by State Representative Jehan Gordon. It will be held on Wednesday, July 27th at 7:30 a.m. at the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 SW Water Street in Peoria.

At the Roundtable, Representative Gordon will provide a recap of the legislative session and seek your input on how to improve the business climate in the state.

For more information, please read the attached letter: Click here to open

July Meeting

Our July meeting will be Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at 5:30 pm at Jonah’s in East Peoria. Your reservations are due by Monday, July 18.

Join us for a fun, relaxing evening enjoying wine and appetizers. Jonah’s is located at 2601 North Main St in East Peoria. Click here for a map.

Please respond as soon as possible by replying to this message or sending your response to secretary@nawbo-cil.org. Please make sure you receive a reply back to confirm that we've received your e-mail.

For your convenience, you can pay for your meal online! Just go to http://www.nawbo-cil.org/store.php.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – MEMBERS - $30, GUESTS - $35
RSVP – by Monday, July 18, Noon

Reservations made but not kept will be billed accordingly.

Door Prize: Everyone is invited to bring a door prize this month.

Make check payable to: NAWBO
Click to: secretary@nawbo-cil.org
Mail to: PO Box 9404, Peoria, IL 61612-9404
Call: 309-692-2225

Congratulations to our new board members!

Past President:  Wendy Ramsay
President:  Cindy Fleming
President Elect: Shelly Hranka
Secretary: Denise Moore
Treasurer: Beth Ward
Communications: Doris Symonds
Membership: Lindsay Brown

We look forward to a great year under their leadership! Please support them in any way possible!

NAWBO Sister Doris Symonds to Receive Business Champion of the Year Award

Illinois Small Business Leaders to Receive SBA Regional Honors
Regional Administrator Marianne Markowitz to recognize Elaine Krieger of Krieger Kiddie Corporation, Hedy Ratner and Carol Dougal of Women’s Business Development Center, Doris Symonds of T.A.L.K. and Jacob Elster and Taylor Monk of Crop to Cup.

Women’s Business Champion of the Year—Doris Symonds, T.A.L.K— Teaching and Learning for Knowledge—Doris is a tireless advocate and mentor for women entrepreneurs in the Greater Peoria, Illinois area.  Doris has dedicated her life to improving the chances of business success for women business owners. Doris’ boundless energy and devotion to women makes her a household name in the area of business mentorship.

AWARD PRESENTED BY:  SBA Regional Administrator, Marianne Markowitz
                  
WHEN: Thursday, May 12, 12:30 PM—Award Presentation                
WHERE: Commerce Bank, 7400 North Orange Prairie Road, Peoria, IL 61615

Congratulations Doris!!

Read this PDF for full details. If your schedule permits, attend the award presentation.

Children’s Dyslexia Center Wins Grant!

Dear NAWBO SISTERS,

Thanks to all of you who voted for the Children’s Dyslexia Center in the Heart Technologies Great Heart Give! Because of you they  WON the $10,000 tech grant.
 
Thanks.
 
Alice T. Anthony

Campaign for Better Health Care Webinar

Dear NAWBO members,

The Campaign for Better Health Care (CBHC) is a not for profit that has been working to improve the access to and quality of health care in Illinois for over twenty years.  You can view their web site at: www.cbhconline.org

Below describes the educational webinar that we are offering at the end of this month.   As key leaders in NAWBO members can participate
Weblink:  https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=u9lvbieog3l3

Thursday, April 28th at 2:00pm
Call-in Info:
(712) 432-0075
Participant Access Code: 651757

The Campaign for Better Health Care has set a free opportunity to spend about one hour to receive an update about:

• Current health care insurance issues at the federal and state levels--how these impact small businesses and how you can have an impact.
• Small Business tax credits and other benefits of health care reform.
• Answers to your questions.

The webinar presenters will be the Small Business Majority, Campaign for Better Health Care and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Reaching out to inform and involve more small business owners to understand the current benefits of federal health care reform and to know how they can influence Illinois legislation to help small businesses is key to ensuring that health insurance becomes more accessible and affordable.

Thank You.

For additional information or questions please:
Joyce Harant

309-682-5891
309-648-3035 cell

11TH ANNUAL 25 WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, the Marketeer magazine and WEEK 25 are proud to bring you the 11th annual 25 Women in Leadership Award.

What is it about a woman that makes her a special leader? Her spirit, kindness, determination, energy and love for life? You tell us.

The prestigious 25 WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD is designed to recognize women of all ages from the young to the mature, all races and religions who have demonstrated unswerving dedication to the betterment of their family, their company, and their community at large.

A nominee could be a high school student who has organized an anti-drug campaign to a health-care provider who has excelled within her field. The real test of a nominee’s eligibility can be measured by the care she gives to her work, her mission, or to others even when a myriad of demands and commitments are swirling around her. These are 25 women who go beyond the norm to excel and provide leadership and example for all who know them.

A special appointed committee of community and business leaders will judge all nominees. Judging will be based upon the ability of the nominator to articulate, with specific examples and information, the reasons why the nominee should be considered based upon the above criteria. Click here for a nomination form.

The 25 WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARD will be presented in a special awards presentation luncheon to be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at the Hotel Pere Marquette.

Return completed nomination form by June 3, 2011 to:

WEEK
2907 Springfield Road
East Peoria, Illinois 61611
Attention: Christy Howell

Fax it to: (309) 698-9663

Chicago Author Asks For Input For Her Next Book

Carol Abrahamson is a member of NAWBO's Chicago chapter and the author of 14 business books. She is writing a new book, "The 15 Lucrative Ways Your Book Can Forever Change Your Professional Life," and she is looking for a few more authors to profile whose nonfiction book(s) generated great results for their business.

Her request is as follows:

I have collected many Chicago authors’ success stories, but I want the book to describe successes from across the country. I hope your chapter might have – or your members might know – an author or two who would like some free PR by being included in my latest book.

Does your chapter have a listserv or other announcement vehicle through which your members could learn about my project? Most of the authors I have connected with to date are friends and colleagues of NAWBO members rather than chapter members themselves, and as members have forwarded this email to non-NAWBO authors, the authors have seen the power of the NAWBO network in action (a great thing to actually show off – and not just talk about – to get new members!).

If you are interested in learning more about her project, you can contact Carol at 815.748.1537 or carol@ExecutiveAuthors.com. Her website is www.ExecutiveAuthors.com.

Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast

Even the most savvy business leaders will tell you great leadership isn't a skill you pick up overnight. It's a skill that must be developed over the course of a career through experience, continual learning, and collaboration.
 
That's the inspiration behind the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast.
 
Join Express Employment Professionals on Wednesday, May 18 for this motivational event where you'll hear a diverse lineup of speakers who have built distinguished careers based on their unique insights into what it takes to be a great leader.
 
To find the nearest host location and to register, please visit the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast Locations page.

U.S. and Midwest Regional Economic Outlook Event

NAWBO members invited to attend. . .seating is limited and lunch will be served. . .please reserve today!
 
The Peoria Money Smart Week Partners, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Hult Health Education Center extend a special invitation to you to hear Rick Mattoon, an economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. His primary focus will be on issues facing the U. S. and the Midwest region.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an interesting and insightful discussion! Please forward this message to others you feel would like to attend!

 

Budding Artists Show Their Stuff!

Imagine strolling along, listening to a live piano player, sipping sparkling cider, nibbling hors d'oeuvres and gazing at children’s beautiful artwork displays as well as known artist in the area.  This is just how the children and families at A+ Children’s Academy will spend their evening Thursday night March 31 from 6-7pm. 

“Our children will be displaying their artistic talents in a gallery art show at our school, just like adult artists have art openings.” says owner Michelle Didesch-Rouland.  “Everyone is excited to dress up, mingle and enjoy the children’s work.  We also have four local artists Gene Malikowski (sculpture), Janet Jackson (Painter), Carol Lane (various mediums) and Cindy Leach (Reggio Emilia specialist) coming to share their work and give feedback to our teachers about the children’s work.  The Reggio way of teaching we do has a strong emphasis on the visual arts.  We thought what better way to respectfully display all the painting, weaving, sketching, sculpting and photographing the children worked on than a formal-like affair for families to mingle?  It is also a way for the children to meet and learn from professional artists and their variety of work.”

A+ Children’s Academy is a Reggio Emilia inspired school.  The Reggio Emilia approach to curriculum promotes a love for investigation.  The visual arts are used as a medium to advance thinking and learning.  The strong emphasis on “graphic languages” makes learning visible.  The emphasis on visual arts such as painting, weaving, sculpting and photography advances brain development and allows children to express what they’ve learned.

Jerry Ailshie will be providing live entertainment during the event.
A+ Children’s Academy is located at 6431 N. Big Hollow Road Peoria, Illinois 61615
(309)691-2998

Curves 13th Annual Food Drive

A note from Della Snyder...

Dear Friends, 

I am asking for your help in spreading the word.  Please pass this on to your contacts so that we can help as many people as possible.

During the month of April, Curves will participate in their 13th annual Food Drive to collect non-perishable food and cash donations to benefit local food banks.  From April 4-17, Curves will waive the membership fee for new members who donate a bag of non-perishable food.
          
The past few years have been difficult for so many families and this food drive is one way that you can make a real difference in your community.  I encourage everyone, not just our members or those who are thinking about joining Curves, please make a donation or drop off a bag of non-perishable food items to your local Curves in April. 

Also, tune in Sunday, April 3 at 8/7c to ABC’s new show, Secret Millionaire featuring Curves founders, Gary and Diane Heavin. Thank you in advance for forwarding this message.  I hope to make this a very successful event. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  If you need contact information about your local Curves, please visit : www.curves.com.

Sincerely,

Della

Congratulations Again to Doris Symonds - Named 2011 Regional Champion of the Year!!

NAWBO-CIL Member Doris Symonds of “Talk to Doris Now” just received notice that not only did she win the State of Illinois Women in Business Champion of the Year 2011 Award, she has also won the Regional Women in Business Champion of the Year Award!

The Regional Award includes strong competitive state nominees from Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota and Michigan.  Doris and the other award winners will be honored at the 2011 Small Business Week Awards Reception and Presentation Ceremony to be held in Chicago.  This event will be sponsored by the United States Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Small Business Development Center Network and SCORE-Counselors to America’s Small Business.  Congratulations Doris!

Please vote for the Valley of Peoria Dyslexia Center!

NAWBO sisters, 
 
We need your help. Please vote. 
 
I’ve been associated with the Valley of Peoria Dyslexia Center for several years.  The Center is a not-for-profit organization that tutors children with dyslexia in reading & spelling.  The services provided are free of charge.
 
Please help in getting the Center in the running for this tremendous technology package.  Heart Technologies, Inc. announced The Great Heart Give 2011, a $10,000 technology pkg for a local charity.  Follow the link below to nominate the Valley of Peoria Dyslexia Center.  Please pass this info along. The more nominations we get, the better our chances are. 
 
http://thegreatheartgive.com
 
The nomination tab is in the lower right corner.  The following info is needed:
Organization Name: Valley of Peoria Dyslexia Center
Contact Name: Gina Cooke
Organization Address: 2900 West Lake Ave
Organization City, Zip: Peoria, IL 61615
 
Contact Person:Gina Cooke
Contact Email:ginacooke@sbcglobal.net
Contact Number: 309-679-1888 or (309)-472-3639
 
Thanks.
Aleece Anthony

Seven Hallmarks Of A Great Workplace

We've all seen those lists in business journals and magazines--the top-100 best companies to work for in 2011. What exactly makes a workplace "great?" Today and tomorrow, Promotional Consultant Today looks at the seven hallmarks of a great workplace.

1. A clear mission and purpose for being
The very best workplaces in the world know what they are and what their core purpose is. They have a straightforward and concise mission statement that is readily understandable and enthusiastically embraced by each and every employee. Such great workplaces have carefully identified those factors critical to their long-term success (i.e. those services and/or facilities they must provide, and continue to provide, exceptionally well) and their specific vision for the future (what their workplace will likely be in five to 10 years). Great workplaces develop detailed action plans and accompanying areas of responsibility to ensure their vision for the future is more than some pie-in-the-sky dream; it is concrete, actionable, measurable and achievable.

2. Forward thinking, creative senior management and a caring, well-trained staff
No workplace can remain superior over any meaningful period of time without quality leadership at the top as well as a caring, well-trained support staff. At great workplaces, everyone from the president/chief executive officer to yesterday's hire are fully committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure the company's ongoing success year-in and year-out. Equally as important, great workplaces attract people from myriad backgrounds and with varying arsenals of professional and personal skills--talents that complement and enhance each other to the benefit of all employees as well as the customer base. At a great workplace, individuality is valued and cherished, but teamwork remains first and foremost.

3. Meaningful work
A great workplace allows--better yet, encourages--its employees to do what they deem meaningful. Of course, the term "meaningful" denotes different things to different people. What is meaningful work for a chief executive officer of a multi-billion dollar company may, but not necessarily, differ significantly from that of a solo entrepreneur working at home. Both can—or cannot—be genuinely viewed as meaningful work, depending on the perspectives of the individuals involved. Having said that, author Malcolm Gladwell is correct when he notes in Outliers that, for most people, work is meaningful when it is sufficiently autonomous, appropriately complex and has a perceived direct relationship between the effort invested (i.e., time on the job) and the accompanying return (i.e., compensation). Great workplaces offer their team members the opportunity for each and every employee, irrespective of their education, talents and experiences, to consistently do what they themselves perceive as genuinely meaningful.

4. Reasonable, understandable, and uniformly enforced work rules
Great workplaces have rules and policies that are reasonable, understandable and, perhaps most importantly, fairly and uniformly enforced. The rules and policies at great workplaces are neither capricious nor arbitrary. They are not written in language so arcane that anyone but a senior tax attorney can comprehend. Ideally, they are not written to prevent employees from doing something, but rather to set appropriate standards whereby all employees are assured the opportunity to maximize their potential. In short, great workplaces embrace rules and policies that reflect the core values of the workplace as well as the expectations of the employees and customers in a fair and logical manner.

5. An appropriate blending of tradition and innovation
While great workplaces are environments where employees devote a significant amount of time to improving current products and services as well as creating new ones, they are also places where tradition and continuity are highly valued. Longstanding products and services are not whimsically eliminated to the detriment of loyal customers; rather, they are continually improved as circumstances dictate to the benefit of all concerned. At great workplaces, all are aware and proud of their company's origins and heritage, its growth and evolution, its positive reputation in the community, its quality products and services, its mission for the present, and its vision for the future.

6. Open communication among all vested parties
Great workplaces have regular, honest communication between everyone involved with, and interested in, the long-term success of the company. Staff and customers are always kept informed of, and are encouraged to appropriately participate in, the company mission, vision, policies and procedures as well as any significant changes under consideration. In other words, they are given adequate opportunity to convey their ideas and suggestions to company leadership. Managers at great workplaces are unwavering in their commitment to "management by walking around," because they know that this time-tested practice promotes open communication and minimizes potential problems. Great workplaces typically have company newsletters, both electronic and print, that regularly and effectively communicate the various opportunities available to staff and customers in an accurate and timely manner.

7. Fiscal responsibility
Last, but certainly not least, great workplaces are fiscally prudent in the manner they operate. They have detailed, multi-year business plans that feature accurate income and expense projections, conservative cash flow estimates, sufficient funding for research, development, infrastructure maintenance, renovation and expansion and realistic cash flow projections. In addition, great businesses rigorously monitor and adjust their financial plans on a regular basis and as circumstances dictate. They know exactly how much money will be required to provide the quality products and services their customers want and expect as well the specific costs associated with them. The long-term financial well-being of the workplace remains a high priority in the minds of all concerned.

A great workplace, in summary, employs happy, productive and talented people who perform meaningful work compatible with the mission, vision and financial goals of the company. It takes constant effort and vigilance to be a truly great workplace, but the end result is well worth it.

Source: Promotional Consultant Today

Author: Norm Spitzig, principal at Master Club Advisors, is an internationally recognized speaker and club industry expert. His talks have been well received on six continents by numerous professional associations, individual businesses, club leaders and civic groups. His groundbreaking book, Perspectives on Club Management, continues to inspire and challenge business leaders worldwide, and his newer books, Private Clubs in America and Around the World and Murder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury, offer insightful and humorous looks into the private club world.

NAWBO-CIL March Meeting

Our March meeting will be Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria. Your reservations are due by Monday, March 14.

Technology as we all know is here to stay. Staying on top of or ahead of the ever changing rules is a feat we business owners must tackle. Whether you use a single PC or have hundreds in your office, this month’s topic will be of informative. I just started accepting credit cards and had no idea the responsibility I was assuming. As I learned what those responsibilities were, I wanted to be sure we all understood. Frankly, I'm not sure I completely understand. Hence, this month’s program.

Also, March is public policy month. We have a great speaker coming to talk to us about how our involvement does make a difference.

I hope to see you there.

-- Wendi E Olson Ramsay, NAWBO-CIL President

4:30 Education hour program
PCI Compliance -"What you need to know if you accept credit cards."
Are you aware that there are rules and regulations that the Payment Card industry requires merchants to adhere to? Not following these rules can be very costly, even a loss of your business can occur. Learn how you are affected and what it takes to become compliant.Speaker - Todd Thousand, IT360

6:00 Dinner Program
How important it is to get involved at the local level
Presented by Demetra DeMonte, leader Tazwell County Republican Central Committee

What is this Cloud that I hear so much about???????
Cloud computing - What is it? What isn't it? How can it benefit me?Presented by Todd Thousand, IT360

Times and Agenda

4:30 pm – PCI Compliance, by Todd Thousand, IT360
5:30 pm - Social and Networking Time
6:00 pm – Dinner & Program
First, “How important it is to get involved at the local level”, by Demetra DeMonte, leader Tazwell County Republican Central Committee
Second, “What is this Cloud that I hear so much about” by Todd Thousand, IT360

Please respond as soon as possible by replying to this message or sending your response to secretary@nawbo-cil.org. Please make sure you receive a reply back to confirm that we've received your e-mail.

For your convenience, you can now pay for your meal online! Just go to http://www.nawbo-cil.org/store.php .

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – MEMBERS - $30, GUESTS - $35
RSVP – by Monday, March 14, Noon
Reservations made but not kept will be billed accordingly.
Door Prize: Everyone is invited to bring a door prize this month.
Make check payable to: NAWBO
Click to: secretary@nawbo-cil.org
Mail to: PO Box 10072, Peoria, IL 61612
Call: 309-692-2225

Government Purchasing Diversity Event

How to do business with government agencies

Please join us for this educational event!

Members of these agencies and other business resources will be available for an open network-ing session. These governmental agencies are seeking companies that are existing or potential DBE, MBE, WBE, 8(a), Section 3, or Service-Disabled Veteran owned. Small business owners will be able to get valuable information on requirements to do business with governmental agencies.

Event Information
Date: March 23, 2011
Time: 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Location: Gateway Building
200 Northeast Water Street, Peoria IL

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Registration begins
9:00—9:10 a.m. Welcome
9:10 —10:00 a.m. Benefits of Joint Ventures to Grow Your Business, presented by Linda Krendick, Director, IL PTAC
10:00—10:10 a.m. Break
10:10 a.m.—Noon Open networking with local governmental agencies

Registration
To register, please contact one of the following people by March 18, 2011:
David Watkins, City of Peoria, (309) 494-8528, dwatkins@ci.peoria.il.us
Virginia Pearl, County of Peoria, (309) 672-6054, vpearl@peoriacounty.org

Register today for this FREE EVENT!