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InterBusiness Issues - December 2006
Mike Stone
Insuring a Focus on Success
Taking his father’s advice, Michael Stone learned from an early age to get a good education and work diligently at his career. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Bellarmine College in Louisville, Ky., and graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor, J.D., from the University of Louisville. Now as the chief operating officer of RLI, Stone is happy to say the company has consistently outperformed insurance industry standards for the last ten years. He now gives his own advice to others in the industry and explains the importance of seeking expertise on loss control, analyzing risks and finding trusted insurers with documented financial strength, like RLI. Stone and his wife, Elizabeth, have five children together and live in Peoria.

Features

Business Profile
Gary Matthews: EM Properties, Ltd.
Sometimes called "The Donald Trump of East Peoria," Gary Matthews of EM Properties, Ltd. discusses his company's role in putting together the real estate projects that are changing the face of his city.
Government Profile
Pekin Mayor Frank H. Mackaman
Frank Mackaman has spent his career studying government and politics, so when he was appointed to fill the balance of his predecessor's term as Pekin mayor, he was ready for the job.
Guest Editorial
Workers’ Compensation Revisited
by Doug Whitley, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Legislators must be reminded that Illinois employers remain dissatisfied with the unsympathetic bureaucracy and excessive, anti-competitive costs they experience compared with other states.
Publisher's Note
Fighting the Good Fight
by Jan Wright, Publisher
As we look to the New Year, let us hope that we have reached a turning point in a political discourse that had turned awfully toxic.

Also in this issue...

Caterpillar Reports Record Revenues for Third Quarter
With a strong focus on executing its corporate strategy, Caterpillar Inc. reported record third quarter sales and revenues.
How Lean Logistics Can Boost Your Company's Bottom Line
Stan Lynall
RSM McGladrey
Logistics and supply-chain management issues have plagued mankind for millennia.
New Legislation Aims to Increase Pension Funding
Michael Fritz
Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White & Frederick, P.C.
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 has been called "the most sweeping reform of America’s pension laws in over 30 years."
Companies Seek Trust and Sustainability
Jeanne M. Tarvin
STS Consultants, Ltd.
Global concerns about the environment continue as natural resources diminish, global warming/climate change disputes continue and the population increases at an astounding rate.
Making Strategic Decisions With Confidence
Glen E. Birnbaum
Heinold-Banwart, Ltd.
For big-ticket items—and greater peace of mind—managers often turn to feasibility studies.
Technology: Asset or Liability?
Dave Walty
Heart Technologies, Inc.
Technology must be seen as a tool and is only really an asset when implemented and used properly.

Columns

Agricultural Issues
The Squeeze on Ethanol
Patrick Kirchhofer - Peoria County Farm Bureau
City Issues
Forecasting a City Budget for 2007
Mayor Jim Ardis - City of Peoria
Debt Management Issues
Break the Holiday Overspending Cycle
Janice Parker, Central Illinois Debt Management & Credit Education, Inc.
Health Care Issues
Medicare Part D Update
Tara Flippin, OSF Healthcare System
Investment Issues
IRA Rollovers Can Help Manage Change
Scott Elger, Morgan Stanley
Occupational Health Issues
Workers' Compensation Fraud: The Employee
Michael Davis - IWIRC Corp.
Tourism Issues
New Plans for Visitors
Brent Lonteen, Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Airport Issues
Holiday Travel
Ken Spirito, Greater Peoria Regional Airport
Consulting Issues
Cultural Implications of Change Management
Abhijit Shanker, CGN & Associates
Education Issues
Taking Care of Employees
Dr. John Erwin, Illinois Central College
Heartland Issues
Investing in the Future of Our Region
Jim McConoughey, Heartland Partnership
Junior Achievement Issues
JA Resonates Within the Community
Larry Timm, Junior Achievement
Social Issues
Born Learning
Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way
Workforce Issues
Long-Term Education Challenges
Bashir Ali - Central Illinois Workforce Network
Chiropractic Issues
What is Kinesiology?
Dr. Robert Zinser, Zinser Chiropractic Clinics
County Issues
Achieving Unity
David Williams - Peoria County
Ethical Issues
Ethics and Time Off
Dr. John Throop, The Summit Group
HR Issues
Do You Have Your Act Together?
Mary Pille, Employers' Association
Manufacturing Issues
Leaning on Product Design
Mike Waight, IMEC
Staffing Issues
As an organization, Marriott emphasizes that if you take care of employees, they will take care of y
David Smith, Manpower Professional