InterBusiness Issues - May 2007

Joe Dondanville
Managing Finances at RLI
The senior vice president and chief financial officer at RLI discusses his company’s culture, the quality of of life in Peoria and the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on corporate accountability.

Features

Publisher's Note
A Seat at the Table
What has struck me most about the governor’s healthcare plan, a “crusade,” as he has referred to it, is the sanctimonious way in which he has tried to sell it.
Business Profile
Scott Turner: FlexiSnake Distributing
If you’ve ever waited for the water to go down the bathroom sink or stood ankle-deep in water while showering, then Scott Turner may have solved your problem with a material you probably already have in your home right now—Velcro.
Money Smart Week Peoria
During the week of May 7-12, local organizations will help area residents improve their money management skills with Peoria’s first annual Money Smart Week.
Shape-Based Pricing Rate Change
As part of its May 14, 2007 rate change, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will introduce shape-based pricing, one of the most dramatic postage structure changes in years.
Guest Editorial
Why a Port Authority for the Illinois Valley?
With the leadership of a dedicated Port Commission and the involvement of an energized business community and citizenry, we’d like to think that the best is yet to come.

Columns

  • Agricultural Issues
    Legislation and the Transport of Farm Commodities
    Patrick Kirchhofer - Peoria County Farm Bureau
  • Chiropractic Issues
    Who's Working for Whom?
    Dr. Robert Zinser, Zinser Chiropractic Clinics
  • City Issues
    Comprehensive Plan
    Mayor Jim Ardis - City of Peoria
  • Consulting Issues
    Moving Towards People-Focused Management
    Abhijit Shanker, CGN & Associates
  • County Issues
    Peoria County Cares
    William Prather, Peoria County Board
  • Ethical Issues
    Family Ties to Business
    Dr. John Throop, The Summit Group
  • Healthcare Issues
    National Nursing Home Week
    Carolyn Conover, OSF Saint Clare Home
  • Heartland Issues
    An Environment of Innovation
    Jim McConoughey, Heartland Partnership
  • HR Issues
    Mary Pille, Employers' Association
  • Information Management Issues
    A Compliant Records Management Program
    Greg Dickerson, Iron Mountain
  • Investment Issues
    Do Your Homework Before Investing
    Scott Elger, Robert W. Baird & Co.
  • Legislative Issues
    Wanted: Adult Supervision in Springfield
    State Rep. Dave Leitch - 73rd District
  • Manufacturing Issues
    Conference to Help Manufacturers Achieve Performance Breakthroughs
    Mike Waight, IMEC
  • Occupational Health Issues
    Modified Duty Programs in the Workplace
    Michael Davis - IWIRC Corp.
  • Social Issues
    Success by 6: School Readiness Calendar
    Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way
  • Staffing Issues
    Three Tips to a Smoother Running Workforce
    David Smith, Manpower Professional
  • Tourism Issues
    Investing in a Visitor-Based Economy
    Brent Lonteen, Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Workforce Issues
    The Leadership Challenge
    Bashir Ali - Central Illinois Workforce Network

Also in This Issue...

Newly Extended R&D Tax Credit Offers Additional Benefits
Jay Wadkins
In late 2006, Congress revived a key research and development tax credit that will deliver an estimated $16 billion in savings to U.S. businesses over the next decade.
Telecom Spring Cleaning
by Julie Drake
Spring cleaning should not only apply to our attics, closets and garages—it should also apply to our monthly business expenses.
The Investment of Tolerance in Your Business
by Monica Vest Wheeler
Tolerance is very good business, and one of the best investments we can make in ourselves.