InterBusiness Issues - May 2008

46th District, Illinois State Senate
Throughout his life, Illinois State Senator David Koehler has served the public in an astonishingly diverse set of roles. A native of South Dakota, he became a Peorian in 1978 when he was recruited to be a community organizer for the Friendship House. In 2006, after serving as administrative assistant to State Senator George Shadid, he succeeded his mentor as Senator of the 46th District.

Features

With hopes of revolutionizing the regional cleaning industry, Robert Jones operates three companies focused on environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and procedures.
Just one year ago, the red ribbons were cut, opening the newly expanded exhibit hall, and shortly thereafter, the beautiful fourth-floor ballroom in the Peoria Civic Center.
Sustainability: The Very Essence of Business
“An environmentalist, a paper mill rep and a magazine publisher walk into a bar. The environmentalist says to the other two…well, nothing. Those three would never drink together.”
Typical water pipe systems are designed to last for 100 years. Today, U.S. cities depend on pipes well beyond their intended life.

Also in this issue...

In the aftermath of tragedy, it becomes clear that there are numerous shortcomings in the way we communicate the warning, notification and response of a disaster situation.
The IRS has issued Notice 2006-52, which provides interim guidance for taking the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction (Internal Revenue Code Section 179D).
If you are an employer who has or is considering establishing a 401(k) plan, one of your key decisions is whether it should be a safe harbor 401(k) plan.
It is important to learn the facts about your plan to make sure you obtain the benefits to which you are entitled.
Do people remember the concept of the ad, but don’t remember who it was for?

Columns

The High Price of Groceries
Patrick Kirchhofer - Peoria County Farm Bureau
Window of Opportunity
W. Michael Bryant, Methodist Medical Center
Great Libraries Make Great Cities
Mike McKenzie, Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees
How “Green” Is Your Workplace?
Mary Pille - Employers' Association
A New Life for Former Work Camp
State Rep. Dave Leitch - 73rd District
United Through Collaboration
Michael Stephan - Heart of Illinois United Way
Strategies to Meet Financial Goals
Bill Russell, South Side Trust & Savings Bank
Legal Help Now Online
William Prather, Peoria County Board
CCO of Peoria—What Is It?
Michael Chihoski, OSF Healthcare System
NSF a Perfect Fit For Peoria NEXT
Kyle Ham, Peoria NEXT
Federal Funds to Spark Manufacturing Growth
Tucker Kennedy, IMEC
The Interview Process
David Smith - Manpower Professional
Boards and Commissions Make Us a Better City
Mayor Jim Ardis - City of Peoria
Budget Woes Squeeze Community Colleges
Dr. John Erwin - Illinois Central College
Attracting and Retaining Young Professionals
Roberta Parks - Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Giving Your Home Away
Scott Elger - Robert W. Baird & Co.
Reducing Workers’ Compensation Costs
Michael Davis - IWIRC Corp.
Regional Hotel Tax
Brent Lonteen, Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau