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InterBusiness Issues - May 2008
Senator David Koehler
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

A Little Green Cleaning
by Amy Groh
With hopes of revolutionizing the regional cleaning industry, Robert Jones operates three companies focused on environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and procedures.
Civic Center Revitalization: A One-Year Review
by Marc Burnett
Peoria Civic Center
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.
Publisher's Note
Sustainability: The Very Essence of Business
by Jan Wright, Publisher
“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.”
Rehabilitating Our Water Infrastructure
by Christian Volz
Farnsworth Group, Inc.
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...

Emergency Notification System for Your Business? Really!
by Tom Brannen
Jewel Technology Services, Inc.
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.
Guidance on the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction
by Mark Miskell
RSM McGladrey
The IRS has issued Notice 2006-52, which provides interim guidance for taking the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction (Internal Revenue Code Section 179D).
To Be or Not To Be a Safe Harbor
by Linda K. Phillips
Heinold-Banwart, Ltd.
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.
Getting the Most Out of Your Pension
by Joshua T. Waite
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
It is important to learn the facts about your plan to make sure you obtain the benefits to which you are entitled.
The Five-Point Star of Marketing
by Becky Wood
The Service Station Advertising Agency
Do people remember the concept of the ad, but don’t remember who it was for?

Columns

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