InterBusiness Issues - March 2006

An Interview with Mark Spenny

CEFCU's new president and CEO talks about the financial institution's $7 million dividend, how banks and credit unions differ, and why CEFCU is the best of the best.

Features

Business Profile

Peoria Day Surgery Center

PDSC has been part of the central Illinois health care scene for more than 15 years, but its staff still calls it one of the area’s best-kept secrets.

Caterpillar: Record 4th Quarter & Full-Year Results

Caterpillar Inc. effectively responded to unprecedented customer demand in 2005. Sales, revenues, and profit per share figures set new records.

Government Profile

Peoria Councilman John Morris

In this new IBI feature, Councilman Morris discusses his "pet issue," how he feels about televised council meetings, what he sees in his political future, and more.

Guest Editorial

New State Laws May Affect Your Business

State Rep. Aaron Schock, 92nd District

The General Assembly passed a number of pieces of legislation last year that have an impact on those who do business in Illinois.

The IBI List is a fun and informative new addition. The concept is simple: we ask companies the questions we think you would be interested in knowing the answers to. Whether you’re making decisions for business or pleasure, the IBI List will be a valuable resource.

Publisher's Note

Worth Our Care and Support

Jan Wright, Publisher

With our care and support—both physical and financial—Wildlife Prairie State Park and its neighboring attractions will be with us for generations. Have you visited lately?

Also in this issue...

Earning the Right to Sell to Customers

Kathleen Gage

How often do people try to sell us something before we’ve expressed an interest, have a desire, or are in the market for what they have?

Energy Policy Act: Tax Trimming Tips

Mark Miskell

RSM McGladrey

The lion’s share of the act's incentives goes energy producers. However, mid-sized companies and executives also can benefit from the new tax credits.

New Building Codes: What to Look For in the Future

Fadi Rustom

Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White & Frederick, P.C.

The Peoria County Board has adopted a new building code, affecting standards for construction projects.

New Environments Make For Pleasant Hospital Stays

Dave Burnison

Farnsworth Group, Inc.

Some hospital executives are discovering that an improved environment can be a significant distinction among medical professionals and consumers.

Columns

Agricultural Issues

Farm Bureau Supports Eminent Domain Limits

Patrick Kirchhofer - Peoria County Farm Bureau

Airport Issues

Summer Excitement

Mary DeVries, Greater Peoria Regional Airport

Chiropractic Issues

Whiplash Impairment Rating

Dr. Robert Zinser, Zinser Chiropractic Clinics

City Issues

State of the City

Mayor Jim Ardis - City of Peoria

Community Issues

Renaissance Park: The Beginning

W. Michael Bryant, Methodist Medical Center

Consulting Issues

Emerging Market Sourcing: Strategies for Success

Matt Anderson, CGN & Associates

Education Issues

Promises to Keep

Dr. John Erwin, Illinois Central College

Ethical Issues

Ethics and Money

Dr. John Throop, The Summit Group

Health Care Issues

Saving 100,000 Lives: Revisited

Dr. R. Michael Gulley, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

Heartland Issues

More Growth, More Opportunities for Leadership

Jim McConoughey, Heartland Partnership

HR Issues

Find Out What Employees Really Think

Mary Pille, Employers' Association

Insurance Issues

Employment Practices Liability

JR Runkel, Fortner Insurance Agency, Inc.

Junior Achievement Issues

JA Honors Three Local Business Leaders

Larry Timm, Junior Achievement

Occupational Health Issues

Why Occupational Health?

Michael Davis - IWIRC Corp.

PACVB Issues

99 Years of Basketball

Steve Powell, Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Public Issues

Senate Must Act on Vital Water Resources Bill

Congressman Ray LaHood - U.S. Congress

Social Issues

Evaluation Helps Ensure Program Effectiveness

Michael Stephan, Heart of Illinois United Way

Staffing Issues

Assessments Take the Gamble Out of Hiring

David Smith, Manpower Professional

Workforce Issues

Aligning Human Capital to the Emerging Economy

Bashir Ali, Central Illinois Workforce Development

Search

InterBusiness Issues - March 2006