eNewsletter

Inside the Current Issue of the eNewsletter from the Illinois SBDC:

I’ve always liked Earth Day. First, it usually falls on my birthday so I use it as an “excuse” to purchase a tree or shrub for my yard (this year it’s a new pink hydrangea bush). Second, it’s a feel-good “holiday” – who doesn’t like doing something nice for the planet?

This year, there’s a third reason to celebrate – many utility companies are developing portfolios of energy efficiency programs to achieve a certain annual energy savings goals. Ameren-IP will be rolling out several new energy efficiency programs that will help Ameren customers save on their electricity bills over the life of the program. We are proud that Ameren IP, Corn Belt Energy, and NICOR are supporting contributors to the Illinois SBDC at ISU.....

The Illinois SBDC at Illinois State University is proud to announce the launch of its Know and Grow Program. This program is designed to provide hands-on guidance for those who want to launch and/or grow their business.

Our first seminar series begins May 21st. This three-part seminar led by Dr. Terry Noel of Illinois State University takes a look at how small business owners can manage growth effectively. Each class covers three topics essential to moving past a “tread water” mentality to a “swim with purpose” attitude. Each seminar participants will leave with an individualized growth plan for his/her business. All classes will be held from 8:30 AM – Noon in the College of Business Building on Illinois State’s campus....

Please join us for annual open house at the Illinois Small Business Development Center at ISU. We are hosting a cocktail reception on May 14, 2008 from 5-7 PM in the College of Business Building Lower Level Atrium.

Parking is available and free in the parking lot immediately South of the College of Business Building. Please RSVP by May 9, 2008 to sbdc@illinoisstate.edu or 309-438-3610.

In Calendar Year 2007, the following Economic Impacts were made in Congressional Districts 11 and 15:

11th Congressional District – Congressman Gerald Weller

  • 2,406 clients counseled and trained

  • 2,431 jobs created and retained

  • $18.7 million in financing secured

  • 49 new businesses created

  • 18 business expansions

David Juarez launched D.J.’s Painting & Remodeling, Inc. while completing his education at Illinois State University. Now, over 15 years later, Juarez runs a full-service company specializing in improving the appearance and functionality of commercial and residential buildings. D.J.’s offers many services, including remodeling, restoration, interior and exterior painting, and overall home improvement. (E.g., woodwork, drywall, carpet, tile, wallpaper, etc.)

Juarez contacted the Illinois SBDC at ISU in late summer of 2007. “David is always looking to improve his business, whether through improved internal systems or more targeted customer service efforts,” says SBDC Director Elizabeth Binning. The Illinois SBDC at ISU began by providing a detailed financial analysis for D.J.’s Painting & Remodeling, comparing his financial ratios to other businesses in the same industry and of the same size. The report included specific industry comparisons for payroll, rent, and advertising expenses....

The Field Studies Course is the capstone project for all Management and Quantitative Methods (MQM) majors in the Entrepreneurship sequence. The course is designed to provide business students with an opportunity to apply all of the skills they have developed during their time at Illinois State to a real world business situation at NO COST to the participating company.

Small teams of four to five senior-level students provide consulting services for a local firm. The group works directly with a contact from the firm and is advised by one of the University’s College of Business professors as well as the staff of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at ISU. Students sign confidentiality and conflict of interest statements before working with any client companies. The project lasts the full semester and culminates in a presentation of recommendations from the students to the client and professor....

Among our new staff members, we welcome Nadejda Sledneva. A native of Russia, Nadia joins us with two years of tax consulting experience with Deloitte.

While working for one of the "Big 4" consulting companies, Nadia assisted in developing stock option plans for multinational companies. She also communicated with foreign Deloitte offices and negotiated with Russian tax authorities as she prepared tax returns for Expatriates....

With climate change and increasing energy bills on everyone’s mind, going green is the new black. And with it comes a new vocabulary including LEED-certified, biodiesel fuels, biodegradable disposables and waste composting. Many CEOS have now directed their executives to go carbon neutral and lower greenhouse gas emissions. How do such green policies save money, influence investors, impact public perception and affect the bottom line?

The green consumer segment boasts more than $230 billion in spending power, according to a study from the National Marketing Institute. Clearly, there are opportunities for advertising and marketing strategies based on environmental and sustainable products. Publicists and advertisers need to promote green initiatives and reach the growing green demographic without seeming exploitative to influence consumer awareness. Of course, marketing for a green enterprise has to be carefully thought out so that the promotion process doesn't impact the earth and make your company look hypocritical. For example, ads on the Internet rather than newspaper or magazine print ads is cost effective and utilizes fewer resources.  Drive traffic to your website and use it as the primary point of entry for new clients....