Greetings!
 

 

We have continued to explore business ideas and learn about time management in order to help students succeed. Starting this week, along with wonderful tours planned, Susan Hanfland and I will begin the Pacific Institute PX2 training. According to the founder, Lou Tice, this program "explores cognitive and self-image psychology and high-achiever research." In layman's terms, they will be learning about positive thinking and the power of human thought to achieve goals.

 

Please consider stopping by and visiting the class on your way to work. We meet daily from 7:30-9 am. The class's home base for this quarter is the LifeSpan Center on Loxa Road. Everyone is welcome!

  

Monday, December 3rd - EIU Renewable Energy Center Tour

With Dr. Bill Perry and Ryan Siegel, 2110 18th St., Charleston


Tuesday, December 4th - Components of a Good Business Idea
LifeSpan Center

 

Wednesday, December 5th - Eclipse Beauty Salon Tour

With Libby Trelz, 1505 18th St., Charleston

 

Thursday, December 6th- Book Club Reviews

With Max Smith reviewing "Now Discover Your Strengths"

and Jacob Miller reviewing "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"

LifeSpan Center

 

Friday, December 7th - PX2 1-3
With Susan Hanfland, LifeSpan Center


Time Management Discussion
 
The students served as time management consultants for an overloaded failing manager. They suggested ways to delegate, plan, and get buy-in from the employees to be more efficient. Together, the group created a timeline outlining the steps to complete their individual goals of starting a business next Spring.


Consolidated Communications Tour
With Troy Conley

The students heard about the entrepreneurial beginnings of Consolidated Communications and how continual change in technology keeps this company evolving and merging with other businesses that have similar competencies. They cover approximately 2000 square miles and always look for ways to be more efficient and user friendly.


Business Ideas/Insurance Discussion Part Two
With Brian Fogarty, State Farm Insurance
 
Evaluating trends and solving problems can inspire a great business idea. The students read the Wall Street Journal and discussed opportunities.
 
Brian Fogarty continued discussing the many ways to reduce the risk of starting a business with insurance. Other topics discussed were: the difference between a W-2 and 1099 worker, key-man insurance, buy/sell agreements, group insurance and estate planning.


Book Review/Business Idea Generation
With CCEC Student Joey Benham

Joey reviewed the book, "How to Sell Anything to Anybody" by Joe Girard. This book echoed the lessons that the students have learned from other speakers that have visited our class. Students took turns discussing their talents and passions and identified businesses that could be started using those talents.
 


Class Investors


Adams Memorials

Advanced Digital Solutions

Anonymous (2)

Bella Vein Laser Center Medical Spa

City of Charleston

City of Mattoon

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Commercial Electric

Consolidated Communications

Corrie Appraisal & Consulting, Inc.

Curry & Co.

Curry Construction

Dr. Dean and Jeanne Dau

Diepholz Auto Group

Doehring Winders & Co. LLP

Ealy's Real Estate Appraisals

Eastern Illinois Properties

First Federal Savings & Loan Association

First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust

First Neighbor Bank

Flesor's Candy Kitchen

General Electric

Gilbert, Metzger & Madigan LLP

Jerome C. Groniger

Jimmy John's/Clyde's Animal Clinic

Howell Paving, Inc.

Innovative Staff Solutions

Lake Land College

LD Mechanical Contractors

Lifetime Eye Care

Lorenz Supply Company

Marketing by Jones, LLC

MARS Petcare US

McDonald's of Coles County 

Midas

Mid-Illinois Concrete, Inc.

Pilson Auto Center 

Pinnacle Foods Group, LLC

Porter Auto Body

Reed's Fly-On Farming

Rexdon, Inc.

Company

Rural King Supply

Sarah Bush Lincoln 

Health System

Scholes Trucking, Inc.

Eli & Ann Sidwell

The Sparks Foundation

Unique Home Properties

United Graphics, Inc.

Upchurch Group, Inc.

Vantage Outsourcing

Veolia Environmental Services

Wells Fargo Advisors

West & Company, LLC

Other Financial Contributors