We were "WOW'd by Jeanie Martin at our meeting Wednesday. She talked to the entrepreneurs in the group and pointed out ways that we could re-think our ability to be self-led.
First, Jeanie asked, 'what are you doing to improve yourself?' and second 'how are you being challenged as a leader?" Sound like simple questions, but taken to heart, can be a couple of powerful aids. Jeanie reminded us to surround ourselves with positive people, the five most influential people we hang out with should be those who are most likely to help us moe forward.
Second, Jeanie asked, are you challenged? Of course we all are, but are we "underchallenged", "adequately-challenged", or "dangerously over-challenged"? Making the best use of the time we have, to reach our potential while reducing the 'frustration gap' is a goal, Jeanie pointed out, worth working toward.
Finally, Jeanie gave us five areas of self-leadership to work on. Our habits, health, relationships, time and money are the areas that can increase or reduce the value of ourselves. Thinking of ourselves as a crucial commodity, being motivated by either pain or pleasure, we can all work on using the potential we have been given and using it to our fullest! Thanks, Jeanie, we were fortunate to have you today!

Yesterday's Leads Group II meeting included a great 'fine-tuning' activity. The group split into two segments, and each group discussed their invidivual opinions and experiences with their competition. Specifically, we opened up to each other with information about our biggest competitors and what they can do that we can't. It's an eye-opener and a great time to sit down away from your busy day to look more closely at your own business.
We're ready to grow again... if this blog interests you, send it to someone you know wants to grow their business in the Yorkville area.

They spoke about the intricacies and behind-the-scenes activites of their successful body shop.

Besides what one would expect, like body repair services, painting and insurance work, Yorkville Auto Body also offers some refreshingly different and very-much-needed services.

For example, they pointed out that their free 'used car' inspection can save you money and headaches. Just bring the car you are considering purchasing and let them give it a once-over. Another of their services, noted Colanne Schwemlein of Colanne's Tax and Accounting Service, is 'they even work on semi's". And, taking advantage of their large facility, Yorkville Auto Body can assist non-profits. Jane Tune of Quik Kill noted, "they use their business as a springboard to assist non-profits, like D.A.R.E., the F.F.A., Lions, and others". Clay Kannaka from Allied First Bank was also impressed. He state that he learned a lot about 'the high quality paint and great warranty'. Keri Gaul of the Ripple Effect had something to add as well. "I didn't realize," said Keri, "they did oil changes and brakes, and (I) didn't know about their community involvement"> Many of the leads group members were interested to find out, as Sara Fontanez, owner of Fontanez Photography pointed out, that "drug- and explosion-trained K-9 units are trained on site for several counties".

Thanks, Stephanie and Glen, for a great presentation and a delicious lunch!

Know You Need to Say Something, but Not Sure How to Say it?

Alethia Hummel, of Aha! Marketing and PR, grew up in Somonauk and now resides in Sandwich. Hummel graduated from the University of Nebraska with an English degree and a love for writing. Hummel then got a taste for marketing with her first job. She traveled and landed in New York City where she was presented with opportunities to work with national brands such as: Mars and Pedigree. With her love of writing and her new found knowledge of marketing, Hummel wanted to be more in line with her roots and moved back to Illinois. Hummel found enjoyment in working with small businesses and assisting in a variety of marketing needs such as: marketing plans and how to execute them, social media, press releases and educating her clients on opportunities for publicity. She shared with Leads Group 2 members the basics of publicity and many of the opportunities available locally, as well as, tips on writing newsworthy stories. Hummel’s focus is on content/copywriting for PR materials such as: brochures, websites, press releases, etc. To begin writing your memorable and meaningful copy today, contact Alethia Hummel at 815-326-0613 or send an email to alethiac2000@yahoo.com.

Colanne Schwemlein, of Colanne’s Accounting and Tax Services, has been a certified as a CPA for over nineteen years. She has a passion for helping businesses navigate thought the stresses of tax season. Schwemlein recently spoke at YACC’s Leads 2 Group meeting, educating it’s members on some of the new tax laws for 2011. She specializes in small business and individual returns. The number one tax tip she shared was to keep your paperwork timely and organized, especially if you are a business owner with employees. All W2’s and 1099’s are to be finalized by the end of January and all tax returns are due to the government by April 18. On the personal side, Schwemlein said to look for changes in the Home Energy Credit, which has been extended for this year. Tax Tip: You can submit multiple times for the The Home Energy Credit as long as it is for different items. Another tax rule that has change is how deductions are handled for HRA accounts, over the counter medications are no longer eligible. On the business side, Corporations will be affected by the state tax increases, but not S-Corps. Tax Tip: Commuter miles are counted for you driving to where you earn your money. (Example: As a landscaper, money it made while on a client’s property, therefore, the miles driven between clients are commuter miles.)

For assistance in your business and/or personal tax returns, please contact Colanne Schwemlein at Cpscpa@comcast.net or at 815-786-6050.

February 18 -

Christine Davis
World Ventures/Rovia is now offering $69 cruises every month.

Sara Fontanez
Fontanez Photography has partnered with a Salon & Spa to assist with her Facebook Faces event.

Sue Hills
Sports Boosters Annual Dinner will be on April 16. An iPod & iPad are being raffled off.

Jessica Stachelski
Adopt the Love of Your Life event has raised over $700 thus far. Kittens and puppies will be available for adoption. Event held at Heritage Oaks on Feb 19.

February 11 -

Brian Harbour
Office space is available, they are taking applications to offer free support for one-year.

Jessica Stachelski
is so grateful for all the donations for "Adopt the Love of Your Life" event. Silent Auction bids are at $300

Keri Gaul
Thursday Feb. 17 in Geneva, event "What causes diseases and how to prevent them"
April 15, Dr. Wentz, founder of USANA Health Sciences will be promoting his book in Naperville.

Steve Beck
has received a Dinner/Dance contract with Montessori.
has received a contract for a fundraising event for Stan Bahn, Montgomery Village Trustee

“It’s not just a kitchen, it’s a memory.”, explained Greg Millen of Saint Joseph’s Cabinetry at a recent YACC Leads Group II meeting. “Kitchens are where friends gather, where cookie decorating happens, where spouses drink wine and cook together, where family breakfasts take place, kitchens are the heart of a family’s home.” Family and memories is something that Millen knows well, being one of fourteen, he grew up with a mother who entertained often, who invited neighborhood kids in and embraced bringing family and friends together. His passion for cabinetry design stems from his own memories. Saint Joseph’s offers a variety of cabinet lines for any budget; ranging from $1,500-30,000; they can assist in renovating or re-designing kitchens, offices, dens, bars, the sky is the limit. They offer a virtual tour of the space you have dreamed up, using a combination of your ideas and CAD drawings, allowing you to visually see the space prior to the renovation phase. How do you want your space to feel? What do you want your space to say? How do you see your space functioning? These are all questions that Greg Millen can help you answer. Millen has over 20 years experience in the cabinetry industry and has designed over 4000 kitchens helping customers fill their dreams and create memories that last through generation after generation. Contact him today to start designing the space of your dreams, (630) 553-5964 or www.stjosephdesigns.com.

A Little Night Music Offers You An Experience, Not Just Music

In the “old” days, when DJ’s had to buy records to acquire a large music library, it was not an inexpensive profession to be a part of. Today, in our world of technology, large music libraries are easy to come by and sound equipment is reasonably priced making the DJ profession sought out by many. “Just because someone has nice sound equipment and a large music library, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a good DJ”, explain Steve Beck owner of A Little Night Music. Beck not only wants to offer the perfect music for your special event, but wants you to walk away with an unforgettable experience.

At a recent YACC Leads Group 2 meeting, Beck explained that he specializes in Wedding Receptions and Class Reunions, but also assists in festival parties, corporate gatherings, block parties, birthday milestones and private parties. What sets Beck apart from other DJ’s is his continual effort in learning the latest trends of the Disc Jockey and business community. Beck travels to several trade shows a year and will attend many workshops this coming Spring such as: Master of Ceremonies, The Love Story (telling the story of a bride and groom throughout their wedding) and The Entertainment Expo. With A Little Night Music, you are hiring more than a Mobile Disc Jockey. You are hiring someone to help plan and to establish a time line of events, to help make sure this plan is kept intact while you are enjoying all the small moments of your event and to help your guests walk away from an experience they will never forget. A Little Night Music coordinates all the details from how to handle requests from the “don’t play” list of a bride, to making sure that all participating vendors are on the same time line to keep the whole event seamless. For more information on A Little Night Music, please contact Steve Beck at 630-264-2588 or www.alittlenightmusic.net.

Jessica Stachelski, Home Sweet Home pet sitting
Adopt the Love of Your Life & Silent Auction
Feb 19 from 11-3pm
Items are needed for the silent auction. All items donated will be listed on www.HSHpet.net and on facebook. Your business will be listed.

Sara Fontanez
Fontanez Photography has partnered with The Chocolate Shoppe in Starved Rock in putting together a Valentines day gift basket. The gift basket includes chocolates and a gift card for photography services.

Choosing the Life You Want to Live

Dr. Myron Wentz who is an internationally recognized microbiologist, immunologist and infectious disease diagnoses founded USANA Health Sciences in 1992. Wentz served as an infectious diseases specialist; and after three years of clinical experience, he saw an opportunity to make a deeper contribution to medical science by developing much-needed tests for viral diseases. In his clinical studies, Wentz discovered that if we grew cells with all of the essential nutrients and they were protected against any toxins, the cells were free from degeneration. Wentz’s passion transitioned from detecting diseases, to creating optimal health for everyone around him.

At a recent YACC Leads 2 presentation, Keri Gaul, an independent distributor for USANA Health Sciences explained that Dr. Wentz was shocked with the low-quality vitamins and nutritional supplements on the market, along with a panel of nutritional experts, Wentz created the most balanced, most potent vitamins and supplements available today. Gaul explained that USANA is 100% guaranteed and uses the best ingredients in the right combinations allowing your body to readily absorb it’s vitamins and minerals. USANA is the only nutritional company that offers the athlete guarantee program and is of pharmaceutical quality.

USANA compliments all walks of life through health and wealth. It is impracticable to think that you receive all the vitamins and minerals your body requires through your daily diet. Our quality of life is no longer there; and diseases such as diabetes and cancer are much more frequent than ten years ago. By giving our bodies the proper vitamins and minerals, we can help protect ourselves from these man-made diseases. USANA has been named the global leader in nutritional supplements and have raised the bar so high, that even professional athletes trust the name. To learn more about USANA Health Sciences and their product line, please contact Keri Gaul, 630-553-4878 or visit http://www.therippleeffectllc.usana.com/

Every meeting YACC Leads Group II take the time to share any joys and successes that group members have experienced since the previous meeting.

Here are some that we shared today:

• Brian Harbour, Allied First Bank
Was amongst the top loan officers in 2010 for Allied First and landed two $20-million dollar loan deals. Congrats Brian that is fantastic!

• Pat Auten, Realtor, Coldwell Bank
Was able to tie up a closing on December 31, what a great end to your year Pat!

• Mike Prendeville, TaskForce Cleaning
Was contacted by Oswego Police Department to start handling "break-in" clean-ups and has just finished his first contract. Congrats Mike on the expansion of services!

• Justin Brockway, Brockway Lawnscaping
Welcomed his second daughter into the world on December 21, Brylee Rose at 7lbs. 3oz. and 19 in. Congrats Justin! Hope everyone is feeling well.

The members of Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce's Leads Group 2 have all reaped in the benefits of a leads group this past year; with 23 members strong, Leads 2 ended a successful year with over 400 referrals passed between group members, not to mentioned giving upwards $500 to local charities and supporting one another in member presentations, advice and educational seminars. YACC Leads Group 2 regularly recruits new members through personal contacts, chamber events and business associates. They proudly added eight additional businesses to the roster in 2010; regularly recruiting and inviting guests, means new referral opportunities for all members! With only a 1-hour a week commitment, being a part of a leads group is an exceptional way to market yourself to other business owners. The relationships that you build through YACC Leads Group 2 will not only help your business grow, but will built you a reliable support system that you can trust.

Why market all on your own? We have 23 other members that can help you. If you are interested in marketing with Leads Group 2, please contact Sue Hills, Stifel Nicolaus at 630-845-7905 or hillss@stifel.com.