The Experts

By SCOTT CRUZ On Jan. 28, 2026, the Illinois Legislature introduced the Secure Jobs Act (“Act”) – which, if enacted (the effective date if enacted is Jan. 1, 2027), Illinois would operate under one of the most sweeping employment‑protection laws in the entire country. Its mere introduction shows a fundamental failure to understand the gravity…

By JOEY HEINRICH SVP, Payables Solutions Consultant UMB Bank In the B2B world, checks have long been the preferred method of payment, but the rise of electronic options is changing the payables landscape. According to the Association for Financial Professionals’ (AFP) 2025 Digital Payments Survey, 76 percent of organizations plan to update their payments strategy…

Social media can be a double-edged sword for small businesses. On one hand, it represents a free and effective way to reach out to your audience and expand your reach. But on the other, it can take up a lot of time, fail to help you connect and—in a worst-case scenario—alienate potential customers. Whether you…

One of the most effective ways to improve visibility this year is to identify your most profitable work. Last year’s income tells a story. Not just about revenue, but about which clients, projects, or services were best for the business. Some clients generated stronger margins. Some projects flowed more smoothly. Some led to repeat work…

By CORY JOBE, President/CEO Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. For most Americans, the Semi Quincentennial will be a rare moment to reflect on the sweep of national history—its triumphs, struggles, contradictions, and unfinished promise. Yet in southwest Illinois, the anniversary carries an added significance:…

Article summary: The article outlines the necessary OSHA forms (300, 300A, and 301), emphasizes confidentiality, and discusses available resources from the Illinois On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program for workplace safety assistance. Employers must certify and post Injury and Illness Logs. Certain employers are exempt from maintaining these logs due to employee thresholds, but all…

By SCOTT CRUZ The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) requires employers to pay non-exempt employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked. When a non-exempt employee works over 40 hours in a single workweek, the FLSA requires employers to pay overtime at a rate of one and one-half times that employee’s regular…

These days having a website for your business is all but a requirement. It’s often the first place current and potential customers will turn to learn about your company and its offerings. Creating an attractive, accessible and informative website can expand your reach and bring in new audiences. There are many tools to help you…

By CAROLYN GREEN Around the start of a new year, many companies turn their attention to marketing strategy. Leadership teams review last year’s results, choose key indicators to monitor, and map out timelines. This planning work is important, but it is rarely what determines whether the plan succeeds. In the quest for the perfect plan,…

High on your priority list as a business owner is getting a financial benefit from all your hard work. So, one of the first and most pressing questions you’ll ask yourself is: “How do I pay myself?” The answer isn’t necessarily obvious because it’s not the same for every business. How you go about it…