MAKING

CONNECTIONS

Your guideto the

2010Chamber Business

Expo and local

networking

opportunities

MMaarrcchh 22001100 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL 1177www.thebusiness-journal.com

1188 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL MMaarrcchh 22001100 www.thebusiness-journal.com

KEYS TO SALES SUCCESSReader’s Choice winners share their

It may sound cliche, but the success ofmy office is due to our “No Ice for Eskimos”policy. What exactly does that mean? Itmeans we do not push products or sell peo-ple things they don’t really need. We focuson getting to know our clients, evaluatingtheir needs and making recommendations.We work together to find solutions to man-age risk and plan for their future. We would

rather not get a sale now than lose a clientforever because of buyer’s remorse. It is soimportant that you can stand behind yoursale and always act with utmost integrity. Ibelieve people can tell when you are sin-cere and are acting in their best interests;that pays greater dividends in the long run.Stop by our office, and see the sign on thewall for yourself. We’d love to meet you!

Melanie Schelling, Schelling State Farm InsuranceVoted best insurance agent

I started selling cars at 19. My

father, who also was my boss,

taught me that if you take care of

the customer, they will take care

of you. I have tried to live by that

my entire career.

I have lived in the Decatur area

my entire life, and I have found

the people here are wonderful

and loyal. I have been lucky

enough to build long-term rela-

tionships with many of my cus-

tomers.

This is a fun business, and I

enjoy it very much. The car busi-

ness has been a true blessing to

me and my family, and I thank

everyone I have ever worked with.

Jeff Howard, Crown Toyota ScionVoted best car salesperson

Carla Brinkoetter, Brinkoetter & AssociatesVoted best Realtor

Anticipating the needs our clients. Years

ago, my father, Tom Brinkoetter, told me if I

could determine the needs of clients, then

meet those needs, I would be successful in

the real estate business. Before the Internet

became the go-to place for looking for

homes, we developed a Web site that was,

and is, very user-friendly and gives visitors

what they want in a simple format. Visit

brinkoetter.com, and you can easily search

for homes without telling us who you are or

clicking through pages of meaningless infor-

mation. To provide even more information to

our Web site visitors, we post to-scale interac-

tive floorplans for all of our listings.

Seventy-five percent of our business comes

from repeat and referred clients. We are con-

stantly aware that our reputation is our great-

est asset and strive to maintain a reputation

of caring about our clients and providing

them with knowledgeable and experienced

service. We send a survey to every client after

a sale is completed and rely heavily on our

clients’ input about the service they received.

MMaarrcchh 22001100 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL 1199www.thebusiness-journal.com

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McClatchy-Tribune News Service

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Some saygood manners and proper etiquette are outof style, banished to the attic withstarched white blouses and business suits.

Not so, according to etiquette consult-ants Lila Putney and Libby Marth of TheProtocol School of Virginia in Richmond,Va.

“Many individuals and companies arerealizing the importance of masteringboth business and social etiquette skills,”Libby said. “They are paying more atten-tion to how they present themselves andhow they interact with others. Diningskills are also important as more compa-nies include a dining experience as part ofthe interview process.

“Also, in the last decade, there has beena need to establish etiquette rules as theyrelate to the use of new technology, suchas cell phones and the Internet. Etiquettefor more casual work environments hasbeen challenging to many individuals andthe corporate world.”

If you’ve ever caught yourself wonder-ing what to do, Putney and Marth give tipsfor the 10 most common social situationsthat make people feel uncomfortable andhow to deal with them.

1. What shall I wear? Even though casu-al attire is favored today in many settings,it’s still important for everyone from staffto boss to dress professionally in the work-place. It’s better to be overdressed than

undressed; avoid clothing that’s too reveal-ing or flamboyant. Dress appropriatelyoutside the workplace, too. Sweats andexercise clothing belong in the gym; anexposed midriff looks cute on a 5-year-oldbut not on adults.

2. Is that my phone ringing? Cell phoneabuse is common these days rings ormusic everywhere we go, people talkingloudly in offices, stores, banks and evenrestaurants. Public cell phone use intrudeson your personal space. Stop and thinkbefore you reprimand the user; in publicplaces such as a restaurant or theatre,alert management and let them deal withthe abuser.

3. Who are you? We have all been inawkward situations where we don’t knowa person in a group. At business and socialevents, introduce yourself and other peo-ple to the group; include something aboutyourself or the other person as a conversa-tion starter. It makes everyone feel com-fortable and connected and helps you meetnew people.

4. What do I say now? In today’s workand social arenas, it’s important to knowhow to make small talk. Regularly readthe newspaper, magazines and watch newsshows so you have topics to talk about.Stay away from controversial topics suchas politics and religion.

5. Am I in charge? When you head acommittee or project or volunteer as aroom parent for your child’s class plan

ahead so you stay organized and focused.Get projects and reports done a day or twoin advance of your deadline; this extratime lets you deal with last-minute issues.

Also, be sure the clothes you want towear are clean and available (not at thecleaners), get gas in your car and set anextra alarm to be sure you are up in timeon your important day.

6. Whoops! I forgot to write a thank younote. It is never too late to thank someone.Even if a couple of weeks or even a monthhas lapsed, write a note expressing howmuch you have been thinking about thenice gesture or using the lovely gift. E-mail thank-you messages are appropriateonly when followed by a hand-written note.A trick is to address and stamp an enve-lope before you go to an event and have itsitting on your desk so that when youreturn, it’s easy to jot down a nice mes-sage.

7. Which bread plate is mine? It can beoverwhelming to sit down to a formal din-ner and have an array of plates, utensilsand glassware before you and no ideawhich ones you should use. Remember,your napkin and bread plate are on yourleft and your beverages are on your right.If you are concerned about your utensils,work from the outside to the inside in thesilverware placement. When in doubt,watch others.

8. “Honey, this business function is yourdinner tonight.” At business affairs, avoid

heading straight for food or beverage sta-tions. Use the event to make new friends,new associates and new contacts. Keepyour right hand free for a handshake.Snack before a function so you are notravenous. Eat and drink near a table soyou can put your beverage down and stillhave a hand free. Take small bites, avoiddipping sauces and crunchy, messy andother difficult-to-eat foods.

9. She has spinach between her teeth;what do I do? Most people want to imme-diately know they have food between theirteeth, toilet paper stuck to their shoe, alabel showing or a spill on their shirtinstead of realizing two hours later thatthey have been walking around that way.It’s easy to discreetly motion with yourfinger or quietly tell the person so theycan go directly to the restroom and fixtheir problem.

10. Actions speak louder than words!The Golden Rule still applies for good eti-quette in all situations, for all genders:Treat others as you would have them treatyou. Women and men should be comfort-able helping others with their coats,chairs, doors and the elevator. Eventhough “gentlemanly acts of kindness”should be promoted in a social setting, thebusiness arena is gender neutral. Goodposture, a pleasant facial expression andappropriate eye contact will help to makea good first impression and contribute to apositive interaction with others.

Good manners, proper etiquette can help you stay on top

2200 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL MMaarrcchh 22001100 www.thebusin

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN

WHEN: Meetings vary month tomonth and are not held during thesummer.

WHERE: Varies.PURPOSE: Promote equality for

women and girls in education andlegal advocacy.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who wantto join. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Spring luncheon andsilent auction, Christmas tea, pro-vide scholarships for students atRichland Community College andMillikin University.

CONTACT: Alice Huebner, president,876-1446.

AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

Monarch Chapter

WHEN: 11:30 a.m., fourth Friday.WHERE: Location varies.PURPOSE: Networking and provide

scholarships for Richland CommunityCollege and Millikin University stu-dents.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all employedwomen. Yearly dues.

ACTIVITIES: Cookbook and rummagesales.

CONTACT: Carol Craig, 424-1111

Amacita Chapter

WHEN: 6 p.m., first ThursdayWHERE: Varies.PURPOSE: To bring together business

women to promote opportunities togrow professionally and personally.

MEMBERSHIP: All women. Yearlydues.

ACTIVITIES: Various projects to raisemoney for scholarships.

CONTACT: Connie Scribner, 864-5028.

AMBUCSDecatur AMBUCS

WHEN: Noon, every Tuesday (exceptthe fifth Tuesday)

WHERE: Tuscany Steak & PastaHouse.

PURPOSE: Dedicated to creatingmobility and independence for peo-ple with disabilities.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who wantto join. Monthly dues include cost oflunch.

ACTIVITIES: Man all Pepsi booths atDecatur Celebration, sweetheart cal-endar raffle, maintain scholarshipprogram for college juniors and sen-iors majoring in a therapy field, golfouting, provide AmTryke therapeutictricycles for children with disabili-ties.

CONTACT: Eula Snow, 428-0420.

Lincolnland AMBUCS

WHEN: 6:30 p.m., first and secondThursday every month.

WHERE: Easter Seals building, 2715N. 27th St.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who wantto join. Dues: $12.50 per month.

ACTIVITIES: Builds wheelchairramps, provide AmTrykes for chil-dren, sponsor dances at Knights ofColumbus Hall, donations to areanonprofit agencies.

CONTACT: David Seay, president,428-8619

BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL (BNI)

First Class Professionals Chapter

WHEN: 7:45 a.m., every TuesdayWHERE: Crestview Christian ChurchPURPOSE: Structured referral net-

work organization.MEMBERSHIP: Open to one represen-

tative per profession per chapter.Visitors welcome. Annual dues, pluscost of food.

CONTACT: Jay Allison, president,972-5813.

THE DECATUR AD CLUBWHEN: 11:30 a.m., second Tuesday WHERE: Decatur ClubPURPOSE: The Decatur Ad Club is a

nonprofit organization that is gearedtoward today’s marketing and adver-tising professionals. Whether you’rea seasoned veteran or a young pro-fessional just getting started in thisindustry, the Decatur Ad Club hassomething for everyone.

MEMBERSHIP: Marketing and adver-tising professionals in Central Illi-nois. Membership levels vary.

ACTIVITIES: Annual Decagon Awardsin May, Trivia Night, among severalothers.

CONTACT: President Bart Greenberg-er, 597-1357

ON THE WEB: www.decaturadclub.org and Facebook.

DECATUR AREA WOMEN’SNETWORK (DAWN)

WHEN: 5:30 p.m., second Thursday.WHERE: Tuscany Steak & Pasta

HousePURPOSE: Provide networking oppor-

tunities for women seeking any careerobjectives, networking and supportsystem.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all women pur-suing career objectives, regardless ofemployment status. Monthly dues are$3 and $18 for dinner. Reservationsrequired.

CONTACT: Marty Cushman, president,422-3890.

DECATUR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TRADES

COUNCIL WHEN: 10 a.m., second and fourth

Tuesday.WHERE: IBEW Local 146 Hall.PURPOSE: To promote the construc-

tion industry in the area and to meetthe needs of members by enhancingthe safety and quality of their work.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to constructionbusiness managers. Dues vary.

ACTIVITIES: Donate labor to DMHHome Health & Hospice, FairviewSkate Park, Decatur Celebration anddowntown Christmas tree lighting.

CONTACT: Jay Dunn, president, 877-4604.

DECATUR OPTIMIST CLUB OF DECATUR

WHEN: 7 a.m., every Tuesday.WHERE: Webster-Cantrell Hall.PURPOSE: Be a friend to youth.MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who want to

join. Dues of $38 semiannually, plusbreakfast.

ACTIVITIES: Children’s plays with Mil-likin University, chili suppers, volun-teer at Camp COCO.

CONTACT: John West, president, 423-7700

DECATUR REAL ESTATEINVESTORS ASSOCIATIONWHEN: 6 p.m., first Tuesday (except

July)WHERE: Tuscany Steak & Pasta

HousePURPOSE: To help people find afford-

able places to live.MEMBERSHIP: Annual $40 dues, plus

cost of mealCONTACT: Steve Thorpe, 433-8692

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OFEAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS

WHEN: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyweekday.

WHERE: 250 N. Water St., Suite 370PURPOSE: Educate and inspire young

people to value free enterprise, busi-ness and economics to improve thequality of their lives.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who want tovolunteer. No costs or fees.

ACTIVITIES: Golf tournament, JA Busi-ness Challenge for high school juniorsand seniors, careers on wheels forfourth graders, life skills program for500 high school students.

CONTACT: Jill Applebee, president,424-2151

DECATUR SHRINE CLUB WHEN: noon, every Wednesday.WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility.PURPOSE: Provide free treatment to

children in 22 children’s hospitalsacross the United States and Mexico.

MEMBERSHIP: Any Shriner can join.Initiation fee and yearly dues.

ACTIVITIES: Fish fries, pork chopbake, steak bakes, parade participa-tion.

CONTACT: Skip Proctor, president, 674-3753

KIWANIANNE CLUB OF DECATUR

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., every Tuesday.WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility.PURPOSE: Service to the community.MEMBERSHIP: Current members spon-

sor new members. Initiation fee, meet-ing dues, plus cost of food.

ACTIVITIES: Kiwanianne for schoolsdrive, geranium sales, quilt sales andraffle, craft sales, fall salad luncheonwith silent auction.

CONTACT: Jean Hanson, president,429-4896.

KIWANISEarly Bird

WHEN: 6:45 a.m., every Thursday.WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility.PURPOSE: Children are priority No. 1.MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who

wants to join. Members pay $32 perquarter.

ACTIVITIES: Peanut day, cheese sale,popcorn sales with Boy Scouts.

CONTACT: Mark Wood, board member,875-2655.

Golden K

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., every Wednesday.WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility.MEMBERSHIP: Open to men and

women who are retired. $100 per yearmembership fee.

ACTIVITIES: Sponsor of Bring UpGrades, sixth-grade basketball atDecatur Indoor Sports Center, Booksfor Kids, help sponsor Fire Cadet Pro-gram.

CONTACT: Howard Lawrence, secre-tary, 428-9042.

Noon

WHEN: noon, every Tuesday.WHERE: Decatur Club.MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who

wants to join. Dues $110 per quarter,includes meals.

ACTIVITIES: Fruit box sales, peanut

Networking o

ness-journal.com MMaarrcchh 22001100 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL 2211

days, serve at Community Thanksgiv-ing Dinner.

CONTACT: Chris Funk, president, 875-3131

Prairieland

WHEN: 9:30 a.m., every Tuesday. WHERE: Civic Center.MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who

wants to join. Dues are $68 per year,with an additional $25 initiation fee.

ACTIVITIES: Collect printer cartridges,serve at Community ThanksgivingDinner, help Girl Scouts send cookiesto troops.

CONTACT: Dorothy Murphy, 875-5368

LIONSDecatur Noon

WHEN: Noon, every MondayWHERE: Tuscany Steak & Pasta

HousePURPOSE: Provide services for

sight- and hearing-impaired.MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a cur-

rent member. Quarterly dues, lunchincluded.

ACTIVITIES: Lions Candy Day,Thanksgiving basketball tourney,hearing screenings at the FarmProgress Show.

CONTACT: Gale Salzman, 875-0290

MATURE RESOURCE NETWORK

WHEN: 11:30 a.m., second Thursday WHERE: Decatur Club, 158 W.

Prairie Ave.PURPOSE: Mature Resource Net-

work is dedicated to educating fami-lies for life. Local professionals pro-vide information and solutions on awide array of topics, includingadvance directives, financial, houseand home, leisure andwellness/health care.

MEMBERSHIP: Only one member pro-fessional allowed per service catego-ry. Semiannual dues.

CONTACT: Roger Mullinax, 899-0557

METRO DECATUR HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION

WHEN: 6 p.m., first Thursday(except June, July, August andDecember)

WHERE: Beach HousePURPOSE: Dedicated to promotion of

new construction and remodeling inDecatur area.

MEMBERSHIP: Anyone with ties to thebuilding community. Macon, DeWitt,Moultrie and Shelby Counties. Mem-

bership fee is $425 per year.ACTIVITIES: Build wheelchair ramps,

Homeward Bound and CASA projects,Decatur Park District Dog Parkpavilion.

CONTACT: Jon Plain, president, 768-8120

ON THE WEB: www.metrodecaturhomebuilders.com

ROTARYBlue Mound

WHEN: 6:30 p.m., every Monday.WHERE: Pleasantview Township

shed, Blue MoundMEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who

wants to join. Annual dues are $365.ACTIVITIES: Fund projects with two

yearly fish frys, citrus sales andpeach sales.

CONTACT: John Holmgren, presi-dent, 692-2404 or 412-8181

Decatur 180

WHEN: noon, every Monday.WHERE: Decatur Club.PURPOSE: Service to humanity,

whether domestic or foreign.MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a cur-

rent member. Monthly dues are $10,plus cost of lunch.

ACTIVITIES: Finance Rotary Park,provide grants for school libraries,contribute funds for internationalrelief programs, numerous contribu-tions to area organizations.

CONTACT: Andy Thomas, president,875-2655

ON THE WEB: www.decaturrotary.org.

Decatur Metropolitan

WHEN: noon, every Thursday.WHERE: Decatur Club.MEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a cur-

rent member. Annual dues, plus thecost of lunch.

ACTIVITIES: Adopt a Big BrothersBig Sisters family for Christmas,holiday citrus fruit sale, adopt amile on West Pershing Road.

CONTACT: Randy West, 421-4155

Forsyth

WHEN: 7 a.m., every Tuesday.WHERE: Homewood SuitesMEMBERSHIP: By invitation of a cur-

rent member. A monthly membershipfee is charged, plus cost of breakfast.

ACTIVITIES: Citrus fruit sales; sup-port summer baseball teams; sponsorRYLA for high school students; spon-sor Heifer Program, which sendslivestock to undeveloped countries;

sponsor polio eradication program.CONTACT: Larry Reed, 875-7030

SERTOMADecatur Breakfast

WHEN: 7 a.m., every Friday. WHERE: Scovill Banquet Facility.PURPOSE: Service to mankind, with

focus on speech and hearing.MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who

wants to join. Quarterly dues are $80,which includes a breakfast buffet.

ACTIVITIES: Purchase hearing aids,hearing devices and services for theneedy; Fantasy Baseball for hearingimpaired ages 6 to 12; provide copiesof Bill of Rights to all fifth gradersin Macon County; sponsor foreignstudents at Community ThanksgivingDinner; ring bells at Christmas forSalvation Army. Fundraising activi-ties include selling elephant ears atZippy Zoo Days and Decatur Celebra-tion, midnight bingo and sellinggourmet holiday blend coffee andcheese. Works on donations forNortheast Community Fund, EasterSeals, SAIL, Project Success, BigBrothers Big Sisters, Sertoma Foun-dation and Sertoma Speech andHearing Centers.

CONTACT: Gaylan Turner, boardchairman, 422-7600

ON THE WEB: www.decaturnet.org/sertoma/

Noon

WHEN: noon, every Tuesday.WHERE: Tuscany Steak & Pasta

House.MEMBERSHIP: Open to anyone who

wants to join. Quarterly dues are $30,plus cost of lunch.

ACTIVITIES: Sponsor Service toMankind Award Banquet withDecatur Breakfast Sertoma and shak-en baby syndrome project at bothDecatur hospitals, park cars atDecatur Celebration, sponsor Christ-mas Party for Easter Seals, poinset-tia and spring bedding plant sales,sweet corn sales.

CONTACT: Jim Bondurant, president,424-6089

THURSDAY NOON TOASTMASTERS

WHEN: noon, every Thursday.WHERE: third floor, Barnes Citizens

Building.PURPOSE: Participants practice and

learn skills by filling a meeting role,ranging from giving a preparedspeech or an impromptu one to serv-ing as timer, evaluator or grammari-an.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all who have adesire for self-improvement and want

to become better public speakers.Annual dues. Take your own lunch.

ACTIVITIES: Devoted to the art ofspeaking and listening.

CONTACT: Kevin Miller, past president,855-3018, or e-mail kmiller2112@yahoo.com

WOMEN’S PROGRESSIVE CLUB

WHEN: 6 p.m., first and third Monday(third Monday only in January andFebruary).

WHERE: Greater Northside BaptistChurch.

PURPOSE: Meet the needs of womenand children in the community.

MEMBERSHIP: Christian-oriented.Open to anyone who is committed tothe mission. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Mother’s Day souvenirbooklet, bake and rummage sales tohelp support NAACP, organizationswith DOVE and honorariums to col-lege students. Also host a pre-Thanks-giving dinner for senior citizens,women’s luncheon.

CONTACT: Barbara Holder, president,428-1381

DECATUR AREA SOCIETYFOR HUMAN RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., second

Tuesday, except July and August.WHERE: Knights of Columbus HallPURPOSE: Networking and informa-

tion for HR professionals and individ-uals tasked with HR administration/management or any of its specializedfunctions.

MEMBERSHIP: Open to individualsengaged in at least 50 percent of theirwork time to an HRadministration/management or any ofits specialized functions. Annual dues.

ACTIVITIES: Networking events,monthly lunch meeting with differentspeaker each month to discuss HR-related topic.

CONTACT: Cheryl Scholtz, chapterpresident, 429-5148ON THE WEB: www.decaturshrm.org.

501 CLUB PURPOSE: 501 Club is a premiere

organization designed to enhanceDecatur by connecting young profes-sionals with each other and the com-munity.

MEMBERSHIP: Business professionalsages 21 to 40. Membership is free.

ACTIVITIES: Athletics, leadership, phi-lanthropy and social activities, includ-ing monthly gatherings and network-ing opportunities.

CONTACT: Shellie Klink, executivedirector, 422-2200

ON THE WEB: www.decatur501club.org

opportunities

NameCatcher lets

users input categories,

details about people for

easy lookup on the goBy MICHAEL MORTONMetroWest Daily News

Kelly Nowlin calls it “hey, buddy-itis”: the fudging that occurs whensomeone’s name can’t quite berecalled.

“I can’t stand that feeling,” the Hop-kinton, Mass., resident said. “It’s aproblem so many of us share.“

Well, now there’s an app for that.Tapping their personal experiences

and outside computer programminghelp, Nowlin and her business partner,Lisa Gordon of Needham, Mass.,recently released an iPhone applica-tion providing a discreet memory jog.

Called NameCatcher and availablefor 99 cents at Apple’s online store, theapplication works like this: Names areentered manually, then assigned a cat-egory such as “Medical” for a doctor’soffice or “Sports” for parents at soccergames.

Search terms are then added, suchas a profession or a few key physicalattributes. When the need arises, aNameCatcher user can search by cate-gory or the extra descriptions andsneak a quick peek at the correspon-ding name.

That’s what Nowlin does at the dogpark, entered as one of her categorylabels. When she meets someone, sheenters them soon afterward into theprogram, along with the name of theirpet or its breed. She recently used herapplication to remember the name ofsomeone whose dog had been injured,and he seemed touched.

“I sincerely do care,” Nowlin said ofher frequent surreptitiousness. “I justmight need a tool to help me remem-ber here and there.”

NameCatcher also takes advantageof the integrated iPhone camera:Nowlin recently asked to take a photoof a local waiter because she knew shewould return to his restaurant. It alsomakes use of the GPS function: Twoshakes of the iPhone will list enterednames by proximity to the meetingplace.

A business version called Name-Catcher Biz also is available, and theorganizational categories can be cus-tomized.

“Everyone’s going to have their ownway of formatting the categories andsearching for names,” said Nowlin, aformer marketing and advertisingsales manager who left that industryto raise a family.

An early iPhone adopter, Nowlin ini-tially used the device’s notes feature tolist brief descriptions of contacts but

soon had too many to scroll through.Out for a walk one day, she struckupon the idea for NameCatcher,recruiting Gordon to form the businessCatcher in the Sky and hiring an out-side firm to write code.

“They took a chance with us andwere patient with us,” Nowlin said.

Introduced in December, Name-Catcher is slowly gaining steam, aver-aging 35 sales a week around theglobe, with particular interest in GreatBritain.

But with the list of iPhone applica-tions numbering more than 100,000 andgrowing exponentially, senior con-sumer research analyst Chris Collinsof Boston’s Yankee Group said develop-ers looking to stand out usually need to

offer a useful service, tap core devicefeatures and spend money on market-ing, especially in the early going.

“There are so many apps out therethat breaking through the noise isessential to getting any sense of trac-tion,” he said, intrigued by Nowlin’spremise. “You need to get your appnoticed immediately.“

Nowlin said her company is workingto promote NameCatcher while brain-storming new applications. If nothingelse, her company’s existing programhas proven popular among some of herhousehold, a group that includes hus-band Chuck, a WZLX disc jockey, andtheir children, Haley and Jack.

Having reached the advanced age of9, Haley thought Jack’s request toenter his name into their mother’sNameCatcher was silly, but the 7-year-old plowed ahead. Under search terms,he put “likes pancakes.” For category,he used “medical.”

“He said I met him when he wasborn in the hospital,” Nowlin said.

Immediate family aside, Nowlin saidher application has helped her learnnames. She remembered the dogowner’s unaided after one additionaliPhone glance. And while she mostlyuses her program on the sly, occasion-ally she owns up, telling a newacquaintance they left quite an impres-sion, one she wanted to remember.

Should she be caught off-guard atother times? Well, the person can prob-ably relate to Nowlin’s mental blocks.

“It’s OK if people learn my secret,”she said.

2222 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL MMaarrcchh 22001100 www.thebusiness-journal.com

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Forget a name? There’s an app for that

Ken McGagh/MetroWest Daily NewsKelly Nowlin has developed the NameCatcher iPhone application that helps people remem-ber names.

‘There are so manyapps out there that

breaking through thenoise is essential togetting any sense oftraction. You need toget your app noticed

immediately.’CCHHRRIISS CCOOLLLLIINNSS,, RREESSEEAARRCCHH AANNAALLYYSSTT,, YYAANNKKEEEE GGRROOUUPP

It’s that time of year again. Well,yes, spring is almost here. At least, we

hope. But it’s alsoabout time for theGreater DecaturChamber of Com-merce’s annualBusiness Expo,sponsored byNeuhoff Mediaand St. Mary’sHospital, in coop-eration with theHerald & Review.

I’m MarieKlemm, chair-woman of the 2010Business Expo and

guest columnist for this month’s Cham-ber Notes. As owner of C&K CustomSigns, I’ve been a Chamber member forthe past 21 years, and I’ve volunteeredfor many Chamber activities during thistime.

For the past four years, I’ve been onthe Chamber’s Small Business Execu-tive Council, serving on various com-mittees and chairing the BusinessBreakfast Speaker Committee and theEvents Committee.

If you asked me to choose a favoriteChamber event, it would have to be the

Business Expo. On the first Wednesday in April every

year, a wide range of businesses cometo the Decatur Civic Center to exhibittheir goods and services. This gatheringrepresents networking on a grand scaleas business professionals join their col-leagues in presenting what Decatur hasto offer the consumer and commercialindustries. And what a variety there willbe again this year when we gather April7 at the Civic Center.

In this tough economy, it is moreimportant than ever for businesses toreach potential customers. They say apicture is worth a thousand words.Well, the exhibitors work very hard topresent a strong visual display of theirservices and products. Visiting theirExpo booths and seeing what they haveto offer is better than placing a phonecall.

Planning the 2010 Expo has been veryexciting, since this year brings manyinnovations. As you enter the ADMHickory Point Bank Arena, you willnotice the first change: There will bemore exhibitors than ever before. Thenumber of booths has grown from about120 to 135. To accommodate thisincreased number of exhibitors, the for-mat for the Breakfast and Taste of

Decatur has changed. Instead of being crowded together at

the far end of the Expo, Taste boothswill be scattered throughout the exhibi-tion floor to ease the lunch-time conges-tion. Eighteen of Macon County’s bestrestaurants and caterers will offer sam-ples of their culinary delights from 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Taste tickets cost $6for five, but the number of tickets islimited. Call the Chamber at 422-2200 topurchase your tickets in advance. Tasteof Decatur is sponsored by DecaturMemorial Hospital.

Free seminars are another innovationfor the 2010 Expo. Attendees can pick upa copy of the seminar schedule at theExpo registration table, as well as a lay-out for the exhibit area. The seminarswill run from a half hour to an hourlong.

If you have to work the day of theExpo, you don’t have to miss out on theopportunity to participate. Plan onattending the Expo VIP Preview Partyfrom 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6. TheBeach House is once again sponsoringthis event, which will provide a varietyof foods to satisfy everyone’s taste.Drinks also will be available. MichaelScherer with Dream Vizion Productionswill provide the music. It is a night for

socializing and networking and just hav-ing an overall great time. Tickets are $8,so be sure to call the Chamber foryours.

The Chamber’s monthly BusinessBreakfast moves to the second floor ofthe Civic Center, providing more room,more seating and more food lines.Decatur Mayor Michael McElroy willpresent the annual State of the Cityaddress to breakfast attendees at 7 a.m.April 7. Our Breakfast sponsors areWood Printing and Falcon Multi-Media.Be sure to call the Chamber early toreserve your tickets.

After breakfast, go to the arena andvisit the exhibitors. The exhibit area isopen from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll findbusinesses representing retail products,insurance, marketing, media services,financial institutions, custom printing,signs, music, health institutions, com-munications, office products, computers,real estate, food and beverage servicesand more.

I’m sure that if you attend the Expo,you too will take great pride in whatbusinesses are doing in our area andcome away feeling very fortunate thatwe have them.

Marie Klemm is chairwoman of the 2010 BusinessExpo.

MMaarrcchh 22001100 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL 2233www.thebusiness-journal.com

20102010

2010

ReserveYour

BoothSpaceNow!

Call the Chamber at217.422.2200

April 6, 2010Preview Party5 pm - 7 pm

April 7, 2010State of the City

Breakfast7:00 am

Taste of Decatur11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Business ExpoFollowing Breakfast-3 pm

Wednesday, April 7Decatur Civic Center

8am – 3pmBrought to you

by ourPlatinumSponsors

Don’t miss out on new opportunities at 2010 Business Expo

Marie KlemmChamber Notes

2244 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS JJOOUURRNNAALL MMaarrcchh 22001100 www.thebusiness-journal.com

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Advertising Consultant

www.thebusiness-journal.com

Call to Advertise TODAY!

217.421.6994

David Morrow

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