FRIDAY, January 3, 2014
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 1
Operation Winter Wonderland Brings Joy to Military Families By: Susan Howe, Friends of the Temple Public Library
A cold winter day turned into a warm cheerful kickoff of the holiday season for Operation Winter Wonderland, a special event for military families.
JAN•2014
EVENTS CALENDAR
Holidays can be especially hard when deployment prevents families being together during the Christmas season. A new initiative of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, Operation Winter Wonderland, was designed to show that the Central Texas community supports and appreciates sacrifices made by the family members of deployed soldiers. With the help of Family Readiness Support Assistants at the 13th ESC, First Med Brigade and the Texas Army National Guard, the Temple Chamber of Commerce extended invitations to mom/kiddos or dad/kiddos. Chamber members quickly jumped at the opportunity to volunteer time and resources to make it a special day. Dozens of kiddos ranging from babies in strollers to young teenagers and their moms/dads came to the Dec. 8 event at American Legion Post 133. After the official lighting of the Christmas tree, the youngsters rotated through five craft stations where they made a sock snowman, along with reindeer, stick
snowmen, “glitter” soldiers and angel ornaments. Markers, stickers and paper were available to make personalized Christmas cards. Everyone enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate. Dressed as an elf, Chamber President Rod Henry read “Polar Express” and then the kids, parents, and volunteers rang little jingle bells to welcome Santa. The program closed with Brigadier General Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., Commanding General of the 13th Sustainment Command, the Fort Hood partner unit to the City of Temple, reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Each child left with a big smile, a bag filled with their handmade crafts, and a toy of their choice. Special recognition goes to John Potts and American Legion Post 133 for donating the use of their facility, financial support and helping hands and to Santa Claus for making a special appearance. The holiday event would not have been possible without the generous contributions by Sam's Club, the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Temple Independent School District, Family Readiness Support, Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln and The David Nix Agency-Nationwide Insurance and all the volunteers who helped bring smiles and joy to the kids and parents during the holiday season. Operation Winter Wonderland is expected to expand and become an annual event. For more information or details on how you can contribute to this initiative, contact Rod Henry, Temple Chamber of Commerce President at (254) 773-2105.
THE UNDERGROUND NEWS This Just In! event)
(flip to back page for exciting new
2 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM Members of the Temple Chamber of Commerce have the unique opportunity to find out details about the Affordable Care Act during a luncheon scheduled at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 8 at the Hilton Garden Inn. “Members are concerned how the Affordable Care Act will impact their business” according to G. Roderick Henry, President, Temple Chamber. “We have invited two outstanding speakers to provide our members with information on what the Act will mean for them.” Lee Green, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Scott & White Health Plan, will discuss the Affordable Care Act from his standpoint as a 30+ year veteran of the health care industry. “I will outline how the Act is suppose to work, how it affects you, and the potential impact upon small and large employers alike,” noted Green. Also on the panel will be a perspective from John Mayo, CFO/COO of Omega Enterprises. He will share the impact a company like Omega would have from
FRIDAY, January 3, 2014 the Affordable Care Act, offering attendees a real life example from the perspective of a local business. “I believe the Affordable Care Act presents itself clearly as being the most significant and detrimental legislation impacting small business during my 25 year professional career. Its implementation, as it currently stands, will not only have significant and negative cost implications for our business, but will require Omega to reevaluate its business model and employee benefit offerings as a whole,” explained Mayo. “Changes are occurring eáäíçå=d~êÇÉå=fåå regularly to how the Act
is promoted, what it will cover, and what changes and requirements will be placed upon employers in order to meet the mandates of the law” noted Henry. The “Affordable Care Act-What it Means for You” is the first of a series of legislative affairs luncheons planned in 2014. “Our mission is to communicate information and provide education on issues of concern to the business community to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development,” he explained. Reservations are now being accepted at the Temple Chamber of Commerce office. The cost is $30 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members. The deadline for reservations is 12 noon, Tuesday, January 7.
Supporters of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Council
Friday, January 24, 2014 - 6 pm explained. “This will also be a great opportunity for members who have not had the opportunity to meet the new Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Chamber President & CEO, Rod Henry, to do so.” A cash-bar social Convention Center “In light of the positive developments that The 2014 Temple Chamber of Commerce Salute to Business is scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, located at 3303 N. 3rd St. in Temple. Salute to Business was formerly The Chamber’s annual awards banquet. “In light of the positive developments that are taking place not only with the Chamber organization, but within Temple, it was time to place a new emphasis on what our annual event is all about,” explained Kenny McCarty, Chair of the Board. “This is an opportunity for the business community, for members of the Temple Chamber to join together to celebrate our rich heritage, past accomplishments, present endeavors and exciting plans for growth and development,” he
Johnnie’s Cleaners & Tailors Thank You for a Successful 2013. Wishing You A Bright 2014!
are taking place not only with the Chamber organization, but within Temple, it was time to place a new emphasis on what our annual event is all about” -Kenny McCarty, Chair of the Board.
with hors d’oeuvres will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Individual tickets are $40 and table sponsorships are also available. Both can be purchased by registering online at www.templetx.org or at the Temple Chamber of Commerce. For more information please call the Chamber at (254) 773-2105.
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FRIDAY, January 3, 2014
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 3
Beat the Winter Blues Family Day at the Museum January 4 * 11am-1pm Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum Do you have cabin fever after being cooped up with your family over the holidays? Get out those flip-flops and beach blankets and join us at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum for some summer luau fun! Hawaiian shirts are welcomed, but not required. Come join the museum on the first Saturday of each month for a fun-filled, free family event! For more information, call 254-298-5172.
All Around Town While looking at the hotel construction site, I also noticed that the old location of the Workforce Development office on S. 37th is currently being remodeled. I found that the offices are being remodeled in preparation for MHMR, who has recently purchased the building. Driving North on IH35, everybody can’t help but notice that the new Golden Corral is about to be completed and is advertising for employees. The new Cinemark theater opened on December 20th and construction is underway for the new Lone Star Steakhouse. Wow, dinner and a movie…..another option for all of us who enjoy a good steak and movie. Talking about construction, have you seen the clearing of the land at the intersection of Central Ave. and S. 31st? Walgreens is preparing the lot to build another stores. Those of you who run out of room to store your stuff, be happy. Another storage unit is currently being built on Hwy 93 between Belton and Temple. I spoke with Bruce Walker, owner of Lengefeld
Lumber at 8 N. 13th, who advised me that he has been clearing a lot next to his building to make room for additional storage space. He told me that he is working with the City of Temple to make the gateway to downtown look pleasant by looking at landscaping that will make the entry to his location more appealing. Be aware that IH35 will be under construction so be ready for detours, delays and lane changes. Slow down and be Texas friendly! Till next time, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
City of Temple Events
By: Sonny Jaramillo, Scott & White Healthcare Foundation
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Christmas Tree Recycling January 4 & 11 * 9am – Noon Gober Party House After the holidays, go green and recycle your living Christmas tree and get free mulch to use around the house.The first 150 participants will receive a free seedling tree! Can't make it on these dates? You can also drop off your tree at two of our recycling centers (3015 Bullseye Lane and 602 Jack Baskin Drive) beginning December 27th. *Remove all lights and decorations from tree prior to recycling. For more information, call 254-298-5690. Inaugural Arches Resolution Run January 11 * 9am Lions Park Resolve to begin 2014 in motion - run or walk this inaugural 5K to start your new year off right and keep your resolution to be active and get healthy. This 3.1 mile race will take place at Lions Park. Preregistration is $20 and closes January 7, 2014; Race day registration is $25 per person. Dri-Fit shirts are only guaranteed if registered by December 21, 2013. www.racetemple.com
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t i n t g u C E v n o e n b b ts i R
FRIDAY, January 3, 2014
ES! BUSINESS E S E G TH N I T JOIN US IN CONGR ATUL A
Gym X: Located at 2327 S. 57th St. in Temple, GymX is a clean, friendly, and affordable results-oriented fitness establishment for the whole family. Open all day, every day! Their 20,000 square foot facility offers over 65 pieces of cardio equipment in two areas, a cardio theater to watch movies while you work out, dim lit cardio room with 65 inch TV’s, full body circuits, a functional core workout area, strength machines and free weights, VIP tanning rooms with top-of-the-line HEX tanning bed, a fully staffed Kidzone, personal training, convenient parking and full restrooms with lockers and changing areas. Memberships are available starting at $9.95 per month. Corporate wellness programs also are available. For more information, contact Brittany Watkins at gymxspecials@gmail.com, call 254 899-8420 or visit them online at www.gymx.com/join_temple.php
Father Daughter Dance January 31 & February 1 6-9pm Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center Share an enchanted evening with your special young lady at the 15th Annual Father Daughter Dance. Dance and carriage ride tickets are pre-sale only, no tickets will be available at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 254-298-5474.
Cinemark Temple and XD Theatre: Located at 4501 S. General Bruce Dr. in Temple, Cinemark celebrated the grand opening of their movie theatre featuring 12 auditoriums with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens, stadium seating, digital sound and projection and a Cinemark XD Large Format auditorium. A state-of-the-art complex showing the biggest and best of Hollywood, Cinemark Temple and XD theatre is available for birthday parties, group rentals, church rental and special events. Advance tickets, gift cards and showtimes are available at www.Cinemark.com. For more information, contact Michael Whitehead at 1075@cinemark.com or call 254-228-9961.
FRIDAY, January 3, 2014
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 5
December New Members båÉêÖó=pçäìíáçåë=çÑ=qÉñ~ë Sonja Fitzke 6600 N. State Hwy 6 Woodway, TX 76712 (877) 434 4363 www.esotx.com Energy Services
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Tony Esparza 5101 S. General Bruce Dr. Temple, TX 76502 (919) 881 4568 www.goldencorral.com Restaurants
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Tyffany Howard 902B S. 31st St Temple, TX 76504 (254) 563 8416 www.healingpathways.us Health & Wellness
o^jp=jÉÅÜ~åáÅ~ä=pÉêîáÅÉë Margaret Stecher 1717 W. Avenue C Temple, TX 76504 (254) 773 9300 www.ramsmech.com Plumbing Contractors
December Renewing Members All County Surveying, Inc. American Printing Amos Electric Supply, Inc. Armstrong Chiropractic Center ASCO Automatic Chef Canteen John Bailey Financial Baylor Scott & White Health Bell County Beer Dist. Assn. Brick City Martial Arts Bury E.R. Carpenter L.P. Carus Dental Temple/Belton Central Co. Ctr for MHMR Central National Bank Central Realty Partners Central Texas Housing Consortium CentraLand Title Company Chick fil A Citizens For Progress, Inc. Cloud Construction Co., Inc. CRW Construction Co. Inc. Culligan Water Specialists, Inc. Datalogic
Davis Beevers Commercial Real Estate/Greg Davis Discount Floors Superstore Don Ringler Chevrolet Toyota Scion Gene Doss Construction DynaClean Professional Services Engbrock Partners Ltd. Extraco Banks Extreme Clean Farm Bureau Insurance/Davis Ford First Community Title Company Folkerson Communications, Ltd. Gifts & Goodies Gulf Coast Paper Company H & L Pest Control H E B Food Store #182 In the Mood Ballroom Invisions Day Spa iZone Imaging Johnson Brothers Ford Lincoln Johnson Roofing, Inc. Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP Kimmy Jackson & Associates, LLC Ed Laughlin/Attorney at Law
Legal Shield Lengefeld Lumber Company Link Staffing Services Lochridge Priest, Inc. Lott, Vernon & Company, P.C. Lubes Plus/Amsoil Mary Kay Cosmetics Materials Transportation Co. Matthews, Ludwick, Templin & Montgomery, P.C. McLane Company, Inc. Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp. Monteith Abstract & Title Company MW Builders Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee, PLLC Newcomers Club, Inc. The David Nix Agency Performance Foodservice ROMA Powerhouse All Star Cheer & Fitness W.A. "Buck" Prewitt III Ratliff Ready Mix Concrete Rodney Dunn Co., Inc./Danny Dunn Rodney Dunn Co., Inc./Grady Tyroch Sam's Club Members Only
Schlotzsky's Sodalis Elder Living Spradley Property Management Standards Home Health & Hospice State Farm Insurance/Larry Wilkerson Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center Sun Country Bicycles Sunbelt Transformer, Ltd. Surplus Warehouse Teddy Bear Bakery Temple Brethren Church Temple Daily Telegram Temple Iron & Metal Temple Machine Shop Temple Meridian Retirement Community Temple Parks Foundation Tex Blast Sandblasting Co. Titan Total Training Valet Cleaners Laura White INTERIOR DESIGN Wildflower House Assisted Living
Temple Parks and Leisure Aims to Help Residents Get Active and Healthy in 2014 By: Kristi Sykora, Temple Parks & Leisure Services Temple Parks and Leisure Services wants to help the community get fit and Summit has tennis racquetball healthy in 2014 by offering a variety of low cost or free activities and facilities courts, courts, a rock climbing for area residents to utilize. Temple Parks and Leisure Services offers numerous classes, activities, and room, a seasonal swimming pool, group fitness classes, a cardio room, a weight events for all ages that focus on getting healthy and active. “We know our room, a kids fitness area, and much more. “The Summit is a great option for fitness activities because you diverse population has different inter- “We do our best to offer low cost and free activities for all ages. We can easily change up your routine and have fun all at one place. ests, so we offer a just want to help our community remain active, healthy, and happy,” You can play tennis one day, rock climbing the next, and also wide variety and are -Chuck Ramm, City of Temple Recreation Superintendent utilize free weights, weight machines, and a variety of cardio machines and equipment,” said Josh Loftin, Recreation always open to new class suggestions. Some upcoming activities include: Tae Kwon Do, Tiny Tutus Specialist. Dance, youth and adult sports leagues, health and wellness seminars, and much “We do our best to offer low cost and free activities for all ages. We just want to help our community remain active, healthy, and happy,” said Ramm. more,” said Recreation Superintendent, Chuck Ramm. Parks and trails are found throughout Temple each with unique features and amenities that provide opportunities to exercise while enjoying the outdoors. For more information about programs and activities offered by Temple Parks Summit Fitness Center offers more the just a typical gym membership. The and Leisure Services, please visit www.templeparks.com or call 254-298-5690.
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FRIDAY, January 3, 2014
Medical Day with Leadership Temple By: Ashley Marshall & Ronny Marriott, Leadership Temple In 1897, Arthur C. Scott, MD, and Raleigh R. White Jr., MD, started practicing medicine in Temple, Texas. A conviction that medicine must serve the people drew them together and thus started the legacy of Scott & White Hospital. This conviction is what has led to the overwhelming success of Scott & White for well over 100 years. The recent merger with Baylor Health Systems created the new Baylor Scott & White Health, which is now the largest not-for-profit hospital in the state and ranks in the top level of hospitals in the country. Recently Leadership Temple toured the Baylor Scott & White Health facility, as well as McLane Children’s Hospital Scott & White and Seaton Medical Center in Harker Heights. As a not-for profit-hospital with a commitment to keep serving people as the main priority, Baylor Scott & White Health has learned the importance of working with the community.The hospital wants to be a part of the community, and in addition to being the largest employer in Temple, they work with and through many local organizations to provide awareness and care to the public. The hospital devotes millions of dollars to Charity Care through education, research, and Indigent Health Care. Leadership Temple had the chance to experience some of the training that takes place in the Simulation Center which utilizes mannequins for training. In this center, the trainers can set up any scenario they desire through computer technology. The hospital relies on the donations of grateful patients as well as fund raising through various projects, to be able to maintain a high level of excellence in education, research and health care. Temple Leadership Team also had the privilege to tour McLane Children’s Hospital Scott & White.This hospital is state of the art and is able to care for almost any issue regarding children from pre-birth to 18 years of age. It is one of the only free standing children’s hospitals where 100% of the patients are children. The only issues the hospital is not equipped to fully address surround severe burns to a child. This
hospital also relies on philanthropy for their existence. The Children’s hospital has its own fully equipped ambulance and helicopter. The ambulance was made possible by donations from Walmart and Sam’s Club who led a fund raising campaign in the community. The ambulance cost $283,000 and was fully funded by the campaign. The last stop on the Medical Tour was Seaton Medical Center in Harker Heights. This is a fairly new facility that offers the community a choice in health care. This facility is a 192,000 square-foot 83 bed hospital that opened in June 2012. This is a for-profit hospital that offers services from Cardiology to Plastic surgery. This hospital focuses on providing care for the poor and vulnerable. Like Baylor Scott & White Health, Seaton has a commitment to put the patient first. Matt Maxfield, CEO of Seaton, stated that “the hospital is committed to creating a great place to work, a great place to practice medicine, service with excellence, and a great place where a person can find high quality patient centered care.” They are known as a general community hospital. One of the ways Seaton is making an effort to be a part of the community is to partner with the Armed Forces YMCA to provide water therapy and other services. The surrounding communities expressed their desire to participate in a partnership with the hospital by donating stones engraved with each city’s name to the hospital. These stones are displayed under glass in the floor of the main lobby. Although Temple is considered a mid-sized city, it has an impressive amount of medical facilities with a high rate of care and patient satisfaction. The medical field continues to be a major draw to this area, not just from Texas, but from the entire country. The commitment to patients and the community has made each hospital successful, and in turn has been a major economic growth vehicle in Bell County.
Out With the Old, In with the New with the Computer Loaner Doner Program By: Carol Mouche, Chisholm Trail Chorus, Sweet Adelines International
The holidays are over and you are now beaming in the glow of your new computer screen or tablet. Your old laptop is a friend of the past, replaced by a cellphone that jumps through hoops. So what can be done with these used electronics that are collecting dust in a spare room? Temple College would like you to donate them to its “Loaner-Donor Computer Program.” This program has a dual purpose: to provide students with a personal computer to use while they are in school, and to give TC computer repair classes real-life equipment on which to test their skills. All types of computer equipment are accepted, including desktop and laptop systems, printers, and monitors -- anything computer-related. Systems too old to be refurbished are stripped of useful parts for reutilization and the rest are sent to an authorized recycler for proper disposal. Many businesses have provided systems to the program over the years including Scott & White, Bits, Bytes & Bugs in Belton, Gold Key Technologies of Temple and L3 Communications in Waco. Since the program was launched in 2004, more than 1600 computers have been repaired and repurposed as loaners at Temple College. Donors do not have to worry about identity or information theft, because all hard drives are wiped off using powerful software that permanently removes all the data on the drive.They are then loaded with Microsoft Windows operating system, Open Office suite, and an anti-virus program. Students may request a computer on loan at no cost and return it or renew the
loan each semester until they withdraw or finish their college career. If there are additional computers, they are given to non-profit organizations through the Donor part of the program. Since May 2013, more than 85 computer systems have been donated to non-profit agencies in the region through the Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program. Computer Repair classes dismantle donated computers as part of the learning process. In 2011, they repaired 139 computers; in 2012, they refurbished 114 units and they are on track to repair more than 200 this year.“The repair work that our students do is strictly to help them get hands-on experience,” says Loaner/Donor Computer Program Coordinator Cathy Coe-Clune. “We do not intend for them to take away repair business from local companies. However, we are hopeful that their skills will enable them to find employment in the community once they complete their coursework.” To donate, contact Cathy Coe-Clune with the Loaner/Donor Computer Program at 254-298-8467 in the Watson Technical Center on the main campus, room 549 or email her at loaner.computers@templejc.edu.
FRIDAY, January 3, 2014
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7
2013:Top Ten Tax Tips For Business During a recent Business Networking Breakfast, members of the Temple Chamber of Commerce were able to hear an informative presentation from the monthly sponsor, Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. (PB&H). As certified public accountants and business consultants, PB&H provided valuable information to help businesses prepare yearly taxes and were also able to promote their services while enjoying a complimentary breakfast. Along with the condensed presentation below, the Temple Chamber of Commerce hopes you take advantage of the networking opportunities available to Chamber members or even consider hosting one yourself!
4.
Cafeteria Plans - Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care Plans save taxes for both employer and employees and the plans do not cost much to set up and administer.
5.
1.
Documentation, Documentation, Documentation - Not having proper documentation is one of the major causes of problems with IRS! This includes logs of mileage and meals & entertainment, proper loan documents, corporate minutes, 1099 reporting. new employee packets and many other things.
2. Health Insurance-The Good, Bad & Ugly - Credit available for small employers in 2013 but not many employers will qualify. Employers with more than 50 employees will have to insure employees in 2015 or pay penalties.
Self-employed Health Insurance Deduction - Self-employed owners, partners and S Corporation owners can deduct health insurance premiums including long-term care premiums even without itemizing.
6. New Safe Harbor Home Office
3.
Depreciation Rules & Changes Section 179 expensing for up to $500,000; 2013 is last year for bonus depreciation; De minimis safe harbor rules of Supplies & Materials and Repairs vs Improvements, and may be able to expense up to $10,000 for building improvements.
need to actually work!
8.
Business is Business, Personal is Personal - Need to keep personal transactions separate from business transactions.
9. Timing is Everything - Minimize taxes by accelerating expenses at yearend and deferring income till 2014. 10.
Year-end Clean-Up - Donate or scrap obsolete or unused inventory or fixed assets to take write-off and save on personal property taxes.
Deduction - Simplified calculation of $5.00 a square foot for home office expense makes this easier to calculate and avoids depreciation issue when home is sold.
7.
Put Your Children to Work! - Employing your child can give you a tax deduction that pays for their education and personal expenses. Warning - the children do
THE UNDERGROUND NEWS This Just In! Groundhog Day Economic Forecast Luncheon February 4, 2014 * Noon Wildflower Country Club Mark Vitner is a managing director and sen- Tickets: $30 (Temple Chamber Member) ior economist at Wells $40 (Non-Chamber Member) Fargo, responsible for For more information and to RSVP, call the Chamber office tracking U.S. and at (254) 773-2105 regional economic trends. Based in Charlotte, he also writes for the company’s Monthly Economic Outlook report, the Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary, and provides regular updates on the housing markets, commercial real estate, regional economies, and inflation. Mark joined Wachovia (then First Union) in 1993. Before that, he spent nine years as an economist for Barnett Banks in Jacksonville, Fla. Mark’s commentary has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and many other publications. Originally from Atlanta, Mark earned his B.B.A. in economics from the University of Georgia, an M.B.A. from the University of North Florida, and has completed further graduate work in economics at the University of Florida. He also completed the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) Advanced Training in Economics program at Carnegie Mellon University. Mark is a member of the National Association of Business Economists and co-founded its Charlotte chapter, The Charlotte Economics
Club. He serves as a distinguished lecturer and practitioner at the University of Georgia. He is also a member of the American Economic Association, the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association, and the Charlotte Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. Mark currently chairs the Economic Advisory Council for the California Chamber of Commerce and serves as the chief economist for the North Carolina CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member). He is a member of the Blue Chip Economic forecasting panel and the Western Blue Chip forecast panel. Mark currently serveson the Joint Advisory Board of Economists for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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FRIDAY, January 3, 2014
How to Stay on Track By: Vane Hugo, The Entrepreneur Center of Central Texas
The world is chock-full of articles, videos, books and podcasts about the traits of successful entrepreneurs. While those make thought provoking reading, they don’t indicate how many of the traits you have to have to be successful, surely not all 101 or whatever number is in the title. When I was in the corporate world, I found the same types of articles on how to be successful in that setting. Again, interesting, but not always able to be applied. Then, in 1996, I was exposed to some training that presented “corporate derailers.”This training looked at corporate managers and leaders from the other side. It basically presented what not to do to keep from being thrown from the train. I thought,“this stuff is good to know.” I used it to stay on the train for a pretty good ride. So, there turns out to be some similar derailers for entrepreneurs. Though not likely a complete list, here are three to avoid! The first one is losing the passion or commitment to the vision/mission of your company. This often happens at the point where you start to become moderately successful. You are mak-
ing payroll without sweating, you are taking home enough to keep you in a comfortable home, well fed and entertained. You suffer from “sufficiency,” causing the drive to keep growing your company to wane. You just don’t want it enough! You no longer live the “belief” of building a great company. Then the minor sins of laziness and excuses creep into your existence. You find creative ways to waste your time. You spend your time socially or on social media. Your handicap becomes more important than your cash flow. Good things stop happening and the slide downhill begins. The second derailer is forgetting that the successful business end game requires that you solve real issues for your customers, in a cost effective way. If you lose the customer focus and become self-centered and develop the entitlement mentality, “I’ve worked hard for this and I deserve it!” you won’t focus on the right things. Your ego kicks in and you start to become overbearing to the people you depend on to keep your company
growing. Negativity and assigning blame become more prevalent than praise and celebration of accomplishments. Your company culture is headed for the basement. Company will follow. The third one is losing your certainty. You become fearful and question your objectives. You start over-analyzing, reaching “analysis paralysis.” You stop thinking big and think safe (and small). You don’t look far enough ahead, focusing on the short term. When you focus on next week, your company goals are no longer being pursued, you are “playing it by ear,” waiting to “see” before you focus yourself on the longer term objectives. The indisputable truth is you can’t keep things the same. Your company is either growing or dissolving. Strong pursuit of well thought out objectives keeps it growing. When you stop, the wheel reverses and your company slows, stops and then backs up. Like the airplane with the engine out, the pull of gravity will eventually bring it down. Fortunately, once aware of these derailers, you can look for early signs of their presence. If you are spending more time in non-business pursuits,
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feeling you are smarter than your customers and employees, or spending a lot of time in “what if” discussions, pay attention and get yourself refocused. In this New Year, focus on: long term objectives, customer needs, and building a strong culture among your employees. When you consciously look for derailers, you can maintain your drive and passion, your care for your customers and workers, and pursue the objectives to make the company a success. You just have to look for those pesky derailers. Best wishes for a prosperous new year!
New Year's Resolution:Help A Non-Profit By: Tanya Gray, Keep Temple Beautiful
“In charity there is no excess”... Sir Francis Bacon. A nonprofit organization, by definition, takes any money received or earned and puts it back into the organization to drive its mission and promote its activities or services. It is considered as a silent provider, with the interest of the public and private wellbeing at heart. Keep Temple Beautiful (KTB) is such an organization. Just like other nonprofits, KTB's unique challenges include finding creative ways to generate operating finances, attracting donors and volunteers, maintaining goodwill, and using meaningful evaluation tools with which to measure success and decipher areas for improvement. There are no profit-sharing checks or payouts to investors, shareholders or Board of Directors. There is no million dollar salary for the Executive Director. "Doing well" means that our cause has been furthered. Measuring success isn't always straightforward; we have to look at
2014
how many people were reached, helped, motivated, or educated through our efforts. Because nonprofits are just that--they don't bring in profit--getting funding from a variety of public and private sources is a constant process. At KTB, we face various problems and issues on a day to day as well as long term basis. Making sure the organization has enough money to achieve its mission, a mission that helps the community, along with operating costs is always an issue. While the celebrations may be over, that doesn't mean there still isn't time to make a new set of resolutions. So, in addition to eating less and working out more (we all know how long those last) why not give to a non-profit in your community? A new year provides an opportunity for you to make a difference, in essence, a clean slate to make things a little better. Why not do so by helping out a non-profit like Keep Temple Beautiful?
There are many ways YOU can help us financially with your support: Become a regular contributing member of KTB in several ways: • Family Membership – $85/year • Individual Membership – $65/year • Student - $15/year Business memberships are also available! You can join KTB by contacting us, donating through your City of Temple "water bill" or sponsoring one of our numerous projects for 2014!!!
For more information, contact Keep Temple Beautiful at (254) 493-4000. Be sure to check out our website at www.keeptemplebeautiful.org or Facebook page www.facebook.com/keeptemplebeautiful.