By Jim Muir

Will Zettler is the general sales manager at Weeks in Benton – one of three Weeks dealerships in Franklin County.

When asked about his job duties, Zettler gave a five-word answer that sums up the overall customer service philosophy that has kept Weeks locations thriving despite tough economic times in the region.

“Whatever needs to be done,” Zettler said about his daily role at the location located on Route 37, just north of Benton. “I make sure we sell cars, oversee the clean-up department, the service department and oversee the day-to-day operations. We’re a small place so I try to tend to lots of different things.”

Zettler said he also oversees internet sales and keeps a close eye on the Weeks’ website, a point that he says has changed the car industry during the past decade.

“When I started 14 years ago I didn’t take internet sales very seriously, it was something new and kind of in its infancy,” Zettler said. “But now, it’s our virtual lot where people can actually shop for a car.”

Despite high-tech car shopping that is now available, Zettler said the vast majority of business comes from repeat customers who shop for a new or used vehicle the old-fashioned way.

“I would say that 80-90 percent of our customers are repeat customers and that’s a great indication that we treat people right when they purchase a vehicle from us,” said Zettler. “We rely on our experienced sales staff to bring in people they know, people that have dealt with them in the past and know that they will be treated right and treated fairly. Out of this location we sell through relationships we have built.”

Zettler said Weeks’ Benton location is smaller and has less traffic than most other dealerships in Southern Illinois, but he sees that as a positive in many ways.

“Being a small dealership is not always a bad thing, it allows us to make decisions quicker, take care of customers in a quicker fashion and to do things without having to cut through a bunch of red tape to get things done, we can get the job done,” Zettler said.

Zettler began his career as a salesman which gives him a unique view of the business and he oversees a team of five sales people.

Like the West Frankfort locations, Zettler said Weeks in Benton also has a close working relationship with sales and service.

“Some places might look at it as two different businesses under one roof but there has to be a close relationship,” said Zettler. “The task of sales and service working together is much easier when the only goal is taking care of the customer.”

Weeks is the only new car dealership in Franklin County and has kept three locations humming along despite rough economic times. Zettler said that fact in itself speaks volumes about customer satisfaction that is preached daily at all the Weeks’ locations.

“All three locations operate independently of each other and Greg (owner Greg Weeks) gives us the freedom to take care of people, whatever it takes, we take care of our customers,” said Zettler. “Whatever lengths we have to go to, our goal is to make the customer happy and keep them satisfied with their purchase. No matter what, we will take care of our customers.”

Gov. Bruce Rauner has joined the ranks of people who have doubts about the way forward for solving Illinois’ pension problems after the state Supreme Court tossed out a 2013 law that sought savings by cutting benefits for workers and retirees.

Here’s the link in the Chicago Tribune.

By Jim Muir

BENTON — Andrew Hart, the evening host on one of Chicago’s top radio stations – 101.9 The Mix – has had a remarkable 12-year career in radio and is considered one of the top on-air personalities nationwide. But what’s even more remarkable than Hart’s rising career is that he’s only 26 years old.

Hart, a Benton native, began his career at the tender age of 14 at WQRL, in Benton where he traveled on a motorized scooter (illegally) on side streets to get to work. These days, through his job at The Mix, Hart rubs elbows with some of the top pop stars in the world who happen to be in The Windy City.

Hart, a Benton native, began his career at the tender age of 14 at WQRL-FM, in Benton where he traveled on a motorized scooter (illegally) on side streets to get to work. These days, through his job at The Mix, Hart rubs elbows with some of the top pop stars in the world who happen to be in The Windy City. However, Hart is great example that you can take the boy out of Southern Illinois but you can’t completely take Southern Illinois out of the boy. Hart has organized and is the driving force behind the first-ever “Bluegill Music Festival” that will be held July 4, 2015 at the Rend Lake Dam. And just like his skyrocketing radio career, Hart does not intend on doing things in a small way. The all-day festival will be complete with Southern Illinois’ largest fireworks display, along the shores of the Rend Lake Dam, in Benton, IL. The music lineup includes 20 bands and features national recording stars, Eli Young Band, LOCASH, Clayton Anderson and many more. In all, there will be three stages for country music lovers.

Hart, who goes by the on-air name “Finnigan” said putting the event together is a way for him to give back to an area that he loves, thinks of as home and hopes to see rebound from tough economic times.

“I have always wanted to do something out at Rend Lake for years, it’s a tremendous location where you can have anything from a picnic to this type of event,” said Hart. “The fireworks show is something that people look forward to every year, but we wanted to be able to build on that. This event has been bouncing around in my head for years but it took the right people and the right timing to make it all fall into place.”

Hart said he has gotten great cooperation from local mayors, chambers of commerce and law enforcement – all key elements in making the event a success.

“Safety is a concern but it is also our number one priority,” said Hart. “It took a lot of people working together to get us to the point we are right now, just two months from the event. It also took a lot of people to believe in us and what we are hoping to accomplish.”

One of those people who jumped on board and believes in the event is Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore.

“I am really excited about this first-ever festival,” said Ashmore. “The entertainment and food is going to be the best of its kind. I believe this event will be fun and entertaining for locals and tourist alike.”

Even though the event is being held in Franklin County, Ashmore says he believes it could be a boon for all of Southern Illinois.

“This is going to be beneficial for the entire region” Ashmore said. “People will be driving through the region spending money and helping local businesses.  After all tourism is the region’s number one industry.”

Hart said he also believes the event will draw fans from around the country, including Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. The festival is at the intersection of some of the nation‘s most dedicated country music fans. BMF will feature nationally recognized BBQ vendors from around the country and right here in Southern Illinois. Interactive entertainment for fans will also include sponsor activations, a bags tournament, washers, bubble soccer, a 250ft. slip n’ slide, helicopter rides from Black Diamond Harley Davidson, a mechanical bull, a kids area with a large inflatable slide and the “Bluegill Lagoon”, featuring a 60-feet-by-100-feet VIP beach, with cabañas, private wading pools and a lounge area. Additionally, Southern Illinois’ largest fireworks display will begin at 9:30pm, and is free to the public.

Hart has worked nearly a year putting all the moving parts together for the first-ever Bluegill Music Festival.

“We started talking about it right after the fireworks last year, and then started really pursuing it about 10 months ago and got the go-ahead eight months ago, so we have accomplished a lot in that time frame,” Hart said. “We have gotten great cooperation from everybody and without it, this wouldn’t be happening. We are very excited about this event and look forward to making this happen for Southern Illinois.”

FULL LINE UP OF BANDS FOR BLUEGILL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015: (More to be announced)

Athena

Cadillac Jones Band

Clayton Anderson

Eli Tellor

Eli Young Band

F-150

Heartlyn Rae

John Spicer

LOCASH

Mipso

Mocking Bird Hill

Mockingbird Sun

Murphy 500

Old Salt Union

Taylor Kearney

The Bankesters

The Hollerboys

We Got it Covered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Jim Muir

Justin Sailliez takes very good care of his own vehicle.

That’s important to know because for the past two decades, Sailliez has held the position of service manager at Weeks Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, in West Frankfort, and has used his own vehicle as an illustration about what he hopes to accomplish for Weeks’ customers.

“I tell our service techs all the time that my philosophy is I want to treat every single car like it’s my own,” said Sailliez. “I preach it every day, the way we treat customers and their vehicles is a reflection on everything at Weeks. But, I take it personally, because what happens in the service department is a reflection on me. We are going to treat every vehicle like it’s our own, we’re going to do it right and we are going to guarantee customer satisfaction.”

Like many Weeks employees Sailliez, who has an unabashed enthusiasm for his job that is evident in only a short conversation, has spent a good chunk of his life working at the West Frankfort car dealership – the only new car dealership in Franklin County.

“I’ve always loved cars and working with people,” said Sailliez. “So, this is the perfect job for me, period.”

Sailliez started his career changing oil, moved on to become a technician and then to the lead tech position in the service department before assuming the role of service manager. And it’s that experience in every aspect of the service department that makes Sailliez keep striving to make customers happy with the Weeks’ experience.

“I know firsthand what it takes to make the service department work well because I’ve worked in every area,” said Sailliez. “Every tech is GM-certified and again, our goal every single day is customer satisfaction.”

Sailliez said he meets every person who purchases a vehicle to assure them that the service department is available if a problem arises.

“It’s inevitable that there will be issues along the way, even if it’s just a question a customer has about the vehicle they purchased,” said Sailliez. “We work hard to make the sales to service handoff as smooth and problem-free as possible.”

He emphasized that the service department can handle any vehicle issue from major engine overhaul to custom exhaust to transmission repair.

“You name it and we can do it,” said Sailliez. “We believe the more we can do right here (at the West Frankfort location) the better it is for our customers.”

Sailliez said a major portion of Weeks’ customers are repeat customers who come back.

“That is something we are proud of because we work hard trying to get our customers to stay with us and we believe if we provide better service we can keep them from driving 20 miles down the road,” said Sailliez. “Whatever it takes to make your experience at Weeks a good and pleasant experience … well, that’s what we’re going to do.”

A month ago, new Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and state lawmakers agreed to $300 million in cuts as part of a plan to fix a budget passed last year that didn’t have enough money to cover 12 months of spending

Here’s the link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.

Rep. Tammy Duckworth’s challenge to Republican Sen. Mark Kirk portends a costly battle in what figures to be one of the most closely watched 2016 Senate contests.

Here’s the link to the story.

Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning his seat in Congress, saying in a statement issued Tuesday that “constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction” and have made it “too difficult for me to serve the people of the 18th District.”

 

Here’s the link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.

Staff Report

Matt Witkewiz takes his job very seriously.

Witkewiz, service manager at Weeks Chrysler Dodge Ram location in West Frankfort, said some dealerships believe when a customer drives off the lot the transaction is complete. But with Witkewiz (affectionately known as ‘Wiz’ to his fellow employees) he believes the car-buying experience is just getting started.

“My title is service manager and that is exactly what I strive to do, manage the service that you get,” said Witkewiz. “And we really, really strive to take care of our customers and go the extra mile. We know that having satisfied customers is the greatest advertisement we can have.”

Witkewiz said problems arise occasionally with the purchase of new or used vehicles. He said some of the areas his department handles on a regular basis includes parts, mechanical problems, oil changes, blue tooth and other technology-related issues and providing another means of transportation if needed.

“There are going to be some minor problems along the way, that just goes without saying,” said Witkewiz said. “But, it’s how a service department handles those problems, courteously, efficiently and timely that makes the difference to our customers.”

Witkewiz said he sees his role in the service department as being a key part of the entire car-buying experience. The West Frankfort Weeks facility has four full-time technicians and one part-time.

“What we do in the service department is a direct reflection on the entire purchase and a lot of times on whether they come back,” said Witkewiz. “We understand that sometimes people are nervous and we really strive to take care of them. We go the extra mile.”

No. You can deduct all qualified medical expenses if they’re more than the annual adjusted gross income (AGI) limit.

If I claim the standard deduction, can I deduct charitable donations?

No. You can only claim charitable donations by itemizing your deductions.

Can I claim a deduction for paying down my student loan?

You can deduct up to 2500 in interest paid on a qualifying student loan.

The student loan interest deduction begins to phase out if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is:

• $65,000 if filing single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)
• $130,000 if married filing jointly

The deduction is completely phased out if your AGI is:

• $80,000 if filing single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)
• $160,000 if married filing jointly

If I claim the standard deduction, should I also report my itemized expenses and donations?

Yes. You should tell us your itemized deductions, including donations to charitable organizations. This helps determine if the standard deduction is the most beneficial to you.

You should also keep a record of your itemized deductions. You can carry over deductions to future years if your adjusted gross income (AGI) isn’t high enough use the whole amount this year.

Should I itemize or use the standard deduction?

It depends. Choose the method that results in the largest deduction for you.

The value of your itemized deductions might be more than the amount you’ll receive as a standard deduction. If so, you should probably itemize. If you’re subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), you might want to itemize even if the standard deduction is more.

Otherwise, it’s usually better to claim the standard deduction. Don’t forget to take the state’s tax results into consideration when making your choice.

How does depreciation affect itemizing deductions?

Depreciation shouldn’t affect your itemized deductions if you’re either of these:

• Sole proprietor
• Farmer

This applies whether you itemize on Schedule A or claim the standard deduction.

If you’re a sole proprietor, report your depreciation deduction as a trade or business expense. Report it on your Schedule C.

If you’re a farmer, use Schedule F.

You’ll claim depreciation as an itemized deduction if both of these apply:

• You’re an employee.
• You’re claiming depreciation as an unreimbursed employee business expense.

You’ll use Schedule A to itemize. Your depreciation deduction is subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income (AGI) limit. So, use depreciation when deciding whether to itemize or claim the standard deduction.

The value of your itemized deductions might be more than the amount you’ll receive as a standard deduction. If so, you should probably itemize. If you’re subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), you might want to itemize even if the standard deduction is more.

Otherwise, it’s usually better to claim the standard deduction. Don’t forget to take the state’s tax results into consideration when making your choice.

Which work-based deductions can I claim?

If your employer didn’t reimburse your expenses, you can deduct all business-related expenses that are both of these:

• Ordinary expenses — common and accepted in your trade or business
• Necessary expenses — helpful and appropriate for your business. An expense doesn’t have to be required to be considered necessary.

Unreimbursed expenses you can deduct include:

• Mileage
• Cost of uniform
• Tools
• Meals and entertainment
• Lodging
• Subscription to trade journals

An Open Letter on Tax Fraud from Bill Cobb, President and CEO of H&R Block

I am writing this letter to bring attention to a growing issue that affects millions of Americans every year – tax fraud.

No taxpayer is immune to this growing problem. Last year even Attorney General Eric Holder fell victim to fraud resulting from tax identity theft. And as consumers increasingly see their data coming under attack across all industries – whether it’s health care or big box retailers – the impact only grows. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimated that fraudulent tax returns cost the U.S. government more than $5.2 billion in 2013. This all amounts to billions of dollars out of taxpayers’ pockets, and out of the federal budget that supports our nation. And that’s not to mention the inconvenience consumers have to go through to recover their identity and their tax refund.

So what do we do about this? As the world’s largest consumer tax services provider, we file one in every seven U.S. tax returns – both for those people who choose in-person assistance or through our increasingly popular do-it-yourself (DIY) products. This experience means we know taxes and how they affect your life better than anyone else. And after 60 years as the industry leader we know how important it is to keep ahead of these issues. We’ve been studying the issue of tax fraud for quite some time, and we have listened to consumers. In fact, last year we brought together tax policy and consumer advocate thought-leaders at a forum in Washington, D.C. to study this very problem and to announce the findings of our survey of consumer awareness and attitudes toward tax fraud and prevention. The findings were clear and powerful:

1. Taxpayers are willing to do more to help combat fraud. 93 percent said they are willing to take at least one action to help prevent fraud.

2. Consumers overwhelmingly support requiring the same tax forms and documentation be used whether filing by DIY tax preparation software/websites or by using a paid preparer. In fact 94 percent of respondents support this.

3. Consumers also recognize everyone has a role in solving this problem. Respondents agreed that it is incumbent on the IRS, Congress, professional tax preparers and the makers of DIY tax preparation software and taxpayers themselves to address fraudulent tax filings.

Right now there are two immediate ways we can minimize the potential for fraud in the system and I am calling on the IRS and my colleagues, the heads of the tax preparation industry, to come together and help create solutions to this problem.

First, there must be minimum federal standards for all paid tax preparers. Currently, there are no uniform federal standards applicable to all paid preparers, and only four states have such standards. Tax return preparers are the professionals that families rely on at the biggest financial moment in their year. Requiring them to meet minimum training standards is not about simply creating another category of professionals – it’s about empowering and protecting the 60 percent of consumers who get help with their taxes every year.

Second, we need to address the incidents of Earned Income Tax Credit improper payments in the system. Whether through intentional fraud or unintentional error due to the inherent complexities of the credit, these improper payments are a $16-$19 billion problem according to the Treasury Department. One obvious issue is the inconsistent approach to eligibility requirements when using DIY methods versus claiming the credit through in-person assisted preparation. While late last year Congress directed Treasury to implement consistent requirements across all tax preparation methods, Treasury and the IRS have yet to put a clear implementation plan in place. This is a relatively simple fix to help reduce fraud and protect consumers, and I call on Treasury and the IRS to implement it in time for the 2016 tax season.

These are two issues at the policy level, for which we have helped lead the conversation, but we have led on other issues as well, such as helping to prevent fraud through use of DIY tax software and online. DIY tax software and online methods are increasingly being exploited by fraudsters, but we are at the forefront with early adoption of two-factor account access and requiring that a federal tax return be accepted by the IRS before filing a state return. And earlier this year, we introduced Tax Identity Shield^SM, a unique industry-leading product specifically designed to help prevent tax identity theft fraud.

Simple steps like these, together with needed policy changes, will help stem the growing tide of tax identity theft and fraud. We must come together as an industry, with government, to make the system safer for consumers and stop the billions of fraudulent refunds that are issued every year.

Sincerely,

Bill Cobb

President, CEO of H & R Block