Keep an eye on this space on Thursday, May 21 from 7:30am - 9:00am for live blogging of the JCGDA Legislative Forum. Below is the information on how you can attend this event in person.
Legislative Forum
When = Thu, May 21, 7:30am – 9:00am
Description = Legislators come to Jefferson County and speak to the community about the bills that were passed and what they will be working in the next session. Contact Sarah Davis for more information and to RSVP at 314-210-0211
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Return on Investment @ the Library
Getting the most for our money is something we all want in every aspect of our lives. We here at the Jefferson County Library would like to share the value you obtained from your library tax dollars this past year:
- 528, 025 books borrowed @ $15 each = $7,920,375
- 14,953 magazines borrowed @ $2 each = $29,906
- 106, 274 movies borrowed @ $4 each = $425, 096
- 69,289 audio books / music borrowed @ $10 each = $692,890
- 2,854 interlibrary loans @ $25 each = $71,350
- 500 meeting room uses @$50 each = $25,000
- 3,420 adult programs / classes attended @ $10 each = $34,200
- 28,211 children's programs attended @ $6 each = $169,266
- 106,080 hours of computer use @ $12/hour = $1,272,960
- 71,432 reference questions asked @ $7 each = $500,024
- Total = $11,141,067
Library taxes collected in 2008 = $3,266,873.92
Savings for Jefferson County Library taxpayers = $7,874,193.08
Return on investment in the Jefferson County Library = 241%
Below are links from the New York Times and the St. Louis Post Dispatch detailing how libraries are seeing rising usage during the current economic crisis:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/nyregion/26libraries.html
Friday, January 30, 2009
State of the County Address - Live blog
Greetings from the State of the County Address at Northwest High School. We've enjoyed a tasty breakfast and are awaiting the address.
The Northwest Student Council members are describing the achievements of the Northwest School District. For the past 5 years Northwest has achieved the distinction and achievement award. A major component of this award is a 95% attendance record. Northwest athletes have also excelled and won many titles. The student body is also strongly involved in the community with donations of both time and money. The success at Northwest is based on teamwork between the students and faculty.
Superintendent of Schools Paul Ziegler is offering a welcome address. Northwest school district has strong community support but with that comes strong expectations. Northwest has met these expectations through awards to schools and the school board. The school board members were recognized by the group.
Chuck Banks is introduced and this is my summary of his comments.
It's a pleasure to bring the address to Northwest High School. Our schools from k-college are a key to success in Jefferson County. Dr. Watts of Jefferson College was recognized. Students and staff of Northwest High School were recognized for their hard work.
JCGDA Board and Sarah Davis were recognized for their hard work in making this happen. The library blog was acknowledged along with KJFF and JCTV. Other sponsors were recognized along with elected officials. Jefferson County government staff were also acknowledged.
2008 was a year of destruction. Record flooding displaced families along the Big and Meramec River. The slowing economy and high fuel prices scared home buyers. Everywhere was changing - especially on Nov 4th. Everything changed in administration including Jefferson County's basic form of government.
The best word to describe now is renaissance. JC is in a time of rebirth. We have opened many new government facilities. 2009 is a balanced budget but the process was the worst ever. All of the revenue was down except for court fees. We had to reduce 10 positions as a very last resort. Most were middle management which made this the best choice. Many workers are now doing more work for the same pay. We are asking for sacrifices but no one is complaining.
We are not asking for more fees or more taxes. We are asking citizens to support their county by shopping in Jefferson County. There are new stores opening all the time. By passing the Bluffs and visiting Jeffco shops you can make a difference. When you spend in St. Louis County you pay for their services. When you shop in JC you make your services better.
The county commission is no more - dissolved 11/18.2008. The new process has slowed things down but it is essential to get everything in place for new county council in 2010. The charter government has put a lot on the plate since every law and rule must be revisiting . The Sullivan group has been hired to assist in the codification process to put all the new laws into a county code.
The county building commission has seen the departure of several key members who gave a lot to the county. The services of Danny and Cliff were recognized. The Building Commission is now a Code Commission which will be in place by March 2009. This group will have the power to regulate and license all skilled contractors. They will enforce the building code. This group will not be a bureacratic obstacle to growth.
Beginning in March, the public safety commission will be formed from emergency responders. Their mission is to prepare a disaster plan for the county. They will have the power to set training and standards for emergency responders. The pledge is that none of these rules and regulations will impact growth.
All county employees are now employed under a merit system per the charter. The plan will be in place by the end of the year.
2008 saw a large turnout for the election. It marked the first time a presidential candidate had a full time staff in Jefferson County. The local elected officials were mentioned along with the positions that they hold which are very powerful and give strong opportunities to follow JC interests.
The EDC had a banner year. We closed on more SBA loans last year than in the previous 5 years. We closed on 90 homes through the first time home buyers program. We helped 20 families rehabilitate their homes. We have met all the ratios for HUD entitlement programs which leads to increased funds.
How does the future look? Still most of our workers leave the county each day. The two cement plants that are opening should bring lots of work. The new Doe Run access will lead to growth and prevent hazards to the community. Something is going to happen at the PPG site in Crystal City. Whether with becomes an ore processor or sports destination, there are developers interested. We can see a major transportation hub right here. We must present a united front to assure these developments. All of these developments must meet very strict environmental controls so the health of our citizens is not compromised. We must address climate change but not destroy the American dream in doing so.
We must clean up the mistakes of the past. The Herculaneum and Hematite sites are being cleaned up and this process provides work to county residents. The transition to public sewer systems is too slow. Just because there isn't sewage on the lawn doesn't mean your septic system is working ok. The county will work with everyone to access sewers where available.
The FEMA buyout program is available for 34 homes. It is completely voluntary. All of our parks were hit by the flooding. Winter park is still closed and should be open by end of summer. The disaster declaration covers repairs. The Parks Dept is not affected by the charter and all programs are in full swing.
Transportation is very important. We will replace or repair 13 bridges in county. Priorities remain from 21 and MM/M. We have projects on the shelf for the potential stimulus money.
Dennis Murphy with JCCP is working towards the creation of the first county public transit system. The bus has been ordered and the route begins in December. The route will run from DeSoto to Arnold with stops all along the way. This is just the beginning. If you believe public transportation is important - fill out the survey at jccp.org. These surveys are needed for grants. We have to do this ourselves since Metro isn't coming.
We must also protect ourselves from stray and rabid animals. Cathy Brake has formed ADOPT with a goal of having a new adoption center to make it no kill for all stray animals. You should support this worthwhile cause with the attendance at fundraisers and meetings.
Mastodon Arts and Science Fair is coming up. This is the largest fair of its kind in the nation and perhaps the world. It is happening right here at Jefferson College.
Sadly last year we lost two of our finest young soldiers in the war, but we elected our first african american president who ran on a platform of hope. We can build and renew because we have the best people. I am positive about our future and excited to be a part of it. It is a privilege to serve you. God bless America and Jefferson County.
The event concluded with a live performance from the first act of the spring musical, Pirates of Captain Brie, by the Northwest Drama Club.
Thanks for being a part of our live blogging experience! Please feel free to contact me if you have an event you would like to be covered in this blog. meredith@jeffersoncountylibrary.og
The Northwest Student Council members are describing the achievements of the Northwest School District. For the past 5 years Northwest has achieved the distinction and achievement award. A major component of this award is a 95% attendance record. Northwest athletes have also excelled and won many titles. The student body is also strongly involved in the community with donations of both time and money. The success at Northwest is based on teamwork between the students and faculty.
Superintendent of Schools Paul Ziegler is offering a welcome address. Northwest school district has strong community support but with that comes strong expectations. Northwest has met these expectations through awards to schools and the school board. The school board members were recognized by the group.
Chuck Banks is introduced and this is my summary of his comments.
It's a pleasure to bring the address to Northwest High School. Our schools from k-college are a key to success in Jefferson County. Dr. Watts of Jefferson College was recognized. Students and staff of Northwest High School were recognized for their hard work.
JCGDA Board and Sarah Davis were recognized for their hard work in making this happen. The library blog was acknowledged along with KJFF and JCTV. Other sponsors were recognized along with elected officials. Jefferson County government staff were also acknowledged.
2008 was a year of destruction. Record flooding displaced families along the Big and Meramec River. The slowing economy and high fuel prices scared home buyers. Everywhere was changing - especially on Nov 4th. Everything changed in administration including Jefferson County's basic form of government.
The best word to describe now is renaissance. JC is in a time of rebirth. We have opened many new government facilities. 2009 is a balanced budget but the process was the worst ever. All of the revenue was down except for court fees. We had to reduce 10 positions as a very last resort. Most were middle management which made this the best choice. Many workers are now doing more work for the same pay. We are asking for sacrifices but no one is complaining.
We are not asking for more fees or more taxes. We are asking citizens to support their county by shopping in Jefferson County. There are new stores opening all the time. By passing the Bluffs and visiting Jeffco shops you can make a difference. When you spend in St. Louis County you pay for their services. When you shop in JC you make your services better.
The county commission is no more - dissolved 11/18.2008. The new process has slowed things down but it is essential to get everything in place for new county council in 2010. The charter government has put a lot on the plate since every law and rule must be revisiting . The Sullivan group has been hired to assist in the codification process to put all the new laws into a county code.
The county building commission has seen the departure of several key members who gave a lot to the county. The services of Danny and Cliff were recognized. The Building Commission is now a Code Commission which will be in place by March 2009. This group will have the power to regulate and license all skilled contractors. They will enforce the building code. This group will not be a bureacratic obstacle to growth.
Beginning in March, the public safety commission will be formed from emergency responders. Their mission is to prepare a disaster plan for the county. They will have the power to set training and standards for emergency responders. The pledge is that none of these rules and regulations will impact growth.
All county employees are now employed under a merit system per the charter. The plan will be in place by the end of the year.
2008 saw a large turnout for the election. It marked the first time a presidential candidate had a full time staff in Jefferson County. The local elected officials were mentioned along with the positions that they hold which are very powerful and give strong opportunities to follow JC interests.
The EDC had a banner year. We closed on more SBA loans last year than in the previous 5 years. We closed on 90 homes through the first time home buyers program. We helped 20 families rehabilitate their homes. We have met all the ratios for HUD entitlement programs which leads to increased funds.
How does the future look? Still most of our workers leave the county each day. The two cement plants that are opening should bring lots of work. The new Doe Run access will lead to growth and prevent hazards to the community. Something is going to happen at the PPG site in Crystal City. Whether with becomes an ore processor or sports destination, there are developers interested. We can see a major transportation hub right here. We must present a united front to assure these developments. All of these developments must meet very strict environmental controls so the health of our citizens is not compromised. We must address climate change but not destroy the American dream in doing so.
We must clean up the mistakes of the past. The Herculaneum and Hematite sites are being cleaned up and this process provides work to county residents. The transition to public sewer systems is too slow. Just because there isn't sewage on the lawn doesn't mean your septic system is working ok. The county will work with everyone to access sewers where available.
The FEMA buyout program is available for 34 homes. It is completely voluntary. All of our parks were hit by the flooding. Winter park is still closed and should be open by end of summer. The disaster declaration covers repairs. The Parks Dept is not affected by the charter and all programs are in full swing.
Transportation is very important. We will replace or repair 13 bridges in county. Priorities remain from 21 and MM/M. We have projects on the shelf for the potential stimulus money.
Dennis Murphy with JCCP is working towards the creation of the first county public transit system. The bus has been ordered and the route begins in December. The route will run from DeSoto to Arnold with stops all along the way. This is just the beginning. If you believe public transportation is important - fill out the survey at jccp.org. These surveys are needed for grants. We have to do this ourselves since Metro isn't coming.
We must also protect ourselves from stray and rabid animals. Cathy Brake has formed ADOPT with a goal of having a new adoption center to make it no kill for all stray animals. You should support this worthwhile cause with the attendance at fundraisers and meetings.
Mastodon Arts and Science Fair is coming up. This is the largest fair of its kind in the nation and perhaps the world. It is happening right here at Jefferson College.
Sadly last year we lost two of our finest young soldiers in the war, but we elected our first african american president who ran on a platform of hope. We can build and renew because we have the best people. I am positive about our future and excited to be a part of it. It is a privilege to serve you. God bless America and Jefferson County.
The event concluded with a live performance from the first act of the spring musical, Pirates of Captain Brie, by the Northwest Drama Club.
Thanks for being a part of our live blogging experience! Please feel free to contact me if you have an event you would like to be covered in this blog. meredith@jeffersoncountylibrary.og
Monday, January 12, 2009
State of the County Address - Live Blog Coming Soon!
Watch this space for live blogging of the Jefferson County State of the County Address which will be held on January 30th at Northwest High School. Doors will open at 7:45am. If you would like to attend the event in person, contact Sarah Davis, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Growth and Development Association, at 314-210-0211 or executivedirector@jcgda.org.
If you can't make it, don't worry! You can watch this space to view a live blog of the event.
If you can't make it, don't worry! You can watch this space to view a live blog of the event.
Friday, January 2, 2009
So You Want to Start a Small Business in Jefferson County?
Starting a small business is increasingly becoming an attractive alternative for people who no longer want to work for someone else or are having difficulty finding employment in today's sluggish job market. But starting a small business is not for the faint of heart - according to a study by the U.S. Small Business Association, only 2/3 of all small business startups survive the first two years and less than half make it to four years. One of the keys to small business success is to take advantage of all the resources available to you in your community.
Here in Jefferson County there are several agencies dedicated to making sure that your small business becomes a success. Not suprisingly, many of them are government entities - county and municipal government lives and dies off of sales tax revenues. More business equals more tax revenue so everybody wins!
Here in Jefferson County there are several agencies dedicated to making sure that your small business becomes a success. Not suprisingly, many of them are government entities - county and municipal government lives and dies off of sales tax revenues. More business equals more tax revenue so everybody wins!
- Jefferson County Growth and Development Association - http://www.jcgda.org/
- Economic Development Corporation of Jefferson County - http://www.jeffcountymo.org/
- Administers the SBA 504 loans for small businesses - Your local Chamber of Commerce - http://jeffersoncountyonline.org/business/businessresources.shtml
- The Community Development department of your local municipality - http://jeffersoncountyonline.org/communities/cities.shtml
It is also important to remember that when starting a small business you are walking in the footsteps of many who have gone before. Learn what worked and what didn't work in resources from the library such as:
- Sweet and Low: a family history by Rich Cohen
- Authenticity: what consumers really want by James H. Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine II
- The Old Girls Network: insider advice for women building businesses in a man's world by Sharon Whitely, Kathy Elliott and Connie Duckworth
- Satisfaction: how every great company listens to the voice of the customer by Chris Denove and James D. Power IV.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
ReferenceUSA - You are paying for it, are you using it?
Library service is primarily funded through property tax in Missouri. So we are another one of those wonderful institutions like the public schools that you pay for whether you use it or not. In these tight economic times, we all like to get our money's worth so I am taking this opportunity to tell you about one of the library's resources you might not be aware of that can potentially be of great help to your business.
Have you found yourself wishing for a criss / cross directory at your fingertips so you can generate sales leads in a particular area? Have you made one of those unsuccessful dives into the rolodex / contacts file to try and pull up the number of that one elusive person that you needed to get in touch with yesterday? Are you looking to develop a new business and need to locate potential competitors in the area? All of these questions and more can be answered through the library's access to the residential and business sections of ReferenceUSA.
ReferenceUSA's database of 14 million U.S. Businesses contains verified, accurate data and is updated monthly. Plus this is the only business database enhanced with more than 20 million phone calls per year.
Have you found yourself wishing for a criss / cross directory at your fingertips so you can generate sales leads in a particular area? Have you made one of those unsuccessful dives into the rolodex / contacts file to try and pull up the number of that one elusive person that you needed to get in touch with yesterday? Are you looking to develop a new business and need to locate potential competitors in the area? All of these questions and more can be answered through the library's access to the residential and business sections of ReferenceUSA.
ReferenceUSA's database of 14 million U.S. Businesses contains verified, accurate data and is updated monthly. Plus this is the only business database enhanced with more than 20 million phone calls per year.
Selection criteria include:
- Business name
- Executive title
- Business type
- Sales volume
- Employee size
- Year established
- And more...
Use Quick Search to find what you need with a few clicks or use the powerful Custom Search to fine tune your search.
The residential component includes contact information for over 135 million US households. If they have a listed phone number, they are included. You can search by name, by phone number and even generate lists of residences within a certain geographical area such as a street or zip code.
This all sounds great but you might be wondering about how to gain access to ReferenceUSA. With a valid Jefferson County Library card you can access it through following the online resources link on the library's website www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org. Click on reference in the topic table, scroll down to ReferenceUSA and click on the bright green link. You'll be prompted to enter your library card number and redirected to the database list. If you do not have access to the internet on your own, visit your local JCL branch and ask at the Information Desk to be shown how to access ReferenceUSA.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call me (Meredith) at 636-296-5171!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Making Sense of Investing
Our current troubled economic times have brought to the forefront the importance of planning for the future through smart investing. This website details some sobering statistics on savings, retirement and investment issues: http://www.mdmproofing.com/iym/hfstats.shtml
- The American Savings Education Council's 2004 report, Saving and Retirement in America, states that among all workers, 45 percent have less than $25,000 in savings and investments (aside from equity in primary residences). In the age group 25-34, 64 percent have less than $25k in savings; in the age group 35-44, 48 percent have less than $25k; in the age group 45-54, 30 percent have less than $25k. According to a 2002 survey by the Consumer Federation of America, 25 percent of U.S. households have net assets of less than $10,000.
- In his book The Total Money Makeover, Dave Ramsey cites the Wall Street Journal as reporting that 70 percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. He also cites a poll from Parenting magazine which found that 49 percent of Americans could cover less than one month's expenses if they lost their income. The 2003 MetLife Study of Employee Benefits Trends bears this out, reporting that 52 percent of employees live paycheck-to-paycheck. The surprise? Among high-earners ($75,000 or more), an alarming 34 percent claim this distinction. The survey found that 87 percent of low earners ($30,000 or less) do so.
The following are a sampling of the resources available through your local branch of the Jefferson County Library to help you make sense of it all:
- All About Stocks: the easy way to get started by Esme Faerber
- The Everything Personal Finance in Your 20s & 30s Book: erase your debt, personalize your budget, and now plan to secure your future by Debby Fowles
- Financial Planning for the Utterly Confused by Joel Lerner
- Expecting Money: the essential financial plan for new and growing families by Erica Sandberg
- Jim Cramer's Stay Mad for Life: get rich, stay rich (make your kids even richer) by James J. Cramer
- Saving For Retirement without Living Like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery: retirement planning made easy by Gail MarksJarvis
Good luck! Remember the only person truly watching out for your future is you. Take advantage of two free upcoming financial workshops at the Arnold Branch. Experts from Edward Jones will discuss "Outlooks and Opportunities: The Answers You Need in Today's Market" on August 13th at 10am. That same evening there will be a workshop entitled "Retirement Reality Check: Now's the Time to Get a Head Start on the Rest of Your Life" at 6:30pm. Registration is requested for both events. Call 636-296-5171 to reserve a spot today!
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