As we mature through our teenage years, one of our first major steps into adulthood is working that first job.

"A first-time job may be awkward and an all-around rude awakening for many, but the accompanying lessons of responsibility and perseverance are absolutely vital," says financial expert Mark Hansen, author of Success 101 for Teens (www.7habitsandtraits.com). "Also, we get our first taste of earned money - how to spend it, and the value of budgeting it for larger purchases."

But this summer continues a trend in recent years: there simply are not enough jobs to go around during this rough economy. The 2011 summer employment average - peak season for those aged 16 to 24 - was only 48.8 percent for young people, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's the lowest percentage since the Bureau began collecting such data, in 1948.

This year, so far, the rate is virtually the same, and many young people have simply given up their job search.

"This is a potentially devastating trend with long-lasting consequences," says Hansen, whose adult life has been largely defined by his response to the obstacles he overcame after being hit by a car as a child.

"We know the negative effects experienced by adults who go without a job for long periods, but unemployment can be worse for teens. Think about idleness, an increased risk of juvenile delinquency, undeveloped or atrophied technical and social skills and, of course, a lack of money."

Just because there are fewer jobs, however, doesn't mean young people are powerless to improve their situation. Hansen offers alternatives for self-motivated teens:

• Untapped markets are everywhere: It may be true that the once low-hanging fruit, such as fast-food positions, are being taken by adults, but a teen's job search needn't end there. Today's young people have a distinct advantage over older folks - they were raised on computers, which may include knowledge of graphics software, sound and video programs and much more. These skills may be parlayed to help market events for neighbors, family members or a small business.

• Good, old-fashioned manual labor: Computers and related skills have changed the world, but a smartphone is not going to cut a neighbor's grass, clean his garage or move his furniture. Consider offering a competitive price for these tasks; neighbors are often sympathetic to young people looking to make an honest dollar.

• Volunteer your time: Nowadays, high school students receive credit for dedicated volunteer hours, which are routinely applied to scholarship efforts. Beyond the expectation of a corollary reward, youth are more than ever attuned to the innate sense of satisfaction gained from helping others. Several studies have shown that people are rewarded with a sense of purpose and well-being while helping others, according to the American Psychological Association.

• Beefed-up allowance for added chores: Parents are busier than ever these days, which often mean chores around the house suffer. While most may not be able to afford the kind of wage a teen could earn at McDonalds, an increase in allowance can nevertheless motivate a teen who needs spending money.

About Mark Hansen

A successful businessman, a former Palm Beach County, Fla., elected school board member and motivational speaker, Mark has dedicated his life to helping young people overcome obstacles and deal with the challenges of daily living. Struck by a car and nearly killed as a child, Mark fought back through positive actions and reactions to all that he had to overcome. As a result, he relates to teens in a very special way.  Through books such as, "Success 101 for Teens: Dollars and Sense for a Winning Financial Life," and seminars, Mark Hansen is driven to make an impact on teens and young adults and to empower them to rise above and triumph over life's obstacles.

EXELON GENERATION SPONSORS LOCAL 5K, GIVES THOUSANDS IN SUPPORT

PORT BYRON, IL - The Nick Teddy Foundation, in partnership with Nelson Chiropractic, is pleased to announce an additional sponsor of "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5K."

Platinum Sponsor Exelon Generation is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities area. It has provided the Nick Teddy Foundation with a significant financial contribution to help make the foundation's first 5k a success.

29-year old Port Byron native Nick Strub fought a courageous battle against Ewing's Sarcoma for more than 5-years. Nick's dad, Brian, is a retired employee of Exelon Generation.

"The Strubs are a long time part of the Exelon Generation family," said Bill Stoermer, spokesperson from the Quad Cities Generating Station. "It's very important for us to help the Strub family honor the legacy of their son in his hometown."

"Exelon recognizes the importance of helping communities thrive, and the Nick Teddy Foundation's mission fits Exelon's outreach goals," Stoermer added.

The "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5k" will take place on Sept. 15, 2012, beginning at 9:00 AM, and offers a fun day for hundreds of participants and their families.

More information, including Exelon's sponsorship of the "Nick Teddy Fight Against Ewing's Sarcoma 5k," can be found online at: http://www.NickTeddy.org,

Quad City Times on board, too

The Quad-City Times reports on top news stories and current events from Iowa, Illinois and the Quad-Cities. The Nick Teddy Foundation is pleased to have the Quad-City Times' support as a Platinum Sponsor of the foundation's first 5k.

on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/NickTeddyOrg);

on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/NickTeddyOrg).

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Law Provides Businesses with Greater Certainty, Will Boost Economic Development Across Illinois

CHICAGO - August 7, 2012. As part of his agenda to grow jobs and increase economic development across Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to extend the Illinois Enterprise Zone program, a state and local partnership to encourage economic growth across the state. Senate Bill 3616 will create greater long-term stability for businesses, attract more investment in Illinois and protect the interests of taxpayers. The new law provides for a 25-year extension of the program, which creates a process for existing communities with zones and new communities to apply for the designation

"We want our businesses to invest, grow and put more Illinois residents to work," Governor Quinn said. "This new law provides employers with the long-term certainty they need to grow, and strengthens oversight standards to ensure accountability from businesses that participate in the program."

The new law makes three major changes to the state's Enterprise Zone program:

• Extends the sunset of the Illinois Enterprise Zone program 

The law extends the Enterprise Zone Program for 25 years, and creates a process for existing communities with zones and new communities to apply for the designation. Under the new procedure, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will accept and review all applications to determine if they meet three of 10 criteria to be certified as a zone, which includes unemployment rate, infrastructure, plant closure/job loss, education, poverty rates, and high commercial and industrial vacancy.

• Creates an Enterprise Zone Board
  The Enterprise Zone Board will approve or deny enterprise zone applications certified and scored by DCEO. The board will consist of five members: the director of DCEO, or his or her designee, who shall serve as chairperson; the director of the Department of Revenue, or his or her designee; and three members appointed by the Governor.

• Increases reporting requirements of companies receiving tax benefits from the Enterprise Zone and High Impact Business programs

The law increases accountability by requiring that any business receiving tax incentives due to its location within an enterprise zone or its designation as a High Impact Business must annually report the total Enterprise Zone or High Impact Business tax benefits received. The report must be broken down by incentive category and enterprise zone, to the Department of Revenue. Failure to report data shall result in ineligibility to receive incentives.

SB3616, sponsored by Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), passed the General Assembly unanimously and was supported by many in the business community, including the Illinois Municipal League, Caterpillar, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Manufacturers Association. The new law renews the Illinois Enterprise Zone program, which is one of the state's most vital economic tools. During its history, 42,543 businesses have invested in enterprise zones. Businesses located in enterprise zones have created 354,762 jobs and retained 536,562 jobs. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 43 states, including Illinois, have enterprise zone programs under a variety of different program names.

"By helping our communities become enterprise zones, we are giving them a leg up on the competition in drawing companies to their areas, " said Rep. Bradley. "I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this law to help bring businesses to every corner of Illinois."

"The Illinois enterprise zone program is a vital tool for growing jobs and attracting investment in Illinois. We applaud Governor Quinn and the General Assembly for taking action and sending a positive message to the business community," said Greg Baise, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, a statewide business group representing nearly 4,000 companies. "Enacting a long-term extension of this successful program is another step in making Illinois a good place to do business and providing stability for employers." 

"As economic developers, we compete every day for jobs and investment with locations throughout the country and around the world and the Illinois Enterprise Zone program has kept us in the game for nearly 30 years," said Craig Coil, president of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Association and the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County. "By passing and signing this bill, Governor Quinn and the General Assembly have helped all of us who are involved in economic development in Illinois and the communities we represent remain competitive for the foreseeable future."

"We are listening to what companies say they need to thrive," said David Vaught, acting director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "They tell us that the Illinois Enterprise Zone program is one of the most effective economic development tools in the state's tool box. By extending the program for 25 years, companies have a predictable environment in which they can create jobs and fuel economic growth."

SB 3616 is effective immediately. The Governor will make stops today in Chicago, Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria, Decatur and Mount Vernon to highlight the new law that will boost economic growth in communities across Illinois.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit http://illinoisbiz.biz.

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The dedication ceremony for the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge and the Emiquon Complex near Lewistown comes during a meeting of the Illinois River Coordinating Council, which Simon chairs. The marshy ecosystems were designated Wetlands of International Importance by the federal government in accordance with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty signed by 162 nations committed to the protection of wetlands. The designation recognizes the sites as international models of restoration and expresses the government's commitment to maintaining the ecological character of the site, Simon said.

The celebration, dubbed A Great Day for the Illinois River, will be held concurrently at the Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown and the Dixon Refuge. Speakers at the two sites will be connected through a live video feed. After the river council meeting, attendees at Emiquon will have an opportunity to canoe and kayak, while visitors at Dixon can take a guided nature walk.

DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 8

TIME: 1:15 p.m. media availability, 1:30 meeting start

LOCATION: Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 North Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown

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