The cost of living rose less than forecast in May, restrained by the first drop in food prices in almost four years and signaling inflation remains under control. The consumer price index was up 0.1 percent after falling 0.What some folks appreciate most about Mike Coil is what he doesn’t do.
The president of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana, who plans to retire July 1, doesn’t micromanage those working under him.
Marjorie Stephens, the BBB’s director of marketplace services, joined the nonprofit 10 years ago. She recalls how Coil put her in charge of creating the Torch Awards program to honor businesses that reflect high ethical standards.
Coil trusted Stephens to develop the program, based on what other BBB affiliates were doing, she said. The now-annual program was launched in 2006.
“I think he’s wonderful,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed coming to work.”
Coil, who turns 65 in July, will give up his position as head of the 20-member staff – even though it isn’t mandated in the bylaws. He just thinks 12 years is long enough.
“It’s time to get somebody new in here, somebody with new ideas,” he said.
Candidates are now being interviewed, Stephens said.
Coil doesn’t plan to wear out a rocking chair, however. He’s eager to spend more time with his grandkids – he has nine younger than age 6 – and finally learn to play the guitar. And his ailing father needs more attention.
Coil also wants to get involved in a new venture on a part-time basis. He’s put out some feelers and speculated where they might lead. Maybe he could teach a couple of classes at IPFW, he said. Or maybe a local foundation or nonprofit could use some help with grant requests.
“I’ll be real cheap and willing to help them out,” he said.
Tom Hufford is former president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service, now known as Financial Hope Counseling and Education.
He’s known Coil for 20 years, including a period when Coil was chairman of the board for the nonprofit credit counseling center.
Over the years, the chairmen who were most valued helped out when Hufford needed it and left him alone when he didn’t. Coil was among those who were hands-off when things were going well, he said.
Coil’s banking background offered a rich resource for the organization, which deals with consumers swimming in debt.
Hufford, who retired in early 2009, offered a few words of advice for his friend.
“Do things that you enjoy. Do things that are different,” he said. “And always leave plenty of time for your naps.”
