Commerce Connection, March/April 2014

C O M M E R C E

MARCH/APRIL 2014 Volume 21 | Number 2

CONNECTION

A company that works to provide complete customer satisfaction and to build lasting relationships.

Supporting the local Champaign County Chamber of Commerce for more than 21 years. this issue is sponsored by Prairieview Landscaping Company

Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL

PAID

Presorted Standard US Postage

C h a m pa i g n C o u n t y ’ s

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b u s i n e s s - to - b u s i n e s s

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for

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A A PUBLICATION PUBLICATION OF OF THE THE CHAMPAIGN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY COUNTY CHAMBER CHAMBER OF OF COMMERCE COMMERCE

Prairieview Landscaping is offering a free onsite landscape evaluation!

Details on pg. 11

Since 1865.

Benefit your business AND your employees.

Retirement Services

Business Solutions with First Mid:

Grow your business smarter and faster. Increase savings, decrease taxes, diversify assets and retain key employees with an employer sponsored retirement plan. When you’re ready to take that step, First Mid can help!

O Traditional Banking We offer: O Commercial Services • Fiduciary protection for you and your business.

Treasury Management • One-on-one consulting to design your plan.

Commercial & SBA Loans • An institutional level of investing.

Accounts Receivable Financing • The tools needed to map your employees’ financial future.

Work with a certified professional from First Mid. Stacy Womack Vice President / Retirement Services

Stacy has over two decades of experience working with employer groups of all sizes. He brings the knowledge and expertise gained from that experience to help businesses throughout Illinois diversify and enhance their employee benefit programs. Stacy provides a unique perspective designing innovative solutions that might not be offered by more generalist advisors or agents.

O Trust & Wealth Management Retirement Planning Business Succession Planning Trust & Estate Planning Asset Management Investments O Insurance

Champaign County banking centers: Champaign • 2229 South Neil • 359-9837 Champaign • 913 West Marketview (inside Rural King) • 378-8023 Urbana • 601 South Vine • 367-8451 Mahomet • 502 East Oak • 586-3450 For a complete list of First Mid locations, visit us online.

FIRSTMID.COM

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COMMUNITY WELCOME SERVICE

Below are statistics gathered from the Community Welcome Service gift box program through the Chamber. Newcomer households, within the first few weeks of arrival, receive information about Champaign County as well as a gift box full of coupons, free gifts and brochures provided by the program’s sponsors. In order to receive this gift box, newcomers must sign and return a demographic survey to the chamber. Sponsors of the program receive all the demographic information AND a master sheet of names and addresses of the residences that gift boxes were sent to so a follow-up targeted marketing plan can be developed. This program is a great way to get a business’ name out, as it is an essential time to position a business to a newcomer, as shopping loyalties have not yet been developed. To take advantage of this program, contact Chris Sheppard at the Chamber, 217.359.1791 or ChristopherS@ champaigncounty.org.

25

Age and and Income of of New Age Income New Residents ininChampaign County Residents Champaign County Jan Jan2013-2014 2013-2014

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Income ofofNew Residents Income New Residents to Champaign County in Champaign County Jan Jan2013-2014 2013-2014

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Over $60,000 $40000-$60000

15

$25000-$45000 Under $25000

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brought to you by:

THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

h ow to c li m b t h e la d d er I N

s l e e h

A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP WOMEN LEADERS

brought to you by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

MAY 6, 2014

Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office 101

MAY 13, 2014

Professional Presence in the Workplace both classes are 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

It is 2014 and unfortunately, there are still many gender differences in the workforce. According to recent statistics gathered by the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census, today’s young women are starting their careers better educated than their male counterparts, but why are there still roadblocks to their success?

Women are also less likely than men to ask for raises or aspire to top management jobs. This series is meant to empower the women of Champaign County and teach them about the unconscious mistakes that could be holding them back in their career.

To attend the series the cost is $69 for members and $99 for non-members. Lunch will be provided at both seminars. To register, contact Caryn Isenhower at caryni@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Seating is limited and the registration deadline is Friday, May 2, 2014.

303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org

FY14 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS Busey Carle University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Bronze A & R Mechanical Contractors Amdocs BankChampaign, N.A. Christie Clinic First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust Kraft Foods, Inc. Presence Covenant Medical Center Supervalu Inc. Champaign Distribution Center

CHAMBER STAFF Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org

Lynette Lykins Director of First Impressions LynetteL@champaigncounty.org

Karly Combest Event & Programs Director KarlyC@champaigncounty.org

Samantha Mathis Marketing & PR Director SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org

Caryn Isenhower Accounts Receivable & Office Administrator Caryni@champaigncounty.org

Ryan Roth Public Policy Director RyanR@champaigncounty.org

Michelle Luna Membership Sales Director MichelleL@champaigncounty.org

Christopher Sheppard Membership Development Director ChristopherS@champaigncounty.org

University of Illinois Employees Credit Union IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS President’s Circle Illini Radio Group - MIX 94.5, WIXY 100.3, 92.5 The Chief, WYXY Classic 99.1, True Oldies 97.9, Extra 92.1, Hits 99.7 NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO Stevie Jay Broadcasting’s - Q96-96.1FM, US105.9, Sunny 95.3 & ESPN 93.5 WCIA-TV / WCIX 49 Business Circle Fox 27 Illinois / WCCU-TV Shatterglass Studios WICD ABC NewsChannel 15 150 PERCENT CLUB Carmike 13 W.K. Cooper II Asset Management Corporation Hyatt Place

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Joe Alexander Mark Ballard

BankChampaign, N.A.

Mike Billimack Carle

Mike DeLorenzo

University of Illinois

Stephen Flynn Attie’s Bar & Grill

Perry Greene

Stone Creek Golf Club

Kurt Lenschow State Farm

Jim Lyons

Birkey’s Farm Store

Dennis Riggs

FIX-IT, Sidney Dairy Barn

Diane Ruedi

F.E. Moran Security Solutions

Chris Shroyer Busey

Cindy Guthrie

All information contained within this publication is property of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and cannot be reproduced without prior expressed or written consent. This publication contains paid advertising; the opinions expressed in those advertisements do not reflect the views of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information, contact the Chamber at 217.359.1791.

Michael Wozniak

Chair, Livingston, Barger, Brandt & Schroeder Rod Roberts First Vice Chair, Thunderstruck Design

Beth Auterman

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Tabatha Helm

Past Chair, Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc.

Laura Weis

Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

FINANCIAL SERVICES Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen

2014 ATHENA AWARD®Luncheon Supporting, Honoring and Developing Women Leaders

Champaign Country Club 1211 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign

Brought to you by:

SANDRA JONES (right), 2014 ATHENA Award® Recipient AMY RADEMAKER (left), 2014 ATHENA Young Professional® Recipient Sandra Jones founded All Things Illini – an online boutique – in 2010, where she purchases, manufactures and sells orange and blue products. She was named the recipient of the 2014 ATHENA Award®. Jones received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing/Journalism from Southern Methodist University in 1972; obtained a Master’s degree in Marketing/Advertising from Murray State University in 1974; and received her teaching certificate in Journalism and English from Murray State in 1975. In 1987, she received her MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Prior to starting her own company, Jones was a veteran healthcare administrator. From 1989 to 2004, she served as the vice president for business and strategic services at Presence Covenant Medical Center, formerly Provena. In this role she managed a $5 million dollar office building project, a $7.5 million dollar regional cancer center capital project, and $5.4 million dollar energy center – all completed on time and within budget. Jones created a successful physician recruitment program and hired 23 physicians in the first year. She established a major health sponsorship for the University of Illinois Biennial Women’s Day which allowed over 10,000 women to be screened and receive health information. Prior to this position, Jones served as the chief operating officer at Burnham Hospital from 1978 to 1989. While at Burnham, Jones created a joint EMS helicopter for the region and was responsible for the strategic and daily management of the hospital. This position allowed Jones to achieve the first accreditation for the merged Burnham and Mercy hospitals within four months.

Among her many roles in area civic organizations, Jones is the current chair of C-U Theatre Company; serves on the board of Austin’s Place, an overnight shelter for women; is a previous Champaign Library Board Trustee; and the previous board chair of the former Urban League of Champaign County; and she is a founding board member of the Digital Equality Initiative Foundation. She is a current member of the Executive Club of Champaign County and has been active in the Chamber over the years.

Jones also spends time as a professional and personal mentor. While at Provena, she created All Girlz Radio for African American girls and graduated over 100 girls from the program. For ten years, Jones has mentored two to three females from the University of Illinois College of Business. Additionally, she mentors three women interested in careers in Health Administration through the College of Applied Health Sciences.

Dr. Tom Ramage, President of Parkland College and nominator of Jones said, “I have found Sandra to be an outstanding thinker, problem solver and advocate for this community. Her standards, both personal and professional are beyond reproach,” he continued, “She is committed to this community in a multitude of different ways…Her talents are many and she has willingly shared them with a diverse collection of organizations.”

Jones joins a distinguished list of past ATHENA® recipients including Bianca Green (2013); Cindy Somers (2012); Lori Gold Patterson (2011); Lynne Barnes (2010); Kathleen Holden (2009); Jane Hays (2008); Donna Greene (2007); Jayne DeLuce (2006); Sue Grey (2005); Beth Katsinas (2004); Diane Friedman (2003); Traci Nally (2002); Lyn Jones (2001); Linda Hamilton (2000); Anita Broeren (1999); Theresa Grentz (1998); Zelema Harris (1997); Shirley Anderson (1996); Mary McGrath (1995); Linda Mills (1994); Jan Kiley (1993); Nanette Fisher (1992); Gloria Dauten (1991); Elizabeth Curzon (1990); and Ruth B. Jones (1989).

The Chamber also recognized Amy Rademaker as the 2014 ATHENA Young Professional®. As the Rural Health and Farm Safety Specialist at Carle, Amy is responsible for identifying improvements in programming to help prevent accidents and unintended injuries and deaths. Rademaker provides programming in schools and the community to train farmers and families.

Having served in this role at Carle for ten years, she has been a leader in the initiative to place Emergency Action Tubes on the main utility pole at farms so first responders can access pertinent information regarding the property in case of an emergency. Interest from across the country on this initiative caused her to develop a toolkit for others to implement the program anywhere in the US. Over a two-year period, she has identified grant funding to ensure the project will continue in the region--including Monsanto investing $10,000 towards the effort.

Rademaker currently serves as the co-chair for the International Society of Agricultural Safety and Health’s Public Relations Committee and their Web Development/Design committee. She is also a member on the IL AgrAbility Unlimited Committee and the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee.

Jennifer Hendricks Kaufmann, PR Manager for Carle and Rademaker’s nominator, said Rademaker is “committed to the community and always willing to lend a hand, offer suggestions to improve and provide assistance.

She is organized, methodical and advocates for young people she works with to ensure that they get the very best experience possible,” Kauffman said. “This is evident through her mentoring of University of Illinois interns at Carle Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety.”

Rademaker has leadership roles in many regional, state and national organizations including Farm Safety for Just Kids, 4H, Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, and her church. She also works with the U of I Extension, Champaign County Farm Bureau and Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.

Past recipients of this prestigious award include Laura Frerichs (2013), Sarah Zehr (2012) and Rhiannon Clifton (2011).

The ATHENA Award® presentation is a program of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Spherion Staffing Services, corporate underwriter for the ATHENA Award® program. The award recipient’s jeweled lapel pin was provided

by Busey Wealth Management. Desserts were sponsored by Pekara Bakery & Bistro. The ATHENA Young Professional Award® is sponsored by past recipients of the ATHENA Award. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is a business association with 1,200 members that employ over 67,000 employees. We are the voice for business.

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between January 15, 2014 and February 28, 2014 Ace Hardware

2819 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 217.352.7721 www.mycountymarket.com Hardware Retail The new Ace Hardware Store will bring the company’s unique blend of nationally-recognized customer service and quality home maintenance expertise and products to all Champaign County residents. This is the eighth Ace Hardware store owned and operated by Niemann Foods of Quincy, Illinois. The store has been designed to reflect the need of the community, including solutions to everyday home improvement needs, as well as an extensive array of high-quality products in categories such as paint, lawn and garden. Niemann Foods, founded in 1917 and based in Quincy, Illinois, is an associate owned company and is the parent company of the area’s County Markets, Save-A-Lots and Pet Supplies Plus.

Ambar India Restaurant 605 S. Wright St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.344.1500 www.ambarindia.net Restaurants Indian

Villas of Holly Brook beared the weather to break ground in Savoy on January 16, 2014.

Ambar India Restaurant has a great variety of foods which they invite you to enjoy. They offer delicious regional specialties, some hot & spicy, some mild and some with curried sauce. They use only the finest, freshest natural ingredients in every dish, and many are prepared in authentic Indian fashion, roasted in a Tandoori Indian clay oven. For those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine they offer a full buffet daily to sample the many different tastes of India.

Angel Paws Pet Sitting & Pet Grooming 1618 W. Park Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 217.359.1159 www.angelpawspetsitting.com Pet and Animal Sitting, Exercising & Daycare Services

Angel Paws Pet Sitting provides excellent care for your pets while you are away. In business since 2001, they provide cage-free, in-home boarding, or they can care for pets in the comfort of your own home. They also offer doggie daycare and full service pet grooming for dogs and cats. They offer an affordable, clean, safe, loving environment for your pets and are happy to provide references upon request.

Thunderstruck Design held a ribbon cutting on January 21, 2014, to celebrate their new name, brand and office space.

Bradley University Executive MBA 1501 W. Bradley Ave. Peoria, IL 61625 309.677.2256 www.bradley.edu/emba Schools

High Caliber Training Center & Indoor Range

1414 Triumph Dr. Urbana, IL 61802 217.344.4282 www.highcalibertrainingcenter.com Firearms Training High Caliber Training Center & Indoor Range is the area’s only indoor shooting facility. OSHA and EPA compliant, they offer 11 lanes where handguns, rifles and shotguns (slugs only) are welcomed.

Firearms are available for rent and for sale. All of their instructors are NRA and ISP certified. They offer courses for Illinois Concealed Carry and can also provide individual instruction.

PACE, Inc. Center for Independent Living 1317 E. Florida Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 217.344.5433 www.pacecil.org Social Services Organization

PACE, Inc. (Persons Assuming Control of their Environment) is a consumer-controlled, private, community-based, non-residential, not for profit organization in Urbana. Their board and staff is made up of at least 51 percent of people who have significant disabilities. PACE provides services to people of all ages with a variety of disabilities. They

provide technical assistance and trainings to assist businesses with disability related access inquiries.

Their mission is to provide services that support the efforts of people with disabilities to fully participate in the rights and responsibilities of society. PACE serves Champaign, Douglas, Edgar, Piatt and Vermilion counties.

RentChampaign.com

705 S. Glover Ave. Urbana, IL 61802 217.328.2792 www.rentchampaign.com Property Management

RentChampaign.com was started 13 years ago by Marcus Harris. What started as a small property management company has grown to a medium size, with around 260 units, offering single family homes, townhomes, duplexes and apartments in Champaign, Urbana and Villa Grove.

RentChampaign.com is dedicated to offering quality homes at an affordable price. The staff number is small, allowing staff and tenants to know each other on a more personal level, ensuring that all tenants have a positive renting experience.

Rodan + Fields

2 Della Ct. Savoy, IL 61874 301.367.7847 www.banks.myrandf.com Wellness Programs From the creators of ProActiv Acne Solutions, Rodan+Fields Dermatologist skin care line was developed to address not only acne, but all other common skin care concerns without an office visit or a prescription. Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy

From commercial properties to residential projects, F.E. Moran, Inc. Fire Protection has the experience and expertise to perform on time and under budget.

24-Hour Emergency Service Installation, Inspection and Repair Offices in Champaign, Carterville and Griffith, IN also DBA Prevention Fire Protection in Morton, IL 3001 Research Road Suite A • Champaign, IL 61822 Phone (217) 356-0700 • Fax (217) 356-0777

www.femoranfp.com

Nantucket Cove Luxury Apartments held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their remodel on February 26.

champaigncounty.org/

9

Fields created and formulated effective skin care solutions for all common concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, acne and acne scarring, dull, dark spots, sun damage, red, sensitive skin caused by conditions such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis. All products are dermatology created, clinically proven, award winning and guaranteed to get results.

Thoughtful Energy Solutions

cooler and increases equipment life.

U.S. Postal Service

600 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.352.2165 www.usps.com Mail Box Rental & Receiving Services

DON’T LOSE YOUR BENEFITS

P.O. Box 552 Urbana, IL 61801 217.600.7146 www.thoughtfulenergy.com

with the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY!

Energy Management & Conservation Consultants Thoughtful Energy Solutions is dedicated to helping businesses reduce their energy consumption and achieve cost savings. They provide free assistance with navigating the incentives for state and federal energy efficiency programs. Thoughtful Energy Solutions offers a solution for high electricity costsan innovative technology that conditions your current electricity system to transmit energy more efficiently, reducing the amount of kilowatt hours used and making the electricity you use cleaner. In addition to saving your business an average of 15-20 percent on electricity costs, this technology provides 50,000 volts of surge protection, allows motors to run

• complimentary equipment rental • reserve meeting space at no cost • voice your opinions • 20+ marketing opportunities • gain sales and sponsorships • participate in workforce • development programs • exclusive business resources

Your business is our business.

At Busey, we understand the critical role entrepreneurs and small businesses play in our local economy—creating jobs and restoring economic prosperity—that’s why we take the time to understand your business and make credit decisions in a timely manner, regardless of business size.

With solutions tailored to your needs, partner with a team who has the knowledge and resources you need to grow forward.

busey.com 217.365.4500

10 \champaigncounty.org

Member FDIC

Your Dream. Our Promise.

FULL-SERVICE landscaping company 75+ years of experience combined TESTIMONIALS:

Q: Please tell us about Prairieview Landscaping.

A: Prairieview Landscaping has been locally owned and operated since its founding in 1993. In 21-years we have grown into the largest full-service landscaping firm in the area. Prairieviews’ business values are customer service, integrity, quality and value.

We believe these qualities can only be delivered by employing the best people that are committed to the customer and industry. It’s all about the people we employ and the customers we serve.

“I moved into a new house last year that had a small jungle in the back yard. I called Prairieview Landscaping and within 3 weeks they had my back yard looking like a garden in a magazine.”

Q: How has the local landscaping industry changed over the past five years?

A: With the economy still recovering, the local landscaping industry has become quite competitive. With that being said, customers today are more focused on value than ever before. It’s not just about price, but equally about the quality and longevity of the products and the services received. People realize that quality landscaping is an investment in their property, and maintaining that investment is equally important. At Prairieview we work to differentiate ourselves by providing complete customer satisfaction and building lasting relationships. We are committed to our community.

Q: What is the most popular service you provide?

A: That would be our landscape design and installation service. Now more than ever, people realize the importance that quality workmanship and products make toward their investments.

People can trust that we will deliver on this.

LANDSCAPING

MAINTENANCE

IRRIGATION

• Planting Design & Installation to meet any landscape situation & budget • Patios, walks & driveways • Retaining walls • Water features • Outdoor living areas • Outdoor Lighting

• 6-step Lawn Program • 5-step Tree & Shrub Program • Spring & Fall Clean-ups • Landscape Bed Maintenance & Pruning • Lawn Restoration & Revitalization • Shredded Bark Mulch Installation

• Design & Installation of Fully Automated Lawn Irrigation Systems • Start-up, Winterization & Service all Brands • Existing system renovations & added features • Lake pumps, fountains & aerators

“Lots of cars are stopping by and asking questions about the landscaping on the corner…I would like to add that all of the young men who did the landscaping were a GREAT bunch.”

“I wanted to thank you for the installation of my sprinkler system last fall. The system has performed wonderfully all the past summer and I have not noticed an increase in my water bill. The plants and grass have done much better this year with even watering.”

to schedule your

FREE ONSITE COMPREHENSIVE LANDSCAPE EVALUATION visit our website or call

217.355.9422 1069 CR 900 E (S. Duncan Road) Champaign, IL 61822

www.prairieviewlandscaping.com

s t r e p x E e h sk t

A

After the winter we have experienced thus far in central Illinois, it doesn’t seem like spring can come fast enough. Many of our landscaping members took the time to generously provide tips for you to reference as you prepare your yards for spring. Have specific questions? Visit the membership directory at champaigncounty.org to find each businesses contact information.

PREPARE YOUR BACKYARD POND FOR SPRING Try to have your pond cleaned each year or at least every other year. If you decide not to clean your pond do a 25 percent water exchange. After cleaning, add Bacteria to your pond (now Cold Water Bacteria can be added and after the pond water is above 55 degrees switch to Regular Bacteria). It breaks down the sludge and debris in the bottom of the ponds. If any plants are still in pots, remove from pots and remove as much dirt as possible and plant in the rocks and gravel of your pond. The roots from the plants will bury themselves under the rocks and absorb the nitrates (the ALGAE) so your pond will be healthier and look clearer. Fish eat the algae from the bottom and the rocks which also makes the pond look clearer. Consider a better filtration system if you are having problems with water clarity. tip provided by: Chris’ Water Gardens

BED CLEANUP & MULCH POINTERS - Get out early before your plants emerge and it is much easier.

- Cut back perennials and ornamental grasses, but not so short as to damage the crown.

- Tie your ornamental grasses so when you cut them they do not go all over the place.

- Mulching early with a high quality shredded bark will help keep weeds down and moisture levels high.

- You can fertilize your beds early with a granular fertilizer but if you wait, it is safer to use a water soluble fertilizer. tip provided by: Ludwig Brothers, Inc.

SEEDING A LAWN When seeding, work soil up, scatter grass seed evenly over the desired area. Then gently rake the seed into the soil. Keep the ground moist daily, even after germination. tip provided by: Spring Green Lawn Care

PLANT YOUR TREES LIKE A PRO When planting a new tree, be sure to dig the hole 50% larger than the roots or rootball. If you are in a heavy hard clay soil, consider backfilling the tree with a mixture of compost and black soil. It is always better to plant the tree too shallow versus too deep. Trees planted too deep rarely survive. Be sure to monitor the amount of water for your new tree. If you have a sprinkler system, be sure that you are not flooding the new tree. Too much water is harder on the tree than too little. tip provided by: Moore Trees, LLC

MAKING FLOWERS THE FOCAL POINT Thinking about planting flowers this spring? Here are five things you need to remember: (1) Decide if you want your plants to come back again next year buying perennials for yearly or annuals for just the season. (2) The location of your flower beds; buy full sun plants for sunny spots and shade plants for areas receiving little to no sun. (3) Height of plant so that those that grow taller don’t over take small ground plants. (4) Note the natural moisture in the ground and the tolerance of the plant where moisture is concerned. (5) Be sure to select plants with a variety of color to make your flowerbed a focal point of your yard. tip provided by: Merrill Landscape Services

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF PRUNING First consider what type of plant is it, Deciduous or Evergreen and what time of year it is. Remember with most Evergreens, once the green is removed it will not grow back.

Rejuvenation or dormant pruning during the dormant season for certain trees and shrubs provides different benefits than pruning during or after the spring flush; this is good for overgrown trees and shrubs. Clean out dead, damaged or diseased branches at their base or ground level. Prune out undesirable growth, crossing branches, rubbing branches, suckers and watersprouts. Allow the plant to develop into its natural shape by selectively pruning as opposed to shearing. Shearing will create a poorly, developed plant that is prone to disease; an exception would be a formal hedge using boxwood. tip provided by: Green View Companies

BENEFITS OF CORE AERATION Aeration will help lawns recover from the stress of drought, foot traffic, disease and insect damage naturally. Furthermore, it reduces soil compaction, increases air and moisture movement in the soil, provides an excellent medium for new root development, reduces water runoff, increases oxygen levels in the soil and enhances the activity of thatch-decomposing organisms.

tip provided by: Prairieview Landscaping

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

The Faith in Action program in Champaign County, a ministry of Presence Covenant Medical Center, is seeking volunteers. The Faith in Action program serves Champaign County residents, ages 55 and older, who are in need of a particular service. Volunteer opportunities include driving people to doctors’ appointments and the pharmacy, grocery shopping for home-bound seniors, making companionable home visits, providing respite for caregivers, making telephone reassurance calls, light housekeeping/light meal preparation, minor household repairs, yard clean-up/chores and office assistance. There is no minimum amount of time to become a volunteer, and the flexibility of the program makes it ideal for working professionals, students, stay-athome parents or retired individuals.

Springfield. During March, customers can make donations to the charity at the restaurant. Then, on March 26, Jersey Mike’s in Champaign will give 100 percent of that day’s sales to the Illini Dance Marathon benefit. Last year’s Month of Giving campaign raised $1.7 million for 86 charities nationwide. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations across the country have raised nearly $7.5 million for local causes.

One Week Boutique is teaming up with His Kid’s Closet to clothe kids in need in the Champaign-Urbana area.

Following their spring event, One Week Boutique will give remaining items designated for donation to His Kid’s Closet.

This donation of school-aged children’s clothing will support the ongoing efforts of His Kid’s Closet to clothe children in need in local schools. His Kid’s Closet is a new non-profit organization that is currently operating within four Unit 4 schools and seeks to serve at all area schools. His Kid’s Closet collects donated clothing items and redistributes Athletico Physical Therapy has opened its second physical them to kids in need, through local schools, churches and other organizations. This collaboration was made possible therapy clinic in Central Illinois inside The Zone, 24 Hour Fitness Center in St. Joseph (109 N. Main Street). This clinic by the assistance of Chamabanamoms.com. Helping children and families in Champaign–Urbana is a goal gives physical therapy patients and members of The Zone one location to get fit and stay healthy. Gaby Marquez is the of all three of these women/mom run entities. For more physical therapist who is working at the St. Joseph location. information on this new partnership, please contact Donna Pepper of One Week Boutique at 734.834.1485 or Carolyn Gaby transitioned to the role of treating physical therapist Morris of His Kid’s Closet at 267.221.7693. at St. Joseph, coming from the Athletico Champaign Clinic.

Athletico is looking forward to partnering with physicians Have news to share with the local business community? in St. Joseph and the St. Joseph community. To schedule Tell us about it and get featured in the Chamber’s next a physical therapy appointment or complimentary injury Commerce Connection. Send an email with your news to screening with Athletico call 217.352.3330.

Samantha Mathis, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org.

The University of Illinois Audiology Clinic is offering free hearing screenings and hearing device demonstrations with the latest digital hearing device technology. This offer is effective through April 4, 2014. Call 217.333.2230 for an appointment. The clinic is located at 901 S. Sixth Street in Champaign and parking is available at meters in the adjacent south lot. Visit www.shs.illinois.edu/Outreach/ Clinics/Audiology.aspx for more information.

Crisis Nursery is now offering the Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training Stewards of Children to interested partner agencies, businesses, community groups and individuals in the area. They are inviting the community to participate in this training. They are able to offer the training free of charge for at least the first 500 participants.

Award winning and evidence based, Stewards of Children focuses on training adults in the warning signs of sexual abuse and in their responsibility to report these signs. The 2-hour training provides adults with five important steps in preventing and reacting to the reality of child sexual abuse.

Stewards of Children presents the material in a way that is empowering, not fear-focused or discouraging. Crisis Nursery staff has participated in the Stewards of Children training, and they think it could benefit other groups as well.

For more info or to schedule a training, contact Katie Adams at Crisis Nursery at 337.2731 or katie@crisisnursery.net.

The Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurant at 505 E. Green St., C, will take part in the chain’s March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign.The local restaurant has designated as its charity the Illini Dance Marathon benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network/St. John’s Children’s Hospital in

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE Champaign County First (CC1) is planning its annual trip to Washington D.C. in early April. CC1 is a united, community-wide partnership that identifies and promotes regional projects that have an economic impact on Champaign County.

Each year CC1 members travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators, administration officials, and other individuals to advocate for selected projects.

Projects identified for 2014 are:

• Increased passenger rail service • High speed rail via a public-private partnership • Rebuilding the I-57/74 interchange • Completion of Lincoln Aveune extension

Additionally, the Central Illinois Regional Chamber Legislative Efforts (CIRCLE) is planning its annual lobby day in Springfield. CIRCLE is an organization of roughly two dozen chambers of commerce throughout central Illinois that choose three to four issues to advocate for based on member polls. This year, CIRCLE is partnering with the Illinois Chamber and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to join lobby days on April 30. CIRCLE’s issues this year are:

• Opposition to a minimum wage increase • Worker’s compensation reform • Support the sunset of the income tax from five percent to 3.75 percent

Additional information including registration for the CIRCLE lobby day will soon be e-mailed out, please keep an eye on your inbox as the date gets closer and more information becomes available. Chamber member participation is critical to helping with these issues. Political engagement is a cost of doing business.

champaigncounty.org/

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s s e n i s u B In Your

We care about our members. To learn more about area businesses; how the Chamber can help; and to better promote our members to other members, the Chamber staff and ambassadors have been touring member businesses. The tours are both interesting and informative.

CLIFFORD-JACOBS FORGING COMPANY:

Started in 1919, Clifford-Jacobs Forging was originally located in Urbana, but found its permanent location in unincorporated north Champaign in 1923 after a fire destroyed its prior location. Their close proximity to the railroad was essential to bringing in the raw steel and materials they needed and for transporting their finished pieces to customers to be used in items for mining trucks, military vehicles and missiles, oil field machinery and other heavy equipment. Originally, with nothing in close proximity, and no public transportation, Wilbur Heights subdivision was established, and opened a restaurant for employees, their families, nearby railroad workers and the public in general. In fact, the restaurant is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Champaign County.

Jobs in the Forge Shop are some of the most physically demanding in America today, and safety is a key to their success. While the company has some machinery that is over 90 years old, they also have some of the most up-to-date technology in the industry. Chamber staff and ambassadors had the privilege of watching the process of transporting steel heated to over 2400°, using a 25,000 pound hammer to forge the raw steel into a desired shape and trimming the end product. The teams work in unison, which requires complete trust and a great deal of communication, in order to handle up to 800 pounds of red hot steel continuously through the day. More than one employee is a third or even fourth generation employee to have worked with Clifford-Jacobs. They employ around 115 people, and CliffordJacobs’ vendor relationships contribute millions of dollars each year to our local economy.

COLUMBIA STREET ROASTERY:

Created as a way to steady cash flow during the slower months with their family business (Herriott’s Rents-Tents-Events), Columbia Street Roastery opened their current location in 1998. While they had been offering the rental of coffee machines previously, it was the decision to deliver coffee and tea to offices and businesses, which allowed them to find their niche. They currently acquire coffee from farmers in 16 countries and regularly visit the farms to ensure the quality and social responsibility of each. They deliver to over 600 customers (including 35 restaurants in Chicago). They employ 16 people, a quarter of which are Hispanic and are offered free English lessons each week. They love to give back to the community that supports them, providing thousands of pounds of coffee and tea each year to local charitable organizations. champaigncounty.org/

16

GREAT THINGS will happen here.

OFFICE SUITES READY WHEN YOU ARE Begin your business in an entrepreneurial environment focused on making your new venture successful. Whether you’re a new start-up, or a one person shop, we can provide you with the business support services and community resources you need to grow and thrive.

Anchored by the Carle Heart and Vascular Institute, the new Carle Tower features 136 private patient rooms and a comfortable healing environment.

Just one more way we’re helping you BE GREAT. For more information visit carle.org

referred programs

professional accountability

creativity

people

retention modern

(217) 359-6400 | www.505bic.com | 505 W. University, Champaign, IL

development interviews hiring coaching

firing performance employment

function

organizational corporate strategic

engaged diversity

talent

HUMAN success RESOURCES

for more information, visit www.champaigncounty.org OR

contact the Events and Programs Director, Karly Combest at KarlyC@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791

join the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Cindy Guthrie of Three Degrees of Change for the

HUMAN RESOURCE MASTERY CERTIFICATE SERIES

Workforce planning, recruiting and employment........................................................................................................April 29 and 30 Compensation and benefits................................................................................................................................................May 20 and 21 Employee and labor relations............................................................................................................................................June 10 and 11 Risk management..................................................................................................................................................................September 9 and 10 Human resource development..........................................................................................................................................September 30 and October 1 Business management and HR strategy.......................................................................................................................October 21 and October 22 *approval of continuing education credits pending

Chamber Store Mailing Labels

An exclusive benefit of Chamber membership, we sell mailing labels containing the names and addresses of Chamber member businesses for the purpose of member-to-member communication. Two lists are available for purchase: Long list (approx. 2,500 names and businesses).................................. $175 Short list (approx. 1,000 names and businesses)..................................$125

Commerce Connection Advertisement The Commerce Connection is a bi-monthly publication that gets sent out to more than 3,000 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County. Content always relevant to local business, the publication is fullcolor, full-gloss and all around awesome. Ads start at only $90.

Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Website Sponsorship

Contact Caryn Isenhower to place your order, Caryni@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

E-Connection

Recently redesigned, our electronic newsletter gets sent out to more than 4,000 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County each week.

Sponsor an e-Connection and get your business seen by THOUSANDS. Header sponsorship (one week)............................................................$100

The Chamber redesign of our website is complete. There are multiple opportunities for businesses to sponsor pages, host banners and showcase themselves on the Chamber site. If you would like more information, please contact Samantha Mathis at SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org.

Online Business Directory Enhancements

Enhance your listing on the Chamber’s online business directory. The directory gets hundreds of THOUSANDS of hits each day--turn your standard (free) listing into an eye-catching, search engine optimized advertisement.

Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Email footer sponsorship

For only $75, your business can place a banner on every email that gets sent out of the Chamber office. That’s an average of over 12,000 emails per week. You can’t get better (or cheaper) exposure!

Basic upgrade...................................................................................................$40 Value upgrade..................................................................................................$60 Deluxe upgrade...............................................................................................$90

Email footer (one week).................................................................................$75 Add email footer to the Chamber’s e-Connection..........Additional $50

Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Event Sponsorship

New! Email Blast Advertisement

Do you have a new product, service or information you would like to share with our entire Chamber membership list? We are now offering an exclusive offer to send broadcast emails to our entire 4,100+ email list.

Email Blast Advertisement .....................................................................$500 Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org.

From First Friday Coffee to our annual Golf Outing, the Chamber hosts a number of events each month! By sponsoring a Chamber event, your business gets great exposure not only at the event itself but also within all our promotional materials (emails, mailings, e-newsletters, Commerce Connection, website, etc...).

We have numerous opportunities throughout the year, here’s what’s coming up: Breakfast Series sponsorship (includes table of 8)........$1000 Golf Outing sponsorship........................................................$3500 Additional sponsorship information for events such as the Annual Meeting, Business Success Seminars and the ATHENA Award® Ceremony is available upon request. Contact Karly Combest at KarlyC@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791 with any event sponsorship inquiries.

Some things you get free:

LAPTOP COMPUTER

RENTAL

LCD ROOM CONFERENCE

PROJECTOR

RENTAL

RENTAL

ORIGIN &

INFO

S E R V I C E

ASSISTANCE

CERTIFICATE OF

NOTARY

- - A N D - -

For more information on any of these services, contact the Chamber at 217.359.1791. Services are available free to all Chamber members.

calendar of events

8.1% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in

Business After Hours

Chamber Breakfast

Thursday, March 20, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

203 W. Park Ave., Champaign

Thursday, April 10, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Hawthorn Suites 101 Trade Center Dr., Champaign

Writing a Business Plan

Business After Hours

an event hosted by Dish Passionate Cuisine and Virginia Theatre

an event hosted by ECI SCORE

Thursday, March 21, 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

Financing a Small Business an event hosted by ECI SCORE

Thursday, March 28, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

Ribbon Cutting ACE Hardware

Monday, March 31, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

2901 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

First Friday Coffee

Friday, April 4, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center 1907 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana

Ribbon Cutting Birkey’s Farm Store

Friday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

2202 S. High Cross Rd., Urbana

Fast Facts

with Chancellor Wise

an event hosted by Presence Covenant Medical Center Thursday, April 17, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

1400 Park St., Urbana

January 2014

34 business licenses applied for in Champaign County in February 2014

106.8 February 2014 U of I Flash Index for Champaign County

1,578,340 rides were taken on CUMTD in

Starting a Small Business

November 2013

Thursday, April 18, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

5,476 visits to the Chamber’s page,

an event hosted by ECI SCORE

Connect @ Lunch

Monday, April 21, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

LongHorn Steakhouse 2101 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign

champaigncounty.org in February 2014

11,466 average amount of referrals PER DAY the

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory received via search engines and online sources in February 2013.

Writing a Business Plan

an event hosted by ECI SCORE

Thursday, April 25, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

HR Mastery Series begins

Tuesday, April 29, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

First Friday Coffee

Friday, May 2, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Meyer Capel 306 W. Church St., Champaign

303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org

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