Commerce Connection May/June 2016

Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL

Presorted Standard US Postage

C h a m pa i g n C o u n t y ’ s t ru s t e d

b u s i n e s s - to - b u s i n e s s p u b l i c at i o n

for

more

PAID

than

20 years

C O M M E R C E

CONNECTION

this issue is sponsored by Iroquois Federal

MAY / JUNE 2016

Volume 23 | Issue 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Experience the advantages of

SBA Financing.

First Mid has a long-standing relationship with the SBA and is consistently one of the top providers of SBA 7(a) loans in Illinois.* These loans have provided area small businesses with funding for: • Business expansion, acquisition or refinancing • Equipment or machinery purchases • Inventory purchases • Building acquisition, construction or remodeling

First Mid is a Certified Lender and Express Lender with the SBA. We can help qualifying businesses take advantage of these flexible SBA terms: • • • • •

Up Up Up Up Up

to to to to to

a 7-year loan amortization on working capital a 10-year loan amortization on equipment and machinery a 25-year loan amortization on commercial real estate a 20-year fixed interest rate on certain eligible projects 90% project financing

2014 - 2015 - 2016

FIRST MID HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED

BY THE ILLINOIS SBA THREE YEARS IN A ROW FOR OUR

COMMITMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS!

Mitch Swim

Regional President Commercial Lending 2229 S. Neil Street • Champaign 359-9837 mswim@firstmid.com

Mike Krueger

Community President Commercial Lending 2229 S. Neil Street • Champaign 359-9837 mkrueger@firstmid.com

Darlene Johnson

Vice President Treasury Management 2229 S. Neil Street • Champaign 359-9837 djohnson@firstmid.com

To learn more about First Mid or to see a complete list of locations, visit us online.

FIRSTMID.COM

Member FDIC • Equal Opportunity Lender *Based on Illinois SBA Lender Performance Reports and the number of closed SBA 7(a) loans.

Champaign County Banking Centers: Champaign • 2229 South Neil • 359-9837 Champaign • 913 West Marketview • 378-8023 Urbana • 601 South Vine • 367-8451 Mahomet • 502 East Oak • 318-3750

GOLF outing

throughout the years

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

FY16 TOP INVESTORS

CHAMBER STAFF

TOP INVESTORS

Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org

Stephanie McCullough Director of First Impressions StephanieM@champaigncounty.org

GOLD Busey Carle

Karly Combest Director of Operations and Member Relations KarlyC@champaigncounty.org

Lindsay Quick Graphic Design and Marketing Director LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

SILVER BankChampaign, N.A. First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Garret Hill Public Policy Director GarretH@champaigncounty.org

Ariel Rothrock Events & Programs Manager ArielS@champaigncounty.org

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

Daniel Stebel Membership Sales Director DanS@champaigncounty.org

BRONZE A & R Mechanical Contractors Amdocs Christie Clinic Heartland Bank & Trust Midland States Bank Presence Covenant Medical Center RSM US LLP

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Illini Radio Group - MIX 94.5, WIXY 100.3, Rewind 92.5, WYXY Classic 99.1, True Oldies 97.9, Extra 92.1, Hits 99.7 Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q96-96.1FM, US105.9, Sunny 95.3 & ESPN 93.5 WCIA-TV / WCIX-49 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Jeffrey Baker

Clifford-Jacobs Forging

Mike DeLorenzo

University of Illinois

Mike Estes

Fisher National Bank

David Farrar

Illinois American Water

Lisa Gengelbach

BUSINESS’S CIRCLE

Wyndham Garden Urbana

FOX, ABC and CW - TV Crystal Entertainment

Tabatha Helm

150 PERCENT CLUB Awards, Ltd. Carmike 13 Dish Passionate Cuisine Hyatt Place LongHorn Steakhouse Thomas, Mamer & Haughey, LLP TrophyTime W.K. Cooper II Asset Management Corporation

DSC Logistics

Susan Jepsen

Reynolds Towing Service, Inc.

Kurt Lenschow State Farm

Dennis Riggs

FIX-IT, Sidney Dairy Barn

Dr. Jared Rogers

Presence Covenant Medical Center

Julianna Sellett Carle

Zachary Hillard

Jim Lyons

Chair, Birkey’s Farm Store

Becky Von Holten

First Vice Chair, Midland States Bank

Chuck McReaken

Second Vice Chair, TSM Ventures, Inc.

Beth Auterman

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Rod Roberts

Past Chair, Thunderstruck Design

Laura Weis

Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

Busey

FINANCIAL SERVICES Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen

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.

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE The way you do business is about to change. The Department of Labor, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Labor Tom Perez and Senator Sherrod Brown unveiled new overtime regulations at an event in Columbus, OH. These new overtime regulations will impact every business in Champaign County, in particular small businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

The new rules will impact employees that are currently under the Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions:

• An increase in the salary threshold to $47,476 annually (currently at $23,660, a 100% increase).

• The salary threshold will be updated every three years.

• Employers will have until December 1, 2016 to be in full compliance.

• There is no indication about how commission bonuses/incentive based pay will be treated.

- This means all salaried employees currently making less than the new threshold will need to be moved to hourly status or be brought above the threshold.

- This will change the threshold based on inflation at the 40th percentile of full time salaried workers in the lowest wage region (currently the Continental Southeast).

- This means an employer may or may not be able to include commission bonuses/incentives to ensure they are above the new threshold.

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has taken multiple steps to voice our opposition to the proposed rules. In September 2015 we submitted written comments to the Department of Labor via the United States Government’s web portal. In April 2016, we signed on to a letter along with other Chambers, not-for-profits and business leaders from across the nation to support legislation that will nullify the new rules.

These two pieces of legislation, known as the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act, is the only hope at the moment to stop the implementation of the new overtime regulation before forced compliance in December. The Act is currently awaiting a committee hearing. Let your voice be heard. Call your elected leaders today and tell them these new regulations are a burden the local business community and economy cannot bear. Write or call: Senator Dick Durbin – 217-492-4062 Senator Mark Kirk – 217-492-5089 Congressman Rodney Davis – 217-403-4690 Congressman John Shimkus – 217-446-0670 As always, stay connected with the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce for any and all updates and do not hesitate to call us for further questions, concerns or clarification.

Named one of America’s

Best Hospitals in 2016. ™

Carle has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals™ by Healthgrades® in 2016, putting us in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence. When our drive to stay on the forefront of medical innovation meets our commitment to a patient-focused approach, the results for our patients are truly life changing.

Learn more at carle.org

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between March 2, 2016 to May 15, 2016 Ace Hardware

2021 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.355.1580 Hardware-Retail

Bartell Powell LLP

10 E. Main St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.352.5900 www.bartellpowell.com Attorneys

Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office 101 E. Main St. Urbana, IL 61801 217.384.3733 www.co.champaign.il.us/statt/statt.htm Government Offices

Chemical Maintenance, Inc. 1100A W. Bloomington Rd. Champaign, IL 61821 217.359.6262 www.cmiclean.com Janitors’ Equipment & Supplies

Chemical Maintenance, Inc. has a team of janitorial supply and equipment specialists ready to serve you. With a combined 120-years of experience, CMI understands the importance of tailoring all products and services to fit the specific needs of your company. Ask CMI about its custom training programs, the new i-Mop and online ordering. Put the CMI team in your circle of trust and see how their expertise can make a positive difference in your company’s daily operations.

Connect Hearing

2305 Village Green Pl., Ste. D Champaign, IL 61822 417.865.8882 www.connecthearing.com Hearing Aids At Connect Hearing (formerly Hometown Hearing & Audiology), they are committed to helping more people stay connected to the sounds of life through better hearing, better care and the very best, state-of-the-art, digital hearing aids.

Led by Holly Wasmuth (Hearing Care Provider) and Teri Quednau (Patient Care Coordinator), the Champaign IL team is passionate about providing unparalleled customer service

while following best practices for hearing health. The team at Connect Hearing is proud to be a part of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.

Whatever your hearing care needs – Connect Hearing can help by offering free hearing consultations, a 2-week free hearing aid trial as well as quick and convenient hearing aid cleaning and service.

D.P. Dough

33 E. Green St., Ste. B Champaign, IL 61820 217.365.9663 www.dpdough.com Restaurants

Fagen Scooters, Inc.

24 E. Green St., Ste. 5 Champaign, IL 61820 217.607.2384 www.fagenscooters.com Motorcycles & Motor Scooters-Sales, Parts & Service Fagen Scooters sells scooters and motorcycles. Most scooters get over 100 MPG. If the scooter is under 50cc’s you only need a regular driver’s license – not a special “motorcycle license” to drive one. Fagen is a franchise dealer for SYM, Lance, Ice Bear and TaoTao. They have scooters as inexpensive as $699.00.

Their SYM and Lance lines come with a 2-year warranty.

Honeybaked Ham & Café

2028 N. Prospect Ave. Champaign, IL 61822 217.530.4114 www.myhoneybakedstore.com Food Products

Huey’s Home Medical

2024 Glenn Park Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 217.356.4839 www.hueyshomemedicalcpap.com Home Health Care-Equipment & Supplies Founded in 2004 by Huey & Lisa Robinson, Huey’s Home Medical serves a 50-mile radius around Champaign-Urbana.

While many companies have reduced their workforce and inventory, Huey’s Home Medical has grown to better provide service - along with the products they stock. The business was started to fill a need for respiratory patients to receive hands-on personalized solutions to their respiratory conditions.

Huey’s places an emphasis on patient education and personal

Congratulations to ACE Hardware on the grand opening of their new store. They celebrated with a ribbon cutting on March 11.

Premier Print Group celebrated the opening of their new location with a ribbon cutting on March 15.

service enabling them to carve out a loyal following. They are the only owner-run company with full time staff dedicated to individuals’ needs. They stock a multitude of CPAP supplies and anything else a patient could need for home health care. Offering a full range of home medical supplies with a special focus on sleep apnea solutions including CPAP machines and masks, they are here to find the best solution for all the individual home medical equipment needs.

The Jeremy Brandow Group 1608 Broadmoor Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 217.841.6203 Real Estate

Northwestern Mutual celebrated the opening of their location in downtown Champaign on March 30 with a ribbon cutting.

Renewal By Andersen of Central Illinois 3307 W. Farmington Rd. Peoria, IL 61604 866.693.6707 www.rbaofcentralillinois.com Windows

Roland Lim Photography 333 W. Winter Ave. Danville, IL 61832 708.528.7854 www.rlimphoto.com Photographers-Portrait

Prudential Agricultural Investments opened a new branch in Champaign. They celebrated with a ribbon cutting on March 31.

Snow Meets Coffee

1 E. Main St., Ste. 108 Champaign, IL 61820 217.202.6747 www.snowmeetscoffee.com Coffee Shops & Houses

Star Uniforms

508 W. Town Center Blvd.

Champaign, IL 61822 217.398.9966 Uniforms

Home2 Suites by Hilton celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on April 6.

Thumbtack

360 – 9th St. San Francisco, CA 94103 866.501.5809 www.thumbtack.com/il/champaign Home Improvements

Veya, Inc.

Congratulations to Jim’s Place for their grand opening. They celebrated with a ribbon cutting on April 7.

601 S. Country Fair Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 217.607.1500 www.veyainc.com Contractors-General VEYA, Inc. was founded in 2009 as a locally owned small-to-midsized concrete construction company. VEYA is a union contractor that specializes in new concrete work, pavement patching, saw cutting, sidewalks, ADA ramps, parking lots, curbs, gutters, excavation, grading, structural concrete and demolition along with selective demolition throughout Central, Northern and Southern Illinois.

Linden Warfel

Individual Member

On April 14, Menold Construction and Resoration celebrated the opening of their new branch in Champaign with a ribbon cutting.

C-U At Home - The Phoenix celebrated the opening of their new location with a ribbon cutting on April 19.

Stay Connected For the latest news and event updates follow the Chamber on social media:

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce @ccountychamber Engineering Resource Associates, Inc. celebrated the opening of their new location on May 5 with a ribbon cutting.

Ready to Grow? But not sure how?

Do you have a specific business challenge that if you could just solve it... it would unlock so many opportunities for your company?

We are now accepting applications for our next Economic Gardening Company.

Through our partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, the Chamber can assemble a specialized team of researchers to provide you with real time data and executable strategies specific to your company’s needs that will take your company to the next level.

This is a proven economic development strategy in which the Chamber can help to grow our local companies.

To apply, visit: www.champaigncounty.org Applications will be evaluated by a panel of our sponsoring companies.

Imagine a new porch, pool and patio.

We’ll help make it a reality.

With Busey’s free pre-qualifications, you can search for the perfect house knowing all of your options. We promise to help find the financing that’s best for you—whether you’re just starting out, tired of renting or upgrading to your dream home.

Busey. Your Dream. Our Promise.

busey.com 217.365.4500

Member FDIC

High importance brings high rewards Buying a home is one of the most important decisions a person can make - and also one of the most rewarding. Consumers are spending a large amount of money over a prolonged period of time on their homes so it is important that they get exaclty what they want.

Although nationally the housing market took a hit with the chaos that consumed the economy in 2008, “Champaign County did not suffer nearly as much as other cities,” recalls Janice Vidovic realtor and broker at Keller Williams.

Locally, realtors have seen a steady increase in home buying and selling. The National Association of REALTORS® expects existing home sales to be at their highest pace since 2006. As a realtor for Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell, Jim Waller notes that “the easiest selling point for out-of-town buyers is the

Written by: Lindsay Quick

location. With access to 3 inerstates that can take buyers to Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis and a number of other cities, combined with the great amenities that Champaign-Urbana has to offer, the location practically sells itself.”

According to Mary Schaefer, media relations representative for the Champaign County Assocation of REALTORS® “Home-ownership helps consumers build their own net worth which allows them to enjoy the lifestyle and social benefits that come along with it.”

For businesses that work in the housing industry, a sense of responsibility comes from helping consumers make such an important decision. However, the high level of importance is also what makes working in the home industry so rewarding.

Get to know your neighbors in Champaign-Urbana.

Data courtesy of trulia.com

“I love working with people to acheive their goal of owning their first home,” says Bob Guido of Iroquois Federal.

Once consumers are in their dream home it remains just as important that they feel comfortable and satisfied with their purchase. A house never really feels like a home unless the the homeowners are content and pleased with their living space.

“You can have the nicest home, however if a homeowner is not comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer then the home doesnt seem so nice.”

- Lon Cassel Owner, Cassel Home Comfort Buying a home can be difficult and sometimes stressful - especially for first-time buyers. However, maintaining a home’s appearance and doing general upkeep is also an important part of home ownership and also contributes to consumers overall satisfaction with their homes.

Of course, certain design trends come and go, but things like updated kitchens, outdoor space and energy efficient appliances can make all the difference.

“Wood flooring is something that is and will be popular for awhile,” ensures Waller.

Certain items like flooring and paint can be cost-effective ways to add value to homes. These things not only make homeowners feel content with their surroundings, but when it comes time to sell, small updates can make all the difference.

“An impeccably clean home can sell for thousands of dollars more than a house which looks lived in,” says Vidovic.

Rene Shunk, franchisee of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, stresses the importance of “cleaning out any items no longer needed - it makes moving and unpacking so much easier.”

Many consumers take immense pride in their homes.

Whether buying, maintaining or selling the home, the industry can be a difficult one to navigate. However, those working in the industry share one common goal - to make sure consumers feel and remain comfortable with one of the biggest decisons of their lives.

MEET OUR : S T R E P X E

Cassel Home Comfort

Lon Cassel Owner 2100 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 www.casselhomecomfort.com 217.352.2800

Champaign County Association of REALTORS®

Mary Schaefer Media Relations Representative 305 Burwash Ave. Savoy, IL 61874

www.champaigncountyassociationofrealtors.com

217.356.1389

Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell Jim Waller Realtor 1608 Broadmoor Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 www.honig-bell.com 217.351.1988

Iroquois Federal

Bob Guido Mortgage Loan Officer 108 Arbours Dr. Savoy, IL 61874 www.iroquoisfed.com 217.531.1718

Keller Williams Realty Janice Vidovic Realtor and Broker 12441 Village Green Pl. Champaign, IL 61822 www.kw.com 217.344.9998

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Rene Shunk Franchisee 47 E. Kenyon Rd. Champaign, IL 61820 www.twomen.com 217.398.2636

Thank you to all members that participated as experts and for the work you do to better our local workforce and community.

Annual Economic Impact of Tourism in Champaign County

5.5%

5.1%

1.9%

4.3%

increase

increase

increase

increase

visitors spent

generating

providing

generating

million

million in local tax receipts

323.5

$

5.3

$

2,570 jobs

65.8

$

million in payroll

Tourism creates an environment where business thrives, potential employees desire to live and families want to play.

INVEST IN A VIBRANT COMMUNITY.

Learn more about our Corporate Partnership Program.

Contact Jayne DeLuce at jayned@visitchampaigncounty.org or 217.351.4133.

visitchampaigncounty.org

Where will you be on Wednesday?

NOW - August 17th During Lunch Hours: 11am - 2 pm

GET 25% OFF Your total bill at participating locations To see who’s participating and learn more visit ChampaignCounty.org and find “Where on Wednesday” in the News Room section.

Leading Ladies is an incubator for multigenerational connections leading to personal, professional and community advancement.

This initiative created by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce offers a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support through mastermind meetings and events.

The kick-off event was held on April 27 at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club and was sponsored by a grant from the Walmart Foundation. Over 60 female professionals were in attendance for an inspiring talk by Lynne Barnes, Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations/Heart and Vascular Institute, as well as roundtable discussions and networking.

“The kick-off was a great event. Lynne Barnes was very motivational and I have already put some ideas that she discussed to work with my team.�

GET INVOLVED Leading Ladies plans to meet quarterly.

All Chamber members are welcome to join at any time.

For more information or to join Leading Ladies, contact: Ariel at ArielS@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791.

Save the Date:

Leading Ladies Luncheon Thursday, July 28 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Stone Creek Event Center 2600 S. Stone Creek Blvd., Urbana More details to follow.

PROVIDING LOANS WITH FACE TIME SINCE 1883.

It’s not that we’re against the latest technological gadgets. In fact, we offer our own great apps that do all of the stuff you’d expect like transferring funds and paying bills. But when it comes to getting the money for the house of your dreams, we offer something far more advanced.

And we call him Bob. Bob gets why three kids need three bedrooms. Why she wants an office and he needs a heated garage. And he also gets that you’re busy, which is why he schedules meetings with families before and after work. Providing you with a quick decision from a local bank that gets where you’re going. And gives you everything you need to get there.

You can even start the application process online. For a great rate and a great deal more, call Bob and let us help you get home.

BOB BOB GUIDO MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER

217.359.6065 BGUIDO@ IROQUOISFED.COM

IROQUOISFED.COM

TURNS OUT, WE’RE ALSO EXPERTS AT SAVING YOU SOME SERIOUS CASH.

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An UItraviolet Light • Kills air-bourne viruses • Keeps coils clean HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON! WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS, 24/7 © 2016 Service Experts LLC. Service Experts and the Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning logo and design are registered

or common law trademarks of Service Experts LLC. Offers not valid on prior purchases and cannot be combined with any other offers. Some restrictions apply. Call for details.

PROMO CODE: 34899-27

217.352.5211 ChiefBauer.com

34899-27-serx 21 Champaign Chamber of Commece.indd 1

5/5/16 4:03 PM

A Realtor® knows everyone you need to know to make your home yours.

Based on your knowledge of Building codes, the Basement could definitely proBaBly Be finished. mayBe.

Inspiring Venue, Innovative Thinking and Versatile Space; Get Connected.

Realtors® are members of the National Association of Realtors.®

1900 South First Street | Champaign, IL 61820 p 217 819 5000 | www.StayAtTheI.com

Champaign County Association of REALTORS® Savoy, IL 217-356-1389 http://champaigncountyassociationofrealtors.com

the local purchasing challenge

We challenge you to make one simple decision that will transform our local economy; ultimately improving the bottom lines of our members – all without spending any more money than your company currently spends.

How? Take the Local Purchasing Challenge. It really is simple. Shopping local is not just a consumer activity. By simply reallocating your purchasing dollars for products and services from a non-local vendor to a local one (again, not spending more), your company will be part of creating significant economic impact in Champaign County.

What’s in it for me you ask? The more companies that agree to shift some of their purchasing back to Champaign County means more local companies will see increased sales. As much as you want local companies to buy your goods and services, your fellow Chamber members want you to buy more locally as well. It means better customer service, quicker turnaround and no shipping.

More local purchasing means more money in the local economy. It means more money to keep jobs and create jobs. Your commitment to this grassroots effort, along with other local businesses will make the dollars add up. Again, without spending more than you have already budgeted. In fact, did you know that according to Civic Economics West Michigan that $140,000,000 of new economic activity means 1,600 newly created jobs and $50,000,000 in new wages. Imagine being part of creating 1,600 new local jobs without spending more than you already spend. Take the Local Purchasing Challenge.

Help make a difference in our community.

It doesn’t get easier than this: Step 1

Identify the categories/line items in your budget where you spend money outside of Champaign County.

Step 2

Commit to reallocating a small portion of that purchasing back to a business in Champaign County. Use the Chamber as a resource to find a local vendor.

Step 3

Take the Challenge.

Contact Karly at KarlyC@champaigncounty.org

Step 4

Honor the promise.

Step 5

Update the Chamber on your status when asked (quarterly update).

Step 6

Sit back and feel good about your decision to help improve your business and our economy. Watch our local economy and local businesses grow.

Join these businesses that have already accepted the challenge: • • • • • • •

Rogards Spherion Darrold Kennedy – Edward Jones Central Illinois Produce Elliott Counseling Group Reynold’s Towing Dr. G’s Brainworks

• • • • • •

Amount of money reallocated to vendors in Champaign County during the Local Purachasing Challenge in fiscal year 2016:

$99,903

Ameriprise Financial - Micah Dixon Graybar Electric Champaign Telephone Co. Martin, Hood, Friese & Associates Ware Group UpClose Marketing and Printing

VEYA Inc. 217-607-1500 www.veyainc.com

"Quality you deserve and dependability you can count on"

MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS PRESENCE COVENANT MEDICAL CENTER Presence Covenant Medical Center has been awarded $30,000 in grants to implement sodium-reduction strategies from the Illinois Health and Hospital Association.

FARNSWORTH GROUP, INC. Farnsworth Group’s design on the Urbana Boneyard Creek Improvement project was named the 2016 Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA). In addition, APWA honored the project with a Project Award in the Environmental Category, recognizing projects in the $5 million to $25 million range. The APWA presented the awards to the project owner, the City of Urbana, Farnsworth Group and the contractor, O’Neil Brothers, during the agency’s annual conference where it recognizes the top engineering projects in the state.

Project goals to revitalize the area were established following comprehensive public input to enhance the local community, create a network of paths, protect and enhance wildlife, improve flood control and water quality, and provide spaces for active and passive recreation. The completed improvements transformed the downtown area, creating a central park bringing value to the community.

FEHR GRAHAM Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm with offices in 10 locations, including Champaign and Springfield, announced that Matthew Johnson, P.E., S.E., and branch manager, has been recognized as one of the 2016 Rising Stars in Civil Engineering by Civil + Structural Engineer magazine, a national publication dedicated to serving the needs of civil and structural engineering firms, in addition to state, city and county engineers.

According to the publication, the fifth annual Rising Stars in Civil and Structural Engineering recognizes 25 professionals, 40 years old or younger working in the United States, who have shown exceptional technical capability, leadership ability, effective teaching or research, or public service benefiting the civil engineering profession, their employers, project owners, and society.

Johnson has been involved in numerous high-profile transportation and water projects throughout the Midwest, including municipal and private developments. He has both a civil and structural background and has excelled at design for both bridges and wastewater treatment plants. As branch manager, he is a leader and coaches the firm’s young talents, as well as working alongside established experts.

SPHERION STAFFING SERVICES The Savoy office of Spherion Staffing Services, a local recruiting and staffing solutions provider backed by the resources of a $2 billion global workforce leader, recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking more than three successful decades of connecting job seekers and businesses in Champaign, Coles and Macon counties.

Founded in 1981 by local entrepreneur Penn Nelson, the father of current franchise owner Cindy Somers, Spherion’s

Savoy office fills hundreds of temporary, direct hire and temp-to-hire positions each year. Featuring a team of six staffing industry veterans with more than 75 years of combined experience and deep-rooted community connections, the Savoy office specializes in assisting area call centers, customer service, clerical, professional services and industrial businesses with meeting their workforce goals.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - URBANA/CHAMPAIGN Congratulations to Rebecca Nash for receiving the 2016 Office Professional of the Year Award from the Secretariat at the University of Illinois. Nash is an administrative assistant to and was nominated by Kathleen Harleman, Interim Dean of Applied and Fine Arts.

CURTIS ORCHARD Congratulations to Rachel of Curtis Orchard who received the ribbon for best tasting honey in the Midwest. The Black Jar International Honey Contest also placed her among the ten best in the world.

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL, DEVONSHIRE REALTY Larry Kuchefski, Jay Sikorski and Curtis Tillett have received the Thomas E. Harrington Sr. Circle of Distinction Award which is bestowed upon the top ranking producers.

ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER Illinois American Water announced today that five watershed initiatives across the state will receive funding through the company’s 2016 Environmental Grant Program.

The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling $15,000 for community projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds. Illinois American Water awarded the 2016 Environmental Grants to the following: Alton Community School District #11, City of South Beloit, Urbana Park District, Peoria Park District and Pekin Park District.

Have news to share with the local business community? Tell us about to and get featured in the Chamber’s next Commerce Connection. Email Lindsay Quick with your news, LindsayQ@ champaigncounty.org, or submit the news via our website: http:// champaigncounty.org/membership/member_accolades.aspx

SEARCHING FOR 50 NOTABLE ALUMNI & CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF PARKLAND SUCCESS! We want to hear from our alumni! Do you have a story to tell?

Please contact us by visiting http://www.parkland.edu/alumni or call us at 217-351-2458.

PARKLAND COLLEGE

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

217-352-2800 www.casselhomecomfort.com

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If it breaks down this summer, we will fix it for free!

1501 S. NEIL ST., CHAMPAIGN 217-352-9970 CHAMPAIGNURBANA.STAYHGI.COM 99 luxurious guest rooms • 2 blocks from University of Illinois Indoor Pool & Spa • Oversized Fitness Center • Flat Screen TVs 18,000 sq. ft. of Banquet and Meeting Space • Complimentary Airport Shuttle

2013 S. NEIL ST., CHAMPAIGN 217-355-6468 CHAMPAIGNURBANA.HOME2SUITES.COM 104 Extended Stay Suites • Complimentary Breakfast 7 Days a Week Indoor Saline Pool • Oversized Fitness Center • Flat Screen TVs Walking Distance to University of Illinois

1417 S. NEIL ST., CHAMPAIGN 217-352-9960 CHAMPAIGNURBANA.HOMEWOODSUITES.COM 98 Extended Stay Suites • Welcome Home Reception Monday–Thursday Indoor Pool & Spa • Flat Screen TVs • Oversized Fitness Center Complimentary Breakfast 7 Days a Week • Complimentary Airport Shuttle

HELP US WELCOME Dan Stebel recently joined the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce as the Membership Sales Director.

He is responsible for growing the Chamber membership base and helping current and prospective members learn how best to utilize the Chamber and its programs. Daniel is a 2009 graduate of the University of Illinois and has spent the past four years as a higher education sales manager with Human Kinetics. As a lifelong resident of Champaign-Urbana, he looks forward to building lasting relationships with businesses in our community that will make Champaign County an ever better place to live and work.

Dan may be reached via email at DanS@champaigncounty.org.

Chuck Eyman Kirk Harney Jan Miller Dan Marker Steve Tock

LOCAL. EXPERIENCED. INVESTED.

MEMBER FDIC HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM

CHAMPAIGN

DECATUR

PEORIA

SPRINGFIELD

Cham ber Sto re 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. Target the local business community. Two lists are available for purchase:

e-Connection

Long list (approx. 2,400 names and businesses): $175 Short list (approx. 1,000 names and businesses): $125

Recently redesigned, our electronic newsletter is sent to nearly 2,000 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County each week.

Sponsor an e-Connection and get your business seen by thousands.

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

Header sponsorship (one wk.): $100

Email Blast Advertisement Do you have a new product, service or information you would like to share with our entire Chamber membership list? Take advantage of this exclusive offer to send broadcast emails to our entire nearly 2,000 email list.

Email Blast Advertisement: $500 Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Commerce Connection

This is a bi-monthly publication that is distributed to over 2,400 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County. Content varies, but is always relevant to local business. There are a variety of ad sizes available.

Ads start at only $90. Ask about the exclusive cover package that allows your business to gain exposure before the reader even opens the publication. Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Email Footer Sponsorship

For a great price, place an ad in every email that is sent out of the Chamber office. That’s an average of over 12,000 emails per week. The best part? Link the footer wherever you would like.

Footer (one wk.): $75 (Add footer to the e-Connection for an additional $50.)

Contact Lindsay for details at, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

EXCLUSIVE

AFFORDABLE

Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Website Marketing With over 7,000 visits/month to the Chamber website, this is where you want to be. Market your business to locals and those looking to move and/or visit here. Want more information?

Contact Lindsay Quick at LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org.

Event Sponsorship

From monthly First Friday Coffee and Business After Hours to our annual Golf Outing, the Chamber hosts a number of events each month. By sponsoring a Chamber event, your business obtains great exposure not only at the event itself, but also within all promotional materials (emails, mailings, e-newsletters, Commerce Connection, website, etc.). We have numerous opportunities throughout the year, here’s what’s coming up: Annual Meeting Title Sponsorship - $3,000 - available Additional information for events such as Business Success and Solutions Seminars is available upon request. Contact ArielS@champaign county.org or call 217.359.1791 with any event sponsorship inquiries.

Online Business Directory Enhancements Enhance your listing on the Chamber’s online business directory. The directory gets hundreds of thousands of views each day--turn your standard (complimentary) listing into an eye-catching, search engine optimized advertisement.

Basic upgrade: included w/membership

Value upgrade: $20/year

Deluxe upgrade: $50/year

Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Complimentary services: rental of laptop computer; conference space and LCD projector; Certificate of Origin; Notary service; information, assistance and resources.

REACH THOUSANDS ON A SMALL BUDGET.

calendar of events Connect@Lunch

Monday, June 20 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 2235 S. Neil St., Champaign

Financing a Small Business Workshop ECI SCORE Thursday, June 30 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

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

Ribbon Cutting

Red Roof Inn Thursday, June 30 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

212 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign

Business Success Seminar Unemployment Claims Gathering Information, Protesting and Appealing,

presented by Danita Lust and Chris Zionic, Illinois Department of Employment Security Tuesday, July 12 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

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

Ribbon Cutting

Fast Facts

Connect@Lunch

5.8% Champaign County Unemployment

Business After Hours

26 business licenses applied for in

Monday, July 18 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 2235 S. Neil St., Champaign

Rate in March 2016

Thursday, July 21 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 2235 S. Neil St., Champaign

Champaign County in April 2016

Leading Ladies Luncheon

Thursday, July 28 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Stone Creek Event Center 2600 S. Stone Creek Blvd., Urbana

First Friday Coffee

Friday, August 5 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.

Meyer Capel 306 W. Church St., Champaign

Connect@Lunch

Monday, August 15 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano 2235 S. Neil St., Champaign

Business After Hours

Thursday, August 18 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Adams Outdoor Advertising, LP 1711 Dobbins Dr., Champaign

104.7

April 2016 U of I Flash Index for Illinois

1,391,286 rides were taken on CUMTD in April 2016

5,846 visits to the Chamber’s page, champaigncounty.org in April 2016

7,115 average amount of referrals PER DAY the

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory received via search engines and online sources in May 2016

2014 The year that the Champaign County

Chamber of Commerce was named the Illinois Outstanding Chamber of the Year

Carriage Crossing Senior Living, A Randall Residence Thursday, July 14 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.

1701 Congressional Way, Champaign BECOME A BUSINESS COUNSELOR FOR THE CHAMBER You get what you give.

You’ve been a successful member of the business community. You have created jobs.

You have managed people. You have managed finances. You’re a wiz with tax documents.

You know the insides of a good marketing plan. You have benefited from those who have come before you.

Now, it’s time to take what you know and share it with the next generation.

To get started, contact: Laura Weis, President & CEO Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Lauraw@champaigncounty.org 217-359-1791

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

it’s tough to stay focused...

when your conference room feels like the frozen tundra.