Commerce Connection, September/October 2013

years

SEPT./OCT. 2013

C O M M E R C E

CONNECTION A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Annual Meeting details, pg. 7

Fighting Illini Tailgate Community p. 11

PAID

Presorted Standard US Postage

C h a m pa i g n C o u n t y ’ s

ACE Leadership Program kick off recap, pg. 5

Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL

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

than

20

Volume 20 | Number 5

Brand new Chamber website sneak peek,

pg. 17

MEMBER VIEWPOINTS

2013 FOOTBALL SEASON

As a college town, the majority of our members have experienced the C-U Tailgate Community to some extent, whether it is actually tailgating, driving down Kirby Avenue on game days or hearing stories in the days that follow. After polling our members, we learned that tailgating is a favorite game day activity. To help you prepare for upcoming Illini home games, we asked a few of our Chamber member caterers to share some healthy and simple recipes that will be a huge hit at your next tailgate!

L.A. GOURMET’S HUMMUS RECIPE

12 ounces garbanzo beans 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 cup tahini paste 1 T lemon juice 1/4 tsp cumin 2Tbsp water 1 tsp chopped garlic kosher salt to taste Place all ingredients into Cuisinart and mix until smooth. Serve with Fresh Vegetables or Pita Chips. Add roasted red peppers or top with pinenuts for a variety of flavors.

TURKEY SLOPPY JOES (serves 6) 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean 1/4 cup red onion 1/4 cup multi colored bell peppers 1/4 cup carrots 2 cups tomato sauce 2 T worcestershire sauce 3 T brown sugar 2 T Montreal Steak Season Brown turkey in a non-stick skillet. While turkey is browning, place onion, peppers and carrots in the food processor and rough chop or dice into small pieces. Add to the turkey and cook 4-5 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add tomato sauce, worcestershire sauce, Montreal seasoning and brown sugar.

Mix everything together and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

SOME OF OUR MEMBERS SHARED THEIR TAILGATING TRADITIONS AND THEIR FAVORITE PART OF TAILGATING. “The best part of tailgating is the camaraderie of all our friends.”

- Art Warren, Associated Transfer & Storage, Inc. “Setting up and hosting a family tailgate.

It is a fun event to get together.”

- Jim Goss, The Atkins Group

“Bags, BBQ and beer. Essentially the three B’s.”

- Kevin Schnebly, Bailey Edward “Bags, food, friends, FUN!” - Mary Hubbell, RE/MAX Realty Associates

FY14 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS Gold 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 University of Illinois Employees Credit Union

303 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 www.champaigncounty.org 217.359.1791

CHAMBER STAFF Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org Karly Combest Event & Programs Director KarlyC@champaigncounty.org Caryn Isenhower Accounts Receivable & Office Administrator Caryni@champaigncounty.org Michelle Luna Membership Sales Director MichelleL@champaigncounty.org Lynette Lykins Director of First Impressions LynetteL@champaigncounty.org Samantha Mathis Marketing & PR Director SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org Ryan Roth Public Policy Director RyanR@champaigncounty.org Christopher Sheppard Membership Development Director ChristopherS@champaigncounty.org

Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen

NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q 96.1, COUNTRY 105.9, Sunny 95.3, Connect FM 93.5 & 95.3, ESPN Radio 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

BOARD OFFICERS Michael Wozniak

Beth Auterman

Chair, Livingston, Barger, Brandt & Schroeder

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Bill Walter

Past Chair, Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc.

First Vice Chair, A&R Mechanical Contractors Rod Roberts Second Vice Chair, Roberts Design Company, Inc.

Tabatha Helm Laura Weis Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe Alexander Mark Ballard BankChampaign, N.A.

Mike Billimack Carle

Mike Brown Presence Covenant Medical Center

Mike DeLorenzo University of Illinois

Stephen Flynn Perry Greene

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

Cindy Guthrie YG Financial

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

Stone Creek Golf Club 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.

ACE

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

KICKED OFF 08/22

The program officially kicked off Thursday, August 22, 2013 at Radio Maria. This session there are 20 young professionals signed up to become stronger leaders. They have already begun connecting and expanding their business relationships.

CLASS ONE: MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR Classes began the following week on August 29 at the Chamber. Cindy Guthrie, Director of Human Resource Services at YG Financial presented. She said, “A leadership development program is well served by helping participants understand the differences and similarities between co-workers, colleagues, and bosses. Though often called “soft skills” the abilities to recognize the best ways to communicate, collaborate, and manage conflicts will improve working relationships, productivity, and outcomes. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is used by hundreds of large and small companies across the US and the world. By offering the opportunity to learn and experience the MBTI, the Chamber’s ACE Program is providing a great opportunity to help young professionals grow and develop in both their professional and personal lives.” champaigncounty.org/

5

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

We’ve got an app for that...

CHECK OUT CHAMPAIGNCOUNTY.ORG ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE FOR A PORTABLE BUSINESS DIRECTORY, UP-TO-DATE EVENTS, COUPONS + MORE!

Skip the line with Mobile Deposit!

It’s as easy as sign, snap and send.

Carry your branch with you with Busey’s Mobile App! Deposit checks, check balances, transfer funds, pay bills and find locations and ATMs whenever you want, wherever you are.

Busey. Your Dream. Our Promise.

busey.com 217.365.4500

Member FDIC

Join us for a Chamber Annual Meeting like no other on Friday, October 4 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign.

The 2013 Small Business of the Year Award will be presented at the event, and the program will be interactive.

Seats may be purchased individually for $39 or per table sponsor (seats eight) for $400. To purchase your seat, contact Caryn Isenhower via email, Caryni@champaigncounty.org, or by phone, 217.359.1791.

Reserve your seat today for the newest Chamber program

Connect, share, and learn while enjoying a great meal. This is a great way to spend your lunch hour with other Chamber members discussing business over a meal. This is designed for members who either want to meet other members, look for sales leads or seek answers to a business challenge with others.

For just $17, you will have your choice of several meals from their Lunch Combos menu along with soft drinks and we will have you in and out in an hour. Plus, every attendee will receive a free pass for an upcoming Business After Hours.

Monday, October 21, 2013 noon to 1:00 p.m. at

2101 N Prospect Avenue Champaign, IL 61822

Interested? Questions? Contact Chris Sheppard at ChristopherS@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791. champaigncounty.org/

7

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between June and July 20, 2013 Advantage Recycling

3008 N. Cunningham Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 217.344.7696 mervisadvantage.com Advantage Recycling is not an average recycling facility. Their helpful, friendly staff makes it easy for customers to recycle their scrap and get paid at their safe, clean facility. Advantage Recycling purchases scrap aluminum, iron, copper, brass, and automobiles (title required) at competitive prices. They also accept electronic items (see website for details). Open MondayFriday 8 am - 5 pm and Saturday 8 to noon. They also offer commercial pick-up and container services. They are passionate about recycling as it saves energy, conserves natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps manufacturers economically produce new products with recycled materials.

Aflac-Michael Robins 120 S. 8th St. Mattoon, IL 61938 214.701.9221 www.aflac.com

American Express OPEN Small Business Credit Cards 200 Vesey St. New York, NY 10285 212.640.0088 americanexpress.com/us/small-business/credit-cards

Berklin Cents, LLC P.O. Box 8151 Champaign, IL 61826 217.903.5497 berklincents.com

Berklin Cents, LLC is a fee-only financial advisory and business consulting firm. They are committed to helping individuals, business owners and their employees make more informed decisions with money.

From comprehensive personal financial planning to retirement plan consulting, Berklin Cents can help.

Fee-only means no selling, pitching or promoting any insurance, investment or any other third party products. Financial advice should be objective and unencumbered by the need to generate a commission and that is what Berklin Cents, LLC provides.

Bluestem Financial Advisors, LLC 201 W. Springfield Ave., Ste. 701 Champaign, IL 61820 217.352.0000 www.bluestemfa.com

Bouffant Salon

2860 S. Philo Rd., Ste. L Urbana, IL 61802 217.693.7481 bouffantsalon.co

Midland States Bank held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of their new location on Thursday, July 25, 2013.

Bouffant Salon focuses on healthy hair. They strive for excellence in guest service. Their mission is to not only do great hair in their salon, but teach their guests how to use the right products, styling techniques, and tools at home to maintain your style. They offer women, men and children haircuts, color, special occasion styling, permanent straightening, extensions and facial waxing.

Their salon carries Surface, Redken, Moroccan oil and Pravana hair care products. Combined, Bouffant Salon has over 14 years of experience.

Champaign Jewelers 2223 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.693.7655 champaignjewelers.com

Champaign Jewelers is a new, locally owned fine jewelry store located in the Shoppes of Knollwood.

Owner, Kari Johnson Smith, is a Graduate Gemologist with 14 years of experience helping clients choose or design the perfect piece of jewelry. Manager, Andrea Laird, is a Diamonds Graduate with 11 years of experience assisting clients in finding the perfect gift.

Champaign Jewelers specializes in fine diamonds, engagement and wedding rings, along with diamond and color gemstone fashion jewelry. Jewelry repair and Appraisal services are also available. A specialty line of University of Illinois theme jewelry will be available shortly.

Champaign Jewelers held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening on August 8, 2013.

217.819.4620 learfieldsports.com

507 E. University Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 217.378.7800 davita.com

Fighting Illini Sports Properties is the official multimedia rights holder for University of Illinois Athletics and a property of collegiate marketer Learfield Sports. The team specializes in working with area businesses and national corporations to maximize branding opportunities and connect them with fans and alumni who are passionate about college sports and the University. Fighting Illini Sports Properties can customize plans to meet corporate needs of any magnitude; driving exposure through multiple marketing vehicles including signage, FightingIllini. com, television, radio/TV, promotions, titleship, digital assets and social media.

District #54 Toastmasters

Fun Photo Booth

CU on Top Consulting 202 S. Middlehill Ln. Mahomet, IL 61853 217.898.2427 cuontopconsulting.com

Davita – Illinois Renal Dialysis

1226 Jersey Ave. Normal, IL 61761 309.862.1095 d54toastmasters.com

Elite Luxury Limos

3808 W. Springfield Ave., Ste. D Champaign, IL 61822 217.363.3200 eliteluxurylimos.com

P.O. Box 1793 Danville, IL 61834 217.497.2262 funphotobooth.pro

Karen’s Kloset

231 S. Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL 61821 217.355.9395

Elite Luxury Limos provides its clients with the highest level of expertise and reliability. They pride themselves in offering cutting-edge limousine technology. With state-of-the-art sound systems and light shows, you can make Elite your choice for weddings, proms, nights on the town, or any other special occasion. Elite owns and operates a fleet of 14 and 20-passenger Escalade and H2 Hummer stretch limos. To meet the needs of larger groups, they also offer a unique 26-passenger Trolley Bus. Arrive in luxury with Elite.

Fighting Illini Sports Properties 100 Trade Centre, Ste. 102 Champaign, IL 61820

On August 22, 2013, Wireless Mike’s celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting.

karenskloset.com Karen’s Kloset is East Central Illinois’ largest upscale consignment shop with all your favorite stores in one.

Karen’s Kloset has been carrying brand name fashions at a fraction of the cost of retail for over 22 years for women, men, plus, maternity, and juniors. Some of the brands they carry include Chico’s, Talbots, Tiffany, Coldwater Creek, Banana Republic, Coach and Ann Taylor. Karen’s Kloset accepts designer and better label items in “like new” condition. All consigned apparel must be freshly laundered, pressed and on hangers. They accept only current fashions in ready to sell condition.

MAD Marketing

11 ½ E. University Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 773.669.6235 mymadmarketing.com ryan@mymadmarketing.com

Schnuck’s Savoy

1301 Savoy Plaza Ln. Savoy, IL 61874 217.373.0700 schnucks.com

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.

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

On Thursday, August 22, 2013, Station 6 Pizza held a ribbon cutting to kick off their grand opening weekend.

Papa D’s held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening on Thursday, August 22, 2013.

Chamber Members and the C-U Tailgate Community

Written by S amanth a M athis fo r t he Ch ampaign Co u nt y Chamb er of Co mmerce

W

hether it is a hot, humid August afternoon or a cool, crisp September morning, devoted Illini fans can be found sporting their orange and blue throughout the streets and parking lots surrounding Memorial Stadium.

With over 25 designated tailgate and parking lots, multiple activities for all ages and an energetic atmosphere, it is easy to understand why the C-U tailgate community continues to thrive.

If you have ever lived in or visited Champaign-Urbana during the Illinois Football season, you have witnessed the spirit and creativity of the tailgate community. For some, tailgating at Illini football games is a tradition, while it is a company event for others. Whatever the reason, they are all a part of a transformation that occurs on game days.

THE CROWD Last season, 45,564 people on average attended Fighting Illini football games and the majority of them tailgated in some form. Saturdays were spent on the lawns and other

areas nearby the stadium. Art Warren is one of the 45,564 people tailgating and has been doing so for many years.

Chamber member and owner of Associated Transfer & Storage Inc., Art’s tailgating tradition began in the early 80’s after he graduated. “It started out as a bucket of chicken and a cooler out of the back of a car on the old nine-hole golf course where the baseball and tennis facilities are now,” says Warren. The tradition transformed into a company tailgate in the late 80’s, using an old bread truck that was painted orange and blue. Back then, tailgating began the night before and Illini fans camped out.

Warren is known for Orange Force One and Orange Force 1.5. If you are not familiar with the Orange Force One, it was one of the best tailgates in the C-U tailgate community. The vehicle looked like a “giant airplane” and was designed by Jake Tatar at UpClose Printing.

Unfortunately, it was lost in a fire a few years back.

However, friends surprised Warren with a check that went towards a replacement.

champaigncounty.org/

11

And so Orange Force 1.5 was born. It was designed specifically for tailgating, with features allowing for quick set up and take down times. “We kept a few of the graphics from Orange Force One. It has walnut cabinetry nicer than my house, one touch satellite system, a professional sound system, and built in bar.

It is a weapon of mass consumption. Many friends had a hand in creating it,” said Warren.

Last year Art’s tailgate was name the Best Tailgate of the Year by ESPN. Although that is definitely an award to be proud of, Warren believes his core group who “pitch in to help set up, cook and take down…are all just as much a part of Orange Force 1.5 as [he is].”

THE BUSINESSES Illini fans are not just individuals. Illini fans are also local businesses. There are a variety of businesses and campus groups that make arrangements to host a tent on the east and west side of the State Farm Center lawns. Often times, the tailgates are used at appreciation events for employees and/or to entertain clients. According to Drew Claassen, Assistant Director of Group Sales and Marketing for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Illinois, these businesses “receive complimentary tent space as a part of their group ticket order (minimum of 50 tickets).” WDWS, SuperValu, WCIA and the Illini Radio Group are just a few businesses that have group tents during the season.

In addition to these local organizations, fans will also find Birkey’s Farm Store, Busey Bank, Car-X and County Market partaking in game day activities. Chris Andrews, General Manager of Fighting Illini Sports Properties, (a division of Learfield Sports), and his team create multimedia marketing solutions for their corporate sponsors.

The underlying goal of these partnerships is to connect the products with the fans. The purpose of Car-X’s display space is to not only showcase their products and services, but to initiate interaction and increase visibility. Birkey’s Farm Store is out on the tailgating lawns to raise their brand awareness, but to also educate fans on agriculture and farming equipment. Andrews mentioned that for his clients, tailgating is more than just marketing their business and products; it is about interacting with customers in an environment they are comfortable in.

THE ACTIVITIES County Market is official sponsor of the Illini Street Fest, which is a “free, public concert [that is] held at the main stage, which [is] located at the corner of First and Irwin facing south” on game days prior to kickoff.

This season, two of the performers are 90s Daughter and Brat Pack. In addition to the live entertainment,

Above: One aspect of Art Warren’s tailgating tradition known as Orange Force 1.5. Photos courtesy of Art Warren. there are family-friendly, free activities at the Street Fest ranging from inflatable games to face painting. Food and drinks are available for purchase and Illini athletic teams will also stop by and sign autographs at select games.

The Illini Walk, the official kickoff to the day’s activities, begins two and a half hours before game time. Located at the corner of First Street and Kirby Avenue, fans are joined by the football team, the Illini cheerleading squad, Illiniettes and Illini Dance Team and led by the Marching Illini. The walk is a great opportunity to get your tailgate excited and ready to cheer on the Illini.

FOURTH STREET EXTENSION The yearlong, newly finished Fourth Street Extension project will certainly impact the C-U tailgating experience. According to Captain Roy Acree of the University of Illinois Police Department, the $5 million project will “take relief off of northbound traffic before

Above left: Memorial Stadium’s new scoreboard. Above right: The County Market team, sponsor of the Illini Street Fest, interacting with customers while enjoying the tailgate scene. Below: Illini fans enjoying pregame activities under tents provided by Champaign County Tents. Photos courtesy of Champaign County Tents. the game and pressure off of First Street and South Lincoln after the game.” He also added that this project will benefit many fans who do not have parking passes, as the majority of pay parking is south of the stadium.

The extension will not only be advantageous for the football season, but also during the Fighting Illini Basketball season. Traffic will flow much more efficiently around the State Farm Center before and after games.

Captain Acree was certain the Fourth Street extension would be “nothing but a plus.”

THE TENTS GO UP Game day is close when the tailgate tents go up. Kevin Yonce, CEO of Champaign County Tents, said they have been renting tents for the University of Illinois football games since the 1970’s. Set up begins Thursday afternoons and continues into Friday mornings.

Champaign County Tents rents more than just tents; tables, chairs and fencing are also available.

There is an important partnership between Champaign County Tents and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. Mr. Yonce and his team schedule rentals, while the University allocates tailgate spaces for those rentals; space is determined by the number of tickets an organization purchases. Champaign County Tents supplies six to seven tents on average to various organizations for tailgating purposes.

“Working with the clients and helping them to develop their events is the best part of the tailgating for Champaign County Tent. We have the opportunity to interact with the people planning their tailgates and develop relationships that last for years,” Mr. Yonce explained.

As many people know, the Illini tailgate community is one of a kind. For many locals, tailgating is an “annual experience and has been a long time part of a home

football Saturday. Tailgating provides a festive and enjoyable part of the Illini Football experience. It allows groups to have a party with clients or potential clients, staff or friends to enjoy the game day experience in a different way,” Yonce continued.

The 2013 Fighting Illini Football and tailgate seasons are already in full-swing. Come out and enjoy everything the C-U Tailgate Community has to offer.

HELP US WELCOME Caryn Isenhower joined the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce in March as our Accounts Receivable Manager and Office Administrator.

She has previously worked for Champaign Country Club in a similar capacity and for Strategic Marketing and Mailing as an account manager. She also spent 11 years working for the Minneci family at Minneci’s Ristorante.

Caryn currently resides in Philo with her husband, Jeff, and their dog, Bo. Caryn looks forward to talking to and meeting Chamber members and is always available to assist with account questions, event sign-ups, etc.

Caryn may be reached via email at caryni@ champaigncounty.org.

Samantha Mathis recently joined the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce as the Marketing and Public Relations Director.

She is a 2013 graduate of the University of Illinois, where she studied Communication and Business Administration. She started with the Chamber as an intern in March, but began full-time in July. Before interning with the Chamber, she gained marketing experience with other local businesses.

Samantha is passionate about this position because she can put her creativity to good use; it is an important role at the Chamber; and it allows her to give back to the business community where she was raised.

Samantha may be reached via email at SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org.

BUSINESS SUCCESS SEMINAR

Customer Service and Sales Effectiveness Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

Morning Session: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Afternoon Session: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Part I: Customer Value Solution Outstanding customer service is more than just a series of steps. It is about appreciating a customer’s desire to do business with your organization. Building on a customer’s perception of your value, by delivering service that advances your value, assures ongoing business with the customer.

Part 1: Service to Sales You have the responsibility for recognizing selling opportunities in customer service situations. Your role is to guide the customer to additional purchases of services and merchandise. In this way, you make sure that the customer is satisfied, and you also build additional business for your organization.

Part 2: Complaint Resolution There are two aspects of complaints: emotional and rational. Resolving complaints requires dealing with both by clarifying complaints, lowering anxiety for both parties, using practical guidelines and applying a process that deals with both emotional and rational factors to build even stronger customer relationships.

Part 2: Generate Customer Interest Working in a typically short time frame, your challenge is to get the customer to talk to you so you can be a partner in finding them a solution. Your goal is to guide the customer to the solution they need. By asking the right questions, you put the customer at ease and provide them with an efficient, focused buying experience.

14 /champaigncounty.org

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE Beginning September 3, candidates for all state constitutional offices, all members of the Illinois House of Representatives, one-third of members of the Illinois Senate, and all members of the Illinois Delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives along with County Board members started circulating petitions to get their names on the ballot for the 2014 Elections.

Illinois has the most units of government of any state in the nation. This gives citizens ample opportunity to become involved in the political process. The more local the office, the better the chance an individual has to influence policy. With this in mind, the Business Empowered Political Action Committee (PAC) hosted a seminar for members interested in running for office. Champaign County Clerk Gordy Hulten informed individuals about the offices that were up for election in 2014 and the spring of 2015 and what the requirements are to run for office while County Board Member and Public Policy Committee Member Max Mitchell related to participants what it is like to be an elected official in Champaign County.

Political decisions made in the past few years have not been beneficial to the business climate in Illinois or the nation at large. A graduated income tax has been proposed in the Illinois Legislature, the Affordable Care Act is set to be implemented in October, taxes and fees are being increased in local municipalities, and new regulations are being placed upon businesses. This election season, please support candidates who will promote a low-tax, low-regulatory, business-friendly environment so we can get our economy back on track by becoming a member of the Public Policy Committee, and voting in March and November.

If you would like more information about these issues or being involved in the Chamber’s political advocacy, contact Public Policy Director Ryan Roth at ryanr@champaigncounty.org.

champaigncounty.org/

15

s s e n i s u B In Your

We care about you -- our members. To learn more about you; how we can help; and to better promote our members to other members, the Chamber ambassadors and staff have been touring your businesses. The tours have been both interesting and informative, and we are looking forward to more in the future.

The Chamber staff visited Surface 51, a marketing and advertising firm with a design focus in Champaign. They provide print, web, brand development and PR services. Their definition of marketing is to provide whatever it takes to successfully deliver a project’s goals.

The Surface 51 building is as beautifully designed as their marketing materials. For more information about Surface 51 and to see their great work, visit them at surface51.com.

Cunningham Children’s Home welcomed Chamber staff onto their campus for a private tour of the facility. During the tour, we learned about the support services Cunningham Children’s Home provides to the local community, such as CIRCLE Academy and transitional and independent living programs. They are also in the beginning stages of fundraising for campus expansion in the future. Visit them at cunninghamhome.org

champaigncounty.org/

16

MEMBERSHIP NEWS First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust announces Matt Tanner has been promoted to Regional Deposit Manager for the Decatur region. Matt began his career with First Mid in 2007 serving as Mahomet Branch Manager, and transitioning into the role of Champaign Area Branch Manager earlier this year. Matt will oversee deposit services for all First Mid locations in Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, Bloomington, Decatur and Quincy. In addition to his new role, he will also continue supervising branch employees and overseeing the day-to-day operations at First Mid’s location at 2229 South Neil Street in Champaign.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Mid-America Chapter has nominated Shatterglass Studios for an Emmy award in the Interstitial category for their “Ebertfest 2012” documentary. The documentary is a 10-minute retrospective of the 14th annual festival which took place from April 25 to the 29th, 2012. Shatterglass Studios is a full service film and video production company dedicated to producing high-quality, high-impact new media. They create television commercials, corporate branding videos, industrial videos, promotional videos and films. The awards will be presented at the 37th MidAmerica EMMY® Gala on Saturday, October 5, at the Renaissance Grand Hotel on Washington Avenue, St. Louis, and will be hosted by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alum, Margaret Judson, of HBO’s “The Newsroom”.

The Bard Optical Champaign office will celebrate 17 years in business in September. Opened by Dr. A. Arthur Bard in 1941 in downtown Peoria, Diana Hall purchased the practice in 1981 and has grown Bard Optical to 20 locations in Central and Southern Illinois. Please join them in celebrating the anniversary of Bard’s Champaign office by stopping in and congratulating Dr. Danielle Keith and the Champaign staff.

Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer, Wireless Mike’s, has moved to a new location on Neil Street. The brand new building is located at 2116 S. Neil Street and provides them with more space to showcase the latest technology and enhances the customer’s shopping experience.

Do you have news to share with the Champaign County business community? Tell us about it and get featured in the Chamber’s next Commerce Connection.

Send an email with your news to Samantha Mathis, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org.

GREAT THINGS will happen here.

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

Chamber Store Mailing Labels

Commerce Connection Advertisement

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. 1,080 names and businesses)..................................$125

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 Header sponsorship (four consecutive weeks).................................$360 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!

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.

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 4,200+ email list. Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org.

Email Blast Advertisement .....................................................................$500

The Chamber is planning a massive redesign of our website within the next year. There will be numerous opportunities for businesses to sponsor pages, host banners and showcase themselves on the Chamber site.

More information will be available in the coming months. If you would like to express early interest, 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.

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

Event Sponsorship

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 Annual Meeting Title sponsorship....................................$2750 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 Chamber Annual Meeting

Business After Hours

Friday, October 4, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn 1501 S. Neil Street, Champaign

Thursday, October 17, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Meyer Capel iHotel and Conference Center 1900 S. First Street, Champaign

Financing a Small Business

An event hosted by ECI SCORE Saturday, October 5, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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

Wednesday, October 16, 4:00 p.m.

2417 Fields S. Drive, Champaign

Starting a Small Business

Second Friday Coffee

An event hosted by ECI SCORE Thursday, October 17, 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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

Friday, October 11, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Sponsored by Pepsi Cola C-U Bottling Co. at the Fluid Events Center 601 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign

Writing a Business Plan

Regency Apartments Ribbon Cutting

Connect @ Lunch

An event hosted by ECI SCORE Saturday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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

Monday, October 21, noon to 1:00 p.m.

LongHorn Steakhouse 2101 N. Prospect, Champaign

Bud’s Tree Care Ribbon Cutting

Wednesday, October 30, 11:00 a.m.

1701 S. Prospect Ave,. Ste. 104, Champaign

Tools for Business Success • For businesses of all types and sizes • Access on the Chamber’s website for up-to-date, reliable business advice and information.

• Local, state, federal and best-of-web resources to help start, grown and maintain your business.

www.champaigncounty.org

Fast Facts

8.9% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in July 2013

12 business licenses applied for in Champaign County in August 2013

106.5 August 2013 Flash Economic Index for Champaign County

809,621 rides were taken on CUMTD in August 2013

4,464 visits to the Chamber’s page, champaigncounty.org, in August 2013

30,005 average amount of referrals PER DAY

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

YOUR EMPLOYEES KNOW THE COLD IS COMING...

GET YOUR HEATING SYSTEM READY WITH A&R. MAXIMIZE THEIR PERFORMANCE.

• PLUMBING • HEATING • COOLING • MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

www.ar-mech.com

217-819-5188

• 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE