The Express Track
The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for area business and member interests, while providing quality resources, services and leadership to its current and future members.
May 2014- Vol 2014, Issue 5
Galesburg Radio 21st Annual
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uting
Monday, June 2, Lake Bracken 12:00 p.m. Registration Begins 4 Player Superball Format
$300 a team
Mai lo May r Fax by 23, 201 4
(includes cart, greens fee, dinner)
To Guarantee Entry, Payment & Registration Must be received by May 23! Cancellations received by May 23 will be given a full refund.
DRESS REQUIREMENTS: collared shirts, no denim, no halter or string strapped tops.
THIS MONTH’S INSERTS Chamber Golf Outing Journeying Through Grief Ameren Illinois Invites Business and Non-Profit Customers to “Get in the Game” GALESBURG AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
M a y C o m m u n i t y E v e n t s
Thursday, May 01, 2014 Merging into the Future 12 (Fri. 18 Apr, 2014 6:00 pm - Sat. 3 May, 2014 6:00 pm) This exhibition of work by Galesburg High School juniors and seniors occurs only every other year. Enjoy work created by Galesburg's talented young people. The exhibition will open with an opening reception on Friday April 18th, from 6-8pm. The exhibition will be on display through May 3rd in the Joanne R. Goudie Gallery. Sunday, May 04, 2014 Gospel Hour Special Concert (Sun. 4 May, 2014 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm) Gospel Hour with Chuck Crain!!! Fundraiser for the restoration of the beautiful stained glass windows at Central Congregational Church, 60 Public Square, Galesburg. Chuck Crain from Presleys' Branson & RFD TV will present a gospel hour on May 4, 2014 at 3PM . Tickets may be purchased at the church Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm or at the door. Thursday, May 08, 2014 Rootabaga Jammers Finale Concert (Thu. 8 May, 2014 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) Rootabaga Jammers Finale!!! Last time this year to enjoy the great Big Band sounds of the Rootabaga Jammers. Bring your best friend, partner or anyone and dance if you have happy feet or just sit, listen and tap your toes to their wonderful concert. The concert is FREE and there will be free refreshments served. The doors open at 6 PM and the band will play from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Friday, May 09, 2014 Recent College Graduate Exhibition (Fri. 9 May, 2014 6:00 pm Sat. 24 May, 2014 6:00 pm) The Joanne R. Goudie Gallery at the Galesburg Civic Art Center will showcase the work of 2014 graducates from Carl Sandburg College, Knox College and Monmouth College. The exhibition will be display May 9th - May 24th. An opening reception will take place on May 24th from 6-8pm. "Better Day" Gospel Concert (Fri. 9 May, 2014 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) "Better Day" Gospel Concert!!!
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Galesburg Christian School presents; "Better Day" Gospel Concert & Presentations by GCS Students. Come enjoy great gospel music and support Christian education at the same time!! "Better Day" - Bob Huston, John Maaske, Kevin Rodeffer & Geoff Weech. FREE admission Love Offering proceeds go to Galesburg Christian School, 3&4 Preschool - 12th Grade. To be held May 9th at 7:00 PM at Bethel Baptist Church, 1196 N. Academy Street, Galesburg. Saturday, May 10, 2014 International Migratory Bird Day (Sat. 10 May, 2014 8:00 am - 10:00 am) International Migratory Bird Day at Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve!!! Come celebrate the International Migratory Bird Day with a walk through our preseve led by Vince Hummel & Chuck Young experts in this field. Bring your camera, binoculars, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Please pre-register by May 8th. Let's Get Thrifty On 150 (Sat. 10 May, 2014 9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Let's Get Thrifty On 150!!! Something Fun for Everyone, Route 150 from Galesburg to the Quad Cities. Start at Second Time Around on 150 in Galesburg and follow 150 to find along the way; entertainment, flea market, yard sales, car show, antiques, art work, food and much more. Hawthorne Centre Malls at Hawthorne Centre in Galesburg just off 150 with special deals and sales, Rio, Woodhull, Alpha, Country Corner Market, Ophiem all stops on the trip. Take the family on a cruise, follow the signs and balloons. 7th Annual Alpha Car Cruise!!! Downtown Alpha Car Cruise, Food provided by Alpha firemen, music by 3D Sound, community wide yard sales. Top 20 trophies, new this year, best engine award, entry fee for cars, $10, dash plaques for first 150 cars. For more information on car cruise; Jim Luallen - 309-629-8103 or Rod Taylor 309-253-3375 Nurses Week Ceremony (Sat. 10 May, 2014 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) Nurses Week Remembrance Ceremony!!! National Nurses Week - 2014, The Galesburg Cottage Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association presents the 10th Annual Nurses Week Convocation, Honor & Remembrance Ceremony. If you are a nurse or you want to honor or remember a nurse, join us
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in celebration as we gather around the Mother Bickerdyke Memorial Statue, Knox County Court House Lawn, 200 S. Cherry Street, Galesburg. The service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 10th, the public is invited to attend. National Nurses Week (Sat. 10 May, 2014 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) 10th Annual Nurses Week Convocation!!! Celebrating Nurses Week 2014, If you are a nurse, or if you want to honor or remember a nurse, join us in celebration as we gather around the Mother Bickerdyke Memorial Statue at 1:00 PM May 10th. Presented byt the Galesburg Cottage Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association. Knox County Court House Lawn, 200 S. Cherry Street, Galesburg Friday, May 16, 2014 Miniatures from the Heart of the Country (Fri. 16 May, 2014 11:00 am - 1:00 pm) This is Metro Mini Makers 30th Show & Sale - each attendee will receive a miniature gift in honor of their anniversary. Over 20 dealers from 9 states will be there in the large hall of the River Center, 103 E. 3rd Street, Davenport, IA. There is also a large exhibit room filled with many miniature structures as well as scenes. Free children's workshop on Saturday from 11-1 pm. On Friday there will be miniature classes/ workshops - email cohrs33@juno.com or call 309/738-9564 for a workshop flyer. Saturday, May 17, 2014 Wildflower ID Hike (Sat. 17 May, 2014 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) Wildflower ID Hike at Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve!!! Come join Opal & Lois as they hike through the nature preserve pointing out the many wildflowers found there. Bring your camera, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. A fun and educational event. Please pre-register by May 1st Friday, May 30, 2014 James Walker Henry & Dena Tollefson Exhibition (Fri. 30 May, 2014 6:00 pm Sat. 28 Jun, 2014 6:00 pm) An exhibition of paintings by James Walker Henry of Burlington, IA and Dena Tollefson of Cedar Rapids, IA. The exhibition will be on display from May 30 - June 28. An opening reception will take place on Friday May 30 from 6-8pm.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Beacon of Hope Hospice Ms. Kandy Mecum 102 E. Main Street, (309)344-4673,
E-mail: kmecum@bohhospice.org
Jimmy Walker Tire & Auto Services, Inc. Mr. Jimmy Walker 1265 Grand Avenue, (309)342-2886
Lotus Yoga Mr. Rob Steinert 1950 N. Henderson St., (309)335-5499.
E-mail: lotus.yoga2014@gmail.com
www.Lotus-Yoga.org
Martin Sullivan Ms. Lindsay Hankes Office 246 E. Main St., (309)343-1423, lhankes@martinsullivan.com www.martinsullivan.com
The Beauty Cat (full service salon)
Ms. Courtney Torres 95 East Simmons Street, (309)344-1041;
Thank you to the following businesses who renewed their membership We value your support and participation!
Courtney.G.Torres@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/TheBeautyCat
Animal Medical Center
Country Financial Mr. Steven Capps, Ed Johnson & Patrick Young 180 S. Soangetaha Rd., (309)342-5316;
John Bicego, DDS
Sandy Banks
Bill’s Auto Body BNSF Railway Company
Ed.johnson@countryfinancial.com, Patrick.youg@countryfinancial.com, Steven.capps@countryfinancial.com Website: www.countryfinancial.com
Care Center of Abingdon
Iron Spike Brewing Co. Mr. Ryan Cardwell 150 East Simmons Street, (309)368-7075
Farm King Supply
Ryan@IronSpikeBrewPub.com www.IronSpikeBrewPub.com
Stratus Networks, Inc.
(voice/data communications services)
Ms. Candy Webb 4700 W. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights, IL (309)981-9713; cwebb@stratusnet.com www.stratusnetworks.com
Edward Jones Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Great Balloon Race Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes IL. Small Business Dev. Ctr./WIU IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union Kirchgessner Plumbing/Heating National Stearman Fly-In Peoria Chiefs Baseball
IDOT will be closing Linwood Road on May 19 through May 22, 2014 for BNSF to work on their crossing on Linwood Road. A detour route will be signed utilizing Monmouth Boulevard to Henderson Street to Main Street.
Plue’s Tree Service Quality Inn Galesburg IL Register-Mail Sam’s Club Soangetaha Country Club
Contact: Public Works Phone: 309/345-3623
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“Visitors mean jobs.” That is the slogan for Na-
state brochures, rack cards, maps and flyers. Our office provides an annual visitors guide filled with history, events, lodging, restaurants, attractions and more in a colorful magazine. We also assist many organizations in promoting and organizing their events though local partnership grants of up to $500.00.
Galesburg has been bustling with new construction all over our city. We have added the Iron Spike Brewery, a redesigned Discovery Depot Children’s Museum, Aldi’s Grocery, several new retailers and other construction projects that hint of a revived economy. We also have a hotel slated to break ground this spring.
Our staff handles daily visitors, distribution of guides and other materials as well as booking bus tours. We also provide free welcome bags filled with information about our area for meetings, VIPs, weddings and conventions. All you need to do is call Judy Moorehead at 309-343-2485 and schedule your bags. Please schedule these in advance.
tional Travel and Tourism Week which happens from May 3rd to May 11th. To celebrate the week, I will be handing out clings for our area businesses to display in their windows. Feel free to display them all year. We have many things to celebrate.
Our existing hotels have seen at least 15 straight months of increased overnight stays. In 2013 we had a 7% increase in “heads in beds” over 2012. Already in 2014, we are up 777 room nights sold over the first quarter from last year. Much success can be attributed to area events seeing strong numbers. However, even in the throes of one of the worst winters in recent memory, we saw an increase in “heads in beds”. In order to better understand why this is happening, I am putting together an online survey for visitors to our hotels, B & B’s and campgrounds. I will make the survey available through a card with a link, placed in each hotel room or made available at the other locations mentioned. In order to add to the incentive, I will provide random prizes for those that participate. The data from these surveys will assist me in designing advertising campaigns for next year and beyond. Knowing our target audience(s), will bring better value to the advertising dollars spent to market our area. For those that don’t know what we do at the CVB, we apply for and receive an annual grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to market Galesburg and Knox County beyond a fifty mile radius. In addition, through the Chamber, we have an agreement with the City of Galesburg to receive 2% of the hotel/motel tax to market Galesburg. With these funds we craft advertising campaigns all across Illinois and the US. In addition, we have an up-to-date website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and a blog. We have billboards in Marion & Sangamon Counties. Our ad campaigns are a mix of print, tv, radio as well as a subscription news letter from our website. Our Welcome Center is filled with local, regional and
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URGENT
We need your positive stories about Galesburg. All you need to do is record a video using your camera or even your phone. Answer this question: “What do I love about Galesburg?” We are going to turn the naysayers on their ear. The past is the past. We want to hear about Galesburg NOW. What do you love about Galesburg today? This a wonderful community filled with a lot of great stories. Share your story with us and we will post it to Our YouTube site. No negative stories. This is about local pride. So, make a video and show us your pride! Our up-to-date website also allows you, the visitor, to submit events to our calendar. Surf to visitgalesburg. com and add your event to our calendar. Once it is approved by our staff it will be listed. If you haven’t visited our website and social media, please do. Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/gacvb. Please “like” the page. Twitter is https://twitter.com/ GalesburgCVB. Please “follow” the page. Instagram and Youtube are a work in progress. Youtube videos are posted on our website. As a final note, we will be planting flowers to beautify our welcome center. The Big Blue Chair has a fresh coat of paint and is ready for your family pictures. Take your photos and submit them to us visitor@ visitgalesburg.com. We will post the pictures on our website. Bill Morris Executive Director, Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau bmorris@visitgalesburg. com
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“ I attended the Chamber’s Lunch Seminar “Hot Topics in Employment Law” and found it to have extremely valuable information that all employers in our area should be aware of. The presenter, Catherine Hughes enlightened us on new government audit efforts and ways that we can make sure we are in compliance to alleviate receiving fines for incomplete and inaccurate information. Being a small business it makes it difficult for us to keep up on current law. I so much appreciate the Chamber offering this chance to become aware of things we may not have otherwise had the opportunity to know. “ Denise Conway Galesburg Wellness Center
NEED EXTRA CASH? WANT TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR FULL-TIME JOB, SCHOOL, OR RETIREMENT? Bridgeway has Temporary Data Entry Operator positions available in Galesburg and Macomb thru June 30, 2014. APPLY NOW FOR THIS SHORT-TERM POSITION • Seeking diverse applicants • 1st & 2nd shifts • Full-time or Part-time • Monday through Friday, with weekend shifts available • Salary range dependent on key stroke per hour rate • Ability to type 50 words per minute (wpm) using key board & 10 key pad Must pass background checks. Priority is given to
individuals with disabilities/veteran status. Application available online at www.bway.org at the “Employment” link, or may be picked up at Bridgeway, 2323 Windish Dr., Galesburg, IL 61401 or Bridgeway, 900 S. Deer Rd., Macomb, IL 61455. AA/EOE
2014 United Way of Knox County Day of Caring Saturday, May 17th
County.
Join us for our annual Day of Caring! We have 4 projects selected that need volunteers, each one for a United Way Agency or to benefit the residents and guests of Knox
We will start the day at 7:00 AM with check-in next to the KCCDD parking lot at 2015 Windish Drive in Galesburg. All volunteers are asked to meet at this one central check in point to sign in, pick up their t-shirt and get directions to where their project is located. Cars may be left in the KCCDD parking lot,
so that volunteers may carpool. We also plan to provide volunteers with breakfast. What breakfast consists of… well, I’m not sure yet, but we’ll at least have donuts! At 7:45 AM, we will be taking a group photograph with as many of the volunteers as possible. Once that is done, we’ll be sending you on your way to the project locations. For questions or directions, please contact the United Way of Knox County office at (309)343-4434. To check out our 2014 projects and to sign up, click here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E05 45AAAD28A13-2014/3888688
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Journeying Through Grief “Journeying Through Grief” is a six-week grief support journey. It is designed for people who have suffered a loss and are in need of support. The sessions will be facilitated by Chaplain Vince Marolla, Beacon of Hope Hospice. Chaplain Vince has served in hospice since 2000 and brings a wealth of experience to leading this type of group. Sessions will be held:
Mondays, May 12, 19 and June 2, 9, 16, 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at First Lutheran Church 364 East Water Street, Galesburg
If you would like more information or would like to participate, please contact Beacon of Hope Hospice at (309) 344-4673. Sponsored by:
1070 West Freemont Galesburg, Il 61401 (309) 343-2102
364 East Water Street Galesburg, IL 61401 (309) 343-3176
102 East Main Street Galesburg, IL 61401 (309) 344-4673
NEWS RELEASE
6 Executive Drive : Collinsville IL 62234 : AmerenIllinois.com Twitter : @amerenillinois
Media contacts: Stacey Shangraw 309-677-5073 sstockton-shangraw@ameren.com
Brian Bretsch 618-343-8087 bbretsch@ameren.com
Marcelyn Love 217-535-5116 mlove@ameren.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ameren Illinois Invites Business and Non-Profit Customers to “Get in the Game” St. Louis Cardinals VP keynotes at 5th annual Energy Efficiency Business Symposiums
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (March 19, 2014) – Hundreds of business owners, non-profit representatives, municipal th officials and vendors are expected to participate in Ameren Illinois’ 5 annual ActOnEnergy® Business Symposiums on Tues, June 3 in Collinsville and Wed, June 4 in East Peoria. The events are free and open to any Ameren Illinois business customer. The award-winning event offers a “one-stop shop” for learning how to take advantage of energy efficiency rebates and incentives that will make your business more competitive and profitable. During the symposium, you will also learn about the latest energy efficiency trends, network with trusted contractors, gain access to new clients and network with business peers. This year’s baseball theme encourages customers to get in the energy efficiency game and learn how to score real energy savings in their facility. In addition to engaging breakout sessions on a variety of topics, the events will feature a keynote address from Joe Abernathy, vice-president of Stadium Operations for the St. Louis Cardinals. Abernathy is responsible for the day-to-day facility operations and game-day event management activities at the 42,500seat Busch Stadium. Under his leadership, the Cardinals embarked on a new sustainability plan, “4 a Greener Game,” and have reduced solid waste by 30%, energy use by 20%, and water use by 10% in the ballpark. “The business symposiums are a valuable tool for customers new to energy efficiency as well as those who want to dive deeper into emerging technologies and applications. It’s a tremendous opportunity to learn about ways they can reduce their energy consumption and improve their bottom line,” said Keith Martin, director of energy efficiency for Ameren Illinois. Participants at this year's event will:
Be the first to learn about the newest program offerings and incentives to move projects forward. Attend in-depth breakout sessions on the latest energy efficiency technologies and applications, such as selecting the right compressed air solutions and the benefits of LED lighting. Other session topics include how to get started with Ameren Illinois’ energy efficiency programs and securing funding for your project. Meet ActOnEnergy Program Allies, trusted contractors who can implement energy efficiency projects Earn Continuing Education Units
Those who participate will also receive a 15% bonus coupon potentially worth thousands in additional incentive dollars. On average, businesses who have redeemed their 15% coupons have received $5,200 in bonus payouts. Page 1 of 2
! n r o H n w O r u Toot Yo The Discovery Depot Children’s Museum has many marvelous May offerings that you don’t want to miss!
Also, check out our new & amazing discoverydepot.org
website!
Ribbon Cuttings
Lotus Center for Healing & Wellness gathered with Galesburg Chamber Associates in recognition of the newly opened facility at 1950 North Henderson Street, Galesburg IL. Lotus Yoga offers space to retreat and unwind in an atmosphere that promotes healing and growth through yoga, holistic and organic products. If you would like to visit or attend a class, call 309-335-5499 or e-mail: lotus.yoga2014@ gmail.com. More information is available on their website www.lotus-yoga.org.
(Pictured L to R: Chamber Board Members Tom McIntire & Don Shadensack, Ambassadors Lance Oetting & Bob Juraco, instructor & therapist Shana Simmons, Owner & instructor Rob Steinert and Chamber Exec. Director Steve Brody, Ambassadors Chris Ryner and Theresa Mangieri)
(Pictured L. to R.: Real Estate Agents: Diana Hallstrom (red top), Jackie Turner, Owner Rob Fick, office assistant Angela Larkins, President Lynsey Engels (with scissors), Agent Chuck Ross, Stacey Carlson Agent Bonnie Cox, Emma and Agent Sara Varner.)
Mel Foster Co. Real Estate recently relocated their office to 250 E. Main St., Suite 110 in downtown Galesburg, IL. Many clients and Chamber Board and Ambassador Corps representatives joined Mel Foster Representatives in celebrating the move and newly remodeled office featuring the new style of office design. Mel Foster Co. has many offices throughout Illinois and Iowa assisting with residential and commercial properties. For additional information, visit their website at www.
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The Galesburg Farmer's Market will be held every Saturday from 8 am - 12 pm noon on Simmons and Kellogg Streets in downtown Galesburg. Look for the signs! There is something for everyone! From honey to knife sharpening. The market features locally grown produce, baked goods, flowers, plants and craft items. They accept LINK and WIC coupons for Young Mothers and Seniors. Vendors: Please call Kathy Bennett at 309-368-1750 to participate. Cost is $15 per week or $150 for the season. (Every Saturday May 3rd through November 1st) When Sat May 3, 2014 8am – 12pm Central Time Where Simmons & Kellogg Streets in Galesburg, IL Sponsored by: Galesburg Business Association
F&M BANK Business After Hours
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