Third Quarter 2014
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Bill Lawrence Chairman of the Board On the Cover: STROKER Golf Classic
I’m half way through my term as the Chairman of the Board for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and I still can’t get over the amount of work that is required to operate a successful membership-centered organization. The Chamber recently released its 2013 Annual Report which offers a very brief overview of the programs and services offered. Scanning the pages, it’s incredible to see all of the things that the organization not only engages in, but excels at. Supported by a strong membership base, solid financial footing and a mission focused on its members I truly believe that the McLean County Chamber of Commerce has established itself as an indispensable resource our local businesses need – and it appears I’m not the only person who feels this way. In early June the McLean County Chamber of Commerce was notified that it is a finalist for the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber of the Year Award! More than 40 chambers of commerce throughout the country submitted applications for this prestigious award and our Chamber has been selected as one of three finalists. Presented at the ACCE’s 100th Anniversary Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Chamber of the Year Award recognizes a chamber of commerce for excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership. Please join me in congratulating the entire staff at the Chamber on this fantastic accomplishment. I couldn’t be more proud to be a member of such a fine organization and I’m elated that they’re being recognized on a national level for their dedication to the McLean County business community.
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Certified Work Ready Community M C L E A N
C O U N T Y
DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT “McLean County is the only county in Illinois and one of just 16 in the nation selected to participate in a two-year pilot project with ACT’s Certified Work Ready Communities (CWRC) program,” says Gary Niehaus, former superintendent of Unit 5 schools and chair of the McLean County Community Compact. The McLean County CWRC project is a partnership between ACT, Inc. and the McLean County Community Compact, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, McLean County Unit 5, Regional Office of Education 17, and Heartland Community College.
Former McLean County Unit 5 Superintendent Gary Niehaus speaks to the benefits of becoming a Certified Work Ready Community
By participating in the CWRC initiative, McLean County will be able to both identify workforce skill gaps and quantify the skill level of our workforce. This will enable educators to build career pathways aligned to the needs of business and industry and help our community stand out and be recognized for our workforce development efforts. A strong workforce with thriving individuals and industries is a tremendous economic development advantage.
Central to the CWRC pilot is adoption of the ACT® National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) on a county-wide scale. McLean County’s participation in the CWRC pilot will prove advantageous to individuals, businesses and economic development organizations. The certification program offers opportunities to improve workforce readiness, prepare workers of all ages and stages for the jobs that will bring them long-term success, and provide employers with assurance that McLean County will be able to supply the well-trained workers they need now and in the future. “The NCRC ranks essential work readiness skills and performance in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information,” says Charlie Moore, President and CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. “This credential helps a business understand an individual’s ability to process knowledge for workplace success. It is a reliable tool to help employers make better hiring decisions, resulting in reduced training time, lower turnover and higher productivity.” For details on how utilizing NCRC can benefit your organization the McLean County COMPACT will be hosting several informational meetings throughout the community during the summer months. The first meeting will take place July 23 from 8am-9am at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, located at 2203 E Empire Street, Bloomington. Additional information can also be found by visiting www.communitycompact.org or www.act.org.
A GOLF BALL IN A PEAR TREE Make plans to join us for the 2014 STROKER Golf Classic, Monday, July 21. This year’s “holiday” themed outing is a great way to get to know your fellow Chamber members at the best conference room available: the golf course!
CHAMBER GOES GREEN The McLean County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) and recently completed the Green Business Certification Program. With the assistance of the IGBA, the Chamber has implemented several new green management practices organization-wide, becoming an IGBA Certified Green Business.
The Joe’s Station House and Pizza Pub Foursome strike a pose before teeing off at the STROKER.
The 2014 STROKER Golfer’s Package includes green fees, cart fees, use of the driving range with range balls, an event golf towel and drink cooler, a sleeve of new golf balls, drink tickets, an Avanti’s boxed lunch and a steak dinner prepared by Alexander’s Steak House. A “steak dinner only” option is also available for members who prefer not to golf.
The Illinois Green Business Association is a non-profit organization committed to improving sustainable practices in Illinois businesses through education and engagement. Visit www.illinoisgba.org to learn more.
Chamber Finance and Operations Manager, Scott P Heape, CPA, accepts the Green Business Certificate from the IGBA.
Register your foursome today at mcleancochamber.org!
FACEBOOK COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE TO KEYNOTE @ MIDWEST CONFERENCE This year’s keynote speaker for @Midwest will be Joe Benarroch, Corporate Communications, International, Facebook. Joe has had a diverse career in marketing communications and public relations. He began his career at Leo Burnett Joe Benarroch USA where he served as point Corporate Communications of contact for the Pentagon’s International, Facebook Department of U.S. Army Public Affairs. Prior to joining the Facebook team Joe was global director of corporate affairs for the Interpublic Group. Joe graduated from Illinois State University and holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business. This year @Midwest will be held on September 11 and 12 at Heartland Community College. The new autumn date is in response to feedback from attendees and other constituents. The two-day format will return, featuring a first day with hands-on workshop sessions followed by a day of traditional lecture-style sessions. For more information about @Midwest check out the conference’s website www.atmidwest.com.
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NEW FACE ON THE CHAMBER TEAM Cynthia (Cindy) Smith joins the McLean County Chamber of Commerce as our new Membership Services Manager. Cindy’s role at the Chamber focuses on the coordination of programs and activities that foster stronger relationships within the Chamber Cindy Smith membership, including special Membership Services Manager organized functions, member education events, and professional development courses.
ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESS IN SPRINGFIELD AND WASHINGTON Two events played a key role in the McLean County Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy efforts this quarter. CIRCLE Trip to Springfield On April 30th the Chamber participated in the CIRCLE Lobby Day in Springfield. CIRCLE is an 18 member organization targeting legislative issues at the state level. The Lobby Day focused on a legislative agenda addressing 2014 CIRCLE positions against the minimum wage increase, not allowing the 2011 temporary income tax to become permanent and workers compensation reform.
Cindy earned her undergraduate degree from Ottawa University (Kansas) and her Master’s Degree from the University of Kansas. “Rock Chalk Jayhawk!” Following graduate school Cindy worked for several health care institutions including OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, and also taught at her alma matter, Ottawa University.
Attendees gave testimony at a hearing with nine of our local legislators in the capitol building. Following the hearing the group proceeded to the National Federation of Independent Business and Illinois Chamber of Commerce Legislative Day which included an address by GOP Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner.
Cindy lives with her husband Marty and their three children Caleb (19), Rachel (17), and Gabriel (14) in Normal.
U.S. Chamber Small Business Summit In June the Chamber headed to Washington D.C. for the U.S. Chamber’s 10th Annual Small Business Summit. While in our nation’s capital our group held meetings with three congressional offices and both Illinois senators. A special thank you to Congressmen Schock, Davis and Kinzinger as well as Senators Durbin and Kirk for making themselves and their staff available to talk to our group about issues affecting McLean County, transportation and healthcare.
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Along with our legislative meetings, attendees also enjoyed fantastic seminars and speakers at the Small Business SumCongressman Aaron Schock stops for a photo with mit. Featured Scott Preston, Carl Olson and Bob Miller. speakers included General and Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, AOL founder Steve Case and political commentator Charlie Cook of the National Review.
Batteries Plus Bulbs
Body of Bloomington
Tony Roma’s Restaurant & Lounge
Four Seasons Health Club
Another Word For...
Behr Iron & Metal
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Snyder Real Estate
Beyond Normal
Boyle Dental
Curves
Dos Primos
Massage Envy
Menold Construction & Restoration
Schlotzky’s Deli
Shear Logic
VISION BENEFIT PLAN NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH ECHI Quality group vision benefits are difficult for small and medium sized businesses to acquire. Now, thanks to a partnership with the Heartland Healthcare Coalition, Employers’ Coalition for Healthcare Inc. (ECHI) is now able to offer the highly regarded VSP Vision Care benefit plan to members of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. VSP Vision Care is the national leader in vision and eye care benefits offering vision insurance and plans for individuals and businesses. Employers recognize the significance of a quality vision care benefit as it increases employee satisfaction and retention. By enrolling in the VSP Vision Care plan through ECHI, employees will see: • Personalized Care. You’ll get quality care that focuses on your eyes and overall wellness. • Great Eyewear. From classic styles to the latest designer frames, you’ll find hundreds of options. • Choice of Providers. With open access to any eye care provider, you can see the one who’s right for you. • Lower out of pocket costs. Save on eye exams, frames and lenses. ECHI is excited to be able to offer this affordable benefit option. Please contact Brian Thede at 309-829-1185 or brian@getechi.com for additional information.
ECONOMIC DASHBOARD 1,224 Q2 Total Home Sales
54,317 Q2 Passengers Departing CIRA
$164,032 YTD Average Home Price
6.0%
Unemployment Rate (May14) B-N Metro
537.7 Q1 Retail Sales (millions)* *Q2 Numbers Unavailable at time of printing
2203 E Empire Street Bloomington, IL 61704 www.mcleancochamber.org
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