1000 W. Homer Adams Pkwy. Godfrey, IL 62035
618-463-0612
advantagenews.com
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Thank you for viewing the 20182019 Currents magazine!
Debbie Hagen
Editor
Fred Pollard
Designer
Missy Long
Writers
Melissa Meske • Fred Pollard
Frank Prager • Theo Tate
Danette Watt
Photographer
Andrew Dobson
Additional photography by Melissa Meske
Fred Pollard
Frank Prager
This publication serves as the RiverBend Growth Association’s opportunity to highlight people and places in our communities that comprise the Riverbend region of Southwestern Illinois. We hope you share this with others in the office where you picked it up, or, share with your houseguests on your coffee table at home. We have featured businesses that are members with compelling stories to tell and milestones that have been met. This year we have mixed in some of the significant events that have happened in our area that have drawn national attention!
After thousands of nominations and a fierce week of internet voting by people both in and outside the United States, the public chose Alton as the winner of a $500,000 revitalization from Deluxe Corporation that is featured in Season 3 of the Hulu TV series — Small Business Revolution-Main Street! Also, Alton was named one of the Top 10 Places to Live in the United States for Under $40,000 a Year by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), as well as Forbes magazine's Best Place to Retire in Illinois.
As the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for the Riverbend communities that we serve, we take great pride in our sense of community and the quality of educational systems and workforce. Recreational opportunities and natural beauty abound, from our biking and hiking trails, to the numerous parks and activities that the Confluence of the Mississippi and the Illinois rivers entails.
We continue to promote development opportunities to the site selectors that continually search the Midwest on behalf of their clients, while striving to develop and maintain programs and events that help our membership and communities.
Thank you for your interest in the Currents magazine which showcases the Riverbend communities!
We are proud to share it with visitors, residents and future residents alike!
Sincerely,
Medical Office Building B on the Alton Memorial Hospital campus doubled in size in 2018 with the opening of a 41,000-square-foot expansion.
The AMH cardiac cath lab team added more state-of-the-art equipment this year to better serve the community.
• The Women’s Health and Childbirth Center delivered more than 700 babies in 2017.
• AMH opened a 41,000-square-foot expansion of its Medical Office Building B in 2018. SIHF Healthcare has relocated three of its Alton health centers to take up the entire second floor (Suite 210) of the new part of the building, which has an address of 4 Memorial Drive in Alton.
• Pediatric Healthcare Unlimited, Alton OB/GYN Associates and BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology have also moved offices into the expansion, which also includes an outpatient lab.
• The AMH cardiac cath lab has undergone a remodeling that includes state-of-the-art equipment to assure patients they are receiving the best heart care possible.
• AMH recently purchased and put into service the Impella PVAD (Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device). Percutaneous means using a catheter to place a stent to keep blood vessels open.
Since 1937, Alton Memorial Hospital has cared for countless people in Alton and the surrounding communities.
Today, AMH is a full-service, acute-care hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission with approximately 900 employees, more than 200 physicians and 138 staffed beds serving patients in a fivecounty area.
Alton Memorial offers patients a variety of inpatient and outpatient services, including surgery services, medical imaging, interventional and diagnostic heart services, cancer care, digestive health services, physical therapy, rehabilitation, 24-hour emergency care, and ambulance services.
To underscore the hospital’s trust from the public, Alton Memorial won two prestigious honors at the 2018 PRC (Professional Research Consultants) National Excellence in Healthcare Conference. The Human Motion Institute won its 11th consecutive PRC 5-Star Award for its Outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy services. A four-star award went to the Emergency Department.
Since 1993, Alton Memorial has been a member of BJC HealthCare, one of the nation’s largest health care organizations.
Established by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George and now sponsored by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has been rooted in the greater Alton community for 93 years with the goal of transforming health care to improve the lives of those served by providing quality care that is affordable, leads to the best patient experience and impacts the overall health of the community.
OSF Saint Anthony’s is recognized by The Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American
Stroke Association, with an Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers, meeting critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.
The OSF Saint Anthony’s campus, near College Avenue and U.S. 67, features emergency services, stateof-the-art surgical suites, a gastrointestinal center, medical and surgical units, cardiology services, neurology, pulmonology, pain management, and advanced diagnostic and imaging technology.
osfsaintanthonys.org
OSF Saint Anthony’s has added telehealth services to the ICU and pharmacy, allowing patients’ conditions and medications to be monitored remotely. With OSF MyChart, patients can schedule appointments, request
A new OSF HealthCare cancer center will open in 2019. For now, the Cancer Center of Excellence — the only cancer facility in the area to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer — is located on the OSF Saint
The OSF HealthCare Medical Group has a team of over 30 health care providers. The OSF PromptCare and primary care offices at 6702 Godfrey Road in Godfrey is able to help with non-life threatening illnesses.
prescription refills, review their health history and more online. For non-emergency care, OSF OnCall provides virtual treatment options to residents of the Riverbend — no matter when they need it, with health care professionals available 24/7.
Clare’s campus at 915 E. 5th St., Alton. The specialists in medical oncology and hematology at OSF Saint Anthony’s Cancer Center treat patients with anemia, leukemia, lymphomas and bleeding disorders, as well as benign and malignant tumors/masses.
OSF HomeCare offers home health and hospice services, administered by a trained multidisciplinary team of clinicians, to patients who are home-bound as well.
15,000 40+ 19.7% 200,000+
degree and certificate programs
credit and non-credit students
$369.4
million economic impact, which represents 4.7% of the region’s GDP (EMSI)
rate of return for graduates, who earn $5.70 in higher earnings for every $1 invested in an L&C education (EMSI)
visitors annually
• Godfrey Campus
• N.O. Nelson Campus (Edwardsville)
• Scott Bibb Center (Alton)
• Bethalto Training Center
• Macoupin County Community Education Center (Carlinville)
• Tri County Community Education Center (Jerseyville)
• National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (East Alton)
• Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities (Edwardsville)
DISTRICT 536 serves 220,000 people in parts of 7 counties: Madison, Jersey, Macoupin, Greene, Calhoun, Scott & Morgan
FOUNDED IN 1970 on the former campus of Monticello College (est. 1838)
Offering a full range of behavioral health services to people of all ages
2615 Edwards Street | Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-2331 | centerstone.org
lc.edu/discover
“Our path over the years has changed but the vision of our founders
not.
strive
provide safe, delicious and unique meat products with the Highest Quality and Customer Service. We want to make lifelong customers out of everyone who walks into our stores.”
“This is the greatest opportunity,” says Christine Corby, Office Manager of MBU’s Regional Learning Center on the Campus of Lewis & Clark Community College (LCCC). “To get to know the students and help them pursue and achieve their educational goals is rewarding to me.”
MBU offers undergraduate degrees on the LCCC campus. MBU delivers classes to the Godfrey campus, meeting the needs of the students where they are.
MBU also empowers their students academically and financially. Students can earn an associate degree with LCCC and bridge over to MBU to earn a bachelor degree with maximum transfer credit. Likewise, attending MBU is financially smart as students pay the lower LCCC tuition rate for up to 3 years of their bachelor program.
take that savings and earn their master’s degree.”
Graduate programs such as the Master of Business Administration, a 36 semester hour program designed for continuing students and business professionals active in all disciplines, are prime for this opportunity.
The fourth year, students are granted a 59 percent tuition reduction from the main campus tuition schedule.
“Our students can graduate with a bachelor degree from a private university at close to community college rates via this program,” says Dr. Loftin C. Woodiel, Dean. “Many of our students even
“Our location offers the special opportunity of a solid classroom education without traveling long distances each week, relocating or leaving your area employer. Pursuing your degree regionally with Missouri Baptist University is convenient, accessible and tailor-made to our Illinois lifestyle,” says Dr. Woodiel. You’ve started the race, now “finish strong.”
mobap.edu/lccc
EDWARDSVILLE
SIUE is a nationally recognized university that awards undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in the arts, sciences, nursing, education, health, human behavior, business, engineering, pharmacy and dental medicine.
Fastest growing public university in Illinois over the last 20 years (Illinois Board of Higher Education)
NCAA Division I member of the Ohio Valley Conference, and the Mid-American Conference as affiliate members in men’s soccer and wrestling
Located in Alton, the School of Dental Medicine is a vital oral health care provider for the region
siue.edu
2,660
-acre campus is home to nearly 14,000 students
96%
of SIUE students surveyed report securing a job within one year of graduation
#11
in the nation among safest college campuses, National Council for Home Safety and Security
#2
among all Illinois and Missouri public institutions for lowest student loan debt, LendEDU
consecutive years named in Best Regional Universities Midwest, U.S. News & World Report
3
14 consecutive years awarded Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, INSIGHTInto Diversity
The private, coeducational campus was designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993.
Approximately 60% of all students study in another country or participate in a field program somewhere in the U.S. Recent trips include Trinidad, France, Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, England, Peru, India, Ireland, Croatia, Malta, Finland, and Nepal.
New York Times foreign correspondent Rukmini Callimachi spoke on terrorism in fall 2017.
With a race team that includes members from a wide range of majors, Principia frequently places ahead of teams from renowned engineering schools.
In 2017–2018, the team once again took first place in Team Advocacy in the International Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament. They also won the H.C. Ellis Spirit of Mediation Award for best exemplifying the spirit and principles of mediation practice. The Model Illinois Government and Moot Court teams compete successfully as well.
principia.edu
Our family has been serving this community with all phases of funeral service since 1935. Be assured our standards of dignity and service with quality, competitively priced merchandise continues. 2409
Alton CUSD 11 altonschools.org • 618-474-2600
Bethalto CUSD 8 bethalto.org • 618-377-7200
East Alton SD 13 easd13.org • 618-433-2051
East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14 eawr.org • 618-254-3151
Jersey CUSD 100 jersey100.org • 618-498-5561
Roxana CUSD 1 roxanaschools.org • 618-254-7544
Wood River-Hartford SD 15 wrh15.org • 618-254-0607
Marquette Catholic High School, Alton marquettecatholic.org • 618-463-0580
Mississippi Valley Christian School, Alton mvcs-il.org • 618-462-1071
St. Mary’s Catholic School, Alton stmarysalton.com/school
618-465-8523 elementary
618-465-9719 middle
Illinois College, Jacksonville ic.edu • 217-245-3000
Kaskaskia College, Centralia kaskaskia.edu • 618-545-3000
Lewis & Clark Community College, Godfrey, Edwardsville lc.edu • 800-YES-LCCC
Lindenwood University, Belleville lindenwood.edu/belleville • 618-239-6000
McKendree University, Lebanon mckendree.edu • 800-BEARCAT
Missouri Baptist University at Lewis & Clark, Godfrey mobap.edu/lccc • 618-468-2621
Principia College, Elsah principiacollege.edu • 618-374-2131
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School, Alton ssppsch.com • 618-465-8711
Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Bethalto olqpbethalto.org • 618-377-6401
Zion Lutheran School, Bethalto zlsbethalto.org • 618-377-5507
Evangelical Schools, Godfrey evangelical-school.org • 618-466-1599
Children’s Tribe, A Montessori Academy, Godfrey childrenstribe.org • 618-466-0399
Montessori Children’s House, Godfrey mchgodfrey.org • 618-467-2333
St. Ambrose Catholic School, Godfrey stambrosegodfrey.org • 618-466-4216
Bethel Christian Academy, South Roxana bethelfwbsroxana.org/BCA • 618-254-0188
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville siue.edu • 800-447-SIUE
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Alton siue.edu/dental • 618-474-7170
Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, Granite City, Red Bud swic.edu • 618-235-2700
Fontbonne University, St. Louis fontbonne.edu • 800-205-5862
Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis hssu.edu • 314-340-3366
Lindenwood University, St. Charles lindenwood.edu • 636-949-2000
Maryville University, St. Louis maryville.edu • 314-529-9300
Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis mobap.edu • 314-434-1115
Ranken Technical College, St. Louis ranken.edu • 866-4-RANKEN
Saint Louis University, St. Louis slu.edu • 800-758-3678
University of Missouri – St. Louis, St. Louis umsl.edu • 314-516-5000
Washington University, St. Louis wustl.edu • 314-935-5000
Webster University, Webster Groves webster.edu • 800-981-9801
*PARCC - Partnership for Assessment Readiness for College and Careers **DLM-AA - Dynamic Learning Maps - Alternative AssessmentAnervous and excited second-grader wiggles in her seat, getting comfortable as she begins to read to a new friend about magical dragons, sibling squabbles, or maybe even the first day of school.
The Reach Out and Read (ROAR) program was piloted during the 2014-15 school year for second-graders at one local elementary school as an experiment to see if student reading would improve.
Within six weeks, the other schools were asking how to get involved.
So, what does being a ROAR volunteer involve?
“For 45 minutes before the school day begins, students wait in a collective area for the opportunity to read to the community volunteers who come in to the school,” Alton School District Curriculum Coordinator Elaine Kane says. “The students are practicing their reading, and the community volunteers are giving them positive support. Volunteers read with one student at a time”
2017’s program made notable impacts on students’ reading levels. First-grade students saw a 17 percent growth in the number of those reading at or above grade level by year’s end, rising to 63 percent from 46 percent. In second grade, there was a 12 percent growth in those numbers, a jump from 62 percent at the beginning of the year to 74 percent by its end.
Community volunteers, as listeners, provide individual attention and encouragement. They also help with difficult words and talk about the story, and they sign the students’ reading logs.
And word is spreading.
The ROAR program was the springboard for Jersey School District 100’s recently implemented Sit Together and Read (S.T.A.R.) initiative.
“During my personal experience with ROAR, I observed several key points among student participants — improved reading fluency and decoding skills, greater self-confidence and sense of accomplishment, as well as a heightened interest in reading and learning overall,” retired educator Sherry Droste says.
Implemented in January 2018, S.T.A.R. is coordinated by Jerseyville East Elementary principal Kim Anderson, along with a teacher serving as facilitator for 30 minutes each morning. East second-graders are offered the chance to participate, and they have approximately 150 students doing so.
“The program is a winwin situation for everyone involved,” Anderson said. “Students get the chance to read to an adult and build relationships with local volunteers. S.T.A.R. is a flexible volunteer opportunity that supports literacy and helps make a difference in the lives of children in our community.”
The local area is currently experiencing a surge in new business ideas and burgeoning entrepreneurs — something that would not be possible without the solid infrastructure of seasoned business leaders, laying the groundwork with strong work ethics and a never-say-die attitude. As our region continues to grow and benefit as a result, the RiverBend Growth Association would like to honor and spotlight a few of our ambitious mainstays ... as well as some of our budding leaders of tomorrow.
Continued through page 29
IT IS A GREAT WAY TO GIVE YOUR TIME AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE, A LASTING IMPRESSION. TRY IT ONCE AND YOU WILL BE HOOKED.
Centerstone, a nonprofit organization, is one of the nation’s largest behavioral health care providers. Each year, the organization serves more than 142,000 people of all ages across Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Centerstone’s Alton location is gearing up to mark its 60th anniversary. With the metamorphosis to its new building in 2010, its local center stands where the parking lot of a former area church once provided a safe spot for those seeking guidance and help; today, that site continues to provide a safety net.
Anne Tyree, chief administrative officer, has been with the organization for 16 years.
“(The new structure) was very much a necessity,” she says.
Tyree says the service organization’s first location opened in 1959 at 2330 College Ave.
“We really started working back then
with those with mental and behavioral health needs, in moving them out of institutions and back into the community.”
Other noteworthy dates included 1966 legislation that created local mental health boards as well as Centerstone’s first funding source, a 24-hour crisis line established in 1973, and the addition of services for youths in 1976.
The center offers a full suite of outpatient mental health and addiction services, including mental health and addiction counseling as well as physician services.
In 2017, Centerstone Alton provided 1,650 crisis intervention services to 929 adults in Southern Illinois and the Metro East.
First known as the Community Counseling Center of Northern Madison County, the agency became known simply as Community Counseling Center in 1990. The name later evolved to include the WellSpring Resources and the H Group monikers before merging with Centerstone in 2015.
Centerstone Alton provides vital behavioral and mental health services to nine counties in Southern Illinois.
The Alton team includes primary care physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, case managers, health coaches, and peer support specialists.
Centerstone’s opioid treatment program at the Alton location has been operational now for more than 40 years.
Since 2005, Centerstone has also recognized its Community Champions, celebrating community leaders who work with Centerstone to make a difference for people with mental health and substance abuse disorders. With a total of 29 awards presented from this program’s inception to 2018, Tyree says this 60th anniversary is definitely a reason to celebrate.
“Alton Little Theater is so very proud to celebrate its 85th continuous season of live theater in the Riverbend community,” says Lee Cox, the theater’s marketing and development director.
Since its inception by founder Dorothy Colonius in 1933, Alton Little Theater has presented more than 500 productions from its stage.
Ready for a year-long party, they also pause for a moment to reflect.
“The theater only produced one play in 1934, with a loss that was covered by Dorothy herself,” Cox says.
Still at home at the Showplace along East Elm and North Henry streets, theater lovers have continued working diligently
for decades to keep Colonius’ dream alive.
Today, the theater is part of the thriving local creative industry, with five employees and a host of independent contractors producing at least eight plays and musicals annually along with at least five other concerts, comedy shows and regional tours. Classes take place at the theater several times throughout the year as well. The theater and its adjoining Dorothy Colonius Foyer sees near-constant use, with close to 2,000 attendees at each show.
“Kevin and I also work with our board to continue expanding programming and opportunities for a younger generation of performers,” Cox says about her role in partnership with ALT President Kevin Frakes.
Additionally, ALT produces “big” family-friendly summer showcase musicals, including off-site productions such as those at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater and projects coming through the Alton Visitor Center.
“Our actors perform on the Spirit of Peoria and as guests at other theaters, at restaurants, and in the Alton City Cemetery as part of the Living History Tours. And every year, we see more tour groups are coming to the ALT Showplace from St. Louis and the greater region.”
- Lee CoxThe 85th season brings with it six experienced directors, and a collaboration with Curtain’s Up Theater Company of Edwardsville for its season opener of “God’s Favorite” by Neil Simon. On its heels, Alton Little Theater restaged a revival of the everpopular “Always Patsy Cline” featuring Debbie Maneke and Cox.
Grateful to have the opportunity to work with playwrights from all over the country in bringing new works to audiences, Cox worked with the State of Illinois Theater Association to bring
a regional workshop for theater professionals to the Showplace in October.
Both Cox and Frakes said they hope to be a part of the theater’s 100th anniversary in 2034, and they are even more hopeful to see ALT in a new “state-of-the-arts” home in the near future.
“Meanwhile, managing the day-to-day
Every business experiences different phases, especially those fortunate to see success through several decades.
That has certainly been the case for Helmkamp Construction Co. in East Alton. Founded in 1938 by Gilbert Helmkamp, it has remained a local family business for 80 years.
A relationship-based general contractor working for private, professional, repeat buyers of construction, primarily in the industrial, power, manufacturing, health care, higher education, and pharmaceutical industries, Helmkamp provides self-performed general contracting services, including civil, millwright, concrete, carpentry, structural steel, and excavations.
In January, the company was acquired by its first non-family owner, a longtime employee and construction management graduate from SIUE, Rob Johnes. He joined Helmkamp in 1997 and was later promoted to president in 2012.
“Rob has always been the natural choice to adopt ownership of the business,” Brad Farrell says. “He will
carry forward Helmkamp’s tradition of quality, safety and focus on customer relationships.”
The company held an open house, themed Camp Helmkamp, in celebration of its 80th year. The event doubled as a retirement party, providing a memorable farewell to Brad Farrell. Past owners and presidents Byron Farrell and Jack Helmkamp attended, along with RiverBend Growth Association members, customers, and more.
Company ownership had been passed on to family members for decades. Gilbert Helmkamp’s son-in-law, Byron Farrell, a civil engineering graduate from Purdue University, joined the firm in 1961. Gilbert Helmkamp’s son, John Gilbert (also known as Jack) Helmkamp Jr., an industrial management graduate from Purdue University, joined the firm in 1971. Eventually Byron Farrell’s son, Brad, a construction engineering and management graduate from Purdue University in 1985, joined the firm in 1987. Brad Farrell led the company for 30 years until his retirement earlier this year.
“A family business doesn’t continue on its own,” Byron Farrell says. “It takes a leader. Brad has been a marvelous leader, and we’re proud of Rob and know he’ll take care of the business as well.”
Schiber Truck Company of Hartford has been in the transportation business since 1954. As the company accelerates through its 65th year, it continues to smoothly shift gears and meet the needs of a growing and thriving industry.
Bob Schiber founded Schiber Truck Company in Hartford in 1954 with $14 in his pocket, $100 worth of gas on credit and one customer. In 1994, the company’s founder retired and his children, Mike and Jan, took over at the helm. Jan retired in 1997, selling her part of the business to brother Mike and his wife, Cyndy. Mike’s son Rob came on board in 2009.
As a licensed special waste hauler, its trucks mostly move molten sulfur over the road. It began transporting molten sulfur out of Joliet for Mobil Oil Company in 1978, and one year later, Schiber was granted its first common carrier operating authority.
Today, the company operates in 38 states and is an industry-recognized leader in transporting hazardous waste and hazardous materials. In addition to its main location in Hartford, Schiber Truck has four other locations, providing service from coast to coast.
With 72 employees, including 62 drivers, the company has grown from driving just 25,000 miles a year to 8 million miles in the past few years.
The company stands out for driver longevity. Company President Neil McInnis says the average number of years drivers have been with the company is 40; 30 percent have been there for more than 10 years.
McInnis said the company will celebrate 65 years of success with its employees with a special program at a January 2019 annual dinner and dance.
“The most significant changes have been improvements in how we move the hazardous waste and materials we haul,” McInnis says, reflecting on industry changes over the past 6 1/2 decades.
Today, Schiber continues to provide transportation of molten sulfur from Amoco, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil as well as other refineries.
It is proud of its active involvement with Toys for Tots, donating the use of van trailers to the annual campaign each October through December since 2009 and supporting other Toys for Tots programs each year.
“We actively employ those in service, either active or retired,” McInnis says. “Many of our employees right now are in the Guard or Reserves.”
For a man who wasn’t going to go into the family business, Ryan Hansen has immersed himself in it since becoming president in 2014. He’s the third-generation owner of Hansen Meat Co., following in the footsteps of his dad, David, and his grandfather, Bill.
Bill “Good Buddy” Hansen started Hansen Packing Co. in 1952, processing meat for local families. David became president and sole owner in 2000 and continued to make 200-250 deliveries to meat distributors throughout Illinois.
Ryan’s post-college plans didn’t have anything to do with meat, but with a business degree in hand and with his dad’s encouragement to try a few ideas, Hansen, 37, joined the company in 2006. He immediately began planning for their first retail shop, 700 square feet on the south side of
the Jerseyville plant; it opened in May 2007. In 2012, the company expanded the plant to about 6,000 square feet that included a 1,700-square-foot new retail shop that opened May 2013 in its
The company hadn’t invested in technology and for reasons beyond the Hansens’ control, the distribution side of the business was dropping off. The company was relying on its current customers, so Hansen built on that.
Ryan Hansencurrent location at 807 State Highway 16.
“There have been a lot of challenges,” Hansen says.
Hansen rebranded the business as Hansen Meat Co. because he wanted the name to “symbolize high-quality meats.” He opened two more retail shops: one in Alton in 2015 and another in Edwardsville in 2017. All three locations carry many varieties of meat cuts, including their popular chicken kabobs, premium choice steaks and roasts, high-quality pork chops and pork steaks and, of course, their award-winning grand champion brats, with more than 25 flavor varieties.
Sales in December make up 25 percent of the company’s annual revenue, primarily of seasoned prime rib and H&B ham for the holidays. Products for summertime grilling are its other big revenue maker.
In 2014, Hansen bought H&B in Brighton, the first of two acquisitions he says will further set the company apart. With its acquisition, he says, he owns a brand instead of a commodity he’s trying to sell more of than his competitors.
The second acquisition came with the purchase of FireCreek Stix, which he created with partners in 2016. Hansen will rebrand the all-natural beef and pork product as FireCreek Snacks.
“FireCreek adds to my portfolio of brands and gives me an opportunity to sell across many outlets including wholesale, fundraising, private label and online retail,” he says.
Hansen Meat Co. has a strong, decadesold reputation for quality meats, one that is sure to continue for many more years under Hansen’s direction.
WE DECIDED TO TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME AND RETURN TO A BUTCHER SHOP MODEL OF THE RETAIL SIDE OF THE BUSINESS.
The rebirth of the Alton economic environment is being driven by businesses bringing fresh, innovative approaches in providing products and customer service.
Germania Brew Haus, a combination coffeehouse and craft beer selfpour taproom, is exemplifying this creative approach.
Ben Brynildsen manages the business. An extensive background in business management, along with a friendly, professional approach to customer service, made him the ideal fit for the position.
“Revitalization of the Alton business environment is a key focus for us,” he says. “We use local businesses for many of our supplies, and many of the tap beers are from local breweries.”
Owners Jared and Carolyn Brynildsen have both a hometown connection to Alton and a broad exposure to business models they have seen around the world. Jared grew up in Alton and graduated from Alton High School. Carolyn is from Troy.
As career military officers they have traveled the world, stationed in locations such as Germany, Afghanistan, Japan and currently Hawaii. Their exposure to various business approaches and styles of operation led them to open Germania Brew Haus in June 2017.
Ben, Jared’s brother, was excited to
become a part of such an innovative endeavor.
“When Jared and Carolyn decided to start the business, I moved to Hawaii, living with them for four months to work with them on the planning,” he says.
While there, he also trained as a barista and a bartender in preparation for running the business.
Occupying the ornate and stylish Germania Bank building, Germania
Brew Haus offers what Ben describes as a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. The business offers both coffeehouse drinks as well as craft beers in a clean, spacious, comfortable setting.
Germania Brew Haus serves 16 craft beers through an RFID (radio-frequency identification) system, which allows customers to use a wristband to pour as many ounces of whatever tap beer they prefer. Brynildsen says Jared and Carolyn got the idea for the system from a similar operation in Hawaii.
The operation provides a business model and customer experience unlike any other in the area.
“Craft coffee, craft beer and craft culture is our motto,” Brynildsen says. “Diversity of culture is something very important to us.”
They also offer an outdoor balcony as well as a conference room and a study.
Ben Brynildsen manages Germania Brew Haus in Alton.She was just 16 years old when she first began her professional career, with people telling her she’d never make it. Now 24, Megan Fairless continues to direct life’s scenes with a successfully framed focus as owner of Megyme Productions in Alton.
“I started working in film around 12 to 14 years old,” Fairless says. “I was just playing around with it, really. Then I met Michael Gebben of Gebbs Video. He ended up taking me under his wing and teaching me everything.” (She also credits the strong influence former Riverbend resident Shannon Bray had on her early entrepreneurial and skills development.)
“I started my YouTube channel in 2009, and Megyme Productions has grown from there. I actually had the vision for my own business inside my head back in fifth grade.”
As a 2013 Alton High School graduate, Fairless jumped right into work after graduation.
“I think it’s important for people to realize that you don’t necessarily have to go to college to be successful,” she says. “Of course there are some career paths where a degree is very necessary, but there are also plenty where it’s not.”
Fairless is a self-proclaimed introvert, which made her path to entrepreneurship perhaps even more challenging. In fact, one of her biggest challenges early on was “getting past the social anxiety and just putting myself out there in the world. I’ve also always been a bit bossy and stubborn, which makes me better at leading a business.”
Among her career-building moments, Fairless had the opportunity to shoot the wedding of a Vogue model who was marrying a New York socialite. Their wedding happened to take place in a nearby rural Illinois community, and one of their wedding guests was actress Jennifer Aniston.
The Megyme Productions team provides video and photography services, and Fairless is fiercely thorough and undeniably creative in her approach. The main areas of focus include tourism, business, weddings and high school senior portraits.
And the future looks bright as she continues to document life, demonstrating a maturity beyond her years.
“Stay focused. Don’t give up. Keep assessing your surroundings, and adjust accordingly. Keep only those things in your circle that are good.” meganfairless.com
In less than an hour, Indira Hulker stopped a conversation seven times to wait on customers who dropped by her candy shop. Arriving in singles and pairs, many were repeat customers. Hulker greeted each one with the same measure of warmth and friendliness.
Named for her mother-in-law, Sherry Hulker, Sherry’s Snacks carries everything from chocolates to the kind of candy you might remember from your childhood, whether you’re 70 or 20.
“We’re making memories for people,” Hulker says when asked what makes Sherry’s Snacks so popular and busy. “Customers come in and talk about going to the candy store when they were growing up. We want kids and families (today) to create their own memories.
“Everyone who comes in deserves to be treated just like the next person,” she adds. “We try to make it as close to a hug as we can when they come in.”
Hulker, 40, and her husband, Kyle, are
local entrepreneurs. Kyle Hulker owns Alton Tattoo Co. on College Avenue. When the building on the corner of College and Washington avenues became available, Indira said the two asked themselves what Alton was missing.
“We thought of a little café, but there are tons of restaurants in the area. A bar? Neither of us drink,” Hulker says. “We realized Alton needed a place where a family could come in, whether it’s a family of 2 or 20.”
Hulker reviewed hundreds of candy surveys and relied on her own childhood memories to choose the candy to stock when they opened in July 2017. The sweet shop was set for four months and sold out in three days. Kyle Hulker had to make a run up to a supplier in Indiana, a routine Indira Hulker continues still.
candies, most of it — the taffy and candy in jars and bulk bins — sells for $8.99 a pound. Movie-goers can fill a ‘to-go’ box with taffy or any variety of candy from the bulk bins or jars for just $5. Gummy bears are their biggest sellers, with some people driving in from St. Louis for them.
“A lot of people come in from St. Louis. I think the Small Business Revolution has really helped.”
Indira HulkerHulker stresses they’re a candy store, but she does offer quick lunch options such as chili dogs and chili nachos. They recently went from a 4-bin case holding ice cream to an 8-bin case. Waffle cones are homemade and crunchy. "They’re very well-received.”
“People were patient, but I don’t want to say ‘no’ to them,” she says. “And I prefer buying smaller batches. I try to go for as fresh as I can, the highest quality.”
With the exception of a few
The Hulkers are very supportive of the community. Kyle Hulker grew up in Alton; Indira in Roxana.
WE’RE TRYING TO HELP GROW ALTON. AND WHEN THEY ASK 'WHY ALTON?' WE REPLY, 'WHY NOT?'
t could have been DNA that this young couple ended up as a dynamic
After all, James Rogalsky’s dad owns a medical firm, and Lauren Pattan’s mom has run a business of her own as far back as Lauren can recall. Those early influences certainly played a part in how this husband-and-wife team ended up brewing their own concoction that became The Old Bakery Beer
Pattan and Rogalsky, both 30, started their microbrewery, restaurant and event space inside what was once a Colonial Bakery
facility, established in the late 1800s. Pattan was 26 and Rogalsky was 27 when they started the business.
Rogalsky has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Missouri St. Louis. He also has his intensive brewing science and engineering certification from the American Brewers Guild. Pattan has a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s in environmental management, both from Webster University. Both grew up in Alton and were working together at Urban Chestnut when they started turning a dream to have their own place into their reality. As they move toward their fourth year of business ownership, Pattan and Rogalsky share some of the changes they have made as they continually fine-tune their operations.
“We have made changes in the brewery during these first years,” Pattan says. “Initially, we distributed just in Southern Illinois in addition to pouring in-house. We expanded distribution into St. Louis shortly after. Then, in February of 2018, we introduced our own canning
line. In May 2018, distribution expanded again, now reaching into the Kansas City market.”
“We have 17 different Old Bakery Beer Co. selections on draft here, and we have 5 beers out in the distribution markets at any given time,” Rogalsky says.
Old Bakery Beer Co. has an additional mark of recognition locally, seen as one of the catalysts that ultimately led to the city of Alton being chosen as the star of Deluxe Corporation’s Main Street: Small Business Revolution show for its third season. Season three premiered in October 2018, and the show features the Alton community and some of its small business venues throughout each episode.
“We first saw the show on Hulu around two days before
nomination applications were due for season three,” Pattan says. “We called on all our family and friends to submit nominations for Alton to be the community they would come in and work with for the show’s next season. It was the nomination submitted by our head brewer that ultimately got a response from show producers.”
Another development early on in their business venture helps keep them in check in their home life.
“Four weeks after we opened, we found out I was
pregnant,” Pattan says. “Our almost 3-year-old Murray dominates our lives now, before anything else.”
To other budding entrepreneurs out there, the couple offers practical and sage words of advice.
“Learn to use QuickBooks before you start needing to use it,” Pattan says, laughing. “But also know it’s OK to make mistakes. And always be genuine in whatever it is you are doing.”
To which Rogalsky adds, “Be patient — in everything. Don’t rush it.”
“We have a staff of 30 who all take pride in what they’re doing and in this place. We know we couldn’t do it without them. It’s like one big happy family here.”
- James RogalskyThe Old Bakery Beer Co. is near Alton’s riverfront and outdoor amphitheater in what was once known as Colonial Bakery in the late 1800s.
Musicians, singers and any individual or company seeking professional-level, topquality audio recording need look no further than Lighthouse Sounds in Alton. The full-feature recording studio offers a complete range of products and services positioned to provide everything from basic sound recording to final production, engineering and mastering for commercial products.
The business was started in 2016 by Jay “Hart” Stanley and Alex St. Cin. Stanley has worked for numerous commercial enterprises and was interested in starting a business of his own. St. Cin has a degree in audio engineering from Columbia Chicago and has played music since childhood. The two together bring technical and business expertise, placing Lighthouse Sounds on par with top recording studios in major cities.
Stanley explains sound
recording is a highly creative process and requires a different approach for almost every situation. “We deal with a wide range of talent,” he says. “Some people already know what they want when they come in, whereas others need help in getting the sound and final product they want.”
Lighthouse Sounds has a 2,800-square-foot facility designed for maximum acoustic quality. 13-foot acoustically designed ceilings are fully treated
with acoustic panels. The hardwood floor and original brick walls give the studio what Stanley and St. Cin characterize as “organic reverb.”
Isolation booths and sound production equipment provide everything needed for multi-tracking instruments or vocals.
Stanley says St. Cin’s electrical and audio expertise have allowed them to engineer facilities to provide perfectly clean recording with no unwanted
electrical noise bleed or acoustic reflection.
A control room offers what they describe as a perfect monitoring and mixing environment. Top-quality instruments, microphones, mixers, baffles and amplification equipment are available for customers’ use.
St. Cin explains what truly differentiates Lighthouse Sounds is its customized approach to every project.
“We can connect people with resources they might need for project elements above and beyond just sound recording,” he notes.
He explains many customers need help with video and production resources to produce not only audio recordings but also podcasts, radio and television advertisements, corporate videos and training or post-production voiceovers.
Lighthouse Sounds can also bring in studio musicians so solo artists can record demos without having to find and assemble complete ensembles.
Lighthouse Sounds was one of the winners in 2018 of the Small Business Revolution by Deluxe Corporation and is featured on the Hulu series on the city.
“Deluxe sent us to Memphis to meet with a high-end recording studio there,” St. Cin says. He explains that in addition to helping with logo redesign, website development and enhancements at the new studio, the resources Deluxe put them in contact with gave them good ideas for the business’ strategic direction.
“We can accommodate any customers from amateurs to advanced professionals requiring multiple elements of high-end professional production,” Stanley says.
The two emphasize the business’ ability to engage resources and customize any project to provide whatever a customer needs. Basic sound engineering is part of any project, but some customers need more in-depth production and Lighthouse Sounds can bring in those resources, they say.
The expanding business has purchased a new location at 626 E. Broadway, which is being remodeled. The new facility will allow them to expand to three studios and provide even more extensive resources for customers.
Plans call for relocation to the new facility before the end of the year.
The enthusiasm and excitement Stanley and St. Cin demonstrate when they talk about their business and the area is palpable.
“The talent in Alton and the surrounding area is phenomenal,” St. Cin says.
Stanley says the facility also offers St. Louis customers a recording alternative.
“We can provide any customer a completely turnkey experience,” St. Cin says.
lighthousesounds.com
115 Market St. • Alton • (618) 374-6365
Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed students inside their newly completed Weber Workforce Center in August 2018, in time for fall classes. The construction of the new building on the Godfrey Campus was made possible through a nearly $3.25 million gift from the estate of former Hartford resident Ed Weber.
The Weber Workforce Center immediately provided much-needed space for one of its largest workforce programs, welding technology, but will also allow the college the opportunity
to expand its other workforce programming.
The center is located on the northern part of the campus.
“The project is truly unique from the building design to the donation that was made for its purpose,” President Dale Chapman says.
The facility is a 16,000-square foot building with simulation technology capabilities throughout. As a LEEDcertified Silver building, it is efficient and sustainable.
With a 10-year lease that began in July 2018, the Boys and Girls Club of Alton has fast been adjusting to its new location at 2512 Amelia St., the site of the former Alton School District Motivational Achievement Center (MAC), also known as the James Education Center.
Relocating from its former home for more than 20 years at the Catholic Children’s Home to its new site over the summer, the club was excited to officially open the doors on its new home.
Wood River Police Department rendition
“The Catholic Children’s Home has been great to us,” Executive Director Al Womack says. “However, we have experienced a growth spurt starting about 10 years ago. We knew we needed to find our own facility.”
Renovations included a lobby redesign as well as a kitchen area and restroom remodel and expansion. There are dedicated areas for tutoring and counseling, life skills and career development, and for gaming and other children’s recreation. The basement was transformed into a dedicated teen space, and landscape enhancements included development of a garden.
As chief operating officer for OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center, Sister M. Anselma shared details of their project.
“Not often do we have the chance to literally build hope,” she says. “However, at OSF Saint Anthony’s Cancer Center, hope is what we are all about, and we are building hope in the form of a new cancer center on our main campus.”
Following a groundbreaking in June 2018, the new cancer center has an anticipated opening date in fall 2019.
The first thing patients will notice is not having to mingle with the parking and traffic of the hospital because access to the new facility is directly from Central Avenue.
“Steps away from their car, they will enter into a bright, open environment designed with the natural beauty of the Riverbend in mind,” Sister Anselma says. Whether for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, physician visits, labs, or CT, cancer patients will just walk in the front door and have access to all services within steps. The latest equipment in the industry has been incorporated, including a new CT and linear accelerator.
Thanks to a donation from BP Amoco of $7.8 million and roughly 7 acres of land, the city of Wood River will soon show off a new facility — a new home
for its police department — anticipated to be open for business in the first quarter of 2019. The construction of the new station at the intersection of South Sixth Street and Illinois 143 began in spring 2017.
Police Chief Brad Wells says one of the most significant impacts this 20,000-square-foot facility will have on his department is having all police operations under one roof.
“With our former facility, at just 2,000 square feet, we were having to operate
out of different sites. The new facility allows for us to house everything in one location,” Wells says.
Other key features of the new facility include a secure sally port entrance for prisoner transport and transfer and an on-site contained garage for evidence processing, stolen vehicle storage and more.
“There are also areas for supervisors, patrol officers and investigators to do their work, and it’s all under the same roof,” Wells says.
Boys & Girls Club of AltonKatie McBee is the one who came up the idea. What kind of game should she create for her Riverbend CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) group?
“We’re going to make a Monopoly board and go to local businesses to see if they would like to purchase a property square on the board, so that’s going to be really neat to see,” the Riverbend CEO facilitator said.
And that is how Riverbendopoly was born. McBee says she came up with the idea from a game called Alton Metropoly she once received as a birthday gift from her mother.
“I was playing it over the summer,” she says. “I realized that several of the businesses on there, I’m Facebook friends with the business owners. So I took a picture, posted it on Facebook and tagged those business owners with comments.”
The Riverbend CEO, in its third year, prepares high school seniors to be responsible individuals in the business world. McBee said the Riverbendopoly
game will help the CEO students gain knowledge about businesses, build relationships with local businesses and develop their business plans.
“We want to maintain all of the things the kids are learning and we want to continue to build on that,” she says.
The program has a board of directors that includes Chair Jane Saale, Vice-Chair Marc Voegele and Secretary/ Treasurer John Keller.
McBee has been the group’s facilitator since its inception in 2016. A 2007 Alton High School graduate, she works
as a business teacher at Marquette Catholic High School.
The students meet off campus every day, either on a field trip or at a host professional to learn about succeeding in the business world. The program is hosted by local businesses throughout the year and is funded by area investors.
“It’s a fun class,” Jacob Mellenthin says. “I enjoy it. I thought it would be difficult getting up early in the morning, but this class motivates me to get up early in the morning and learn about business.”
The CEO group will have Banker Day in March, when students will present their business plans to area bankers. The program’s trade show is scheduled for April.
Mackenzie Giertz said after a month, she has learned about being successful in the business world.
“It’s different, but I like the fact that when you’re with this class, you’re not treated like a high school student, you’re treated more as a young business professional,” the Alton High School senior says.
riverbendceo.com
You've heard of the RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA), but never joined.
We’ve got great activities and events; we are a great source of information and provide you with an extremely affordable way to promote your business.
The RBGA hosts networking breakfasts and lunches, ribbon-cuttings, business showcases, business after hours, Economic Issues luncheons and award a Small Business of the Month. We also hold annual events
including the Duck Race, Women’s Seminar, RiverBend Golf Classic, State of the RiverBend Luncheon, and the Annual Dinner Meeting.
In addition, the RBGA has a very vibrant Young Adults Committee made up of a junior and senior chosen from each of the five local high schools.
We continue to work with our area businesses on their legislative issues and we work with the local municipalities to grow our local economy. growthassociation.com (618) 467-2280
2 South Wesley Drive, East Alton IL 62024
618-259-6787 -and-
Alton businesses include the area’s major employers such as Argosy Casino and American Water. Alton Memorial Hospital and OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center both continue to improve their respective campuses. The local school district
The stop and start location for the St. Louis-to-Chicago high-speed rail, the $25 million Alton Regional Multi-Modal Transportation Center solidifies Alton as a transportation hub in the area and serves the residents of the St. Louis Metropolitan area north of Interstate 270. Development of the 35 acres surrounding the facility will bring new business opportunities and revenue growth to the City of Alton in the near future.
• Ranked by Forbes magazine as the "Best Place to Retire in Illinois"
• Ranked as one of AARP's "Best 10 Places to Live for Under $40,000 a Year"
is also a major employer, serving the residents of Alton, Godfrey and Foster Township. Along with these major employers, Alton has a plethora of small businesses working for the betterment and future of the city.
The Alton Fire Department now offers ambulance operations. This critical service allows fire department paramedics to provide uninterrupted patient care from bedside to emergency room.
Gordon Moore Park is home to a one-of-a-kind playground that is universally accessible and inclusive for children of all abilities, adult softball leagues, recreational baseball and softball teams ... all part of a $2.2 million renovation project.
Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater offers everything from community theater productions to food festivals to concerts by national acts, such as August’s Beach Boys performance.
Sixteen city parks comprise
more than 1,400 acres of ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds.
While consistently looking forward, Alton can also look back at a rich and cultured history. Monuments mark the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858, celebrate the life of Elijah Lovejoy, martyr of the freedom of the press who published a paper in Alton and was killed for his views; and show the stature of Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man who lived and was buried in Alton.
Alton was selected as the Season Three winner of
Deluxe Corporation’s Small Business Revolution in 2018. Six businesses, along with the city, were rewarded with a share of $500,000 for business upgrades, marketing and other services.
cityofaltonil.com
ALTON
26,022
Population (2018 estimate)
11,107 Average Household Size
38.04 Households
Median Age
2.3 Median Household Income
$89,581
$40,810 Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
The Village of Bethalto is located at the intersection of State Routes 140 and 111 and also sees Illinois Route 255 on its west side. Chartered as a village in 1869, today it has nearly 10,000 residents and will be celebrating its 150th anniversary.
This growing community is home to the St. Louis Regional Airport, a general aviation reliever airport averaging 80,000 operations a year. The airport’s complete Fixed Base Operator (FBO), West Star Aviation, has 425 employees and is constructing a new $5 million hangar.
The trail through the Bethalto Arboretum is the first phase of a villagewide trail system that will eventually connect to the Madison County Trail System.
The annual Labor Day Weekend Homecoming in Central Park was created more than 90 years ago to celebrate the return of military service members from World War I
and continues to thrive today.
Family Fun Day in September at Bryant Park is a familycentric afternoon consisting of bounce houses, children’s activities, music, food and more.
fields that provide a home to the Civic Memorial High School baseball and softball teams and Bethalto’s American Legion Baseball Team. New amenities include four parking lots and a concession/restroom building.
A newly renovated public library, Boys and Girls Club, new modern splash park, tennis and basketball courts, skate park, numerous parks and playgrounds, historical museum (with an original log cabin circa 1860 on site), and an arboretum with a new trail and lighting system.
9,500
Age 41.05 Households
3,943 Average Household Size
BETHALTO | CITY PROFILES
$135,014 40 GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM
$61,871 Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
The holiday season is highly celebrated with the Bethalto Spirit’s Victorian Christmas Walk and Concert, The Kiwanis Club’s breakfast with Santa, and Christmas Village in Central Park, which provides breathtaking displays, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and a Christmas train for the youngsters.
Bethalto’s sports complex consists of three soccer fields, a football field and nine baseball and softball
Southside Park houses four baseball fields and hosts Bethalto’s youth recreational baseball and football programs.
Available are a mix of new residential developments, including single-family homes and condominiums. Options for senior living include two newly constructed facilities, adding to the two existing communities and private condominiums.
bethalto.com
Located along the Mississippi River, East Alton provides prime access to Illinois Route 255 and Interstate 270 for both commerce and travel. Established in 1893, it covers approximately 5.7 square miles with a unique blend of residential, commercial and industrial properties, a short distance from many key educational facilities and businesses, including Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Lewis and
The new East Alton History Museum has opened and is being updated continually with new displays.
The East Alton American Legion Veterans Memorial Park is nearly finished, with final improvements to include a brick walkway honoring veterans leading up to the monument displaying Village residents killed in action.
Berkshire Boulevard has been improved with patching, asphalt overlay, and some sidewalk work. This improvement will use a 75 percent federal grant and a 25 percent Madison
County grant to pay for the construction.
Two of the largest employers in the region, Olin Corporation and Global Brass and Copper, located on the banks of the Mississippi River adjacent to Locks and Dam 26 along Illinois Route 3, continue to flourish, while two local family-owned businesses are celebrating a remarkable 100 years in the Village: Community Seed & Feed and Walter Hale Realty.
A hometown staple, Fischer Lumber Company, is a family-owned business providing building materials to the community for more than 75 years, while Sever's Market has served the community since 1953.
The redevelopment of Eastgate Plaza, under new local ownership, will strengthen the entire Route
3 Corridor. There are many opportunities for new businesses to locate into this high-traffic corridor (24,000 cars per day). Nearby Wilshire Shopping Center also has several ready to occupy spaces available alongside national tenants.
eastaltonvillage.org
6,301
Population
40.38
Median Age
2,528
Households
2.26
Average Household Size
$39,387
Median Household Income
$90,767
Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
Clark Community College, and St. Louis Regional Airport. EAST ALTON Artist's rendering of a redesigned Eastgate Plazaocated on the Great River Road between Alton and Grafton, the Village of Elsah, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers scenic views paired with a vibrant history.
L
and easily commute for both work and play to Alton, Jerseyville and St. Louis. Children attend quality schools in the Jersey Community School District.
and narrow streets nestled between towering bluffs on the Mississippi River.
Residents enjoy its friendly, peaceful neighborhoods and strong sense of community
ELSAH
204 Average Household Size
651 Median Age 29.84 Households
2.37 Median Household Income
The 19th century buildings located in the valley are truly a sight to see. Because of local zoning and a dedicated commitment to the community for historic preservation, the appearance of the buildings and overall character have remained unchanged, earning the village its nickname as “the town that time forgot.”
A visit to the Elsah General Store is like taking a step back in time. Built in the 1870s, this beautiful little shop was home to a thriving dry goods business in the village’s early days and now captures the feeling of a simpler time while offering groceries, oldfashioned candies, vintage bottled sodas, and more. Nearby, visitors can shop at Jeremiah's as well as a unique clothing boutique called The Look Factory.
underwent renovations in order to entice a restaurateur or other business interest looking for a new home.
$62,705 Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
$156,610
Elsah was recently named the #1 Scenic Spot in Illinois in a statewide vote sponsored by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission and the State JournalRegister. The honor is evident in the limestone buildings, vibrant colors
Other sites not to be missed include the Elsah Museum and breathtaking views during a scenic drive at Principia College. In addition, the Mott Commercial Building has been purchased by the Village and recently
Elsah is a favorite spot for weddings and other events taking place at the historic "Farley Music Hall," an outdoor gazebo, and other memorable settings. Guests can stay at two cozy bed and breakfasts: The Green Tree Inn (greentreeinnelsah.com) or the Maple Leaf Cottage (mapleleafcottageinn.com).
escapetoelsah.com
7,332
Households
2.4
Average Household Size
This predominantly residential community is more than 36 square miles, making it the eighth-largest municipality in terms of geographic area in the State of Illinois. Demolitions have been completed on several properties that are being prepared for development, and new housing options include Greenwood Heights Condominiums, with 17 residential units ranging from $160,000 to $445,000.
The Building and Zoning Department has again improved its ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating from a 6/7 to a 4/4. This improvement is potentially good news for residents, and may allow some to pay less on their homeowners’ insurance premiums.
Godfrey has welcomed many new businesses, several in the reformed Monticello Plaza and on Godfrey Road including OSF Prompt Care, a $5 million investment by Alton’s OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center to serve northern Madison County and Jersey County. A new 34-unit, 21,000-square-foot San Gabriel Memory Care Center opens in fall 2018. Several businesses have added amenities, including Walmart with its full shopping and pick-up service.
Established community events include BIG Truck Day, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Family Fun Fest, summer movies, the Fall Corn Festival and Snowflake
Population (2018 estimate)
18,075 Median Age 46.34
$64,692
Median Household Income
$149,299
Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
Festival and two newer events: the “Daddy Daughter Dance” and KID'Cation Olympics.
Also a tradition, the Great Godfrey Triathlon takes place in Glazebrook Park, which also hosts the youth sports programs and the Godfrey Corn Maze in the fall. Homer Adams Park saw major changes with the addition of a new playground and an “expression swing,” and a Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan is in its beginning stages.
Local businesses have donated equipment, including a 55-inch flat screen monitor, mapboards and other improvements to upgrade the
The Benjamin Godfrey Legacy Trail's children's book about the man who played a prominent role in the founding of Godfrey was written by Phyllis Bechtold and Lacy McDonald and illustrated by local high school students. "Seymour Bluffs and Benjamin Godfrey" is available at Godfrey Village Hall and various shops throughout the area.Emergency Operations Center. Godfrey’s emergency management program was recognized by the Illinois Governor and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency with the “Ready to Respond Award,” making Godfrey the SECOND community in the entire state and the first in Madison County to hold the accreditation.
• Facade Improvement Program.
• “Solarize Godfrey” initiative.
• A successful occupancy permit program controls the quality of rental properties.
• The Enterprise Zone designation by the State of Illinois is a powerful economic development tool to attract new business and grow those that already make Godfrey their home.
• The expansion of Godfrey’s Business District Area I and the creation of Business District Area II will assist in the growth and improvement along Godfrey’s two major corridors.
godfreyil.org
Virginia often visited friends here before she moved to The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how easy living in our community can be.
Forget about time-consuming chores like housekeeping, home repairs and yard work. You don’t even have to cook—delicious meals are available in our dining room. Scheduled transportation and onsite assistance are available as well, should you ever need them.
Our personalized service gives you more time to enjoy life—and with all of the social and recreational opportunities we offer, you might even discover
“The house was getting to be too much. Now I can focus more on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from my apartment.”
Forget about time-consuming chores like housekeeping, home repairs and yard work. You don’t even have to cook—delicious meals are available in our dining room. Scheduled transportation and onsite assistance are available as well, should you ever
As a resident of our community, you too can have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start
Forget about time-consuming chores like housekeeping, home repairs and yard work. You don’t even have to cook—delicious meals are available in our dining room. Scheduled transportation and onsite assistance are available as well, should you ever need them.
Our personalized service gives you more time to enjoy life—and with all of the social and recreational opportunities we offer, you might even discover some new interests. So what are you waiting for?
Our personalized service gives you more time to enjoy life— and with all of the social and recreational opportunities we offer, you might even discover some new interests. So what are
Come visit, and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.
Methodist common. A year single-family maintenance the dining
Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662. www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com
Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618-466-8662.
5201 Asbury Avenue - Godfrey, IL 62035 www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com
Independent Living and Assisted Living
5201
Avenue
IL
F
eaturing history reaching back for generations and plenty of 19th century architecture, Grafton lies between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, with majestic limestone bluffs running the length of the National Scenic Byway along Route 100.
• Two Governor Home Town Awards for quality of life.
• The drive through Grafton has been named one of the 10 greatest drives in the nation.
• Residents of Grafton anxiously awaited the opening of the Grafton Market, marking approximately seven years since Grafton had a store. The new owners carry
groceries, package liquor, general hardware and camping supplies.
• Ambulance service has also returned to Grafton, with Jersey Community Hospital providing an ambulance and staff at the police department. A room will be remodeled at City Hall to accommodate those paramedics.
• 39 city-owned lots are offered as part of an incentive program to attract young professional couples who want to start families and enroll their children in a state-of-the-art grade school.
• Available options range from upscale condominiums and villas to beautiful historic homes, with many options including a remarkable view of the riverfront.
Visitors can fish, boat, bird watch, shoot photography, visit a water park, drink and dine, or zipline. Grafton even offers an ice-skating rink when the weather cools off. A new turtle sculpture at Lighthouse Park is a beautiful attraction to the riverfront and a nice kid-friendly activity.
Households
2.35
282 Average Household Size
671 Median Age 49.49
Population (2018 estimate)
Median Household Income
$157,318
$41,071 Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
A sky tram will include open chair lifts and enclosed handicap-accessible cars. Passengers will board near Grove Park and travel slowly up the beautiful hillside to Aeries Winery and Resorts. Included is a citywide trolley that will be Grafton’s first form of public transportation.
enjoygrafton.com
Grafton Market The Loading DockThe 180-foot Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower, perched at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, is a beacon for visitors to Hartford. Accompanied by the Lewis and Clark Commerce Center and surrounding acreage, the tower boasts amazing views and historical significance. A new amphitheater also allows Hartford to host events offering local live music on Sunday afternoons during the fall season.
Approximately 375 acres are obtainable for industrial development. Enterprise zones and TIF district incentives make this area in the Village a top priority. Benefits of the site offer
a truck route, rail access, electric and gas lines.
Prime real estate in Hartford exists at Jefferson Gardens, located on the grounds of the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower. The garden showcases plants discovered during the Lewis and Clark expedition, as well as many outdoor activities. During the fall, the many colors of the falling leaves and evening sunsets over the water keep visitors coming back for more. As the winter air begins to chill, eaglewatching in the village is in its prime, and spectators come from near and far to revel in the grace and beauty.
A 17-acre park offers walking and jogging paths in addition to several neighborhood parks and a Veteran’s Memorial Park. The Woodrow Wilson Community Center offers a gym for residents and a gymnasium that can be rented for functions and special events. Kids of all ages can enjoy the Frisbee golf course and the dogwalking park.
Two school districts serve area children: Wood RiverHartford School District 15, with two elementary schools and a junior high school, and East Alton-Wood River Community School District 14, with one high school in Wood River.
HARTFORD
1,411 Median Age 42.16 Households
Population (2018 estimate)
581 Average Household Size
$45,110
2.43 Median Household Income
$69,606
Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
Residents and businesses alike enjoy police and fire protection, and the district often aids in the sponsorship of community-wide events such as family-friendly fish fries, car shows, festivals, and cultural events.
hartfordillinois.net
Roxana is home to key businesses, including the Phillips 66 Refinery, celebrating 100 years of operations, and the Roxana Landfill Authority. These big businesses help make Roxana a great place to find employment opportunities and settle down.
Residents of Roxana enjoy many benefits, including full-time police and fire protection departments as well as water and wastewater treatments that serve neighboring communities. Two major infrastructure projects have enhanced the Village, including a Public Works Center that’s in full operation, offering more space for the Street Department to operate.
Improvements have occurred along Route 111, including new street lights, sidewalks, and even additional sidewalk lighting. This enabled the Village to relocate a large water main from under the main roadway.
The most significant project underway is completing the design and beginning the construction of a new village hall and community center to be located on the Burbank Park property at Route 111 and Thomas Street. The new facility will provide more space for the public service departments to utilize in day-to-day operations. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in the spring of 2019, and take approximately 18 months to complete.
Raifort Commerce Park offers hundreds of acres of commercial and industrial zoned property that suits a variety of industries. Business lots are available offering full utility services, making Raifort Commerce Park just one more reason to appreciate the prosperous Roxana business community.
The Roxana Community School District offers a campus environment with quality education for its students. Past renovations to the school’s main campus make it not only visually appealing but also academically strong. New roads around the high school have enhanced the surrounding neighborhood. Roxana offers a fullservice community library to the residents of the
1,548
Population (2018 estimate)
Median Age
2.43
38.69 Households 636 Average Household Size
$48,960
Median Household Income
$86,604
Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
Riverbend with many additional amenities and events throughout the year. A beautiful Roxana Park District Complex supports a wide spectrum of yearround sports and recreational activities for the community.
roxana-il.org
ROXANA
arb Overton, South Roxana’s first female mayor, says this familyfriendly village has a lot to offer.
With full-time police and fire departments, it is a safe place to raise a family, and the Roxana School District has recently added a new pre-kindergarten wing at South Roxana Primary School.
As a welcoming business community with two TIF Districts along Route 111 and Madison Avenue, the Village offers approximately 160 acres for business development, with some
additional opportunities along Illinois Route 255 across from the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery. ConocoPhillips has graded several parking lots along Madison Avenue and seeded with grass, creating an aesthetically pleasing invitation to visitors.
With a $15,000 Madison County Park and Recreation Grant, the Village was able to purchase three lots on Missouri Avenue to create the Jurjevich Park, named
for former business owners and community leaders Charlie and Eva Jurjevich. The Grants Committee is planning to secure additional grants and donations to complete the park.
In addition, three properties were annexed into the Village just off New Poag Road along Oldenburg Road in the new southwest section of town, and Village Hall has been remodeled to become more secure for the office employees and officials.
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Population (2018 estimate)
1,915 Median Age
37.61 Households 758 Average Household Size
The 60-year-old Dad’s Club is a 10-acre nonprofit privately owned park that has bingo every Saturday night. Its mission is to further the Village by providing yearly scholarships and helping disadvantaged residents.
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Rose Lawn Memory Gardens Valhalla Memorial Park
$44,027 Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value SOUTH ROXANA Caring for those you care for... Staten-Fine Funeral Home staten-fine.com 220 Court Street Alton 618-465-8641
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CITY PROFILES |
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This ideal place to live and work offers residents and businesses alike the many amenities of a larger, urban oasis, but with a small-town vibe. If you are looking to relocate, home sales are booming. Existing homes in Wood River appeal to those wanting a solid, well-built house with classic touches, a true renovator’s dream, while new construction continues to increase, proving more and more people are appreciating the many qualities and conveniences Wood River has to offer.
With eight Wood River parks covering 273 acres, it’s easy to stay active all year
long. Belk Park continues to remain a popular destination for all ages. One of the newest attractions, the one-mile walking path with footbridge encircling Wright Lake with accessible fishing dock, continues to impress outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners alike.
The Veterans War Memorial in Central Park won the Governor’s Hometown Award. If you haven’t yet visited the site, it’s a wonderful tribute to those who served.
Belk Park Golf Course is visited by more than 50,000 people each year. With recently upgraded drainage improvements, clubhouse
updates and new exterior fencing, Belk Park Golf Course is a perfect spot for your golf tournament, business meeting, or other event.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial also is located at Belk Park.
The highly anticipated $7.6 million police facility at 6th Street and Madison is scheduled for completion in late 2018. Businesses continue to renovate, including recent updates to the Wood River Soccer Complex’s permanent restrooms and concessions, a $350,000 Jack Schmitt expansion, and renovations
10,130
Population (2018 estimate)
4,288
Median Age 40.71 Households
2.32
Average Household Size
$50,844
Median Household Income
$92,066
Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value
to the popular Pump House Bar and Grill. Other new restaurants and retail establishment updates in Wood River include Fire-NSmoke Wood Fired Kitchen, Burger King, Von Dell Art Gallery, Farmers Insurance, and Carquest.
woodriver.org
WOOD RIVER
