Currents 2019

Highlighting the people and places of OurRiverBend

2019

Copyright 2018 AdVantage

1000 W. Homer Adams Pkwy.

Godfrey, IL 62035 618-463-0612 advantagenews.com Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy in this publication. The Association and AdVantage assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Association with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Association and AdVantage is prohibited.

VIEW A PDF ONLINE @

advantagenews.com or growthassociation.com

Highlighting the people and places of OurRiverBend

Project Coordinator 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

| WELCOME

This is an AdVantage publication created and produced for the RiverBend Growth Association.

2

5800 Godfrey Road - BGM (mailing) 6722 Godfrey Road (physical) Godfrey, IL 62035 618-467-2280 growthassociation.com info@growthassociation.com

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

JOHN KELLER

Growth Association President

T

hank you for viewing the 20182019 Currents magazine!

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,

Please recycle this product.

Contents

Advertiser Index

1st Mid America Credit Union

15

AdVantage 17 Alton Little Theater

25

ALTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL | 4

Alton Memorial Hospital

41

Alton MultiSpecialists

29

Alton, City of

34

OSF HEALTHCARE SAINT ANTHONY’S HEALTH CENTER | 5

Andy's Auto Body

17

AP Cigar

51

LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 6 MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY | 7

Argosy 37 Auto Butler

19

Berg, Leonard

39

Beverly Farm

8

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY EDWARDSVILLE | 8 PRINCIPIA COLLEGE | 9

Centerstone 6 Challenge Unlimited

17

Clark Properties

13

Claywell Asset Management

51

CNB Bank & Trust

29

Countryside Builders

34

Elias Kallal & Schaaf

49

Evergreen Place

9

Fountains at Godfrey

37

Gent Funeral Home

9

Godfrey Meat Market

19

Godfrey, Village of

23

GreensKeeper Lawn Service

51

Hansen Meat Co.

6

Hayner Public Library District

23

Hillcrest Apartments

32

Illinois American Water

41

King Air Conditioning & Heating

32

Landmark Realty, Godfrey

33

Lewis & Clark Community College

45

Liberty Bank

19

EDUCATION | 10 SOLID FOUNDATIONS | 12-18 CENTERSTONE | 12 ALTON LITTLE THEATER | 14 HELMKAMP CONSTRUCTION CO. | 16 SCHIBER TRUCK COMPANY | 18 STARS ON THE RISE | 20-29 RYAN HANSEN | 20 BEN BRYNILDSEN | 21

6

MEGAN FAIRLESS | 22 INDIRA HULKER | 24 LAUREN PATTAN & JAMES ROGALSKY | 26 ALEX ST. CIN & JAY "HART" STANLEY | 28

MedResources 33 Midwest Members Credit Union

33

Missouri Baptist University

13

Morrissey Construction

19

Nautilus Fitness Center

39

Norton & Rain

33

OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center

52

OSF Saint Clare's Villa

33

Plumbers & Pipefitters Union

37

Professional Hearing Associates

7

Quality Buick GMC Cadillac

7

Raging Rivers Water Park

8

Riverbend Kitchen & More

41

Robert Sanders Waste Systems

26

Roberts Motors

37

Scheffel Boyle

39

SCORE 51 St. Louis Regional Airport

51

St. Peters Hardware

19

TheBANK of Edwardsville

23

Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire

51

United Methodist Village

45

Villa Rose

23

WBGZ 13 Werts Welding

14

BUILDING UP THE RIVERBEND | 30 RIVERBEND CEO | 32 RIVERBEND GROWTH ASSOCIATION | 37

47

ALTON | 38 BETHALTO | 40 EAST ALTON | 42 ELSAH | 43

On the cover

In anticipation of one of the visits from the Small Business Revolution, Downtown Alton lights up Third Street.

GODFREY | 44 GRAFTON | 46 HARTFORD | 47 ROXANA | 48 SOUTH ROXANA | 49 WOOD RIVER | 50

13

Currents 2019

Alton Memorial Hospital

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.

| HEALTH CARE

• 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.

4

• 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.

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

S

ince 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.

altonmemorialhospital.org

E

stablished 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

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony's Health Center 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

INNOVATION 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

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.

CANCER SERVICES 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

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.

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.

OSF HomeCare offers home health and hospice services, administered by a trained multidisciplinary team of clinicians, to patients who are home-bound as well.

HEALTH CARE |

OUTPATIENT SERVICES

5

Currents 2019

Lewis and Clark Community College GODFREY

Lewis and Clark’s new Weber Workforce Center opened for welding classes in fall 2018.

40+ degree and certificate programs 15,000 credit and non-credit students $369.4 million economic impact, which represents 4.7% of the region’s GDP (EMSI) of return for graduates, who earn $5.70 in higher 19.7% rate earnings for every $1 invested in an L&C education (EMSI) 200,000+ visitors annually

7 CAMPUS LOCATIONS • 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)

Speech professor Elizabeth Grant and Phi Theta Kappa President Madalynn McKenzie pose for a photo after the 47th Annual Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2018.

DISTRICT 536 serves 220,000 people in parts of 7 counties: Madison, Jersey, Macoupin, Greene, Calhoun, Scott & Morgan

| EDUCATION

FOUNDED IN 1970 on the former campus of Monticello College (est. 1838)

lc.edu/discover “Our path over the years has changed but the vision of our founders has not. We strive to 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.”

- Ryan Hansen President, Hansen Meat Co.

Delivering care that changes people’s lives.

Offering a full range of behavioral health services to people of all ages 2615 Edwards Street | Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-2331 | centerstone.org

6

450 Landmarks Blvd.

Alton 618-465-4400

807 State Highway 16 Jerseyville 618-498-3714

1059 Century Drive Edwardsville 618-692-5266

firecreeksnacks.com • hansemeatco.com GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Missouri Baptist University AT LCCC

BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMS • Accounting • Behavioral Science • Business Management • Criminal Justice • Health Science • Human Services • Sports Management

“T

his 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.

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 The fourth year, continuing students MBU also students are empowers and business granted a 59 their students professionals active percent tuition in all disciplines, academically reduction from are prime for this and financially. the main campus opportunity.

Students can tuition schedule. earn an associate “Our location offers degree with LCCC the special opportunity of a and bridge over to MBU to solid classroom education earn a bachelor degree with without traveling long maximum transfer credit. distances each week, Likewise, attending MBU is relocating or leaving your financially smart as students area employer. Pursuing pay the lower LCCC tuition your degree regionally with rate for up to 3 years of their Missouri Baptist University is bachelor program. convenient, accessible and “Our students can graduate tailor-made to our Illinois with a bachelor degree from lifestyle,” says Dr. Woodiel. a private university at close You’ve started the race, now to community college rates “finish strong.” via this program,” says Dr. Loftin C. Woodiel, Dean. mobap.edu/lccc “Many of our students even

I MUST ADMIT WHEN I SEE A STUDENT WHO OVERCOMES THE STRUGGLES (DESPITE ALL ODDS) OF ACADEMIC PURSUIT MY HEART SWELLS WHEN I SEE THEM WALK ACROSS THE STAGE TO RECEIVE THEIR DEGREE. I AM SO PROUD OF THEM.

Christine Corby

Don’t just live life . . .

Continuing to proudly serve the Riverbend area for over 22 years.

BUICK + GMC + CADILLAC

1344 D’Adrian Professional Park, Godfrey • 618-466-4444

Dr. Joe Hopper, FAAA Doctor of Audiology

ALTON • 1620 E. Homer Adams Pkwy 888-378-5955 • QualityGMcars.com

Serving the Riverbend since 1958 Sales, Service, Parts & Collision Center JERSEYVILLE • 102 Sinclair 618-639-8881 • QualityAutoNetwork.com

Currents 2019

EDUCATION |

Hear life!

7

Southern Illiuois University 2,660

-acre campus is home to nearly 14,000 students

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

| EDUCATION

siue.edu

8

SIUE students 96% ofsurveyed report securing a job within one year of graduation the nation among #11 insafest college campuses,

National Council for Home Safety and Security all Illinois and #2 among Missouri public institutions for lowest student loan debt, LendEDU years named in 14 consecutive Best Regional Universities Midwest, U.S. News & World Report years awarded 3 consecutive Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, INSIGHT Into Diversity

Remember:

It doesn’t have to be new to be awesome!

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EXPERIENCE THE THRILLS AT THE AREA’S PREMIER WATERPARK...

RAGING RIVERS IS PERFECT FOR YOUR SUMMERTIME GROUP EVENT. Call for details on special rates and packages.

Raging Rivers is open late May through Labor Day.

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

ON THE GREAT RIVER ROAD IN GRAFTON 618-786-2345 ragingrivers.com

Visit the Shoppes at Beverly Farm for gently used fashion, home decor, and much more!

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6133 Humbert Rd Godfrey, IL 62035 (618) 466-1187 www.beverlyfarm.org

Principia College ELSAH

CAMPUS The private, coeducational campus was designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993.

SOLAR CAR PROGRAM With a race team that includes members from a wide range of majors, Principia frequently places ahead of teams from renowned engineering schools.

STUDY ABROAD

ACADEMIC TEAMS

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.

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.

NOTED SPEAKER New York Times foreign correspondent Rukmini Callimachi spoke on terrorism in fall 2017.

principia.edu

house 2,600 acres the only

27 undergraduate majors and

Division 18 NCAA III sports teams

450 students from about

for #9 Rank Best Value by

college in the world where all students and faculty are Christian Scientists

numerous minors offered

and two intercollegiate club teams compete nationally

30 countries study the liberal arts and engineering

U.S. News & World Report in 2018

Evergreen Place

Affordable Supportive Living For You!

A FAMILY TRADITION

SUPPORTIVE LIVING

(618) 462-1500

Apartments Available!

100 Glenhaven Drive • Alton, IL EvergreenSLC.com/Alton

2409 State, Alton 618-466-5544 Fourth generation of family ownership

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Currents 2019

EDUCATION |

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.

Ask Britney about financial assistance today!

9

Riverbend Area Education LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Percent Low Income

Percent LimitedEnglish Proficient

Percent Homeless

Chronic Truancy Rate

ACT High School Average composite 4-year Attendance Class Size score Graduation Rate (overall) (graduating class) Rate

High School Dropout Rate

PARCC* testing (% meeting or exceeding)

DLM-AA** testing (% meeting or exceeding)

Percent IEP*

Alton CUSD 11 altonschools.org • 618-474-2600

57.3

0.6

19.4

1.7

15.1

92.9

23.5

21.4

86.1

1.8

20.6

17.0

Bethalto CUSD 8 bethalto.org • 618-377-7200

49.3

0.8

14.3

1.7

1.3

94.0

22.5

20.3

89.0

1.9

31.4

3.8

East Alton SD 13 easd13.org • 618-433-2051

68.7

0.1

20.1

4.3

1.7

91.6

25.8

n/a

n/a

n/a

23.3

25.0

East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14 eawr.org • 618-254-3151

61.7

0.0

20.9

5.1

9.1

91.2

19.7

18.9

78.5

3.6

n/a

n/a

Jersey CUSD 100 jersey100.org • 618-498-5561

47.7

0.2

14.9

3.5

6.1

94.6

23.3

21.1

86.3

1.6

38.7

17.9

Roxana CUSD 1 roxanaschools.org • 618-254-7544

55.0

0.2

14.0

3.1

8.7

93.4

20.0

19.8

82.3

2.8

24.9

11.1

Wood River-Hartford SD 15 wrh15.org • 618-254-0607

70.5

0.4

19.7

11.8

3.7

93.3

24.9

n/a

n/a

n/a

20.3

n/a

*PARCC - Partnership for Assessment Readiness for College and Careers **DLM-AA - Dynamic Learning Maps - Alternative Assessment

PRIVATE SCHOOLS (by city) Marquette Catholic High School, Alton marquettecatholic.org • 618-463-0580

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School, Alton ssppsch.com • 618-465-8711

Children’s Tribe, A Montessori Academy, Godfrey childrenstribe.org • 618-466-0399

Mississippi Valley Christian School, Alton mvcs-il.org • 618-462-1071

Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Bethalto olqpbethalto.org • 618-377-6401

Montessori Children’s House, Godfrey mchgodfrey.org • 618-467-2333

St. Mary’s Catholic School, Alton stmarysalton.com/school 618-465-8523 elementary 618-465-9719 middle

Zion Lutheran School, Bethalto zlsbethalto.org • 618-377-5507

St. Ambrose Catholic School, Godfrey stambrosegodfrey.org • 618-466-4216

Evangelical Schools, Godfrey evangelical-school.org • 618-466-1599

Bethel Christian Academy, South Roxana bethelfwbsroxana.org/BCA • 618-254-0188

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville siue.edu • 800-447-SIUE

Maryville University, St. Louis maryville.edu • 314-529-9300

AREA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES Illinois College, Jacksonville ic.edu • 217-245-3000 Kaskaskia College, Centralia kaskaskia.edu • 618-545-3000

| EDUCATION

Lewis & Clark Community College, Godfrey, Edwardsville lc.edu • 800-YES-LCCC

10

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Alton siue.edu/dental • 618-474-7170

Lindenwood University, Belleville lindenwood.edu/belleville • 618-239-6000

Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, Granite City, Red Bud swic.edu • 618-235-2700

McKendree University, Lebanon mckendree.edu • 800-BEARCAT

Fontbonne University, St. Louis fontbonne.edu • 800-205-5862

Missouri Baptist University at Lewis & Clark, Godfrey mobap.edu/lccc • 618-468-2621

Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis hssu.edu • 314-340-3366

Principia College, Elsah principiacollege.edu • 618-374-2131

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Lindenwood University, St. Charles lindenwood.edu • 636-949-2000

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

READING ALLOWED

A

nervous 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.

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 Reach Out and Read The ROAR program was (ROAR) program was piloted the springboard for Jersey during the 2014-15 school School District 100’s recently year for second-graders at implemented Sit Together one local elementary school and Read (S.T.A.R.) initiative. as an experiment to see if student read“During my ing would personal IT IS A GREAT WAY improve. experience TO GIVE YOUR with ROAR, Within six TIME AND MAKE I observed weeks, the A DIFFERENCE, A LASTING several key other schools IMPRESSION. TRY IT ONCE were asking AND YOU WILL BE HOOKED. points among student how to get Rusty Ingram, participants Alton Memorial Hospital involved.

— improved So, what does being a ROAR reading fluency and decoding volunteer involve? skills, greater self-confidence and sense of accomplish“For 45 minutes before the ment, as well as a heightened school day begins, students interest in reading and learnwait in a collective area for ing overall,” retired educator the opportunity to read to the Sherry Droste says. community volunteers who come in to the school,” Alton Implemented in January School District Curriculum 2018, S.T.A.R. is coordinated Coordinator Elaine Kane says. by Jerseyville East Elemen“The students are practicing tary principal Kim Anderson, their reading, and the comalong with a teacher serving munity volunteers are giving as facilitator for 30 minutes them positive support. Volun- each morning. East secteers read with one student at ond-graders are offered the a time” chance to participate, and they have approximately 150 2017’s program made students doing so. notable impacts on students’ reading levels. First-grade “The program is a winstudents saw a 17 percent win situation for everyone growth in the number of involved,” Anderson said. those reading at or above “Students get the chance grade level by year’s end, to read to an adult and rising to 63 percent from 46 build relationships with percent. In second grade, local volunteers. S.T.A.R. is a there was a 12 percent flexible volunteer opportunity growth in those numbers, a that supports literacy and jump from 62 percent at the helps make a difference in beginning of the year to 74 the lives of children in our percent by its end. community.”

SOLID FOUNDATIONS STARS

on the rise 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

Currents 2019

60 YEARS

Centerstone

FROM THE CENTER OUT C

| SOLID FOUNDATIONS

enterstone, 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

12

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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.

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.

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.

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.

Centerstone Alton provides vital behavioral and mental health services to nine counties in Southern Illinois.

centerstone.org /centerstoneil 2615 Edwards St. • Alton • (855) 608-3560

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13

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Currents 2019

THEN PLAY ON 85

YEARS

Alton Little Theater “A

for decades to keep Colonius’ dream alive.

Since its inception by founder Dorothy Colonius in 1933, Alton Little Theater has presented more than 500 productions from its stage.

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.

| SOLID FOUNDATIONS

lton 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.

14

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

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 Cox The 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

“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.

Dorothy Colonius, founder of Alton Little Theater

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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 business has been a dream come true for two best friends,” Cox says. “We also both know that keeping Dorothy’s dream alive will take new leaders coming up and committing their time and talent to our live theater.

“So the invitation is out — buy tickets and see shows. Come ‘play’ at Alton Little Theater!”

“Little Women” program from October 1940

Cast photo from 1973’s “The Wooden Dish,” (from left) David Wiseman, David Mcdivaine, Helen Miller, Jack Bagley photos courtesy Alton Little Theater

altonlittletheater.org /altonlittletheater 2450 N. Henry St. • Alton • (618) 462-3205

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Currents 2019

SOLID FOUNDATIONS |

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15

80 YEARS

Helmkamp Construction Co. A HERITAGE IN CEMENT E

very 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.

| SOLID FOUNDATIONS

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.

16

“Rob has always been the natural choice to adopt ownership of the business,” Brad Farrell says. “He will

Company founder Gilbe

rt Helmkamp

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.

ALL IN THE FAMILY 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.

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Brad Farrell and Rob Johnes hold a handcarved moose antler with Helmkamp Construction Co.’s logo.

“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.”

helmkamp.com 707 Berkshire Blvd • East Alton • (618) 251-2600

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Currents 2019

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17

Schiber Truck Company

65 YEARS

Company Vice President Rob Schiber and President Neil McInnis stand along one of Schiber Truck Company’s fleet of trucks.

| SOLID FOUNDATIONS

SPINNING WHEELS S

chiber 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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.”

schiber.com 1701 South Delmar Avenue • Hartford • (618) 254-2514

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Currents 2019

SOLID FOUNDATIONS |

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19

THE FIRST FAMILY OF FEASTING F

or 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.

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.

rebranded the business WE DECIDED TO TAKE Hansen as Hansen Meat Co. because he wanted the name to “symbolize A STEP BACK IN TIME high-quality meats.” He opened AND RETURN TO A BUTCHER two more retail shops: one in Alton in 2015 and another in SHOP MODEL OF THE RETAIL Edwardsville in 2017. All three locations carry many varieties SIDE OF THE BUSINESS. of meat cuts, including their chicken kabobs, Ryan Hansen popular Ryan’s post-college plans didn’t premium choice steaks and 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.

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

current location at 807 State Highway 16.

“There have been a lot of challenges,” Hansen says.

Ryan Hansen HANSEN MEAT CO.

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.

hansenmeatco.com 450 Landmarks Boulevard • Alton • (618) 465-4400

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP ON INNOVATION

Ben Brynildsen GERMANIA BREW HAUS

T

he rebirth of the Alton economic environment is being driven by businesses bringing fresh, innovative approaches in providing products and customer service.

Ben Brynildsen manages Germania Brew Haus in Alton.

Germania Brew Haus, a combination coffeehouse and craft beer selfpour taproom, is exemplifying this creative approach.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Ben, Jared’s brother, was excited to

“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

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.

germaniabrewhaus.com 617 E. Broadway • Alton • (314) 667-4751

Currents 2019

STARS ON THE RISE |

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.

become a part of such an innovative endeavor.

21

Megan Fairless MEGYME PRODUCTIONS

FEATURE PRESENTATION

S

he 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.)

| STARS ON THE RISE

“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

22

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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Books, Music, Movies, Ebooks, Computers, Hayner Special Events, Kids/Teen Programs and more Public • FREE WIFI • Library 618-462-0677 haynerlibrary.org District

YOU CAN SEE YOUR FUTURE FROM HERE STARS ON THE RISE | 23

www.godfreyil.org l (618) 466-3324 l

Currents 2019

Indira Hulker SHERRY’S SNACKS

SWEET STORM | STARS ON THE RISE

I

n 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.

24

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

“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

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.

WE TELL PEOPLE WE’RE TRYING TO HELP GROW ALTON. AND WHEN THEY ASK 'WHY ALTON?' WE REPLY, 'WHY NOT?'

“A lot of people come in from St. Louis. I think the Small Business Revolution has really helped.”

Hulker stresses they’re a candy store, but she does offer quick lunch options Indira Hulker such as chili dogs and chili nachos. They recently went from a 4-bin case holding three days. Kyle Hulker had to make ice cream to an 8-bin case. Waffle a run up to a supplier in Indiana, a cones are homemade and crunchy. routine Indira Hulker continues still.

"They’re very well-received.”

“People were patient, but I don’t The Hulkers are very supportive of want to say ‘no’ to them,” she the community. Kyle Hulker grew says. “And I prefer buying smaller up in Alton; Indira in Roxana. batches. I try to go for as fresh as I can, the highest quality.” facebook.com/sherryssnacks With the exception of a few 2500 College Avenue • Alton • (618) 433-9200

STARS ON THE RISE | 25

Currents 2019

Lauren Pattan James Rogalsky OLD BAKERY BEER CO.

I

t could have been DNA that this young couple ended up as a dynamic entrepreneurial duo.

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 Co. in early 2015.

Pattan and Rogalsky, both 30, started their microbrewery, restaurant and event space inside what was once a Colonial Bakery

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL

| STARS ON THE RISE

Robert Sanders Waste Systems, Inc., established in Alton in 1936, is the oldest, privately owned, trash disposal service in the region. Sanders is committed to high quality service and is proud to be family owned and operated.

2421 State Street Alton 618-465-8461 Fax 618-465-4606

Email: bob@sanderswaste.com

sanderswaste.com

26

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

facility, established in the late 1800s. Pattan was 26 and Rogalsky was 27 when they started the business.

line. In May 2018, distribution expanded again, now reaching into the Kansas City market.”

Rogalsky has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from “We have 17 different University of Missouri Old Bakery Beer Co. St. Louis. He also has his selections on draft here, intensive brewing science and we have 5 beers and engineering certification out in the distribution from the American Brewers markets at any given Guild. Pattan has a bachelor’s time,” Rogalsky says. degree in social science and Old Bakery Beer Co. a master’s in environmental has an additional mark of management, both from recognition locally, seen Webster University. Both as one of the catalysts that grew up in Alton and ultimately led were working to the city of together at “We have a staff of 30 Alton being Urban Chestnut who all take pride in chosen as the when they what they’re doing star of Deluxe started turning and in this place. We Corporation’s a dream to have know we couldn’t do Main Street: their own place it without them. It’s Small Business into their reality. like one big happy Revolution family here.”

As they move show for its - James Rogalsky toward their third season. fourth year of Season three business ownership, Pattan premiered in October 2018, and Rogalsky share some of and the show features the the changes they have made Alton community and some as they continually fine-tune of its small business venues their operations. throughout each episode.

“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

“We first saw the show on Hulu around two days before

DESTINED TO BREW 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.”

facebook.com/oldbakerybeer 400 Landmarks Boulevard • Alton • (618) 463-1470

|

The Old Bakery Beer Co. is near Alton’s riverfront and outdoor amphitheater in what was once known as Colonial Bakery in the late 1800s.

27

Currents 2019

Alex St. Cin

Jay "Hart"Stanley

CREATIVITY IN THE MIX | STARS ON THE RISE

M

usicians, 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

28

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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.

REEL OPPORTUNITY

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.

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.

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.

“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

STARS ON THE RISE |

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29

Currents 2019

Wood River Police Department rendition

Building up

THE RIVERBEND

WEBER WORKFORCE CENTER

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.

|

OSF Saint Anthony's Cancer Center rendition

30

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF ALTON 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.

“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.

OSF SAINT ANTHONY'S CANCER CENTER As chief operating officer for OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center, Sister M. Anselma shared details of their project.

Weber Workforce Center on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College

“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.

WOOD RIVER POLICE DEPARTMENT

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.

Currents 2019

|

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

Boys & Girls Club of Alton

31

GREAT GAME OF BUSINESS

K

atie 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

The Riverbend CEO group poses with Elvis Presley impersonator Steve Davis during CEO Empowerment Day on Sept. 20 at SIUE. They include (front row, from left) Jack Parker and Jon Podner; (back row) facilitator Katie McBee, Roman Thomeczek, Mackenzie Giertz, Gabrielle Clark, Kolten Bauer, Colin Everitt, Andrew Wilson, Carsen Freeman, Davis, Nick Hemann, Justin Godfrey, Katie Williams, Sadie Siefert and Jacob Mellenthin. Not pictured are Josh Lombardi and Lucas Admire. 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

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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.”

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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.

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618.466.5632

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33

Currents 2019

LABOR FORCE - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS Madison, Macoupin & Jersey Counties

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Labor Force

167,454 159,650 7,804 4.7%

169,262 159,285 9,977 5.9%

168,007 157,742 10,265 6.2%

166,692 154,826 11,866 7.2%

167,367 153,284 14,083 8.5%

Employed Unemployed Unemployment Rate

source: Illinois Department of Employment Security

TOP EMPLOYERS (by employee count) - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS Olin Corporation

Manufacturer of chlor alkali products and Winchester ammunition

olin.com

Olin Brass

Manufacturer & Distributor of copper and copper-alloy sheet, strip, plate, foil, rod and fabricated components

gbcholdings.com • olinbrass.com

920

Health Services

altonmemorialhospital.org

897

Petroleum Refining

p66.com

825

Elementary and Secondary Education

altonschools.org

795

two-year higher education institution with multiple campuses, a river research center, Community Education Centers and training centers

lc.edu

765

Health Services

osfhealthcare.org/saint-anthonys

760

GRP Mechanical Company, Inc.

Mechanical contractors

grpmech.com

615

Help at Home LLC

Home health care service

helpathome.com

555

West Star Aviation

Airframe and engine repair and maintenance, complete FBO for St. Louis Regional Airport

weststaraviation.com

480

Includes Customer Service Center, American Water Resources and Illinois American Water

amwater.com

467

Alton Memorial Hospital Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery Alton School District Lewis & Clark Community College OSF Healthcare Saint Anthony's Health Center

American Water Compiled by RiverBend Growth Association 08-2018

Aldermen Brian Campbell Carolyn MacAfee Mike Velloff Tammy Smith Charles Brake Stephanie Elliott David Boulds

|

Brant Walker, Mayor

34 cityofaltonil.com GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Mary Boulds, City Clerk Cameo Foster, City Treasurer

1,424*

source: listed companies *2012 figure

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RETAIL SALES - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS

Alton

2017 $497,609,943

2016 $505,081,048

2015 $514,776,155

2014 $499,199,061

2013 $481,866,523

Bethalto

$

94,777,166

$90,491,687

$

96,677,415

$

91,473,873

$

East Alton

$

52,963,969

$

54,168,946

$

56,015,788

$

56,478,477

$

783,708

955,884

$

Elsah

193,516,946 17,937,312

$

17,424,607

$

15,141,794

$

Hartford

$

17,232,353

$

15,138,450

$

14,710,378

Roxana

$

12,067,736

$

11,132,852

$

10,826,433

$

9,696,670

$

8,987,934

$

298,760,877

1,195,346,680

$

$

295,171,238

$

Wood River TOTAL

10,006,852

292,594,467

$

1,184,574,837

$

1,190,612,181

$

15,985,577

$

14,315,328

$

30,477,733

$

11,566,435

$

30,174,961 12,737,429

10,916,988

8,631,597

$

284,534,105

$ $

170,768,137

$

$

$

$

176,709,873

$

Grafton

S. Roxana

307,946

$

179,974,472

$

57,013,770

1,370,165

$

185,003,273

$

Godfrey

907,345

$

84,704,075

286,746,214

$

1,178,712,287

$

$

1,147,265,980

$

source: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs

Mississippi Hippie in Mineral Springs Mall, Alton

| 35

Currents 2019

DEMOGRAPHICS 2018 - RIVERBEND REGION, ILLINOIS Riverbend Madison Co.

Jersey Co.

Population (2018 estimate)

75,633

265,019

21,717

Median Age

40.88

40.16

42.84

Total Households (2018 estimate)

31,659

106,940

8,440

2.35

2.44

2.48

Average Household Size

49,821

Median Household Income

58,058

$

57,408

$

$

Owner-Occupied Housing Units #

22,011

77,871

6,554

Renter Occupied Housing Units #

9,648

29,069

1,886

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

106,462

$

141,751

$

140,179

$

% with Associate Degree or higher

29.89

35.36

29.62

Travel time to work in minutes

26.33

27.0

33.0

Families at or above poverty #

17,622

64,530

5,629

Families with children at or above poverty

7,224

27,367

2,186

Families below poverty #

2,446

6,589

323

Families with children below poverty

1,935

5,025

171

|

All data is 2018 estimate unless noted otherwise

36

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Ongoing construction in Godfrey, such as in The Oaks at Greystone and Huntington Park subdivisons, underscores the need for houses as more people choose to call the Riverbend home.

WHY NOT THE RBGA? You've heard of the RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA), but never joined.

including the Duck Race, Women’s Seminar, RiverBend Golf Classic, State of the RiverBend Luncheon, and the Annual Dinner Meeting.

WHY NOT? 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

A LOT MORE OF

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

MORE JACKPOTS

MORE FOOD

MORE GAMES

ArgosyAlton.com | 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL | 1-800-711-GAME Must be 21. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

F

O

2017

RD

IP

1967

DE A L ER

SH

THE VALUE STORE

New Ford and Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales 1000 Airport Road, Godfrey, IL 62035 • 618-466-8831

4350 N. Alby Street, Alton

(Homer Adams Parkway to Alby Street)

PLUMBERS & PIPE FITTERS LOCAL UNION 553 Affiliated with the United Association, AFL-CIO Herbert Frohock III Business Manager Financial Secretary-Treasurer

2 South Wesley Drive, East Alton IL 62024 618-259-6787

France Mechanical, Inc. G.R.P. Mechanical, Inc. Heise Plumbing & Htg. Inspector Plumber Kane Mechanical, Inc. Loellke Plumbing, Inc.

Bart Schwalb President

617-656-3202 618-258-9000 217-324-3991 618-466-2199 618-254-0681 618-498-5185

Most services while you wait!

HOURS:

Monday-Friday 7am-6pm Saturday 7am-2pm

888-756-7713

robertsmotors.com

Currents 2019

|

-and-

Midwest Illinois Mechanical Contractor Association

Brett Schwalb Business Representative

37

Alton

HIGH-SPEED RAIL

A

lton 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.

2018 AWARDS

• Ranked by Forbes magazine as the "Best Place to Retire in Illinois"

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

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.

• 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.

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

Alton Farmers' and Artisans' Market

more than 1,400 acres of ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds.

HISTORY 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.

SMALL BUSINESS REVOLUTION 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)

38.04

11,107

Median Age

Households

2.3

Average Household Size

40,810

$

Median Household Income

89,581

$

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

The Small Business Revolution has brought the community together, using the tagline #OurAlton.

Nautilus FITNESS CENTER

The Area’s Finest Fitness Facility LOCALLY OWNED

•Classes•Pool•Personal Training•Equipment

4425 Industrial Drive, Alton•618-466-9115 NautilusAlton.com

Leonard F. Berg

Serving the Riverbend for more than 60 years.

CITY PROFILES |

Attorney at Law

Life in the Riverbend includes Senior Citizens and Persons with disabilities.

We proudly provide legal services to them.

625 S. Bellwood Drive (IL Route 111) East Alton 618-258-4800 • lbergelderlaw.com Proudly affiliated with Sivia Law, www.sivialaw.com

39

Currents 2019

Bethalto T

he 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.

AIRPORT 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.

| CITY PROFILES

AMENITIES 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.

40

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS 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

BETHALTO

9,500

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.

$

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.

Median Household Income

SPORTS

135,014

Bethalto’s sports complex consists of three soccer fields, a football field and nine baseball and softball

Population (2018 estimate)

41.05 3,943

Median Age

Households

2.39

Average Household Size

61,871

$

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

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.

Southside Park houses four baseball fields and hosts Bethalto’s youth recreational baseball and football programs.

HOUSING 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

CONCEPT TO COMPLETION Design & Installation Service

Supporting the Riverbend for 80 Years!

Creating Designs With You In Mind RIVERBEND KITCHEN and MORE

215 Herbert St • Alton

618-462-8955

M-F 8AM-5PM or by appointment

riverbendkm.com

STATE-OF-THE-ART CARE WITHOUT LEAVING THE STATE. VISIT ALTONMEMORIALHOSPITAL.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION. © 2017. Alton Memorial Hospital. All Rights Reserved.

AMH Generic Program Ad_3.8725x5.indd 1

9/13/17 8:44 AM

CITY PROFILES |

COMMITTED TO THE RIVERBEND Illinois American Water is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services to the communities of the Riverbend.

We are proud to have provided service to our neighbors and local businesses for more than 140 years. We remain committed to keeping the water flowing now and in the future.

WE KEEP LIFE FLOWING™

Currents 2019

41

East Alton

Artist's rendering of a redesigned Eastgate Plaza

East Alton American Legion Veterans Memorial Park

Clark Community College, and St. Louis Regional Airport.

County grant to pay for the construction.

PLENTY TO SEE AND DO

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.

The new East Alton History Museum has opened and is being updated continually with new displays.

| CITY PROFILES

L

ocated 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

42

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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

BUSINESS BOOM

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

EAST ALTON

6,301 Population

40.38 2,528

Median Age

Households

2.26

Average Household Size

39,387

$

Median Household Income

90,767

$

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

Elsah

L

Elsah General Store and easily commute for both work and play to Alton, Jerseyville and St. Louis. Children attend quality schools in the Jersey Community School District.

Residents enjoy its friendly, peaceful neighborhoods and strong sense of community

Households

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.”

2.37

TOP SCENIC SPOT

ELSAH

651

Population (2018 estimate)

29.84 204

Median Age

Average Household Size

62,705

$

Median Household Income

156,610

$

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

SET IN STONE

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

and narrow streets nestled between towering bluffs on the Mississippi River.

ELSAH GENERAL STORE 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.

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

underwent renovations in order to entice a restaurateur or other business interest looking for a new home.

EVENTS AND STAYS 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

CITY PROFILES |

ocated 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.

43

Currents 2019

Godfrey

GODFREY

18,075 Population (2018 estimate)

46.34 7,332

Median Age

Households

2.4

Average Household Size

64,692

$

Median Household Income

149,299

$

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

T

| CITY PROFILES

his 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.

A SOLID FOUNDATION 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.

44

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

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.

Festival and two newer events: the “Daddy Daughter Dance” and KID'Cation Olympics.

PARKS AND RECREATION

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Established community events include BIG Truck Day, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Family Fun Fest, summer movies, the Fall Corn Festival and Snowflake

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.

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.

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.

LOCAL PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES • 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 Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park 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?

Come visit, and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

about time-consuming “The house was getting to be tooForget much.

Now I can focus more chores like housekeeping, home on takingVirginia careoftenofvisited myself.

I also love theandconvenience of having repairs yard work. You don’t friends here before she moved to even The United Methodist Village, so she already knew how have to cook—delicious the diningeasyroom right downstairsmeals from my apartment.” living in our community can be. are available in our dining Scheduled transportation “The house was getting to be too much. Now I canroom. focus more and onsite assistance are on taking care of myself. I also love the convenience of having the dining room right downstairs from housekeeping, my apartment.” availablehome as well, should you ever Forget about time-consuming chores like repairs and

As a resident of our community, you too can have them. ayard more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start work. You evenofhave to cook—delicious meals are available in our Asdon’t a resident our community, you too canneed have a more leisurely lifestyle—and you just might start dining room. Scheduled transportation and onsiteOur assistance are available personalized service gives a trend among your friends! aastrend among your friends!you more time to enjoy life— well, should you ever need them.

5201 Asbury Avenue - Godfrey, IL 62035

www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com

Independent Living and Assisted Living

Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662. and with all of the social and

Come visit and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

CITY PROFILES |

Our personalized service gives you more time to enjoy life—and with all of we recreational opportunities 5201 Asburywe Avenue the social and recreational opportunities offer,offer, you might eveneven discover you might discover Godfrey, IL 62035 some new interests. So what are you waiting for? some new interests. So what are www.UnitedMethodistVillage.com you waiting for?

Come visit, and stay for lunch. Call 618.466.8662.

Come visit and stay for lunch.

5201 Asbury Avenue Call 618-466-8662.

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Currents 2019

Grafton 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.

AWARDS • 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.

| CITY PROFILES

A NEW ERA

46

• Residents of Grafton anxiously awaited the opening of the Grafton Market, marking approximately seven years since Grafton had a store. The new owners carry

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

GRAFTON

Population (2018 estimate)

The Loading Dock 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.

HOUSING • 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.

Grafton Market

FOR AGES 3 TO 103 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.

671

49.49 282

Median Age

Households

2.35

Average Household Size

41,071

$

Median Household Income

157,318

$

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

DEVELOPMENTS IN 2019 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

HARTFORD

Hartford

T

he 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

Population (2018 estimate)

42.16 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.

RECREATION 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.

581

Median Age

Households

2.43

Average Household Size

45,110

$

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

Currents 2019

CITY PROFILES |

OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT

1,411

47

Roxana

R

| CITY PROFILES

oxana 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.

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GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Roxana Community Park

PROGRESS

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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 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.

THE LEARNING CURVE 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

ROXANA

1,548

Population (2018 estimate)

38.69 636

Median Age

Households

2.43

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

South Roxana

SOUTH ROXANA

Population (2018 estimate)

37.61 758

B

BUSINESS DESTINATION 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

Median Age

Households

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.

1,915

2.53

Average Household Size

44,027

$ 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.

Median Household Income

80,000

$

Owner-Occupied Median Housing Value

COMMUNITY SPIRIT 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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49

Currents 2019

Wood River

WOOD RIVER

10,130 Population (2018 estimate)

40.71 4,288

| CITY PROFILES

T

his 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.

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS With eight Wood River parks covering 273 acres, it’s easy to stay active all year

50

GROWTHASSOCIATION.COM

Median Age

Households

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.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE 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

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

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CITY PROFILES |

James Claywell, AAMS®

Financial Advisor Owner, CAM Navigating River Bend investors for 32 |years

James Claywell, AAMS®

Financial Advisor | Owner, CAM

3014 Godfrey Road O 844.467.3298 | T 618.433.8881 Suite B, Godfrey

3014 Godfrey Road, Suite B | Godfrey, IL 62035

James.Claywell@RaymondJames.com O 844.467.3298 | T 618.433.8881 www.raymondjames.com/claywellassetmanagement

3014 Godfrey Road, Suite B | Godfrey, IL 62035 Claywell Asset Management is not a registered Broker/Dealer and is independent of Raymond James Claywell Asset Management is not a Broker/Dealer.

James.Claywell@RaymondJames.com Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through Raymond James Investment advisory services off ered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Financial Services, Inc., member www.raymondjames.com/claywellassetmanagement O 844.467.3298 | T 618.433.8881 FINRA/SIPC.

3014 Godfrey Road, Suite B | Godfrey, IL 62035

James.Claywell@RaymondJames.com www.raymondjames.com/claywellassetmanagement

Claywell Asset Management is not a Broker/Dealer.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

51

Currents 2019

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