Commerce Connection - July/August 2015

JULY / AUGUST 2015

CONNECTION

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED p. 15 ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT p. 19 this issue is sponsored by Windsor of Savoy

PAID

Presorted Standard US Postage

C h a m pa i g n C o u n t y ’ s

ENHANCING THE LOCAL ECONOMY p. 11

Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL

t ru s t e d

b u s i n e s s - to - b u s i n e s s

p u b l i c at i o n

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Volume 22 | Issue 4

C O M M E R C E

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A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

RETAIL FLOORING SHOWROOM COMMERCIAL SERVICES IMPORTED FLOORING WAREHOUSE

thank you sponsors & Golfers!

FIRST PLACE WINNERS

The 2015 Chamber Golf Outing was held at Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana on June 4, 2015. This year, the event SOLD OUT both hole sponsorships AND golfers. We had 50+ raffle prizes, great contests, company and more. Dish Passionate Cuisine generously provided lunch and dinner for all golfers.

Thank you to Orange & Blue Distributing Co., Inc. for providing all refreshments for the participants out on the course.

Thank you to all that were involved in making the event a huge success - we could not have done it without you all.

HOLE SPONSORS:

DONORS:

Champaign Jewelers Hilton Garden Inn Monical’s Danville Gardens Blossom Basket Florist Massage Envy Biaggi’s Cassel Home Comfort Firemark Paintball Merry Maids Applebee’s BJ Grand Salon Jupiter’s at the Crossing Billy Barooz

Mettler Center Reynold’s Towing Services Wyndham Garden Stone Creek Golf Course Central Illinois Produce LongHorn Steakhouse Wedge CarX Miga First Bank - Savoy Engelbrecht Grills & Cookers Brownfield Sports Buffalo Wild Wings Girl Scouts of Central Ilinois Texture Home

303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org

FY16 TOP INVESTORS

CHAMBER STAFF

TOP INVESTORS

Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org

GOLD Busey Carle

Karly Combest Director of Member Relations & Programming KarlyC@champaigncounty.org

SILVER BankChampaign, N.A. First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Samantha Hendon Marketing & PR Director SamanthaH@champaigncounty.org

BRONZE A & R Mechanical Contractors Amdocs Christie Clinic Heartland Bank & Trust Kraft Foods, Inc. McGladrey LLP Midland States Bank Presence Covenant Medical Center

Garret Hill Public Policy Director GarretH@champaigncounty.org

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Illini Radio Group - MIX 94.5, WIXY 100.3, Rewind 92.5, WYXY Classic 99.1, True Oldies 97.9, Extra 92.1, Hits 99.7 Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q96-96.1FM, US105.9, Sunny 95.3 & ESPN 93.5 WCIA-TV / WCIX-49 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO BUSINESS’S CIRCLE WICD ABC NewsChannel 15

Awards, Ltd. Carmike 13 Crystal Entertainment Dish Passionate Cuisine Hyatt Place LongHorn Steakhouse Thomas, Mamer & Haughey TrophyTime W.K. Cooper II Asset Management Corporation

Ryan Pea Membership Sales Director RyanP@champaigncounty.org

Jeffrey Baker

Kurt Lenschow

Jim Lyons

Mike DeLorenzo

Dr. Jared Rogers

Becky Von Holten

University of Illinois

Mike Estes

Fisher National Bank

David Farrar

Illinois American Water

Stephen Flynn Sleep Inn

Lisa Gengelbach

Wyndham Garden Urbana

Tabatha Helm 150 PERCENT CLUB

Lynette Lykins Director of First Impressions LynetteL@champaigncounty.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Clifford-Jacobs Forging

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Caryn Isenhower Accounts Receivable & Office Administrator Caryni@champaigncounty.org

DSC Logistics

State Farm

Presence Covenant Medical Center

Dennis Riggs

FIX-IT, Sidney Dairy Barn

Julie Sellett Carle

Chris Shroyer Busey

Mike Wozniak

Livingston, Barger, Brandt & Schroeder

Chair, Birkey’s Farm Store

First Vice Chair, Midland States Bank

Chuck McReaken

Second Vice Chair, TSM Ventures, Inc.

Beth Auterman

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Rod Roberts

Past Chair, Thunderstruck Design

Laura Weis

Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

Susan Jepsen

Reynolds Towing Service, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen

All information contained within this publication is property of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and cannot be reproduced without prior expressed or written consent. This publication contains paid advertising; the opinions expressed in those advertisements do not reflect the views of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information, contact the Chamber at 217.359.1791.

Come Wine With Us

brought to you by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee and

There were 18 different booth sponsors and food vendors at the Come Wine With Us event, which was held at Birkey’s Farm Store in Urbana. The event aims to spotlight the local agricultural industry.

Although the weather wasn’t perfect, the membership enjoyed the evening learning about agriculture and the variety of businesses that touch the local ag industry. Thank you to the Birkey’s staff and event volunteers who helped us set up the event inside Birkey’s large shed.

Over 175 people were in attendance. One lucky winner walked away with the 60 bottles of wine that were supplied by Sun Singer in Champaign.

Thank you to all of those that attended; the various vendors and sponsors; volunteers and Skeff Distributing for donating all the beer for the event. See the photos from the evening on our Facebook page.

BOOTH SPONSORS: Busey Bank Parkland College The Anderson’s Farm Credit Illinois The Atkins Group Illini FS Birkey’s Farm Store Champaign County Farm Bureau CliftonLarsonAllen WIXY Classic First Midwest Bank Monstanto FOOD VENDORS: The Pop Stop Sidney Dairy Barn Attie’s Bar & Grill JT Walker’s Hickory River Smokehouse Town & Country Catering Dish Passionate Cuisine

HELP US WELCOME Ryan Pea joined the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce in June as our Membership Sales Director.

He has previously worked for Orange & Blue Distributing as a District Sales Manager for over 11 years.

Prior to Orange & Blue, Ryan worked briefly at the Illini Radio group.

Ryan is passionate about building relationships and helping others grow their business. He is looking forward to growing the Chamber membership and working with current Chamber members to help them achieve their goals.

Where the elite of academic excellence convenes, where families reminisce and celebrate memories, where companies cultivate ideas.

1900 South First Street | Champaign, IL 61820 p 217 819 5000 | www.StayAtTheI.com

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between May 6, 2015 and June 30, 2015 AT&T Authorized Retailer – MidWest Cellular 2740 S. Philo Rd., Ste. C Urbana, IL 61802 217.689.4663 Cellular Telephone Service

AT&T Authorized Retailer is open in Urbana. This is an interactive retail store with live displays to show the power of the latest cell phones, tablets, DirecTV and other AT&T services. The store carries many brands of cell phones, tablets, and accessories.

They take pride in helping people find the best product and service to stay connected in this mobile world. In the Champaign/Urbana market you will find an experienced staff knowledgeable and ready to serve you from cell phones to home TV services.

BARBECK Communications 3109 E. Tatman Ct., Ste. 104 Urbana, IL 61802 217.384.3101 www.barbeck.com Communication Consultants

Bunny’s Tavern

119 W. Water St. Urbana, IL 61801 217.367.8175 www.bunnystavern.com Bars & Taverns

COUNTRY Financial® – Brad James 801 N. Country Fair Dr., Ste. B Champaign, IL 61821 217.352.0012 www.countryfinancial.com/brad.james Insurance

Brad James is a Financial Representative with COUNTRY Financial® servicing Champaign and the surrounding area. Brad has been in the insurance industry for ten years and is focused on

building relationships with his clients. COUNTRY Financial® offers a variety of insurance products including home, auto, life, disability income, longterm care and commercial insurance. In addition, James offers investment and retirement solutions.

Brad looks forward to working with his clients and helping them achieve financial security. Brad lives in Champaign with his 2 sons Kaden and Eyan.

DSC Logistics

710 N. Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL 61821 217-402-8830 www.dsclogistics.com Distribution

Familia Dental

1905 W. Springfield Ave. Champaign, IL 61821 217. 355.6396 www.familiadental.com Dentists Familia Dental is a family run company that is excited to share their services from their newest location in the Round Barn Shopping Center.

They strive to bring excellent dentistry to all of our patients and their families. Familia Dental is committed to serving the members of the community, regardless of insurance coverage. They provide dental services to those that have private insurance, Medicaid or no insurance at all. Familia Dental is committed to the communities where their offices are located.

Fat City Bar/City Center 505 S. Chestnut St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.954.0556 www.fatcitybarandgrill.com Bars & Taverns

Green Street Realty

Legends

Kellner Rental Properties

Legends Golf Course

Kyle Wilson’s Farmers Insurance Agency

Memphis on Main

Farmers has always paid claims promptly and has always been the first on the scene for major disasters since 1928. Kyle is with Farmers because that is how he believes business should be done. This means that when people are insured with his Farmers Agency, they can expect that same service. The reason agents like him are in business is because people like you appreciate this kind of service and refer this service to others they know.

National Safety Education Center

510 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.356.8750 www.greenstrealty.com Property Management

P.O. Box 3402 Champaign, IL 61826 217.621.8388 www.kellnerrentalproperties.com Apartments 902 N. Country Fair Dr., Unit 1 Champaign, IL 61821 217.402.9218 www.farmesagent.com/kwilson2 Insurance

LegalShield

2703 Lawndale Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 217.369.9136 www.nickLS.com Identity Theft Protection LegalShield Business Solutions sells legal and consumer identity protection plans to employee groups and small businesses in the United States and Canada through an extensive network of associates, agencies and brokers. More than 34,000 companies currently offer LegalShield Legal and Identity Theft plans to their employees for an affordable monthly fee. In addition, more than 47,000 small businesses use the legal plan for a variety of services, including debt collection, legal correspondence and contract review. LegalShield Business Solutions offers the Commercial Driver Legal Plan to protect commercial driver rights on and off the road, and has an Affinity Program practice, which develops co-marketing partnerships with complimentary organizations.

522 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.355.7674 www.legendsongreen.com Bars & Taverns 4551 Nicklaus Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 217.863.2145 www.legendsofchampaign.com Golf Courses 55 E. Main St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.398.1097 www.memphisonmain.com Bars & Taverns 590 Garden Rd., Rm 130 DeKalb, IL 60115 815.753.7722 www.nsec.niu.edu Safety Consultants

The National Safety Education Center (NSEC) is one of 27 OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIECs) in the nation and the only one within the state of Illinois. These education centers are a national network of non-profit organizations authorized by OSHA to deliver occupational safety and health training to public and private sector workers, supervisors and employers. Their partnership with Northern Illinois University, the Construction Safety Council and the National Safety Council allows us to teach outstanding courses in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, including classes at Richland Community

Aspen Creek of Monticello held a ribbon cutting on June 25, 2015 to celebrate their grand opening.

College (Decatur) and Danville Area Community College (Danville). The NSEC has a proven track record in providing excellent training and education to hundreds of individuals every year. While many organizations offer safety training programs, they are authorized by OSHA to deliver approved OSHA training courses.

PolyConversions, Inc.

505 E. Condit Dr. Rantoul, IL 61866 217.893.3330 www.polycousa.com Plastics-Products (Finished)-Wholesale & Mfrs.

PolyConversions, Inc., is the USA manufacturer of VR™(vinyl replacement) Protective Wear sleeves, aprons, gowns, sleeve-gloves, rainwear, shoe and bootcovers. Designed as a sustainable and costeffective replacement for vinyl(PVC) as well as other durable, imported personal protective apparel.

Also, PolyConversions produces by state of the art automation PolyWear™ Disposable Gowns, which are impervious barrier gowns, which along with VR Protective Wear, are designed for users within the medical, food processing and industrial/safety domestic as well as international markets.

PrimeLending

2009 Fox Dr., Ste. A Champaign, IL 61820 217.355.3800 www.primelending.com Mortgages

Sprint

61 Marketview Dr. Champaign, IL 61820 217.398.8700 www.sprint.com Cellular Telephone Service Sprint is a retail wireless provider offering the best value in wireless and a world class customer experience.

Sprint offers wireless devices, tablets, mobile broadband, and home phone service to fit any of your personal and business needs. Visit your local corporate Sprint store on Marketview Drive for your competitive analysis and offer.

University of Illinois Golf Course 800 Hartwell Dr. Savoy, IL 61874 217.359.5613 www.uofigolf.com Golf Courses

The University of Illinois golf course is a 36-hole facility in Savoy. It features the orange and the blue course.

The orange is the championship course featuring bent grass fairways and elevated greens. The blue course is the easier course with not too many hazards. It is great for beginners and seniors and an easier course to walk.

Both courses are par 72 and feature four sets of tee boxes. This facility has hosted many great tournaments over the years including the State Am, State High School, Western Junior and the Big 10 tournament. This was also the college golf home of PGA tour stars Steve Stricker and DA Points plus U of I men’s coach Mike Small and Women’s coach Renee Slone.

new additions to the chamber board: JEFFREY BAKER,

SHRM-SCP, SPHR Clifford-Jacobs Forging Human Resource Manager

MIKE ESTES,

Fisher National Bank President

DAVID FARRAR,

Illinois American Water Superintendent of Field Operations

DR. JARED ROGERS, Presence Covenant Medical Center Regional President and Chief Executive Officer

JULIANNA SELLETT,

MBA, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CENP Carle Health System Vice President – Diagnostic & Transitional Care Services

Welcome and thank you to Mike Billimack, Perry Greene and Cindy Guthrie for your service on our board.

Enhancing the local economy throu How the chamber has challenged its membership to make one simple decision that will transf

From mom and pop corner stores to boutiques and ice cream shops, local businesses have a profound economic impact on their communities, no matter how big or how small the business may be.

However, buying locally isn’t only for consumers— businesses buying from other local businesses helps to boost local economy as well.

In order to encourage local business spending in Champaign County, the Chamber of Commerce introduced the ‘Local Purchasing Challenge.’ This program challenges local businesses to reallocate purchasing dollars for products and services from non-local vendors to local ones. The more companies that shift some purchasing dollars back into Champaign County, the more local companies will see increased sales.

So far, participating businesses have pledged to reallocate $27,000 back into the local community through the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce ‘Local Purchasing Challenge.’ The goal of the program is to grow this amount each year to ultimately put as much money possible back into the community—simply by reallocating business purchasing dollars instead of spending more.

“People often think about ‘shopping local’ as a consumer activity, but it is broader than the consumer. Business-to-business (B2B) purchasing has the ability to create a huge economic impact without companies stretching their budgets,” said President and CEO of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Laura Weis. “When a Champaign County company needs things like printing, supplies, accounting services, legal advice or even machinery, we want our members to remember that all of that is available here in Champaign County. Buying it locally means better customer service, quicker turnaround time on the product or service and ultimately strengthening our local economy – which helps all businesses.”

Some Champaign companies already have business-to-business relationships. Rogards Office

12 \champaigncounty.org

Plus, a locally owned office supply store, partners with Columbia Street Roastery for single-serve coffee solutions in their office. Chad Hoffman, CEO of Rogards, said he believes that local vendors benefit businesses because they are tailored to meet more specific needs to local businesses like Rogards.

“Local vendors provide a better level of service since they have experience in the industry, understand our business needs and they truly care about our success,” Hoffman said. “Local businesses are part of the community, give back to the community and are the backbone of a thriving community.”

Flooring Surfaces, Inc. has also established partnerships with businesses. Jadon Peck, vice president of sales and marketing, said when searching for business relationships, they look for businesses that are similar in size, started up around the same time and are innovating new products in their field. In order to form a solid business partnership, he suggests putting together a program that both companies can manage with ease.

“Find something that works and do it over and over, and then commit,” Peck said. “Do a lot of business with one person, be important to them and trust that they are doing the same.”

Other local businesses are taking the initiative to join the Chamber’s ‘Local Purchasing Challenge’ and have already set a reallocating plan into action.

Central Illinois Produce Co., Inc. will reallocate a portion of their purchasing dollars this year. John Rollins, president of Central Illinois Produce, said as long as local suppliers are cost competitive, there is no down side to purchasing local.

“We speak all the time with potential local businesses about keeping their produce purchases local—we need to do the same,” Rollins said. “We need to walk the walk.”

Purchasing locally from other businesses also helps to add more services for consumers, as well as more

gh B2B purchasing orm the local economy Written by: Megan Vasiliadis opportunities for employment.

“Growth supports larger revenues and allows us to add more services for consumers and employ more hard-working people,” Peck said. “Amazon is not going to build your schools, employ your firefighters or ride in your parades—that comes from a healthy local economy, adding resources and supporting the community.”

Dr. G’s Brainworks: The Brain Fitness Store and More is planning to reallocate some of their dollars toward local printing, marketing, office supplies, legal services and more. Dr. William Gingold, president and CEO, said his business has an ongoing review of expenditures that could potentially become more local.

“Local shopping is an investment that has immediate payback in our local community,” Gingold said. “At the same time, there is pride in knowing and supporting such an effort and having the opportunity to personally interact with other businesses for our mutual benefit and viability.”

Indeed, there are great benefits for both parties when businesses purchase locally. According to a Forbes column written by Larry Myler, the main reason any forprofit company purchases goods from another company is to increase their own profit.

“My biggest successes in selling to other businesses have come from focusing on the goal of helping them sell more of their products and services to their customers,” Myler wrote in his column. “If your sales strategy does not emphasize how your products and services help your [business-to-business] customers sell more, you should consider repositioning your offerings.”

Forming business-to-business relationships not only helps the local economy, but also increases networking opportunities for those businesses. Peck said he encourages people to take initiative, get out and meet not only the longtime well-established businesses, but also the many entrepreneurs and startups in Champaign County.

R U O T E ME : S T R E P EX Flooring Surfaces

Jadon Peck Vice President of Sales and Marketing 401 Mercury Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 www.flooringsurfacesinc.com 217.398.1190

Rogards Office Plus Chad Hoffman CEO 214 S. Walnut St. Champaign, IL 61820 www.rogards.com 217.359.1795

Reynolds Towing Service, Inc.

Susan Jepsen CFO 1417 W. Kenyon Rd. Urbana, IL 61801 www.reynoldstowingserviceinc.com 217.337.0913

Central Illinois Produce Co., Inc. John Rollins President 500 S. Glover Ave. Urbana, IL 61802 www.centralillinoisproduce.com 217.367.8308

Dr. G’s Brainworks: The Fitness Store & More Dr. William Gingold President & CEO 114 Lincoln Square Urbana, IL 61801 www.drgsbrainworks.com 217.607.2427

Elliott Counseling Group

Sandra Ahten Vice President and Business Manager 309 W. Clark St. Champaign, IL 61820 www.kevinelliottcounseling.com 217.398.9066

“Chamber events, cold calling and referrals are a good way to get your name out there, but ultimately you have to excel in your field,” Peck said.

Reallocating funds toward local business purchasing doesn’t have to be complicated. The Elliot Counseling Group, a local mental health services facility, also accepted the Chamber Challenge. Sandra Ahten, vice president and business manager.

“I like getting to know the vendors and building relationships within the community and knowing that the taxes will be used to support local government and infrastructure,” Ahten said. “I don’t believe one needs to sacrifice their values to make a profit, and if you do, you shouldn’t be in business.” “‘Buy local’ campaigns can help local economies withstand the downturn,” said NEF researcher David Boyle in a Content Time article by Judith D. Schwarts.

“For communities, this is a hopeful message in a recession because it’s not about how much money you’ve got, but how much you can keep circulating without letting it leak out.”

the best way to accomplish a low sales tax rate and real estate taxes is by putting money back into the community by purchasing locally. As a result, Reynolds Towing Service is reallocating purchasing dollars toward local insurance, fuel and printing services.

“We appreciate customers who use our business and understand how loyalty is important to a small local business,” Jepsen said. “It is nice to repay them for using our services.”

Whether it’s marketing and online services or just a weekly luncheon, local business-to-business partnerships help stabilize the local economy by keeping money circulating through local hands. In the end, business-to-business relationships benefit both businesses in question, the local economy, local services and improves the overall community.

“We don’t do business locally just because it’s the right thing to do,” Hoffman said. “We do business locally because it’s a better value for us as a company.”

Likewise, Susan Jepsen, chief financial officer of Reynolds Towing Service, said her company feels

Local is more than a location

Supplies | Furniture | Breakroom | Janitorial | Promotional | Educational 214 S Walnut St Champaign | www.Rogards.com | 217-359-1795

the local purchasing challenge

We challenge you to make one simple decision that will transform our local economy; ultimately improving the bottom lines of our members – all without spending any more money than your company currently spends.

How? Take the Local Purchasing Challenge. It really is simple. Shopping local is not just a consumer activity. By simply reallocating your purchasing dollars for products and services from a non-local vendor to a local one (again, not spending more), your company will be part of creating significant economic impact in Champaign County.

What’s in it for me you ask? The more companies that agree to shift some of their purchasing back to Champaign County means more local companies will see increased sales. It means better customer service, quicker turnaround and no shipping.

More local purchasing means more money in the local economy. It means more money to keep jobs and create jobs. Your commitment to this grassroots effort, along with other local businesses will make the dollars add up. Again, without spending more than you have already budgeted. Have questions? Contact Karly Combest by calling 217.359.1791.

they have. will you?

We asked members who have taken the local purchasing challenge why they have done so and this is what they had to say: “Reynolds Towing Service is a small, locally owned business. We appreciate customers who use our business and understand how loyalty is important to a small local business.”

- Susan Jepsen, CFO, Reynold’s Towing Service, Inc.

“We need to walk the walk. We speak all the time with potential local businesses about keeping their produce purchases local. We need to do the same...Shopping local means improved customer service and convenience.”

- John Rollins, CEO, Central Illinois Produce “We believe that as many dollars as possible should stay in the community! I like getting to know the vendors and building relationships within the community. I like knowing that the taxes will be used to support local government and infrastructure.”

- Sandra Ahten, Vice Preseident, Elliott Counseling Group “Local shopping is an investment that has immediate payback in our local community. At the same time, there is pride in knowing and supporting such an effort and having the opportunity to personally interact with other businesses for our mutual benefit and viability.”

- William Gingold, owner, Dr. G’s Brainworks: The Brain Fitness Store & More

Chuck Eyman Kirk Harney Jan Miller Dan Marker Steve Tock

LOCAL. EXPERIENCED. INVESTED.

MEMBER FDIC HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM

CHAMPAIGN

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PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE There are several proposals that have passed recently or have been discussed that affect the local business community. Of immediate importance, Champaign County First, a partnership of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, has created a coalition to preserve our current Amtrak service up and down the Illini Saluki Corridor. This line connects the University of Illinois and Eastern and Southern Illinois Universities creating the I57 Amtrak Knowledge Corridor. This is a vital service to our community and we are receiving enormous support from the communities up and down the corridor along with their local state legislatures. If you wish to support and join the coalition, an online petition can be found at Change.org.

The Chamber of Commerce office at 303 W. Kirby Ave. in Champaign is also acting as the de facto headquarters for the new Independent Map Amendment organization. This effort is to create a constitutional amendment in Illinois to take the power of drawing legislative district maps away from the politicians and put it back into the hands of the people. The current system allows for politicians to choose their constituents rather than allowing the constituents to choose their elected officials. You can sign, pass or notarize petitions at the Chamber office.

Two recent actions by our local governing bodies will affect businesses in our community. The City of Urbana approved a $0.01 sales tax increase on gasoline, 0.5 percent increase on food and beverage, 1 percent increase on hotel-motel and a $0.015 increase on natural gas use. The revenue raised by these new tax increases is meant to offset any potential cuts coming from the State of Illinois. Also, the City of Champaign approved a 6 percent increase to the Storm Water Use Fee. The fee is scheduled to increase every two years and needs board consent.

The fee funds personnel costs and necessary upgrades.

There are also a few proposals being debated that could affect our local business community.

Champaign County is still debating a proposal called the Local Economic Growth Initiative Tripartite. This proposal would require all construction projects in Champaign County over $100,000 to have a project labor agreement. The last time this came for a vote before the County Board, the Board decided to defer action to a later date. Also being debated, much like the recent tax increases for the City of Urbana, the Village of Savoy is still debating a potential quarter cent sales tax increase to fund potential cuts from the State of Illinois.

The State of Illinois budget is still in flux, there are many proposals on the table but none are certain of passing. Before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the budget sent to him by lawmakers. Since there is no budget at the beginning of the fiscal year, there is no authority for the State Comptroller to issue payments. This includes government contracts and employee payroll.

There are many options being debated from a temporary budget to overriding the governor’s vetoes.

As of this moment, there is no clear picture of what a compromise might look like and until one is reached, Illinois government will remain in shutdown.

University of Illinois Chancellor, Phyllis Wise, addressed Chamber members about the impact the new Carle-Illinois College of Medicine will have on our community. Over 120 local business leaders were informed on how this new medical school will be the first engineering based medical school in the country and could create 8,000 indirect jobs in Illinois.

The Board of Trustees’ University Healthcare System Committee approved the oversight and financial commitments to the new medical school last week allowing the plans to move forward.

Athletico Physical Therapy has combined with Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers to provide patient-centered physical therapy at over 330 locations in 9 states.

Athletico Champaign

217-355-1961 champaignnorth@athletico.com

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ENROLL YOURSELF OR YOUR EMPLOYEES TODAY! Be a business leader who helps cultivate our future leaders.

WHAT GRADUATES ARE SAYING: “I really enjoyed the political leadership, Allerton, leadership panel and etiquette sessions. The personality sessions were quite helpful in understanding and relating to others. The breadth of topics covered were helpful to become better rounded.”

- Adam Owen, Busey Wealth Management “This program was geared to all types of business and interest. Each week I left with at least one thing that was new and intriguing to me. I certainly benefited from this program from a leadership prospective.”

- Caitlyn Mooney, Horve Hospitality

WHAT PRESENTERS ARE SAYING: “I believe the Chamber’s ACE Leadership program offers young professionals in our community the opportunity the establish peer and networking connections. As a result of these interactions, the group will find they are having common experiences and also have a resource when encountering uncharted waters.”

- Chris Shroyer, Busey “I would recommend the program to any young professional seeking to enhance their leadership abilities, be exposed to new contacts, and who wants to engage in thought-provoking conversations about ways to make our business and communities better.”

- Gordy Hulten, Champaign County Clerk

OPENING RECEPTION - Minneci’s at the Crossing Thursday, August 27, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR TEST, PART I

Thursday, September 3, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., (Breakfast included) Cindy Guthrie, Three Degrees of Change

MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR TEST, PART II

Thursday, September 10, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., (Lunch included) Cindy Guthrie, Three Degrees of Change

MANAGING PEOPLE

Thursday, September 17, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., (Breakfast included) Cindy Somers, Spherion

ALLERTON CHALLENGE COURSE - Allerton 4H Camp, Thursday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

LEADERSHIP PANEL

Thursday, October 1, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (Breakfast included) Local business leaders from various industries and business sizes

DEVELOPING A LEADER WITHIN YOU

Thursday, October 8, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., (Lunch included) Lesley King, Out of the BOX Consulting

GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Thursday, October 15, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., (Breakfast included)

IMPACT OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN GOV’T

Thursday, October 22, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (Breakfast included) Gordy Hulten & Champaign Mayor Deb Frank Feinen

ETIQUETTE LUNCHEON AND GRADUATION Lincolnshire Fields Country Club, Thursday, October 29,

11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Lunch included), Beth Reutter, University of Illinois Hospitality Management Program

REGISTRATION FORMS are available on our website at www.champaigncounty.org.

MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust was named Community Bank of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration at their summit and awards conference on June 24, 2015. Eric McRae, EVP and Senior Lender at First Mid commented, “We rely on small businesses to drive our local economy and at First Mid we’re compelled to explore every opportunity to help them succeed. The SBA lending programs give us another option to provide capital to our customers. We’re honored to receive recognition from the SBA for a second consecutive year for our role in supporting small business.”

Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, announced that it has earned a spot on the Zweig Group Hot Firm List for the second year in a row, climbing six spots from their 2014 ranking. Fehr Graham ranked #58 on the prestigious list that identified the 100 fastest-growing privately held architecture, engineering, planning and environmental consulting firms in the United States and Canada. Firms on the list are ranked according to their growth rate from 2011-2014, with 50 percent of the score being based on percentage growth and 50 percent based on dollar growth.

July 21, 2015 Christie Clinic welcomed Carmilyn Lesemann, APN, NP-C, to the Department of Spine

and Pain Management located at 101 West University Avenue in Champaign. Carmilyn comes to Christie Clinic with over 13 years of experience in spine care. As a nurse practitioner in the Department of Spine and Pain Management, Carmilyn’s knowledge of spine related disorders allows her to diagnose and treat a wide variety of both acute and chronic spine conditions. Carmilyn received her bachelor’s and master’s in nursing from Illinois State University in Bloomington, and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Elliott Counseling Group, a division of Kevin Elliott Counseling Inc., has hired Kathryn Lohmeyer, LCSW as a trauma specialist for children and an ADHD coach and therapist. Kathryn is a licensed clinical social worker who received her master’s in social work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked primarily as a school social worker providing counseling, therapeutic interventions and assessments for children and adolescents. She is also certified through the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children as a Trauma Specialist. She works with a variety of ages presenting concerns and issues, and specializes in stress, trauma, relationships struggles, self-esteem issues, ADHD, autism, executive functioning deficits, and social skills deficits.

1501 S. NEIL ST., CHAMPAIGN 217-352-9970 CHAMPAIGNURBANA.STAYHGI.COM 99 luxurious guest rooms • 2 blocks from University of Illinois Indoor Pool & Spa • Oversized Fitness Center • Flat Screen TVs 18,000 sq. ft. of Banquet and Meeting Space • Complimentary Airport Shuttle

2013 S. NEIL ST., CHAMPAIGN 217-355-6468 CHAMPAIGNURBANA.HOME2SUITES.COM 104 Extended Stay Suites • Complimentary Breakfast 7 Days a Week Indoor Saline Pool • Oversized Fitness Center • Flat Screen TVs Walking Distance to University of Illinois

1417 S. NEIL ST., CHAMPAIGN 217-352-9960 CHAMPAIGNURBANA.HOMEWOODSUITES.COM 98 Extended Stay Suites • Welcome Home Reception Monday–Thursday Indoor Pool & Spa • Flat Screen TVs • Oversized Fitness Center Complimentary Breakfast 7 Days a Week • Complimentary Airport Shuttle

Out of town or just out of time?

Bank on your schedule with Busey’s Mobile App. It’s your money, and you should be able to securely access your accounts when it’s convenient for you. With Busey’s financial management hub — including apps for iPhone® and Android™ devices, mobile deposit, Busey text, eBills, eStatements, bill payment, FinanceWorks, Popmoney and Debits2Dollars® — you can do your banking anytime, anywhere.

Busey. Your Dream. Our Promise. busey.com 217.365.4500 Member FDIC

Pam Berbaum has been promoted to Senior Vice President – Branch Administration at Marine Bank, assuming responsibility for all 12 of Marine’s retail branches across central Illinois. Berbaum joined the Bank in 2006 to manage its first branch in Champaign. Since then, she has managed the acquisition of the Neil Street Branch in 2011 and the startup of the Fort Jesse Road Branch in Normal in 2014.

In her new position, she will continue to be based at the Village Green Branch in Champaign. “We appreciate Pam’s valuable contributions to our customer-centered approach to banking,” said CEO Chris Zettek. “We’re pleased to reward her achievements with this well-deserved promotion.”

Headquartered in Springfield, Marine Bank serves central Illinois from Champaign to Macomb. It has total assets of $625 million and a staff of 220.

Business Insider and Foursquare has announced their “Best Ice Cream Shops 2015” list and Jarling’s Custard Cup has made the list. They have chosen one ice cream shop from each state. Congratulations to the owners and staff of Jarling’s.

Clark Breeze of Wells Fargo Insurance Services has received the highest honor given by the Leading Producer Round Table of the National Association of Health Underwriters, the Soaring Eagle Award for the 2nd year in a row. The award recognizes benefits specialists and health care consultants for exceptional professional

knowledge and outstanding client service. Breeze is a Senior Sales Executive with the Benefits Division of Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Champaign. He has 39 years of experience.

Congratulations to the CEO of Rogards Office Plus, Chad Hoffman, for being named Champaign Rotary West’s Rotarian of the Year. For more information about the award, visit their website.

The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) announced that Joseph R. Dively has been elected to the IBA’s Board of Directors for 2015-2016. He was elected at the IBA’s 124th Annual Conference on June 18 at the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette and Peoria Civic Center. Dively is chairman, CEO and president of First Mid-Illinois Bancshares Inc., based in Mattoon, Illinois. He joined the First Mid team in 2011 as president after serving on the board of directors since 2004.

Prior to joining the bank, he was a senior executive with Consolidated Communications, also in Mattoon.

Have news to share with the local business community?

Tell us about it and get featured in the Chamber’s next Commerce Connection. Send an email with your news to Samantha Hendon, SamanthaH@champaigncounty.org or submit the news via our website: http://champaigncounty. org/membership/member_accolades.aspx

In Your Business

To learn more about area businesses; how the Chamber can help; and to better promote our members to other members, the Chamber staff and ambassadors have been touring member businesses. For more details and photos from the tour, visit www.champaigncounty.org.

AMDOCS:

Amdocs was founded in 1984 and has thirty years of managed services experience. They are the market-leader in software solutions and services for the world’s largest communications, entertainment and media service providers. They have 500 million subscribers and 35 customers.

Their customers include AT&T, DIRECTV, Comcast, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Sprint, and many more. Their portfolio powers The New World of Customer Experience™, where a wide array of innovative and personalized services are delivered seamlessly to end users, regardless of device or network.

They have four recently renovated offices located on Fox Drive in Champaign and employ 425 people locally. Amdocs has a total of eighty locations worldwide with 23,000 employees. They need passionate, driven people to join their team. Find opportunities here: www.amdocs.com/about/careers/pages/amdocscareers.aspx.

Cham ber Sto re Mailing Labels

An exclusive benefit of Chamber membership, we sell mailing labels containing the names and addresses of Chamber member businesses for the purpose of member-to-member communication. Target the local business community. Two lists are available for purchase:

e-Connection

Long list (approx. 2,500 names and businesses): $175 Short list (approx. 1,000 names and businesses): $125

Recently redesigned, our electronic newsletter is sent to more than 2,200 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County each week.

Sponsor an e-Connection and get your business seen by thousands.

Contact Caryn Isenhower to order, Caryni@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Header sponsorship (one wk.): $100

AFFORDABLE

Email Blast Advertisement Do you have a new product, service or information you would like to share with our entire Chamber membership list? Take advantage of this exclusive offer to send broadcast emails to our entire 2,100+ email list.

Website Marketing With over 7,000 visits/month to the Chamber website, this is where you want to be. Market your business to locals and those looking to move and/or visit here. Want more information?

Contact Samantha Hendon at SamanthaH@champaigncounty. org.

Email Blast Advertisement: $500 Contact Samantha Hendon for more information, SamanthaH@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Commerce Connection

This is a bi-monthly publication that is distributed to over 2,600 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County. Content varies, but is always relevant to local business. There are a variety of ad sizes available.

Ads start at only $90. Ask about the exclusive cover package that allows your business to gain exposure before the reader even opens the publication. Contact Samantha Hendon for more information, SamanthaH@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Email Footer Sponsorship

EXCLUSIVE

Contact Samantha Hendon for more information, SamanthaH@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Event Sponsorship

From monthly First Friday Coffee and Business After Hours to our annual Golf Outing, the Chamber hosts a number of events each month. By sponsoring a Chamber event, your business obtains great exposure not only at the event itself, but also within all promotional materials (emails, mailings, e-newsletters, Commerce Connection, website, etc.). We have numerous opportunities throughout the year, here’s what’s coming up: Chamber Annual Meeting: Title Sponsorship (1) - $2,750; Mid Level Sponsorship - $900; Table Sponsorship: $400 Additional sponsorship information for events such as Business Success and Solutions Seminars is available upon request. Contact Karly Combest at KarlyC@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791 with any event sponsorship inquiries.

For a great price, place an ad in every email that is sent out of the Chamber office. That’s an average of over 12,000 emails per week. The best part? Link the footer wherever you would like.

Online Business Directory Enhancements

Footer (one wk.): $75 (Add footer to the e-Connection for an additional $50.)

Basic upgrade: $40/year

Contact Samantha for details at, SamanthaH@champaigncounty. org or 217.359.1791.

Enhance your listing on the Chamber’s online business directory. The directory gets hundreds of thousands of views each day--turn your standard (complimentary) listing into an eye-catching, search engine optimized advertisement.

Value upgrade: $60/year

Deluxe upgrade: $90/year

Contact Samantha Hendon for more information, SamanthaH@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Complimentary services: rental of laptop computer, conference space and LCD projector; Certificate of Origin; Notary service; information, assistance and resources.

REACH THOUSANDS ON A SMALL BUDGET.

calendar of events

Fast Facts

4.5% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in May 2015

BSS: Soft Skills for Hardcore Ribbon Cutting Success, Part I TownePlace Suites by Marriott Facilitated by Image Potential Tuesday, August 4 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

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

Ribbon Cutting - AT&T Authorized Retailer – MidWest Cellular Thursday, August 6 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

2740 S. Philo Rd., Ste. C., Urbana

Financing a Small Business Workshop Hosted by ECI Score

Thursday, August 6 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

First Friday Coffee

Friday, August 7 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Eastland Suites Hotel and Conference Center 1907 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana

Thursday, August 13 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

524 E. Green St., Champaign

Tuesday, August 11 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

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

106.4

Connect @ Lunch

528,360 rides were taken on CUMTD in

Saturday, August 15 4:30 p.m. to 6:0 p.m.

1905 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign

Thursday, August 13 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

June 2015 U of I Flash Index for Illinois

Monday, August 18 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

El Toro Bravo Mexican Restaurant 2561 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign

June 2015

Business After Hours

champaigncounty.org in June 2015

Thursday, August 20 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Firemark Paintball 2453 County Rd. 600 E., Dewey

Starting a Small Business Workshop Hosted by ECI SCORE Thursday, August 20 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

6,229 visits to the Chamber’s page, 7,352 average amount of referrals PER DAY the

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory received via search engines and online sources in June 2015.

2014 The year that the Champaign County

Chamber of Commerce was named the Illinois Outstanding Chamber of the Year

Friday, September 4 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m Hyatt Place 217 N. Neil St., Champaign

Writing a Business Plan Workshop

Nonprofit Organization (NPO) Hosted by ECI Score Workshop Thursday, September 10 Hosted by ECI SCORE

County in June 2015

Ribbon Cutting Familia Dental

BSS: Soft Skills for Hardcore Success, Part II First Friday Coffee Facilitated by Image Potential

29 business licenses applied for in Champaign

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org

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