November/December 2020

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

Volume 27 | Issue 6

years

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A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

for

more

than

COMMERCE CONNECTION

INSIDE: PG. 4 Attract New Customers by Helping Another Business Photo courtesy of freepik

Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL

PAID

Presorted Standard US Postage

C h a m pa i g n C o u n t y ’ s

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

Ready for 2021?

PG. 11 Chambers All In for Economic Recovery PG. 12 Annual Report PG. 16 Public Policy Update: The FDA

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Giving local businesses the advantage of

SBA Financing.

Recognized by SBA seven years in a row.

2014-2020 as Central/Southern Illinois Community Lender of the Year!

In business, every advantage counts… and you can count on our experienced team of lenders to help you secure SBA financing for a variety of needs: • Business expansion or acquisition • New construction / land or building purchase • Equipment purchase • Leasehold improvements • Working capital or a seasonal line of credit • Inventory

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Look for us in these area communities: CHAMPAIGN 398-0067 | URBANA 367-8451 | SAVOY 351-3526 MAHOMET 318-3750 | RANTOUL 893-8100

firstmid.com

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

FY20 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS GOLD Busey SILVER Carle University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center BRONZE A & R Mechanical Contractors Amdocs BankChampaign, N.A. Christie Clinic First Mid Bank & Trust Health Alliance Hickory Point Bank & Trust Midland States Bank Napleton’s Auto Park of Urbana

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS 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, Christian FM 95.3 & ESPN 93.5 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO

150 PERCENT CLUB Awards, Ltd. / Stamps Direct Dish Passionate Cuisine Hyatt Place LongHorn Steakhouse TrophyTime, Inc. W.K. Cooper II Asset Management Corporation

CHAMBER STAFF Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org

Madeline Herrman Public Policy Director MadelineH@champaigncounty.org

Matt Bradley Business Growth & Development Director MattB@champaigncounty.org

Lindsay Quick Director of Marketing & Events LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org Stephanie Smith-Jeffries Office and Accounting Administrator StephanieS@champaigncounty.org

Mindy Cain Director of Workforce Readiness MindyC@champaigncounty.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Rachel Coventry

Justin Overstreet

Kyle Emkes

Chip Craddock Clark Dietz, Inc.

Deb Reardanz Clark-Lindsey Village

Tonya Horn

Linda Difiore

Dr. Jared Rogers

Dan Kirby

Curtis Orchard, Ltd.

Silgan Closures Dan Hurley FedEx Ground R.J. Hynds English Brothers Company

Susan Jepsen

Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon

Pradeep Khanna University of Illinois

Martin Hood LLC

OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center

Julianna Sellett Carle

Amie Smith

BankChampaign N.A.

Chair, Maatuka Al-Heeti Emkes LLC

First Vice Chair, Rogards

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Mike Estes

Past Chair, Fisher National Bank

Laura Weis

Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

Bill Walter

A & R Mechanical Contractors

Chuck McReaken TSM Ventures, 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.

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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between September 1 - November 30 Housing Authority of Champaign County

Watt’s Copy Systems

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) was created in 1943 and is designated as a Moving to Work (MTW) Agency. HACC has successfully implemented several large redevelopment projects and participated in both the ownership structure and management of the newly developed mixed-income properties.

HACC provides asset management services and oversight of seven tax credit properties located on land owned and leased by HACC. The current HACC portfolio consists of five Rental Assistance Demonstration properties with 338 units; thirteen Mixed Finance Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) communities consisting of 821 units; and, two Mixed Finance communities using no LIHTC with a total of 66 units. In addition to these multifamily rental communities, HACC administers over 1,200 tenant-based vouchers; a homeownership program; and a rental assistance program for homeless veterans. HACC also administers a multitude of resident support and service programs under various HUD and non-HUD grants.

Watts Copy Systems recently moved to a new office location. Watts has provided local sales and service to the area for over 37 years. Watts is your local source for a full range of copiers/multifunction devices, printers, Sharp Aquos Interactive Boards and Watts Water Filtration Systems. We serve virtually every organizations’ needs—from a small business office to a huge multi-location corporation, Watts can customize the right solution for your office’s needs. Watts is pleased to be the authorized dealer for two award-winning manufacturers, Sharp and Kyocera.Watts Copy Systems started in Springfield, Illinois and has been a local, female/ minority/family-owned corporation in business since 1982.

Our mission is to make a positive impact in the success of our business communities by providing office technology solutions through quality equipment and support services at a fair price by a team of employees who are enthusiastically committed to serving our customers through a long lasting relationship of integrity in every detail.

2008 N. Market St. Champaign, IL 61822 217.378.7100 www.hacc.net Real Estate

Rose & Taylor Barber Shop 124 N. 1st St. Champaign, IL 61821 217.398.9689 Hair Salons

The Legendary Rose & Taylor Barbershop, established in 1962, has been providing haircuts and shaves to the Champaign community for years.

Built on the traditions of love, family, and exceptional service, Rose & Taylor is the cornerstone for family haircare services in Champaign. Upon joining the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce in 2020, Rose & Taylor is expecting continued growth and expansion going forward into the future.

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475 Devonshire Dr. Champaign, IL 61820 217.352.0428 www.wattscopy.com Copy Machines & Supplies-Sales & Service

Ribbon Cuttings

>> held between October 1 and November 30

OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center celebrated the opening of their new care facility on Springfield Ave. with a ribbon cutting on October 12.

Watts Copy Systems celebrated their new location in Champaign with a ribbon cutting on October 27.

OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of their new primary care facility in Savoy with a ribbon cutting on Monday, November 2.

The legendary Rose & Taylor Barbershop celebrated the grand opening of their new shop with a ribbon cutting on November 16. The new location is just south of the original Rose & Taylor location.

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&Save

Bundle

Right now, marketing your business is incredibly important. Now is not the time to go silent. We want to help you reach members of the business community with our affordable marketing opportunities.

Reach thousands on a small budget when you choose one of our marketing bundles. Each bundle has been carefully created to give you the most bang for your buck in a specific marketing space.

When you bundle, you save.

Digital Blitz Bundle

• Email Blast (1) • E-connection Banners (6 weeks) • Website Banner Ads (6 months) • Bundle Value: $1,900 • Sale Price: $1,500

Email Bundle

• Email Blasts (2) • E-connection Banners (6 weeks) • Bundle Value: $1,600 • Sale Price: $1,300

Chamber Website Bundle

• Enhanced Listing • Website Banner Ads (1 year) • Bundle Value: $1,579 • Sale Price: $1,300

Power of Print Bundle

• Commerce Connection 1/2 page Ads (6 issues) • Trends Report Full Page Ad • Bundle Value: $2,398 • Sale Price: $1,900

We’re ready to bundle!

Business Name___________________________________________________________________ Contact Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Billing Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ Fax: ___________________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Please complete this form and return to: Lindsay Quick, Director of Marketing & Events via email at lindsayq@champaigncounty.org

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Can you help pay it forward?

Recently, you may have received a letter inviting your business to Pay a Membership Forward.

Chamber membership is an effective business strategy. When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber, they are 49 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 80 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future. Paying a Membership Forward will help the hardest hit chamber members from COVID-19 mitigation implement this business strategy.

Why should this matter to you? Your business is only as strong as our business climate. Your donation to Paying a Membership Forward will enable us to continue the work we are doing for the business community and in particular, help us better serve the industries hardest hit.

Businesses cannot operate in isolation. We are all interconnected. We are all part of the business ecosystem that makes our community work.

Paying a Membership Forward will help us grant a membership to another member who will not be able to renew in 2021. To pay a membership forward, please go to www.champaigncounty.org/store or mail a check to 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL. 61820

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY SAFE RE-OPENING TOOLKIT • BEST PRACTICES PPE RESOURCES • SAFETY PLEDGE

CHAMPAIGNCOUNTYSAFE.ORG

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Attract New Customers by Helping Another Business If you could attract new customers to your business simply by helping another business, would you do it?

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Ekey Technology to identify Beta testers of a unique technology platform that will help drive customers to your door.

Ekey Technology is a start-up company, located in the Research Park at the University of Illinois. They are a marketing company providing location and consumer preference-based advertising that goes right to mobile devices of consumers. It is a web-based application that allows clients (you) to tell your compelling stories, publish videos, add introductions, and construct promotional offers which consumers receive on their mobile devices.

What makes this unique is that your promotional offer is justin-time and your consumers get them when approaching or entering your selected areas. It is location specific delivery.

So, if the customer is shopping near your store, but he/she has not planned to visit your store or restaurant, Ekey will find this customer and send them your offer while they are in your neighborhood. This immediate promotional offer will hopefully bring that customer in your door. Your offer will capture the customer while they are in the immediate vicinity of your shop or restaurant.

Ekey serves small to medium sized businesses. Business clients can run just-in-time marketing campaigns and personalize offers to consumers. The technology is designed to reduce advertising costs, boost ad effectiveness, lower store overhead, and maximize sales revenue. Ekey surpasses other digital marketing platforms in that they provide precision location-based delivery.

The key to success relies on more people using the Ekey mobile application. Please download and encourage your customers to download the free Ekey mobile application.

Because Ekey is a start-up and still fine-tuning their technology, they are offering free advertising / participation initially to chamber members for the testing period. Please provide any feedback and suggestions to their platforms.

Help us, help you.

To learn more about Ekey Technology, please visit: www.ekeyweb.com/ If you are interested in participating (for free) on this platform as a Beta tester please contact info@ekeyweb.com.

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A very special thank you to the

150+ volunteers

who participated in the iRead • iCount program.

Collectively, these volunteers helped

200+ kindergarten students

improve their literacy and numeracy skills throughout Champaign Unit 4 elementary schools.

Community challenges can only be overcome with community participation. When you volunteer one-hour a week, you’ll be helping to improve Champaign County’s future workforce. Please consider volunteering in 2021.

Many volunteer opportunities will be available in both Champaign and Urbana elementary schools.The students will need the extra help now more than ever.

www.champaigncounty.org/iread-icount

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PARTNER. We’re in this together.

Broad financial capabilities. Close relationships. Unwavering support for our clients and communities.

That’s been Busey’s promise for over 150 years, and right now, it’s more important than ever.

As your partner, we’re right beside you, your family and your business, offering financial relief for those in need. Visit busey.com/financialreliefprogram or contact our team at 1.800.67Busey to learn more.

Busey. Your Partner for Generations to Come. busey.com

Member FDIC

New to entrepreneurship?

The Chamber Has Your BAC. BAC Complimentary Services

Business Counseling: With over 15 experienced advisors with backgrounds in a variety of fields, BAC is committed to growing business one idea at a time.

One-On-One Banker Consultation: The Chamber has partnered with local banks to provide existing business owners or aspiring business owners a neutral space to discreetly discuss their financials on a one-on-one basis with a banking professional without the pressure of sales.

www.champaigncounty.org/business-advisors-council 10

Chambers All In for Economic Recovery The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has launched a new campaign: Chambers All In for Economic Recovery. This initiative is done in collaboration with chambers of commerce from across the state. As Illinois continues Tier 3 mitigations, many of our businesses are once again faced with having to alter day-to-day operations to preserve the safety and health of customers and employees.

Over the past several months, we have been working to help keep your doors open and this campaign continues this effort.

COVID-19 cases are rising at alarming rates. Now Illinois is presented with two options: Governor Pritzker has stated that we can either follow mitigation and safety protocols to stay open or we can go back to a stay-at-home order which could shut many businesses down. It is our mission as a chamber of commerce to see your businesses thrive for years to come. This is why chambers are all in.

This initiative compliments Governor Pritzker’s All In Illinois campaign that focuses on actions that help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We recognize that our members may agree or disagree with the path that Illinois has taken thus far in the pandemic; however, science says that taking simple actions such as social distancing, staying home when possible, and wearing a mask have the power to bend the curve. A recent statistic says that if just 15 percent more Americans would wear a mask, it would have a one trillion dollar impact on our national economy. In fact, the sooner we can get mask compliance, the sooner mitigations can be lifted and the sooner we can have an open economy. The bottom line is that we cannot afford to see another business close its doors in Illinois temporarily or permanently.

Going all in can prevent that.

Our work to keep your business open does not stop here. In the coming weeks, we and our Chamber partners across the state will be working to generate productive solutions that can keep our communities healthy and businesses open.

We plan to work collaboratively with decision makers at every level of government to make balanced recommendations to keep the economy going and simultaneously safe.

Our Chambers #allin is just the start of shaping a plan for our economic recovery.

Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at info@ champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791. #chambersallin 11

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Business as Unusual Business as Usual 58,037

100

Attendees

Grew the Chamber’s business network by welcoming the Fisher Area Business Association as an affiliate member.

82,560

Business connections made at Chamber networking events from July 2019 to March 2020.

60+

students participated in the healthcare careers program.

Organized & facilitated a virtual townhall meeting with

Nearly

number of Chamber member employees.

+

Throughout the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic we have:

&

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of our State elected officials

providing access to decision makers as the Stay-at-Home went into effect.

Used creativity to continue to connect our members through networking events, both virtually and in-person (following public health safety guidelines).

This allowed our members to create important business connections.

Led communication to the business community on COVID-19 to

4,000+ contacts

180+

students received 1-on-1 mentoring via iRead • iCount program.

90+

students had 1-on-1 resume reviews with local HR professionals.

PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY • In partnership with Congressman Rodney Davis, hosted both Amtrak and Canadian National to discuss improving on-time performance. 18 different organizations and 10 different communities were represented.

• Champaign County First efforts resulted in the completion of the Village of Royal waste water & sewer treatment system which will facilitate business growth in the community.

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Entrepreneurs received counseling during FY20 to start and grow their businesses in Champaign County.

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Leaders in Champaign County received education and skill development through Chamber leadership programs in FY20.

Resulting in the opening of 6 new minority/female

12 owned businesses.

through our Daily Updates. These emails include timely news articles, daily statistics & links to important resources allowing businesses to be up-to-date on information concerning the pandemic.

• Provided businesses with almost weekly webinars on funding, legal issues regarding COVID-19, marketing in a newclimate and leading remotely.

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• Intervened and facilitated on behalf of our members who had challenges with stimulus programs to help them secure their funding.

Advocated across all levels of government for our members’ needs as it relates to restrictions, funding & the economic impact of the pandemic.

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY SAFE

• Partnered with community organizations & entities to launch champaigncountysafe.org — a comprehensive website with information & tools related to the pandemic.

• Convened industry-specific groups to help build re-opening plans and developed a comprehensive guide to re-opening.

Too Many To Count

The Chamber has fielded hundreds of calls from business owners and leaders seeking help on navigating COVID-19 in the workplace; understanding mitigation ramifications; seeking funding assistance; helping identifying PPE and other resources.

“

Take It from one of our members:

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable resource for our small business in 2020. Operating a business under “normal” circumstances has its challenges, but operating during a pandemic, that’s a whole new ballgame. We’ve relied heavily on the communication from the Chamber to help us stay abreast of the ever-changing environment that affects how we do business day-to-day. The value-added services we’ve received this year have far exceeded our expectations and we are very happy to be members of the Chamber.

”

- Becca Powers, Owner of Industrial Donut

Jerris Duncan, MAPS Business Coaching

Leadership 2.0 will transform good leaders & teams into great leaders & teams.

Each session utilizes a self-awareness process that teaches an understanding of your personality to the highest degree. This program will use simple tools to strengthen your capacity to become more effective in communication, time management, influence, collaboration and execution.

The program will take place throughout six sessions beginning in January and ending in March. Sessions will take place from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. via Zoom.

Program Price (for all six sessions): Chamber Members: $899 • Non-Members and Guests: $1,099 Discounts applicable for multiple people from the same business.

To register visit www.champaigncounty.org/events/calendar/ Group discounts are available. Sessions will not be sold separately.

Space is limited. Invest in yourself by registering today.

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MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS REGENCY MULTIFAMILY Regency Multifamily announced the promotion of Brittney Oldham to senior director of operations, Jacque Carpenter to director of operations, and Erin Graves to community manager of Regency Club Apartments.

As senior director of operations, Brittney Oldham will oversee the operations of all thirteen properties in addition to supervising the marketing and training departments. Brittney has been with Regency for twelve years and was previously the director of operations for seven of the company’s properties.

Jacque Carpenter will be responsible for the operations of Gentry Square, Kimber Green, The Legends, Overture Flats, Regency Club, and Windsor West Apartments. Before her role as director of operations, Jacque was the community manager at Regency Club Apartments.

As the community manager of Regency Club Apartments, Erin Graves will oversee the daily activities of the property. Her responsibilities will include leasing, resident relations, and office management.

“We are proud to have these three individuals step into their new roles,” said Teresa Kelnhofer, President and CEO. “They have all shown great success and we are excited to see them continue to grow with our company.”

For more information about Regency Multifamily go to Regency-Multifamily.com.

HEYL, ROYSTER, VOELKER & ALLEN, P.C. Reneé Monfort of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C. has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The induction ceremony took place during the 2020 Annual Meeting and 70th Anniversary Celebration of the College.

Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have

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been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.

Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.

Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,800 members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and Honorary Fellows.

The College maintains and seeks to improve the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics, and the administration of justice through education and public statements on independence of the judiciary, trial by jury, respect for the rule of law, access to justice, and fair and just representation of all parties to legal proceedings. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Reneé Monfort is a partner in the firm of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C. She has been practicing in Champaign, Illinois focusing her practice on the representation of healthcare providers for the last 30 years. The newly inducted Fellow is an alumna of Stetson University College of Law. Reneé now shares this distinction with retired Heyl Royster Partners, Bill Voelker, Lyle Allen, Bob Dewey, Rex Linder, Jim Kearns, and Doug Pomatto.

She has also previously been recognized as a Leading Lawyer and a Super Lawyer.

FISHER NATIONAL BANK The Career Development Division (CDD), a division of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI), named Ryan Heiser, community president & CEO of Fisher National Bank, as their “2020 Career Banker of the Year.”

The award was presented at the CDD Fall Meeting held in Springfield, Illinois. The award is based on participation in CBAI legislative, education, and public relations programs, involvement in CDD programs, community involvement in nonbanking activities which enhance career and personal life, and an outstanding recognition or completion of educational programs.

Heiser met all the criteria to be eligible for “Career Banker of the Year,” plus his accomplishments went well beyond what is expected of his position and responsibilities at the bank. Heiser is committed to success and growth within his community and his lending capabilities benefit the bank’s ability to meet the needs of local citizens and businesses. Heiser is dedicated to being a true community banker in every aspect. He has continued to raise money for Community BancPac and CBAl’s Foundation for Community Banking, along with being active in CBAI’s lobbying efforts by attending the Capital Conference and Call on Washington for many years. Heiser has also been very active within his community by advancing the cause of financial literacy. He has been truly dedicated to the mission of the Career Development Division and has represented the group as a true community banking professional.

option in 19 categories —including the best big and small bank in every state.

FIRST MID BANK & TRUST First Mid Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that it has been named to Newsweek magazine’s ranking of America’s Best Banks 2021. America’s Best Banks 2021 is Newsweek magazine’s first-ever Best Banks rankings, recognizing financial institutions that best serve their customers’ needs. Further, First Mid Bank & Trust was named as the Best Small Bank in the state of Illinois.

ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER Over $87,000 will be shared by 88 Illinois fire departments through Illinois American Water’s 2020 Firefighter Grant Program. Since the program was created in 2010, over 680 grants totaling over $668,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations across Illinois.

“First Mid is proud to be among the list of Best Banks named by Newsweek magazine,” says Joe Dively, chairman and CEO of First Mid Bank & Trust.

“This is a big moment for the First Mid team, and this recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to our customers and communities. We will continue to strive to deliver exceptional customer service and provide the products and solutions that are needed to help our customers with their financial needs and goals.”

Dively adds, “These have certainly been challenging times for us all, but whether it’s serving our customers in person through our local branches or assisting them virtually, our customers can count on us to be there for them in the long run.”

Newsweek partnered with LendingTree, the online loan marketplace and comparison site for financial services, for the magazine’s inaugural Best Banks rankings. From more than 2,500 FDIC-insured institutions, they assessed U.S. banks and the savings and checking accounts offered based on 55 separate factors to come up with a best-in-class

First Mid was also recently named the Central/ Southern Illinois Community Lender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Illinois District Office for the seventh consecutive year. This award is presented to the community bank with the best overall performance record for lending to small businesses in Central and Southern Illinois in 2019.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Small Business Administration for our continued commitment to small businesses,” says Eric McRae, chief credit officer. “It’s never been more apparent the positive impact that small businesses have on the economy and quality of life in our communities, and we feel privileged to be in a position to support them.”

“We know how important water is in protecting homes and businesses. We also understand the impact of the pandemic on our first responders.

This is why we approved every grant we received in full this year, supporting our local heroes in a meaningful way,” said Justin Ladner, Illinois American Water president. “Some of the departments will use the grant funds for pandemicrelated needs, while others will allocate the funds for communication tools, extraction equipment, training resources, and more.”

Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program awards grants to support firefighter needs such as personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and classroom programs. To view the list of fire departments receiving grants across the state, please visit the news section of Illinois American Water’s website at www.illinoisamwater.com.

Have news to share with the local business community? Tell us about it and get featured in the Chamber’s next Commerce Connection. Email Lindsay Quick with your news, LindsayQ@ champaigncounty.org.

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PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE The FDA’s work is all around us. It may be in our pantries on an approved medicines label or the disclaimer, “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease,” may grace a supplement we use. Now, as vaccines begin to roll out across the country, we hear of FDA panels, emergency-use authorizations and approvals more than ever. The foundation is set for us to learn: what is the FDA and how does it shape the COVID-19 vaccine roll out?

The origins of the FDA developed throughout American history but are most closely associated with the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act. The Act provided the framework for and initiated a series of movements that regulated the quality and contents of American food and medications. Twenty-four years later in 1930, an agriculture appropriations bill defined the name of the regulatory authority as the Food and Drug Administration which is how we know it today.

While the FDA falls under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the work of the FDA touches every aspect of American lives— even counterterrorism efforts. The FDA regulates the use of food additives, medications, cosmetics and tobacco products with the goal of preserving the health and safety of the products. Additionally, many medications (both human and veterinary) must obtain FDA approval for use. Americans interact with the FDA every day whether one is out shopping, developing a new products or consuming health and science information. However, the Administration is part of the foreground of COVID-19 conversations. That is largely due to the fact that the FDA works to ensure the security of the food supply chain, sets the pace for many medical innovations, approves the use of certain medical technologies, and authorizing the use of new therapeutics and vaccines.

COVID -19 drug therapies such as remdesivir and bamlanivimab have obtained FDA emergency-use authorization (EUA), but it has 16

also been required for COVID-19 testing (to ensure a test’s accuracy) such as the University of Illinois’ Shield test and various PPE. EUAs have been used in many public health emergencies including the MERS, Zika and Ebola outbreaks in the past 20 years. At the time of this writing, Pfizer’s vaccine candidate is being considered for a similar distinction, but what does emergency-use authorization mean?

In times of a public health emergency, the FDA, “may allow unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions…when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives” (FDA, 2020). In situations like the COVID-19 pandemic there may not be enough time to wait for all information needed for an item to receive full FDA approval. The FDA is empowered to analyze all available data and information regarding the technology, medication and/or vaccine against known or potential risks and benefits. Most often this is completed after clinical trials and upon panel review of the available information in collaboration with other health agencies. While the need to work quickly is inherent, the FDA understands that allowing an item to be approved that does not work as intended may have adverse effects and further contribute to the existing emergency. Upon a product’s obtaining of an EUA, the product is allowed to be distributed to help combat the public health emergency. A specific product may later obtain full FDA approval.

The FDA is at the forefront of innovations that have and will help us navigate COVID-19 in the coming months. Even after the pandemic, the FDA will continue to be a part of our daily lives.

If you are interested in more information, you can visit fda.gov.

Office of the Commissioner. (2020, December 7).

Emergency Use Authorization. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization

Invoices for those who renew in January were sent via USPS recently.

Please be sure to check your mailbox.

Thank you for your continued investment in the Chamber and our business community.

Questions about invoicing or renewal?

Email StephanieS@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791.

Photo courtesy of mb-photoarts

LEADERSHIP We stand out.

With hundreds of years of combined experience from local owners, it’s hard not to.

HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM

MEMBER FDIC

202 WEST PARK AVENUE, CHAMPAIGN

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CHAMBER STORE - Your Marketing Partner MAILING LABELS

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

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:

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.).

Here’s what’s coming up:

Long list (approx. 2,000 names and businesses): $175 Short list (approx. 900 names and businesses): $125 Contact Stephanie Smith-Jeffries at StephanieS@champaigncounty.org

E-CONNECTION

Our electronic newsletter is sent to nearly 2,000 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County each week. Sponsor an e-Connection and get your business seen by thousands.

Header sponsorship (one week): $100 Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

WEBSITE MARKETING

With over 400 unique views PER DAY to the Chamber website, you’ll have the opportunity to reach thousands of customers each month. With pricing starting at just $300 this affordable and effective.Contact Lindsay Quick at LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

EMAIL BLAST

EMAIL FOOTER SPONSORSHIP

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.

Contact Lindsay for details at, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

WEBSITE DIRECTORY ENHANCEMENTS

Email Blast Advertisement: $500

COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES:

This is a bi-monthly publication that is distributed to over 2,000 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 Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.

Footer (one week): $75

Do you have a new product, service or information you would like to share with our entire Chamber membership? Take advantage of this exclusive offer to send broadcast emails to our entire nearly 2,000 email list.

Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

COMMERCE CONNECTION

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Rental of laptop computer; conference space and LCD projector; Certificate of Origin; Notary service; information, assistance and resources.

Reach thousands on a small budget.

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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.

Basic upgrade: included w/membership Enhanced Listing: $79/year Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

calendar of events

Fast Facts

4.2% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in October 2020

Chamber Closed: Thursday, December 24 Friday, December 25 Christmas Holiday Tuesday, December 29 State Required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training* Final Opportunity to Meet Requirements for 2020

Chamber Closed: Thursday, December 31 Friday, January 1 New Year’s Holiday Friday, January 8 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Virtual First Friday Coffee Via Zoom

Wednesday, January 13 Leadership 2.0 Transformational Learning for Leaders & Teams Program Begins via Zoom Tuesday, January 19 State Required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training*

Via Zoom Trainings will be held monthly throughout 2021

16 business licenses applied for in Champaign County in November 2020

95.6

November 2020 U of I Flash Index for Illinois

279,149

rides were taken on CUMTD in November 2020

For more information or to register for an event, visit www.champaigncounty.org/ events/calendar/

6,822 visits to the Chamber’s website,

*Sexual Harassment Prevention Training must be offered to all employees once each year.

2,106 number of unique searches on the

Please note: a staff member will be in the Chamber office Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For the time being, our office will remain closed to the public.

If you need assistance, please call 217-359-1791 or send us an email.

In addition, the Chamber’s large and office conference rooms will NOT be available for outside use.

champaigncounty.org in November 2020

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory in November 2020

2014 The year that the Champaign County

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

Bank on Kip McDaniel For a Simply Better Mortgage Experience!

Mortgage Officer NMLS ID 1147138 kmcdaniel@fsbcorp.com

Windsor & Neil St. NMLS ID 585460

303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org 19

STOP WISHING & HOPING.

GUARANTEE YOUR FURNACE IS WORKING.* *OR CALL US FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS

217-367-4227

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