September / October 2021 Commerce Connection

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021

Volume 28 | Issue 5

years

30

A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

are back

Learn More on PG. 8

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Scarecrows

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Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL

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

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COMMERCE CONNECTION

INSIDE: PG. 9 Public Policy Update: We Can’t Call It a Law PGS. 12-13 Get Hired Champaign County Recap PG. 16 NEW: Work Away From Home Program

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Saving Your Business TIME and MONEY!

WE'LL COME TO YOU!

There when you need us, online or face-to-face.

To get started on your own SBA Loan, contact a local First Mid lender.

Patrick Pfeifer

Commercial Lending 114 W. Church Street Champaign 217-398-0067 ppfeifer@firstmid.com

Scott Grumish

Commercial Lending 114 W. Church Street Champaign 217-403-4435 sgrumish@firstmid.com

First Mid has been recognized by the Illinois SBA seven years in a row for our commitment to small business. * Based on Illinois SBA Lender Performance Reports and the number of closed SBA 7(a) loans.

Look for us in these area communities:

firstmid.com 2

CHAMPAIGN 398-0067 | URBANA 367-8451 SAVOY 351-3526 | MAHOMET 318-3750 RANTOUL 893-8100

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

FY22 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS GOLD Busey SILVER Carle University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign BRONZE A & R Mechanical Contractors BankChampaign, N.A. Christie Clinic First Mid Bank & Trust Fisher National Bank Health Alliance OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center Ramshaw Real Estate

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Rachel Coventry

Curtis Orchard, Ltd.

Deb Reardanz Clark-Lindsey Village

Tonya Horn

Nathan Escue

Dr. Jared Rogers

Kyle Emkes

Hamilton Walker’s

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

Laura Heiser

Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q96-96.1FM, US105.9, Christian FM 95.3 & ESPN 93.5

R.J. Hynds English Brothers Company

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO

Stephanie Smith-Jeffries Office and Accounting Administrator StephanieS@champaigncounty.org

Mindy Cain Director of Workforce Readiness MindyC@champaigncounty.org

RE/MAX Realty Associates

Pamela Lau

Parkland College

Janice McAteer Busey

Chuck McReaken TSM Ventures, Inc.

Justin Overstreet Martin Hood LLC

OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center

Amie Smith

BankChampaign N.A.

Dalitso Sulamoyo Champaign County Regional Planning Commission

Bill Walter

Chair, Rogards

First Vice Chair, Maatuka Al-Heeti Emkes LLC

Dan Hurley

Second Vice Chair, FedEx Ground

Dan Kirby

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Laura Weis

Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

A & R Mechanical Contractors

Andrew Weintraub Health Alliance

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 July 1 and August 31, 2021 Autumn Leaves of Savoy

406 W. Curtis Rd. Savoy, IL 61874 217.600.7705 www.autumnleaves.com/communities/savoy/ Memory Care Autumn Leaves of Savoy features three residences that accommodate 12-14 residents in private suites surrounding each home’s living and dining area. These charming residences were designed to create an atmosphere that looks and feels just like home. Memory care is our passion and exclusive focus. We are committed to providing the best, research-based assisted living memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, no matter where the residents are in their disease progress. Our biography-based life engagement programming focuses on residents’ interests, history and preferences to fill their days with personalized experiences that promote cognition, calm, and moments of joy. Autumn Leaves Memory Care has been recognized as one of the “best of the best” providers in dementia care by Argentum, the nation’s leading senior living professional organization.

Community Health Partnership of Illinois 520 E. Wabash Ave. Rantoul, IL 61866 217.893.3052 www.chpofil.org Medical Service Organizations

Community Health Partnership of Illinois (CHP) provides high-quality, patient-centered, comprehensive primary care in a welcoming and responsive setting to the cultural, language, and health needs of the communities they serve.

We are committed to providing healthcare with dignity, kindness and fairness. CHP’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its leadership and patients. CHP empowers the uninsured, underserved, migrant and seasonal agricultural workers (MSAW) to attain their best health. Our network comprises multiple medical and dental clinics and outreach sites across rural and urban communities in northern and central Illinois. CHP’s team includes providers specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, infectious disease, psychiatry, OB/GYN and pediatrics.

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KEDPLASMA USA

907 N. Lincoln Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 217.318.5400 www.kedplasma.us Plasma Donation Centers KEDPLASMA USA, established in 2004, specializes in collecting and procuring high-quality plasma processed into plasma-based therapies. With over 900 employees, KEDPLASMA USA operates over 25 plasma centers in the United States. KEDPLASMA is a subsidiary of Kedrion Biopharma, an international company that produces and distributes plasma-derived medicinal products to treat severe diseases, disorders and conditions like hemophilia and immune system deficiencies.

Lucky Moon Pies & More 401 E. Oak St. Mahomet, IL 61853 217.402.2319 www.luckymoonpies.com Bakers-Retail

Lucky Moon Pies & More is a unique full-service bakery located in Mahomet. What sets us apart from others is that we serve lunch every day we are open. Our menu changes daily and can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Walkin customers are offered pies ‘by the slice.’ Whole pies and cakes are available by special order.

Maple Street Garden

P.O. Box 343 Mahomet, IL 61853 217.294.1706 www.maplestreetgarden.com Home & Garden-General At Maple Street Garden, we are passionate about sustainable gardening and have a sizeable raised-bed garden in the heart of Mahomet. We designed our garden with arches, towers and recently added a greenhouse—all on a quarter of an acre. We love to plant utilizing vertical growing and companion planting methods. All of the produce is pesticide, herbicide and fungicide-free. Every year, we try to save seeds and germinate our plants. Any of the seeds we purchase are unique heirlooms. Many of the fruits and vegetables are high in nutritional value and not easily found in local stores. We love supporting

our pollinators and have our apiaries currently keeping 15 hives. Check out our website or find us at the Mahomet Market from July through October—where we have lots of our delicious homegrown produce and local honey for sale. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for additional tips, recipes, and apiary adventures.

meShare

1401 Interstate Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 866.686.5335 www.meshare.com Internet Services Since founded in 2014, meShare has focused on creating an open, cloud platform to help businesses participate in the IoT (Internet of Things) movement and provide better IoT solutions that fit users’ needs. To realize this, we’ve built our own data center in Champaign and partnered with smart home product teams to transform how their customers interact with their devices. Millions of users use meShare to keep their homes and businesses safe, connect with family and friends, and share and remember special moments. To learn more about meShare, visit meShare.com.

Mike Williams Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Sewer 1414 S. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 217.321.0489 www.mikewilliams.net Heating and Air Contractors

Mike Williams has been in business since 1976. Our goal is to provide better lives for our customers and coworkers by solving plumbing, heating, cooling and sewer issues.

We want to be active in the community and create a great work culture. We are a union shop providing ongoing technical and personal development training and are excited to be Chamber of Commerce members. We look forward to becoming a greater part of this community.

Smartz

1401 Interstate Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 217.903.5860 www.smartz.cloud Computers-Software & Services Founded in the summer of 2021, Smartz is a PropTech SaaS solution company for property owners and tenants. Our mission is to provide software for the multifamily industry that makes people’s lives easier and better. Our manager portal, along with our solutions, will save property owners time, money and energy. Tenants will be able to interact within their Smartz ecosystem by using their tenant app that helps control and organize third-party smart devices that are installed in their apartments or houses. Smartz is solving the

age-old problem of having too many apps for various smart devices and too many software programs for managing properties. With our app and manager portal software, you can manage and control everything from one place and won’t have to worry about clutter.

The UPS Store

907 W. Marketview Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 217.504.3911 www.theupsstore.com/2833 Shipping Services The UPS Store #2833 in Champaign offers in-store and online printing, document finishing, a mailbox for all of your mail and packages, notary, packing, shipping and even freight services. We are locally owned and operated and here to help. Please stop by and visit us today, located by I-74 and N. Prospect, in the Baytowne Shoppes, in front of Sam’s Club.

VoiceSpring LLC

2216 W. Altorfer Dr., Ste. 1 Peoria, IL 61615 309.282.2900 www.voicespring.net Telephone Communication Services VoiceSpring is a 15-year-old Peoria-based telephone company serving a diverse customer base of small to large commercial, industrial, not-for-profit and government entities throughout Illinois and across the country. Primary services include cloud-hosted VoIP telephone systems, SIP and VoIP phone lines for use with your existing phone system. Services also include local and long-distance calling in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can keep current phone numbers, and there is no capital investment.

VoiceSpring customers enjoy superior call quality, exceptional customer service and significant savings.

Zmodo

1401 Interstate Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 217.903.5860 www.zmodo.com Security Control Equipment, Systems & Monitoring From its inception in 2009, Zmodo has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality video products and excellent customer service worldwide, with nearly 8 million products sold. Now Zmodo has entered the smart home market with a new line of connected video and automation products. Zmodo is one of the few smart home companies that owns its hardware and user experience end-to-end.

We have over 386,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen and Jiangsu, 46,000 square feet of research and development facilities in Shenzhen, logistics and customer support in Champaign and a new innovation lab in Fremont, CA. 5

Ribbon Cuttings

>> held between August 1 and September 30

Fisher National Bank celebrated the grand opening of their newest location in Champaign on August 10.

Autumn Leaves of Savoy celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on August 31.

Fire Doll Studio celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on September 1.

Pavlov Media celebrated the grand opening of their new facility in Champaign on September 22.

LEFT: meShare celebrated the remodel and expansion of their location with a ribbon cutting on September 29.

Interested in hosting a ribbon cutting?

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Chamber members have the opportunity to sign up for ribbon cuttings to celebrate a grand opening or groundbreaking. Along with your team, a Chamber representative will be present and we invite ambassadors to attend to help you celebrate. Thousands will see photographs of your event through this publication as well as the Chamber’s social media pages. If your business is interested in hosting a ribbon cutting, contact Mindy Cain at MindyC@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791.

Jerris Duncan, MAPS Business Coaching

Leadership 2.0 will transform good leaders and teams into great leaders and 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 five sessions beginning in February and ending in March.

Sessions will be held from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Chamber office.

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/ Sessions will not be sold separately.

Space is limited. Invest in yourself by registering today.

NEW BUSINESS

CONNECTIONS

JOIN OR RENEW TODAY. CHAMPAIGNCOUNTY.ORG 217.359.1791

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2021 Scarecrow Hunt

Hunt at your own leisure! Scarecrows will be on display for two weeks: Monday, October 18, 2021 through Monday, November 1 We had so much fun hunting for scarecrows all over Champaign County last year that we decided to bring it back this year. Start a new family tradition this Halloween season as you look for all the creepy, quirky and creatively decorated scarecrows outside businesses all around Champaign County. Pick a day to take the kids on a scarecrow hunt and find them all. Then post photos of your favorites on social media with the #ChampaignCountyScarecrows.

We’ll randomly choose one photo to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant!

We ask that those participating in the hunt be respectful of each others’ space and the businesses themselves.

Please wear a mask if others are around and maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other groups.

Happy Hunting!

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PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE: You may remember the classic School House Rock song, “I’m Just a Bill.” The song became a hit with its animation and catchy tune, teaching children about the legislative process. The song didn’t cover a concept that has taken its place in headlines as the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic: the executive order.

According to the American Bar Association, an executive order is “...a signed, written, and published directive from the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government.” While executive orders are not legislation, they often carry the effect of law. Orders can only give direction to federal agencies of the executive branch such as the U.S. Department of Labor, the CDC or the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Unlike a law, executive orders do not need first to pass the legislative branch to be enacted.

The Office of the Presidency must file an executive order with the Federal Register.

The sitting President can revoke, modify or supersede executive orders they or their predecessor issued. U.S. Congress may also rescind the entirety or part of an executive order through various processes. The court may overturn an order if it is found that a President acted outside their authority. This relationship from the judicial and legislative branches to the executive is an example of the check and balance system.

The President can issue executive orders drawing upon powers from the U.S. Constitutions, the legislative branch and their inherent authority. An executive order can ensure that the laws that Congress passes are faithfully executed according to the Constitution.

Each U.S. President has utilized at least one executive order. President George Washington first used executive orders to establish executive departments. Whereas today, President Biden has issued executive orders to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt holds the

record for the most executive orders— having issued 3,721 over his terms.

WE CAN CAN’T WE T

CALL IT CALL

LAW AA LAW

Presidents or governors can issue executive orders at the respective federal and state levels. Each state has different qualifications for using executive orders, with each executive branch deriving its powers from their respective state constitutions and statutes. Executive orders at the state level may trigger emergency powers during a crisis, create a variety of committees or commissions, or possibly address administrative issues within the state.

Much like the U.S. Constitution, Illinois’ Constitution, ratified in 1970, outlines that the Governor has supreme executive power. It further explains that the Governor may execute and enforce existing law and not establish new legal requirements.

Some support the use of executive orders, while others have concerns. The intention and results of such executive action are dependent on the executive order. Recently, President Biden and Governor J.B. Pritzker have been questioned and praised for their executive orders to issue vaccine mandates and other protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While many executive orders face (or are anticipated to face) legal challenges, there is no question that the issuance of executive orders may impact one’s business operations due to regulations or policies that your business may be required to follow.

Should you have any questions, please contact director of public policy Madeline Herrman at madelineh@champaigncounty.org.

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Business | Wealth Management | Personal

Building Business.

Growing Wealth.

Since 1868.

New to entrepreneurship?

The Chamber Has Your BACK. Starting a business can be intimidating, but you’re not in it alone. With free counseling services available and regular educational events, the Chamber has your back.

We are here to help you get your business where you want it to be. www.champaigncounty.org/business-advisors-council 10

DO YOU HAVE UNSKI LLED WORKERS? Invoices for those who renew in January will be sent via email soon.

Please be sure to check your inbox.

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

WE PAY FOR ONBOARDING!

*

Questions about invoicing or renewal?

Email StephanieS@ champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791.

Photo courtesy of mb-photoarts

HIRE, TRAIN, AND RETAIN Build a strong workforce with help from East Central Illinois workNet. Find out more at

www.eciwork.net/employers 217-531-8282 | 1307 N. Mattis Avenue, Champaign Additional offices located in Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, and Piatt Counties.

*“Pay” means eligible employers can apply for funding from the WIOA On-theJob Training program, which includes partial reimbursement of wages for up to six months and the provision of support services such as coaching, transportation vouchers, and uniforms. Federally funded, locally driven, we are East Central Illinois’ workforce development agency operating under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

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The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce hosted Get Hired Champaign County, a free hiring event, on Tuesday, September 21. The event was held from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. Over 40 local employers were connected with over 150 job seekers at the event.

The event provided job seekers with an opportunity to meet and interview with employers in a COVID-19 safe environment. The purpose was to connect job seekers with employers so companies could interview, hire people on-site or create a talent pool for offers later.

“The pandemic has affected business in several ways, one of which is a tighter job pool. Many employers are struggling to fill open positions,” states Laura Weis, president and CEO of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. She continues, “We we happy to help facilitate connections between employers and job seekers. Getting people back to work is one of the first steps in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Chamber would also like to give a very special thank you to the media partners who helped spread the word about this event including: Adams Outdoor Advertising, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, Illini Radio Group, The News-Gazette and Stevie Jay Broadcasting. We would also like to say a very special thank you to the Hilton Garden Inn for their hospitality during this event.

“

Thank you so much for hosting this event. I had an interview a few days after the event , was hired by one of the employers and start work Monday.

I’m truly grateful! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

By the Numbers:

40+

employers 12

150+ attendees

”

- Kaela, Job Seeker

1,125+

résumé / general application copies made

Thank you to our media partners for this event:

Employers Represented: Ashley Furniture Homestore AT&T Bard Optical Busey Carle Health Champaign Community Unit 4 School District Champaign County Forest Preserve District Champaign County Probation & Court Services Department Champaign County RPC Christie Clinic Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District Cunningham Children’s Home Dick Van Dyke Appliance World Express Employment Professionals FedEx Ground Heartland Bank & Trust Co. Hilton Garden Inn HL Precision Manufacturing I Hotel & Conference Center i3 Broadband Illini Radio Group Jarling’s Custard Cup Lanz Heating & Cooling, Inc. Litania Sports Group, Inc. Manpower Marathon Petroleum McAlister’s Deli News-Gazette OSF Health Care Heart of Mary Medical Center Pavlov Media, Inc. Peoria Charter Plastipak Packaging Profile by Sanford Rugged Outdoors SERVPRO of Champaign-Urbana Staff Management | SMX Sullivan-Parkhill SYNERGY Home Care Tepper Electric Supply United Natural Foods Inc (UNFI) Vital Education and Supply, Inc. 13

MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS REGENCY MULTIFAMILY Regency Multifamily is excited to announce the recent addition of five individuals to the company’s corporate office team. Kacey Bowen was hired as a Financial Controller, Emily Taggart and Lynette Miller were hired as Staff Accountants, Cameron Cox as Payroll and Benefits Administrator, and Karlye Fuller as Marketing and Public Relations Assistant.

As the Financial Controller, Bowen will oversee the accounting department staff and functions, review monthly financial statements, and assist in audit preparation and tax filing preparation. Taggart and Miller will maintain daily accounting records and complete month-end close for their properties. Cox will handle payroll for the company and work with Regency’s insurance broker on employee benefits. Fuller will assist with the marketing and public relations efforts of the company’s twelve properties and the corporate brand.

Regency also announced the addition of David Grill to the Board of Managers, and the promotion of Brittney Oldham to Vice President of Property Management. Oldham has also been added as an Officer of Regency Multifamily. Grill and Oldham both work at the company’s corporate office in Champaign.

Grill has been with Regency Multifamily for twenty-five years and as senior vice president his duties include estimating and projecting the current and future values for existing, planned, and potential real estate projects. As a member of the board, he will be involved in strategic and financial decisions relating to business and investor interests.

Oldham started her career with Regency Multifamily in 2008. As the vice president of property management, she will engage in the overall operations of all thirteen properties. Her responsibilities will include budgeting, financial reporting, training and supervising office staff,

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overseeing market strategies, negotiating and evaluating contracts, and ensuring that Regency’s property standards are being maintained.

KEMPER CPA GROUP Kemper CPA Group has announced that Loni Trimble, CPA has been named a partner in the Champaign office located at 1701 Broadmoor Drive, in Champaign.

As a partner, Loni works extensively with tax preparation and consultation for individuals and businesses, specializing in agriculture, restaurants, retail and real estate. Loni began her career in 2018 as a senior accountant and has served as a tax manager for the office.

CLARK-LINDSEY Clark-Lindsey announced the promotion of two individuals from directors to vice presidents: Laura Edwards came to Clark-Lindsey in 2011 as an undergraduate intern in the Wellness Department. Upon graduation, Laura accepted a position as volunteer & internship coordinator, where she worked to develop the robust internship program that has hosted over 100 undergrad and graduate students. Later, she transitioned to the position of Community Relations Coordinator, where she developed community outreach initiatives such as Ethel & Maud’s Table and Celebrate Aging Week.

She served as director of strategic initiatives before being promoted to vice president of strategy and innovation. In her current role, Laura is a member of the Executive Council and serves as the project manager for a variety of new initiatives, anything from software implementation to staff development programs, and assists in leading the strategic planning process.

Laura is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with a B.S. in Community Health & Health Administration from the University

of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a M.S. in Technology & Project Management from Illinois State University.

Crystal Bailey, a Certified Public Accountant, joined Clark-Lindsey in 2019 in the role of Accounting Manager before joining the Executive Council as Vice President of Finance.

A native of East Central Illinois and an alumna of the University of Illinois, Crystal’s breadth of experience is an asset to Clark-Lindsey.

Professionally, as a finance and operations executive with a range of functional experience, she has a special interest in organizational structure and processes in support of growth strategies.

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.

As of January 1, 2020 all employers in Illinois are required to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees each calendar year.

Employers who do not provide training for all employees could face fines and other penalties.

Along with local HR professionals, we developed a webinar to satisfy the state required training for all employees that attend. This webinar allows employers to fulfill the state requirement with ease.

Don’t wait until December!

There are just a few opportunities left to comply with the state requirements for sexual harassment prevention training. The remaining trainings available in 2021 are: Thursday, November 18 • 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, December 14 • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Friday, December 29 • 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Individual registration is $39 for members and $59 for non-members. Group rates available.

For more information visit: www.champaigncounty.org/events/calendar/

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Come Work With Us In Our New

Work Away from Home Program Working from home has its benefits, but it can also be lonely. Remote workers (or people who just need a change of scenery) and are seeking to reenergize in a new environment can now rent an office at the Chamber for a day, week or one month at a time. There are no long term commitments to leasing an office.

Included in the price: • Private office with, desk, phone and ergonomic chair • Complimentary WiFi • Use of either small & large conference rooms (scheduled with the Chamber and as available) • Printing capabilities (large print jobs of 30 pages or more subject to additional costs) • Free coffee, pop and water. Beverages for meetings in the conference room for guests are subject to an additional charge.

• Use of break room • Office sanitized between users Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. We cannot accommodate weekend hours, and when the last chamber staff person leaves at the end of the day… you gotta go too. You must register for office space with 24-hours advance notice. We reserve the right to turn down requests based on possible interference with chamber events and activities.

We respectfully request that our Work Away From Home guests follow our house rules (don’t worry, the rules are pretty minimal).

To inquire about availability, email info@champaigncounty.org Daily Rate: $35 Weekly Rate: $125 Monthly Rate: $400 (four consecutive weeks of Monday through Friday) Space rental must be paid at the beginning of the day, week or month.

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There are two seminars left in the

FALL SEMINAR SERIES November 16: Employee Handbooks: Get All Your Employees All on the Same Page

Imagine that gut-sinking feeling when you learn that an ex-employee is suing you for wrongful termination. The argument is that the employee didn’t know he was breaking the rules. Why? Because you didn’t have an employee handbook to tell him the rules. Why is it essential for employers to have an employee handbook and what needs to be in it? Register for this seminar to help create your first-ever manual or ensure your current one is up-to-date.

December 14: It Only Takes One Page to Start The Year Off Right: The One-Page Business Plan

Most business leaders haven’t looked at their business plans in years. Some business leaders do not even have one because let’s face it: it’s a time-consuming process. Get ready to enter 2022 with a vision for your company. Capture your future on one page and let it be your guide to success in 2022.

Both seminars will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber office (303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign). The registration fee per seminar is $29 for members and $49 for non-members.

For more information, go to champaigncounty.org/events/calendar/

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

Shop Local Campaign - Ask About Opportunities

E-CONNECTION

COMMERCE 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

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 Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

Email Blast Advertisement: $500

COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES:

EMAIL FOOTER SPONSORSHIP

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

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

+

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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WEBSITE DIRECTORY ENHANCEMENTS

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 Listing: Included with Membership Enhanced Listing: $79 / year Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

calendar of events

Fast Facts

5.7% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in August 2021

2021 Scarecrow Hunt Monday, October 18 Monday, November 1 All Day “Hunt” at your own leisure Multiple Locations First Friday Coffee Friday, November 5 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Kemper CPA Group 1701 Broadmoor Dr., Ste. 200, Champaign Business Success Seminar: Employee Handbooks: Get Your Employees All on the Same Page Tuesday, November 16 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Chamber Office 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign State Required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training* Thursday, November 18 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Via Zoom *Limited trainings remain available in 2021

Business After Hours Thursday, November 18 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Home2 Suites 2013 S. Neil St., Champaign First Friday Coffee Friday, December 3 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

First State Bank 101 W. Windsor Rd., Champaign Business Success Seminar: It Only Takes One Page to Start The Year Off Right The One-Page Business Plan Tuesday, December 14 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Chamber Office 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign State Required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training* Tuesday, December 14 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Via Zoom *Limited trainings remain available in 2021

29 business licenses applied for in Champaign County in September 2021

106

September 2021 U of I Flash Index for Illinois

843,720

rides were taken on CUMTD in September 2021

8,832 visits to the Chamber’s website, champaigncounty.org in September 2021

9,414 number of unique searches on the

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory in September 2021

2014 The year that the Champaign County

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

For more information or to register for an event, go to www.champaigncounty.org/events/calendar/ The Chamber office is open Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m..

PLEASE NOTE: The Chamber is complying with the state mask mandate and asks that members follow the CDC Guidelines/State Mandate at Chamber functions. Please remember that people will have differing levels of comfort as we return to in-person events.

Handshaking and standing in close proximity may still make people uneasy. So, we ask that all participants be respectful of this.

Bring your best fist bump, reconnect and enjoy.

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

AR-MECH.com 711 E Kettering Park Drive Urbana, IL 61801 20