September/October 2019 Commerce Connection

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

Volume 26 | Issue 5

years

25

A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

p u b l i c at i o n

for

more

than

COMMERCE CONNECTION

Fall Brings Change:

Learn why your business may need to take the high road.

Details, page 10.

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

Finally Fall

1

Turn your passion into a plan.

Recognized by SBA six years in a row.

2014-2019 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

Look for us in these area communities: CHAMPAIGN 398-0067 | URBANA 367-8451 | SAVOY 351-3526 MAHOMET 318-3750 | MANSFIELD 318-3771 MONTICELLO 762-2111 | RANTOUL 893-8100

firstmid.com 2

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

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

Lindsay Quick Director of Marketing & Events LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

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

Stephanie Smith-Jeffries Office and Accounting Administrator StephanieS@chmapaigncounty.org Megan Wenstrand Director of Membership Sales & Engagement MeganW@chmapaigncounty.org

Mindy Cain Director of Workforce Readiness MindyC@champaigncounty.org Madeline Herrman Public Policy Director MadelineH@champaigncounty.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Rachel Coventry

Pradeep Khanna

Mike Estes

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Chip Craddock

Chuck McReaken

Kyle Emkes

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

Linda Difiore

Justin Overstreet

Tonya Horn

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

Gary Hackler

WCIA - TV / WCIX 49

Deb Reardanz Clark-Lindsey Village

Dan Kirby

NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO

Zachary Hillard

Julianna Sellett

Dr. Jared Rogers

150 PERCENT CLUB

Dan Hurley FedEx Ground

Amie Smith

R.J. Hynds English Brothers Company

Bill Walter

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Awards, Ltd. / Stamps Direct Dish Passionate Cuisine Hall of Fame Plaques & Signs Hyatt Place LongHorn Steakhouse TrophyTime, Inc. W.K. Cooper II Asset Management Corporation

Curtis Orchard, Ltd.

Clark Dietz, Inc.

Silgan Closures

Busey

Susan Jepsen

University of Illinois

TSM Ventures, Inc.

Martin Hood LLC

Carle

BankChampaign N.A.

A & R Mechanical Contractors

Chair, Fisher National Bank

First Vice Chair, Dodd & Maatuka

Second Vice Chair, Rogards

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Past Chair OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center

Laura Weis

Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

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.

3

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between July 1 - August 31, 2019 All Smiles Family Dentistry 2102 N. Market St Champaign, IL 61822 217.954.1244 www.allsmilescu.com/ Dentistry

Dr. Ghada Adhami is a practicing general dentist for over 10 years. With her vast dental experience she decided to open her own private office, All Smiles Family Dentistry.

All Smiles Family Dentistry offers a variety of services including white fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, dentures, partial dentures, pediatric dentistry, Invisalign orthodontics, Myobrace orthodontics, sedation dentistry and same day emergency appointment. Using the state of the art equipment, Dr. Ghada Adhami and her team provide the best dental care. All Smiles Family Dentistry accepts most insurance plans. A membership plan is also available for patients who don’t have dental insurance. This discount plan helps provide discounts on a variety of dental services.

Champaign County Sheriff’s Office 204 E. Main Street Urbana, IL 61801 217.384.1205 www.co.champaign.il.us/sheriff Government Offices

The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is led by the elected Sheriff Dustin Heuerman. The office has 154 employees in the following divisions: law enforcement, corrections, court security and emergency management.

Though the business office is in Urbana, the Sheriff’s office has law enforcement jurisdiction throughout the entire county and serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the areas of Champaign County that do not have a municipal police department. The Sheriff’s office is also responsible for the county’s two adult correctional facilities, providing security for the Champaign County Courthouse and for coordinating emergency management throughout the county. Sheriff’s office personnel are actively involved in community initiatives and partnerships that help provide for a safer Champaign County for all residents and visitors.

Chick-Fil-A

2301 N. Prospect Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 217.351.3094 www.cfahampaign.com Restaurants 4

Chick-fil-A is the largest quick service restaurant franchise and is home of the world famous Original Chicken Sandwich. In addition to our antibiotic-free chicken, our menu includes waffle fries, hand-spun milkshakes, and freshly squeezed lemonade. If you are looking for some great options on the lighter side, we also offer an amazing line up of freshly prepared salads and grilled options. Because we value education, we offer our team members scholarship opportunities and tuition discounts to participating schools. Our corporate purpose is: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive impact on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

Culvers

201 W. University Ave Urbana, IL 61802 217.344.9293 www.culvers.com/restaurants/urbana-il-w-university-ave Restaurants While Culver’s is famous for ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard, our menu offers something truly special for everyone. For the Culver’s co-founders it was only natural to build on their supper club roots, to create a menu with a breadth of offerings to please every guest.

Whether it’s our hand-battered North Atlantic Cod, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, genuine Wisconsin Cheese Curds or seasonal sweet-and-summery Lemon Ice, Culver’s has given guests something to rave about since the start.

Always made fresh, and always delicious.

Feeling like a freshly made salad? Try one of our favorites, like our Chicken Cashew Salad. Hankering for a hearty dinner? Culver’s Beef Pot Roast or Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp hits the spot like nothing else. From our thick-cut Onion Rings to our home style Green Beans, Culver’s sides are amazing. Families love Culver’s and families rarely all crave the same thing at the same time. Guess that’s why so many families head to Culver’s.

Elevate Trampoline Park 707 Country Fair Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 217.607.0951 www.elevatechampaign.com Recreation Centers

Elevate Trampoline Park is Champaign’s premiere high energy, adrenaline fix. We are a 30,000 square indoor trampoline park that features a zipline, rock wall, dodgeball court, basketball hoops, jousting and more.

Elevate is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours jumping and playing with friends or family. There are attractions for everyone of all ages and customers can wind down with a great variety of snacks from our concessions area. We are also the ideal location to host your next field trip, group outing, birthday party, corporate event, lock-in or fundraiser. We strive to make these experiences completely hassle-free and offer a very informative, friendly, outgoing staff to do so. Be sure to check out all of the incredible specials offered at www.elevatechampaign.com. Stay connected with us on social media to see all of the latest promotions and learn how to partner with us and contribute to the charitable causes we donate to each month.

Cunningham Children’s Home celebrated the opening of their brand new Noel Education Center on August 8.

H Squared Leadership Institute

203 Clearlake Blvd., Ste. 203 Champaign, IL 61826-7172 http://www.habeebhabeeb.com Motivational & Self-Improvement Training

Management Consulting. Organizational Culture.

Leadership Training. Keynote Speeches‌delivered with infectious enthusiasm and an incredible love for people and for life. Habeeb Habeeb brings a unique blend of business success and leadership.

Process Renovation Consulting, Inc. 1801 Woodfield Drive, Suite 214 Savoy, IL 61874 217.377.6787 www.processrenovationconsulting.com Business Consultants

As a family business, we created Process Renovation to help leaders who are caught in the daily grind step back and gain perspective. We believe organizations should consistently evolve their processes to successfully meet the changing needs of the world. With our combined 80 years of experience, we bring practiced methodologies to empower our clients to be more resilient and achieve their strategic goals. We explore with our clients ways to renovate current processes and build personalized solutions. Ask Doug, business process consultant, about simplifying your processes to increase efficiency, plan for contingencies and fostering employee loyalty.

Ask Sara, certified process consultant, about getting your employees motivated and about practical hiring techniques to hire the right staff for the long term. Ask Adam, restaurant consultant, about turning innovative ideas into processes and developing processes to create the reliable results you want. We are excited to help chamber businesses.

The Buzz celebrated their opening in Champaign with a ribbon cutting on August 13.

Slim Chickens celebrated their re-opening and new management with a ribbon cutting on September 12.

Elevate Trampoline Park celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting on September 26.

5

Slim Chickens of Champaign 2037 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.356.7546 www.slimchickens.com Restaurants

Slim Chickens Champaign has new owners and we are grateful to the Chamber and all its members for helping us kick off our Grand RE-Opening. As a part of our commitment to the community, our employees chose the Champaign Area Boy Scouts—Prairieland Council to be our month long charity recipient. Slim Chickens is a fast casual restaurant serving life changing chicken, with good old fashioned Southern Hospitality. We are famous for our hand breaded, buttermilk marinated chicken, made fresh as soon as you place your order.

We make it just as you wish: fried, grilled or wings. We have 17 mouthwatering sauces to serve any taste buds as complements to our famous tenders, sandwiches, wraps, salads, wings and waffles. When you dine-in at Slim Chickens in Champaign, you will experience a hip atmosphere featuring Southern Blues music with friendly table service where we do all the cleanup. Our staff has been trained to deliver a quality product that meets our corporate standards every time in a fun and memorable way. You can count on having a great meal with your friends and family. We are proud of our employees and of their involvement in our community.

Our catering is second to none and can please any crowd for as little as $6/person. Order online at wwww. slimchickens.com or download our APP to earn rewards and skip the line.

Golden Crab Seafood & Bar celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on September 17.

Sun Buckets, Inc.

730 W. Killarney Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 217.493.3903 www.sunbuckets.com Energy Research Sun Buckets, Inc. is an energy company with a focus toward sustainability. Our technology provides a game-changing innovation that enables the collection, storage and use of renewable solar energy. With Sun Buckets you can cook without fuel, fire or emissions, and because Sun Buckets provide portable storage you can cook when and where you like, including inside and at night. Sun Buckets cooks with the sun, even at night. We tackle head-on the global cooking crisis, which is the 4th largest killer globally. Sun Buckets cooking systems are in Haiti, West Africa, East Africa, Cambodia and now India.

6

Orangetheory Fitness Champaign celebrated their grand opening on September 20.

Local ownership.

Unmatched experience.

Left to right:

Steve Tock TreMayne Joyner Dan Marker Jan Miller Kirk Harney Bobbie Butler Chuck Eyman Chris Haile

HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM

CHAMPAIGN

DECATUR

PEORIA

SPRINGFIELD

MEMBER FDIC

7

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE As summer winds to a close, Illinois gears up for the 101st General Assembly’s 2019 Veto Session. The past spring session was historic.

Massive legislative proposals were passed at a breathtaking pace. Over the course of this summer, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a total of 591 bills into law and vetoed 8. This sets the scene for legislators as they turn their attention towards October and November’s Veto Session. Over the course of Session, legislators from across the state will come together and host a review of the actions taken by the Governor. There is also the opportunity for new legislation to be passed out of the legislative chambers and sent to Gov. Pritzker for the first time. While there is no way to know for sure what topics will be discussed, pundits stand ready for a variety of issues to be tackled. It is important that one has an idea of what may be considered in the months to come.

One of the landmark pieces of legislation passed earlier this year was the legalization of adult-use recreational cannabis. With this, Illinois becomes the eleventh state to legalize recreational cannabis for adult-use. The legislation serves as the foundation upon which a new infrastructure is being built, and this ultimately is a massive undertaking for the State. However simply passing the legislation does not provide for “case closed,” so to speak.

One can reasonably expect there to be trailer bills to the adult-use cannabis act. Trailer bills are typically designed to supplement massive legislative action and clean up any technical issues. A trailer bill for the cannabis act could provide additional guidelines and additional permissions for potential retailers as they navigate issues surrounding the site of cannabis sales as currently provided in the law.

Legislating Illinois’ energy policy has been the subject of controversy over many years. In 2016, the Illinois legislature passed the Future Energy Jobs. Proponents of the legislation then stated that the bill provided Illinois a pathway to decrease its dependency on fossil fuels and 8

turn to renewable energy all while expanding jobs. Opponents stated that bill merely catered to the financial needs of nuclear energy companies without actually creating plans for sustainable growth for clean energy companies. The bill passed in a bipartisan manner and then Gov. Rauner signed the legislation into law. The same debate now continues with the Clean Energy Jobs Act. This act passed the House Committee on Energy and Environment in a 18-11 vote in March, and there is potential for further action in Veto Session. The Clean Energy Jobs Act would expand the Future Energy Jobs Act to put Illinois on a path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Similar ontrasting views have emerged as before.

Proponents claim that this legislation creates a positive response to negative climate change, and opponents state that this legislation is a guise for large nuclear corporation greed and that the consumer is at risk due to increased costs should the bill pass.

Ethylene Oxide is a chemical compound commonly used to sterilize medical equipment, and the emissions of this chemical surrounding companies that use this chemical have been linked to an increased risk of cancer in some communities. Specifically, Willowbrook, Illinois is home to the sterilization facility Sterigenics which utilizes and emits large amounts of ethylene oxide. As the community reckons with the issues at hand, Willowbrook reflects a larger, nationwide concern regarding the use of ethylene oxide. While Sterigenics has announced they are closing the plant in Willowbrook, there are still two related, key pieces of legislation to watch for in Veto Session. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin has proposed legislation that would allow for some communities to take action on a municipal level to ban the use of ethylene oxide should they have a facility using it within their jurisdiction. Rep. Rita Mayfield has also proposed legislation that would effectively ban the use or emission of the chemical compound given that the bill provides for such strict

parameters for one to utilize ethylene oxide.

Both support and opposition can be anticipated for both bills, and this topic is one to watch especially given Sterigenics’ announcement of closing the plant.

quick actions on significant legislative matters.

There is a lot on the table for such a short period of time.

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce will be monitoring Veto Session and the measures that are taken up during that time.

The Duncan Gro

By no means do these aforementioned issues provide an exhaustive list of considered topics.

Other rumored legislative discussion includes the ideas of rent control, e-cigarettes and If you or your business has any questions gaming trailer bills. As it is scheduled, regarding legislative session, please contact us: legislators will only be voting in Springfield over A 5-Month Transformational Learning Process for Leaders the course of six days. Veto Session could be a Madeline Herrman foil to this past Spring’s session with items being Public Policy Director considered in a timely yet efficient manner, but MadelineH@champaigncounty.org rather if Spring’s session is an indicator of pace, Veto could be marked by a series of extremely

K N O W YO U R S E L F TO L E A D YO U R S E L F

Leadership 2.0:

The Duncan Group

Transformational Learning for Leaders

COMING JANUARY 14, 2020 Jerris taught me the value of my leadership voice and as a result there is clea Leadership 2.0 will transform good leaders into great leaders. communication, strategic alignment, increased performance with my family,

team,an andunderstanding organization.

Each session utilizes a self-awareness process that teaches of your personality 8:30am - Noon Manda Price, Team Leader, Keller Williams, Wilmington, SC to the highest degree. This program will use simple tools to strengthen your capacity to become Jerris taught me to be comfortable with who I am and how to be the best effective communication, time management, influence and execution.

Chamber Message: somethingmore like….we are excited in to partner with Jerris Duncan to bring a

version of me. With his coaching and compassion he can help you understan people around you and how to deal with their unique qualities. He is kind, fun, honest and great to work with Fawn Waller, Broker, The Gallivan Group, Champaign, IL

proven leadership development process to the CU area business leaders.

The program will take place throughout five, half-day sessions beginning in take place from 8:30 a.m. – Noon.

All forums will be held at the Chamber office with coffee and breakfast being served each January and ending in May. Sessions will month. A portion of the proceeds will be directed to (Youth Jobs Training) Yada yada yada

Working with Jerris has been truly transformational for our team! We speak a entirely new common leadership language and have taken huge steps in trul striving together for the highest good. I cannot recommend him enough!

Jeff Sutton, Executive Pastor, First Christian Church, Champaign, IL

Program Price (for all five sessions): and Guests: $1,499

X-Core is designed for good leaders to become great leaders by helping individuals Chamber Members: $999 • area Non-Members become fully aware of what it is like to be on the other side of themselves in all of life.

Non-Members - $350 per month To register: Contact Matt Bradley at MattB@ChampaignCounty.org, 217.359.1791

X-Core utilizes a self-awareness process of understanding your personality to the highest degree, while implementing tools to help strengthen your relational capacity Group discounts are Sessions to become more effective in areas such as communication, timeavailable. management, Space is limited. Invest in yourself influence and execution.

January 14

Liberation as a Lifestyle

Members - $300.00 per month Contact Matt Bradly for multiple attendees discount pric

will not be sold separately. by registering today.

5February H A14L F DMarch AY10 F O RApril U 14M S

Discovering Your Leadership Voice

Mastering Effective Communication

Maximizing Influence

May 12

Becoming Present & Productive 9

Legal Cannabis: Employers (May) Need to Take The High Road Written by: Guy C. Hall & Tyler J. Bohman, Robbins-Schwartz On January 1, 2020, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (“Act”) (Public Act 101-0027) will go into effect, implementing sweeping changes surrounding the possession and use of marijuana in Illinois. Illinois employers will need to navigate this Act and how the legalization of recreational marijuana will affect their workplace policies.

The principal provisions of the Act, and those receiving the most public attention, allow residents of Illinois age 21 and older to legally possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and 500 milligrams of THC in a cannabis-infused product. The Act also authorizes the State to issue licenses for growers, processors, and retailers of cannabis and to tax the sale of cannabis products. The new law further provides an estimated 770,000 people in Illinois with eligibility for expungement of their marijuana-related convictions, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

Under the new Act, all Illinois employers may still adopt and maintain reasonable and non­discriminatory zero tolerance drug free workplace policies, including policies preventing possession and use in the workplace and working under the influence of cannabis. To this end, the Act lays out specific and articulable symptoms that an employer may use to determine if an employee is under the influence of cannabis. Employers may also maintain policies regarding drug testing employees.

10

Further, the new Act does not allow individuals to violate the Smoke Free Illinois Act which requires all public places to be smoke free.

However, employers should use caution in conducting pre-employment or random drug testing for cannabis. The Act makes pertinent changes to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (RPWA), governing the legal use of cannabis outside of work. The RPWA prevents employers from taking employment action against an employee or job applicant for the use of “lawful products” outside of the workplace and during non-working hours (i.e., drinking alcohol and using marijuana as permitted by law). The Act amends the RPWA to state that it is illegal “for an employer to refuse to hire or to discharge any individual... because the individual uses lawful products off the premises of the employer during nonworking and non-call hours,” including legal use of marijuana under the Act. As indicated, the Act allows employers to maintain drug free workplace policies and drug testing policies in accordance with other state and federal laws. However, unlike testing for alcohol and other drugs, current drug testing technology for cannabis cannot accurately determine whether an employee is under the influence at the time of the test. According to the Mayo Clinic, cannabis can be detected in a user’s urine test anywhere from three (3) to thirty (30) days after use. Given the fact that under the RPWA employers cannot discipline,

terminate, or refuse to hire an individual because they legally used cannabis during non-working hours, pre-employment or random drug tests which are positive for cannabis should no longer be a determining basis for employment decisions.

(The Act exempts from coverage CDL drivers and others in safety sensitive positions where drug testing is required by other state or federal laws.

Employers should still drug test as prescribed, for those laws). The effect of this will be a substantial change in practice for many employers who utilize drug testing of employees and job applicants.

Employers should essentially treat marijuana use as they would alcohol use.

A critical issue in the application of this Act is the ability of employers to successfully establish that an employee was under the influence of marijuana while at work, even if the marijuana was consumed during non-work hours. While the Act identifies symptoms to observe and report, one may anticipate that employees disciplined for being under the influence will challenge such employment actions by referring to the RPWA and claiming they were not under the influence and ingested the marijuana during non-work hours. A likely battleground for employers and employees will be the standard to be applied in determining whether someone is currently under the influence of previously consumed marijuana. Hopefully, drug testing technology will continue to improve to the point that employers can confidently determine whether an employee is under the influence at the time of the test, rather than whether there are detectable amounts remaining from previous legal cannabis use.

Because the Act takes effect very soon, Illinois employers must review and address their drug testing policies and procedures before January 1st and

consider whether and/or under what circumstances to remove cannabis from the tested-for substance list. Employers should start treating cannabis use by employees much like alcohol use, unfortunately without the benefit of reliable testing mechanisms for inebriation.

Copyright 2019 Robbins-Schwartz 301 N. Neil Street, Suite 400 Champaign, IL 61820

The foundation of business Support education, workforce and economic development through a tax deductible donation to the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. Tax deductible contributions can be made to: Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL. 61820

11

Reasonable Suspicion in the Workplace Presented by: Sandra Beecher, CRADC, SAP, PCGC, MISA In partnership with the Chambers’ Business Advisors’ Council

Tuesday, December 10 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Chamber Office Learn to identify the common signs, patterns and symptoms of substance abuse and/or mental illness in the workplace.

Sandra will give attendees knowledge and skills on how to approach individuals about this sensitive topic. Practical tools will be shared to help assist affected employees and how to properly deal with this issue in the workplace., This seminar will cover definition of reasonable suspicion, understanding addiction and common steps used for intervention.

Cost to attend is $23 for members and $43 for non-members.

Space is limited. Register now at

www.champaigncounty.org/events/calendar

Starting or Growing Your Business?

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 12

Fulfilling Dreams Since 1868.

With more than 150 years of strength and service, Busey has your backing.

Since we opened our doors, it’s been our honor to help generations of families own homes, attend college, open businesses, retire worry-free and leave a lasting legacy.

busey.com 217.365.4500

Member FDIC

Our Thanks!

Cunningham Children’s Home thanks our many donors and the unions and companies that made the completion of our beautiful Rosann Gelvin Noel Education Center and Coach Lou and Mary Henson Gymnasium a reality.

Advanced Commercial Roofing Area Erectors, Inc. Bacon & Van Buskirk Brick Layers Local 8 Carpenters Local 243 Carroll Seating CCIMW, LLC CDW Government Cement Masons Local 143 Consolidated Communications Davis Electric Chamber ADv2.indd 1

Davis-Houk Mechanical, Inc. Electricians Local 601 Imperial Surveillance, Inc. Iron Workers Local 380 J.J. Braker and Sons Jenkins & Key Moving & Storage, Inc. KECdesign Kelley Ironworks Laborers Local 703 Maxwell Counters, Inc. Mid-Illinois Concrete & Excavation

Midwest Computer Products Norix Group, Inc. Operators Local 391 Painters Local 363 Plumbers Local 149 Prairie Restorations, Inc. RG Construction Services, Inc. Roofers Local 97 S&A Building Specialties, Inc. Seal Pro CSI Security Door & Hardware

hope begins here.

Sheet Metal Local 218 Springfield Overhead Doors Stevens Industries Stocks Business Furniture Stoops Plumbing Teamsters Local 26 The PIPCO Companies, Ltd. Top Performance TSI Commercial Floor Covering

9/3/2019 8:03:08 AM

13

MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS SAFEWORKS ILLINOIS / 217 IMMEDIATE CARE Tonya Trice, operations/AR manager, has been promoted to executive vice president, operations, for both SafeWorks Illinois and 217 Immediate Care.

Bringing 11 years of occupational health experience to the organization, Trice transitioned to the SafeWorks Illinois company in 2012 from Decatur Memorial corporate occupational health service where she worked as a certified medical assistant.

Her responsibilities range from managing building operations to negotiating contracts to managing the organization’s electronic health record system.

She has helped develop many of the processes that streamline patient care for all of our patients and employers.

They have also promoted controller/HR director, Matt Dillon, to executive vice president, finance and human resources. Dillon joined SafeWorks in January 2017 and has 20 years of well-diverse experience in finance and management in a variety of settings, including governmental bodies and the insurance industry. He is a 1992 graduate of Eastern Illinois University in Business and Accounting.

Dillon is charged with developing the SafeWorks strategic plan for 2020 and beyond, along with the rest of the organization’s management team. He is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is working on upgrading HR functions with more automation of on-boarding and employee time management.

Dillon is about to embark on obtaining an Executive Healthcare Leadership Certificate training program from Cornell University.

Additionally, Stacy Eichelberger has been promoted to executive administrative assistant for Dr. David Fletcher’s medical expert and consulting practice.

In her key role, she handles the many national cases in which Dr. Fletcher serves as a expert medical witness, developing a professional relationship with the many attorneys and their assistants. Other responsibilities include the organization of sensitive medical/legal files, drafting and sending retainer, deposition and IME letters and invoices as well as corresponding regularly with attorneys and work comp carriers to schedule independent medical examinations, impairment ratings and depositions.

14

FIRST STATE BANK First State announced that Wade Franklin has joined the Champaign banking team as their newest mortgage originator and will be responsible for building strong, successful relationships with realtors and mortgage customers throughout Champaign County.

Wade is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has an MBA from Eastern Illinois University. For ten years, Wade served as General Manager of the Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana; and most recently has been providing mortgage services in the local community banking industry.

CULVER’S OF CHAMPAIGN - NEIL STREET Culver’s of Champaign-Neil Street has advanced as Bronze Finalist in the nationwide Culver’s Crew Challenge contest where Culver’s restaurants compete in the areas of quality, service, cleanliness, hospitality, community outreach and team member training & development. Culver’s of ChampaignNeil Street is one of 350 restaurants out of 690 to advance.

The evaluation of restaurants and team members comes from the Culver’s support team and utilizes elements of our guest feedback program.

The next phase of the competition includes competing for one of the 50 Silver Finalist spots.

The competition includes prize money with $50,000 going to the first-place restaurant. The four next highest scoring restaurants will receive $12,500 each, with the winnings shared between the managers and team members. Later in the year the top five restaurants will move on as the Gold Finalists and compete for the National Championship. The winners will be announced in Phoenix, Arizona at Culver’s annual convention in February 2020.

THOMAS MAMER, LLP The Champaign law firm Thomas, Mamer & Haughey, LLP has announced the firm will now be known as Thomas Mamer, LLP. Founded in 1946 by attorneys James G. Thomas and Wallace Mulliken, the law firm of Thomas Mamer has been a pillar of the Champaign-Urbana community for 73 years.

Thomas Mamer has continued to maintain a level of continuity that is second to none. Firm attorneys have spent three quarters of a century as active, practicing partners helping to build an unshakeable foundation.

The attorneys at Thomas Mamer have developed a state-wide reputation and focus in a variety of legal fields including workers’ compensation, estate planning, business and commercial law, civil litigation, employment and labor law, and continue to add areas of practice as they move forward.

They take great pride in the trust their clients and their families have placed in them and employ a client-centered approach to practicing law.

Thomas Mamer is one of the oldest and largest law firms in the Champaign-Urbana area. In many cases the firm now represents second- and third-generations of the same family or business.

The firm has been located at 30 E. Main Street in downtown Champaign since its inception. Thomas Mamer was named small business of the year in 2018 by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, fourteen Thomas Mamer attorneys were named emerging or leading lawyers by their peers.

RSM US LLP RSM has recently promoted individuals in their Champaign office.

Jacob Bender – assurance supervisor – Bender, who joined the firm in June of 2015, holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Illinois State University. In this new role, he will be responsible for coordinating the auditing of all required financial statements, related disclosures, and other client deliverables while supervising the engagement team and understanding the needs and strategies of his clients.

Donavan Laible – assurance senior associate – Laible, who joined RSM in November of 2017, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading a team through the full audit process, preparing financial statements and understanding the needs and strategies of our diverse client base.

Travis Meyer – assurance senior associate – Meyer, who joined RSM in November of 2017, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant. In his new position, Meyer will be responsible for leading a team through the full audit process, preparing financial statements and understanding the needs and strategies of our diverse client base.

ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER Illinois American Water President Bruce Hauk was awarded the 2019 Inclusion and Diversity Award by the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) during its annual conference held last week in Atlanta, Georgia. The award is presented annually to an individual who champions inclusion and diversity within his or her company.

Illinois American Water has taken a number of steps to further its position as a leader in inclusion and diversity.

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, or submit the news via our website: www.champaigncounty.org/news/

new additions to the chamber Staff: MADELINE HERRMAN, Public Policy Director MadelineH@ champaigncounty.org

MEGAN WENSTRAND, Director of Membership Sales & Engagement MeganW@ champaigncounty.org

Welcome to the Chamber!

15

Congratulations to our very own

Lindsay Quick

Director of Marketing & Events for being named to the Central Illinois Business Magazine’s Forty Under 40

JOIN US IN KEEPING DOLLARS LOCAL DID YOU KNOW? The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has a program aimed to increase local spending called the Commerce Card. The county-wide gift card program is the only one of its kind and is great for holidays, employee gifts and incentives, graduation presents and more.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• EXPOSURE Gain exposure for your business through promotion on the Chamber’s website, social media pages and press releases.

• SALES This card is only redeemable at Champaign County businesses, meaning more dollars are being spent locally.

• CUSTOMERS Use this opportunity as another way to attract and reach new customers who may not have stopped in your store before.

• EXCLUSIVITY Be a part of an exclusive group of businesses that have access to these customers.

Interested in accepting the Commerce Card or need more information?

Email Lindsay at LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791.

16

Perfecting Your Pitch 2019 Annual Meeting Invitation: Presented by:

Context:

October 25 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn 1501 S. Neil St., Champaign

Timeline:

11:00 a.m. - Doors Open

Supporting Sponsors:

11:30 a.m. - Program Begins / Lunch Served 12:30 p.m. - Keynote Speaker 1:30 p.m. - Meeting Adjourned

Investment:

Individual attendance -

(Until 10/18)

Early registration: $45

(Until 10/23)

Late registration: $55

(Seats eight)

Table sponsorship - $475

Register: Questions:

www.champaigncounty.org/events/calendar LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org • 217.359.1791

Registration & cancellation deadline: Wednesday, October 23 by Noon

17

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

• Annual Meeting: Table Sponsor - $475

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

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.

COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES:

COMMERCE CONNECTION

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.

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.

Footer (one week): $75 Contact Lindsay for details at, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

Email Blast Advertisement: $500 Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org

Additional information for events available upon request. Contact LindsayQ@champaign county.org or call 217.359.1791 with any event sponsorship inquiries.

+

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

Reach thousands on a small budget.

18

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

calendar of events Business After Hours

Thursday, October 17 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Urbana Country Club 100 E. Country Club Rd., Urbana

Connect@Lunch

Monday, October 21 Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Outback Steakhouse 2402 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign

2019 Chamber Annual Meeting: Perfecting Your Pitch

Friday, October 25 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn 1501 S. Neil St., Champaign

Ribbon Cutting

Monday, October 28 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

C-U at Home 70 E. Washington, Champaign

First Friday Coffee

Friday, November 1 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Flora Gems 302 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

Connect@Lunch

Monday, November 18 Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Outback Steakhouse 2402 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign

BSSS: Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment from the Business Perspective Presented by Bruce Warren & Chris Zionic Tuesday, November 19 8:30 a.m. - Noon Chamber Office 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

Business After Hours

Thursday, November 21 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

KECdesign / KECresco 301 Mercury Dr., #2, Champaign

Chamber Office Closed Thursday, November 28 Friday, November 29 Thanksgiving Holiday

Fast Facts

4.2% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in July 2019

25 business licenses applied for in Champaign County in September 2019

105.5

September 2019 U of I Flash Index for Illinois

1,161,493

rides were taken on CUMTD in September 2019

4,832 visits to the Chamber’s website, champaigncounty.org in September 2019

5,725 number of unique searches on the

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory in September 2019

2014 The year that the Champaign County

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

Count on Wade Franklin For a Simply Better Mortgage Experience!

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

Mortgage Originator NMLS ID 1560064 wfranklin@fsbcorp.com

Windsor & Neil St. NMLS ID 585460

19

IF YOU'RE WONDERING ABOUT GETTING HVAC MAINTENANCE (OR EVEN IF YOU AREN'T)...

THE ANSWER IS

YES

CALL US FOR YOUR FALL

HVAC MAINTENANCE

217-367-4227

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