Commerce Connection January/February 2015

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

CONNECTION

Give the gift of choice, p. 3 this issue is sponsored by Windsor of Savoy

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

Volume 22 | Number 1

years

20 than

C O M M E R C E

for

more

A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A look at the local long-term care industry, p. 9 Member Accolades & news, p. 17

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Banking Solutions at First Mid:

I enjoy working with Darlene and First Mid. I get exceptional service and everyone at the bank is helpful and professional. And their convenient location close to my business is an added bonus .

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- Sharon Hamilton, Owner, Harlanco Inc. dba Curves of Champaign South & Savoy Pictured with Darlene Johnson (left) from First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust.

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Champaign County banking centers: Champaign • 2229 South Neil • 359-9837 Champaign • 913 West Marketview (inside Rural King) • 378-8023 Urbana • 601 South Vine • 367-8451 Mahomet • 502 East Oak • 586-3450 For a complete list of First Mid locations, visit us online.

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Better than flowers and chocolates.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHOICE

this Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day!

Buy

For your convenience, there are three ways to purchase a Commerce Card.

• Stop by the office (303 W. Kirby Ave.) • Call 217.359.1791 • Order online and we’ll mail it to you Gift cards are available in any denomination.

Give

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day to spoil your partner with a mani and pedi, use it on dinner, that piece of furniture your mom has been dying to purchase or other products and services offered at participating member businesses. It’s the perfect give that keeps your dollars local.

CURRENT PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:

“The Commerce Card is a great option for people who want to give a unique gift. The beauty of it is you give one card, but it gives the consumer a lot of options in where they can make purchases.

Those purchases will stay in Champaign County because the card can only be used locally,” -President & CEO, Laura Weis

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

FY15 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS GOLD Busey Carle SILVER BankChampaign, N.A. First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign BRONZE A & R Mechanical Contractors Amdocs Christie Clinic Heartland Bank & Trust Kraft Foods, Inc. McGladrey Midland States Bank Presence Covenant Medical Center

CHAMBER STAFF Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org Karly Combest Director of Member Relations & Programming KarlyC@champaigncounty.org Samantha Hendon Marketing & PR Director SamanthaH@champaigncounty.org Garret Hill Public Policy Director GarretH@champaigncounty.org

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Illini Radio Group - MIX 94.5, WIXY 100.3, 92.5 The Chief, WYXY Classic 99.1, True Oldies 97.9, Extra 92.1, Hits 99.7 Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q96-96.1FM, US105.9, Sunny 95.3 & ESPN 93.5 WCIA-TV / WCIX-49 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

Carle

Mike DeLorenzo

University of Illinois

Stephen Flynn Sleep Inn

Perry Greene

Stone Creek Golf Club

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

Cindy Guthrie

150 PERCENT CLUB

Tabatha Helm

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

Lynette Lykins Director of First Impressions LynetteL@champaigncounty.org Mary Murphy Events & Programs Coordinator MaryM@champaigncounty.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Mike Billimack

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

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

Susan Jepsen

Reynolds Towing Service, Inc.

Kurt Lenschow State Farm

Chuck McReaken

Rod Roberts

Chair, Thunderstruck Design

Jim Lyons

First Vice Chair, Birkey’s Farm Store

Becky Von Holten

Tri Star Marketing, Inc.

Second Vice Chair, Midland States Bank

Dennis Riggs

Beth Auterman

FIX-IT, Sidney Dairy Barn

Three Degrees of Change Chris Shroyer Busey DSC Logistics

Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen

Michael Wozniak

Past Chair, Livingston, Barger, Brandt & Schroeder

Laura Weis

Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

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.

FINANCIAL SERVICES Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between October 26, 2014 and January 5, 2015 217 Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Ameriprise Financial – Michael Dixon

217 Heating & Cooling, Inc. is committed to setting a new standard of customer loyalty and expert service in the Champaign-Urbana community. They service all major brands and work with homeowners, property management firms, contractors, and businesses of all sizes. Their technicians are highly trained and certified to service and install a wide variety of heating and cooling systems. From residential furnaces, air conditioners and indoor air quality accessories, to commercial boilers, geothermal systems and roof-top units, 217 Inc. has you covered. Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with emergency service 24-hours a day, seven days a week at no additional charge.

Michael Dixon’s specialty as a Financial Advisor is working with business owners to simplify the complexities that come with business ownership.

Not only does this include company retirement plans such as 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, etc., but also other considerations such as short and long-term business investments and goals, work/life balance, estate matters, time management and much more.

He utilizes this unique process during Financial Planning conversations with individual clients as well.

403 Yalow Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 217.281.1650 217inc.com Heating Contractors

Advanced Disposal

1363 Bear Rd. Decatur, IL 62522 217.429.0020 advanceddisposal.com Waste Reduction, Disposal & Recycling Service – Industrial Advanced Disposal is not some massive conglomerate that manages business from a remote corporate office. They actually have operating locations in the communities they serve, so they can be exceptionally responsive to their customers. Decisions can be made locally, quickly and implemented thoroughly. They also have the resources and the flexibility to get the job done, no matter what it takes. As a full-service environmental services company, Advanced Disposal is ready and able to meet your waste collection needs. They provide collection, transfer, disposal and recycling.

6 Dunlap Ct. Savoy, IL 61874 217.352.0447 www.ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.l.dixon Financial Planning Consultants & Services

EpiWorks, Inc.

1606 Rion Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 217.373.1590 epiworks.com Manufacturers-Wholesale

Hickory Point Bank held a ribbon cutting on November 18, 2014, to celebrate the grand opening of their new location in downtown Champaign.

experience from five star hotels as well as upscale Korean and French restaurants. If you want a big city fine dining experience close to home, Miga is your place.

Sakanaya

403 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.344.1400 Restaurants Sakanaya is a classy sushi restaurant in the Champaign area and is located on Green Street in the heart of campustown. Sakanaya was voted Top Asian Cuisine by Trip Advisor for 2014. They are open for lunch, dinner and late night daily.

Sears Hometown

11 E. Marketview Dr., #13 Champaign, IL 61820 217.355.3125 sears.com Appliances-Household-Major-Dealers

Sherwin-Williams Company

Hair Cuttery – Green Street Center 24 E. Green St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.398.9127 haircuttery.com Beauty Salons

Hair Cuttery is a family owned company that has been in business for over 30 years. Their vision statement is simple, “to be a company of happy people” with a mission to wow and delight every client in a way that creates loyalty. Their salon is located on Green Street with parking easily accessible from Neil St. They are a full service salon that caters to men, women and children. Their fabulous team Sarah, Aimee, Ceiara, Kim, Brandy, Jerica and Nathan look forward to meeting you soon.

Miga

301 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 217.398.1020 Restaurants Miga is a modern restaurant and lounge new to downtown Champaign serving American cuisine with an Asian flair. The executive chef brings eclectic

1504 N. Cunningham Ave. Urbana, IL 61802 217.367.1408 Sherwin-williams.com Paint-Retail

Sherwin-Williams Company 702 W. Marketview Dr. Champaign, IL 61822 217.352.3535 Sherwin-williams.com Paint-Retail

Sherwin-Williams Company 709 N. Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL 61821 217.356.3748 Sherwin-williams.com Paint-Retail

T6 Broadband

815.262.6217 t6broadband.com Internet Services T6 Broadband provides the next generation of dedicated enterprise broadband connectivity. Their network of local, high-capacity towers delivers consistent “better than fiber” performance. This allows them to quickly provide connectivity to a much larger service area at a lower cost. Contact Julie King for

your first month of free service and free installation to chamber members only.

Texture Home

1107 Windsor Rd. Champaign, IL 61821 217.693.7070 texturehome.net Home Accessories-Decorative & Gifts Texture Home’s mission is to provide a unique blend of new, old, restyled and handmade pieces for the home. The diverse and ever-changing selection of furniture, accessories and textiles helps their customers create personal spaces that make them feel nourished, alive and happy.

Christy Camarca, Owner/Designer, and Stacy Wathen, Creative Partner, design and create many of the pieces offered and curate a collection of old and new objects that live together beautifully.

In addition to retail services, interior design consultations are available. Texture Home is located in the Windsor Galleria next to Sun Singer Wine & Spirits.

Verizon Wireless held a ribbon cutting on November 20, 2014, to celebrate their relocation & opening.

Doughbelly held a ribbon cutting on December 11, 2014, to celebrate their grand opening.

HELP US WELCOME Garret Hill recently joined the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce as the Public Policy Director.

He graduated Western Illinois University in 2007 with a degree in History and a minor in Political Science. Right out of college, he embarked on a career in state government, helping dozens of elected officials formulate policy, establish constituent services, and handle press and communications. He also was tasked with managing campaigns all over the state, from Rockford, to the Collar Counties, to Cook County, to Central Illinois, and all the way down to the Metro East.

Garret has always had a passion for public policy and local government, volunteering on his first campaign at the age of 7, managing his first campaign at the age of 16, and interning for local elected officials all throughout his high school and college years.

Garret may be reached via email at GarretH@champaigncounty.org.

Maurice Bouslog

Chuck Eyman

Kirk Harney

Dan Marker

Mark McHale

Jan Miller

Sherry Hingtgen

Steve Tock

Susan Abbott

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FOR MORE INFORMATION on independent or assisted living or to schedule a tour, please call our leasing team at (217) 351-1437.

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Emerging no more. the LTC industry How the long-term care industry is Champaign County is filling the growing need and why local

C

hampaign County is leading the state in terms of senior population growth. Nothing makes that more apparent than the thriving long-term care industry here locally. Before looking at the local industry, it is important to discuss and understand the senior population.

According to a study from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and the AARP Foundation, by 2040 the number of people over the age of 80 will increase to 28 million, which is more than three times the number in 2000.1 As a result of this growth, many locations are beginning to have a higher concentration of people over age 50.

In 1990, there were only 156 counties (5 percent) in the United States where older adults made up 40 percent or more of the population. Within 20 years that number has multiplied to 1,031 (33 percent) of counties.1 See maps below.

On a more local level, according to the Executive Director of the East Central Illinois Area Agency of Aging, Michael O’ Donnell, and the 2012 Census, Champaign County has seen an increase of 2,300 people aged 60 or older from 2010 to 2012. That is an 8.2 percent increase, which is far ahead of any other county in the state of Illinois.

With a population of nearly 205,000 in Champaign County, just over 15 percent (30,865 people) are 60+ years old. To take an even closer look at that group:

• 9,998 – aged 75+ • 7,955 – live independently • 4,009 – minority • 2,014 – live below poverty

When discussing the senior population in more depth, O’Donnell noted that the vast majority of the senior population is living independently; however, living independently is considered an indicator of risk, which is due to seniors being more prone to accidents, falls or even slow recovery after an illness.

O’Donnell also noted that although Champaign County is home to the University of Illinois, which ultimately skews the population breakdown due to high volume of young adults in the community, the area continues to see a growing aging population in rural areas.

Jason Grill, Administrator at County Health Care & Rehab located in the rural town of Gifford, spoke of the industry growth, “long-term care facilities have seen people’s needs become more complex.” Healthcare service providers must now figure out how to provide the best care for an increasing number of individuals needing specific services.

Nicole Monroe, Executive Director of Aspen Creek, also touched on that topic saying, “the long-term care industry has grown locally with the emergence of all types and options for care.” She also added that they are opening locations in Tolono and Monticello because “there is an unmet need. We serve

has responded. residents are so fortunate.

Written by: Samantha Hendon rural parts of the local market, which allows families to stay close to their loved ones.”

With the wide variety of services available in Champaign County it is important for the senior care industry to focus on the needs of those who receive services. “There are many opportunities in this market to provide for the individual care needs of the community…we are all working together closely to coordinate and provide the necessary services to our community. We serve some of the same individuals, but at different stages of their lives,” said Champaign Urbana Nursing and Rehab (CUNR) Marketing Director, Katrina Buhlig.

The long-term care industry has grown significantly and Americans are taking notice. During the past two decades, few industries outside Silicon Valley have taken off as quickly as assisted living, which has grown from an emerging concept to an $18.6 billion industry that cares for about 1.25 million of the country’s elderly and disabled.2 “Less than 2 percent of adults aged 50-64 and 65-79 live in group quarters (nursing facilities, supervised care settings, etc.) but the share climbs to over eight percent of adults aged 80 and over.” 1 After talking with a variety of long-term care industry leaders in Champaign County, that statistic reflects the current senior population; the majority of individuals in retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes are in their 80s or older.

The long-term care industry must also address the differences between the various types of care. Retirement community, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc. are terms that should not be used interchangeably.

As explained by Vice President of Operations at Willowbrook Memory Support Residence, Brenda Winskill, “retirement communities can encompass several different levels of care that range from independent living in which certain amenities such as lawn care, home maintenance and security make life a little easier to continue living independently, but allows for little or no in home physical care services.”

“Assisted living still allows for a greater level of

R U O T E E M : S T R E P EX Aspen Creek

Nicole Monroe, Executive Director 1009 S. Irving St. | Monticello 503 S. Bourne St. | Tolono www.aspencreekliving.com 217.728.4876

Champaign Nursing & Rehab Katrina Buhlig, Marketing Director 302 Burwash Ave. | Savoy www.cunr.net 217.402.9700

Clark Lindsey Village

Deb Reardanz, President & CEO 101 W. Windsor Rd. | Urbana www.clark-lindsey.com 217.344.2144

Country Health Care & Rehab Jason Grill, Administrator 2304 County Rd. 3000 N. | Gifford www.countryhealthgifford.org 217.568.7362

Willowbrook Memory Support Residence

Brenda Winskill, VP of Operations 404 W. Curtis Rd. | Savoy www.willowbrookliving.net 217.342.3233

Windsor of Savoy

Nancy Mella-Oliver, Administrator 401 Burwash Ave. | Savoy www.windsorofsavoy.com 217.351.1437

For a complete listing of all members of the long-term care facilities in Champaign County, visit www.champaigncounty.org.

independence but provides more physical care services such as medication assistance, aide with activities in daily living such as dressing, bathing and/ or personal hygiene.” Professionals are available 24/7 in the case of emergency and/or added assistance as necessary.

Winskill added, “Nursing homes or skilled care are the highest level of care provided for older adults and most residents in this senior living arrangement have higher acuity levels and therefore need more assistance and hands on care.”

With a better understanding of the factors that separate one facility from another, here’s a brief look at some of the services available locally.

Nancy Mella-Oliver, Administrator at Windsor of Savoy explains that their location is “a rental community that provides both independent and assisted living options.” She added that Windsor of Savoy is for seniors who are “tired of all the responsibilities involved in owning a home. From shoveling snow to preparing their own meals, our residents are more than happy to let us do that for them.”

Katrina Buhlig with CUNR said they “provide care to patients with a variety of clinical needs. CUNR offers

long-term care, but also has a very successful rehabto-home program.”

Clark-Lindsey Village, which has been around for more than 30 years, “offers the full continuum of care from our 132 independent living apartments and 16 luxurious villas to assisted living, skilled care, and therapy services offered in our Meadowbrook Health Center,” said President and CEO, Deb Reardanz.

“As an official Certified Center for Successful Aging (CSA), we have distinguished ourselves from other older adult organizations by implementing innovative programs that provide a unique culture of growth and empowerment for residents,” she continued.

Aspen Creek specializes in services involving memory care. “Our staff is trained for any situation in regards to our residents. Our facility has a lot of science behind the design of it – we choose appropriate paint colors and offer an open floor plan. We create a home like environment for our residents,” said Nicole Monroe.

“Country Health [located in Gifford, IL] provides all services related to an individual’s care. Clinical Services along with therapy, social services, activity staff and a variety of other services are available and on-site to encompass the continuum of care. [We work with those] who need assistance so they are able to return home,” commented Administrator, Jason Grill.

Winskill of Willowbrook Memory Support Residence stated, “We specialize in care for individuals with dementia at an assisted living level. Our focus and philosophy is to concentrate on what a resident can do rather than what they can’t do. We keep our resident population small so we can provide the one-on-one attention someone with this disease so often require.”

Trends indicate that the lifespans of individuals are on the rise. As a result, many younger adults have found themselves identifying with the “sandwich generation.” Investopedia defined this generation as “The generation of middle-aged individuals who are pressured to support both aging parents and growing children.”

Sandwich generationers hold a great deal of responsibility and with that comes stress. Reardanz of Clark-Lindsey Village advises those individuals to “Plan for your retirement living long before there is a health crisis. The decision to move to a retirement community is a big one, and no one likes to make life changing decisions under pressure or in moments of crisis. Having discussions with loved ones early and often gives you the benefit of being in charge of your own destiny and allows you the opportunity to find a

community that fits your personal preferences.”

Windsor of Savoy Administrator, Nancy Mella-Oliver said, “I would recommend that they look for a quality senior housing facility that can provide services, care and socialization to their parents. Our whole industry is designed to do the best they can for each resident in their care. We have the resources and expertise to maximize the quality of life for seniors.”

While the decisions can be overwhelming and difficult, Champaign County residents should have some peace of mind with the highly talented and diverse facilities available. Due to the growing senior population, the local long-term care industry has worked to improve upon their long term care services available for the next generations of seniors.

“The Windsor of Savoy has been providing quality senior services to the area for the past 26 years. Our greatest satisfaction is seeing our residents happy and engaged. This makes us want to continue on, helping future generations of seniors. The challenge is keeping up with them,” said Mella-Oliver when asked about the growing market here locally.

Reardanz also spoke to how her organization continues operating in the booming industry. “ClarkLindsey’s recent expansion, Meadows Edge, which includes 16 new villa homes for active retirees who are 62 and better, has already welcomed its first residents. This development provides another option in comfortable, gracious independent living accommodations, while still offering opportunities to numerous amenities and security as our apartments.”

Willowbrook Memory Support Residence, which will be opening in Savoy this year, “made the decision to come to Champaign County because the need for the type of services we provide continues to grow. There are no viable solutions to minimizing the symptoms or curing Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore families need options outside of the home when their loved ones needs grow greater than they can contend with on their own.”

This piece merely scratches the surface of the local long-term care industry. For additional information, materials and interesting facts, please visit www. champaigncounty.org or one of the websites of our experts.

1 2

Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Market Analysis of Assisted Living Industry – CareHomeUSA.com champaigncounty.org/ 13

ONE ADDRESS. COUNTLESS AMENITIES.

Clark-Lindsey The area’s only continuing care retirement community.

Accomplished individuals and couples who are 62 and better enjoy all that life has to offer at Clark-Lindsey. Our independent living apartments and villas include luxurious amenities which allow more time to focus on what you really enjoy to do!

We offer resort-like living with a special focus on physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing.

As an official Certified Center for Successful Aging (CSA), Clark-Lindsey has distinguished itself from other older adult organizations by implementing innovative programs that provide a unique culture of growth and empowerment for residents.

Therapy services, assisted living, and skilled care are also available should your health needs change as you age.

Explore the many opportunities you’ll have to live life at its best - on your terms.

101 West Windsor Road, Urbana | 217-344-2144 | www.clark-lindsey.com | retire@clark-lindsey.com

MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS Carpet Weaver’s was named Floorscapes Retailer of the Year in Mohawk’s National Retailer of the Year Awards. Owners Mark and Tyler Weaver were recognized before industry leaders and retailer peers at the Mohawk aligned-retailer gala in Orlando, FL. In identifying its Retailers of the Year, Mohawk looked for businesses that are ambassadors of Floorscapes and ColorCenter programs and that show commitment to training, store standards, brand building, merchandising, installation ideas and community involvement. Carpet Weaver’s is a second-generation family floor covering business in its 25th year of operation.

Diana Sarabi who has been with Ragle Dental Lab, Inc. for over 20 years was presented with the 2014 Wilken Award at their annual holiday luncheon. The award is named after Harold who retired from Ragle in 1995 after 37 years of service to Dental Technology, where he taught and represented excellence in his work and life. The award is a reminder of what we all strive for at Ragle.

Ruzica Cuk, owner of Pekara Bakery, had a big heartfelt thank you to all of their loyal customers, past and present. Her little bakery in downtown Champaign was a dream for years. Since opening 10 years ago on January 14, and they have opened a baking facility in midtown Champaign in 2008. This enabled them to expand their wholesale business, which now encompasses Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Effingham, Rockford, Mahomet and St Louis, MO. They also maintain market stands at farmer’s markets in Champaign, Urbana, Monticello, at historic Soulard Market, St. Louis and Kirkwood Farmer’s Market, Kirkwood MO. They now employ over 50 people. Congratulations on this milestone.

Lynne Mullen of Developmental Services Center was recognized for her 25 years of service at the organization. She began her career at DSC on January 2, 1990, as a case coordinator/qualified intellectual disabilities professional.

Papa Del’s Pizza, founded in 1970 by Bob Monti, recently joined an exclusive group of Illinois restaurants.

They were named one of 19 eateries considered a tourist destination. Papa Del’s received a “Delicious Destination” award from the Illinois Office of Tourism, saying they are “a one-of-a-kind restaurant that is authentic to Illinois and an established part of its community.” Papa Del’s, known for its deep-dish pizza, sends orders of up to eight pizzas overnight anywhere in the US. Congratulations to the Papa Del’s Pizza team.

She is currently accepting new clients and she has extensive experience treating clients of all ages and with a broad range of mental health issues.

Party On Productions awarded The Knot Best of Weddings 2015. The 2015 award recipients represent the best and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot. This year, a select group of 5,500 local wedding professionals, representing two percent of The Knot’s wedding professionals nationwide, received the distinguished accolade. Party On Productions also was a recipient of The Knot Best of Weddings 2014. With a continuation of professional and classy entertainment service, they strive to receive this award year after year.

Kayla Sanders recently joined the Elite Bridal team. She is a graduate of Steven Institute of Business and Art. With her ten years of experience in the bridal industry and formal education, they feel lucky to have found such an excellent fit to their team. In the short period of time that Kayla has been with us, we have already seen her passion for the business and commitment to her brides. The atmosphere here at Elite Bridal continues to grow more positive with each and every happy bride that walks out their doors.

Town & Country Apartments has announced the hire of their new Leasing Director, Jamie Halbert. Halbert is originally from Terre Haute, Indiana. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Greenville College in 2011 and has worked in marketing and sales for over 10 years.

Halbert is pleased to be here in Champaign, Illinois, and working as the Leasing Director for Town & Country Apartments.

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

Maggie Johnson, LSW, was recently hired as a new therapists at Elliott Counseling Group. Maggie graduated with a Masters of Social Work from UIUC.

champaigncounty.org/17

Cham ber Sto re Mailing Labels

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

e-Connection

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

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

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

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

Header sponsorship (one wk.): $100

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Email Blast Advertisement Do you have a new product, service or information you would like to share with our entire Chamber membership list? Take advantage of this exclusive offer to send broadcast emails to our entire 4,100+ email list.

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Contact Samantha Hendon at SamanthaH@champaigncounty. org.

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

Commerce Connection

This is a bi-monthly publication that is distributed to over 2,500 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County. Content varies, but is always relevant to local business. There are a variety of ad sizes available.

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

Email Footer Sponsorship

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

Event Sponsorship From monthly First Friday Coffee and Business After Hours to our annual Golf Outing, the Chamber hosts a number of events each month. By sponsoring a Chamber event, your business obtains great exposure not only at the event itself, but also within all promotional materials (emails, mailings, e-newsletters, Commerce Connection, website, etc.). We have numerous opportunities throughout the year, here’s what’s coming up: Breakfast Series sponsorship (includes table of 8): $1000 ATHENA Luncheon sponsorship: $1500 SOLD! Additional sponsorship information for events such as Business Success and Solutions Seminars and the ATHENA Award® Luncheon is available upon request. Contact Karly Combest at KarlyC@champaigncounty.org, Mary Murphy at MaryM@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791 with any event sponsorship inquiries.

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

Online Business Directory Enhancements

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

Basic upgrade: $40/year

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

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

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

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

REACH THOUSANDS ON A SMALL BUDGET.

calendar of events First Friday Coffee Friday, Febuary 6 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Champaign Jewelers 2223 S. Neil St., Champaign

Starting a Small Business

an event hosted by ECI SCORE Saturday, February 7 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

Connect @ Lunch

Monday, February 9* (one week early due to President’s Day) 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 30 E. Anthony Dr., Champaign

BSS Seminar - Medical Marijuana & the Workplace a workshop facilitated by Inman & Fitzgibbons Tuesday, February 10 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

Agribusiness Breakfast -

Shark Tank Survivor, Dave Alwan an event sponsored by The Atkins Group, Birkey’s Farm Store, CliftonLarsonAllen and Wells Fargo Advisors Thursday, February 12 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Hilton Garden Inn 1501 S. Neil St., Champaign

Nonprofit Organization (NPO) an event hosted by ECI SCORE Thursday, February 12 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

ATHENA Award® Luncheon Thursday, February 19 Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Champaign Country Club 1211 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign

Business After Hours Thursday, February 19 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn 1501 S. Neil St., Champaign

Writing a Business Plan

an event hosted by ECI SCORE Saturday, February 21 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign

Fast Facts

5.9% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in November 2014

17 business licenses applied for in Champaign County in December 2014

106.5

December 2014 U of I Flash Index for Illinois

1,053,201 rides were taken on CUMTD in December 2014

5,814 visits to the Chamber’s page, champaigncounty.org in December 2014

7,977 average amount of referrals PER DAY the

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory received via search engines and online sources in December 2014

2014 The year that the Champaign County

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

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

it’s tough to stay focused...

when your conference room feels like the frozen tundra.