Chamber Connections Newsletter - February 2023

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mary Lamie, Chairperson Bi-Sate Development

Ryan Boike, Chairperson Elect Belleville Public School District #118

Brett Baltz, First Vice Chairperson & Treasurer Egyptian Workspace Partners

Ron Stephens, Second Vice Chairperson Bank of Belleville

Amy Richter, Immediate Past Chairperson Hospice of Southen Illinois

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lisa Adams, Adams Publications

Jeff Bair, Grimm & Gorly Florist and POUR@322

Jeff Baker, Executive Freedom Partners

Amy Gould, Illinois American Water

Ericka Logan, Logan & Logan Mngt & Accounting Service

Dan Lovekamp, Auffenberg Dealer Group of Illinois

Brian Mentzer, Belleville Township High School Dist. #201

Paula Nixon, Ameren Illinois

Jessica Orelt, Baldree-Orelt Insurance Agency

Kirk Schilling, Invelop LLC

Laura Schrick, Mathis, Marifian & Richter

Stephen Sedlak, Schmale Insurance

John Ziegler, Memorial Hospital

SPECIAL PARTNERS

Platinum: Memorial Hospitals Belleville/Shiloh

Gold: HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

Silver: Illinois American Water Company

Bronze: Ameren Illinois

Belleville Boot Company

Belleville News-Democrat

City of Belleville

Clean Eatz Belleville

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.

Friends: ALLSTAR Carpet & Upholstery Care

Associated Bank

AT&T Illinois

Auffenberg Dealer Group

Busey Bank

Eckert’s Inc.

Essence Healthcare

Gonzalez Companies, LLC

Grey Eagle Distributors

Kyle Lener - Allstate Insurance Agency

Scott Credit Union

Southwestern Illinois College

TerraSource Global

Alliance: Abbott EMS

Air One Chiropractic

Allsup, Inc

Barb Davidson, Designated Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors

Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering & Testing, Inc.

Bell Dental

Bank of Belleville

Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative

Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine

Bi-State Development

BOS Metro East Banking Center

Breakthru Beverage Group

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Chairman Mark Kern, St. Clair County

Mayor Patty Gregory, City of Belleville

Christine Spargur, Scott Air Force Base

Jo Ann May, IL Small Business Development Center

CHAMBER STAFF

Wendy J. Pfeil, President/CEO wpfeil@bellevillechamber.org

Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/Event Manager pschifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org

Sarah Hillebrand, Marketing/Communicatons Manager marketing@bellevillechamber.org

Courtney Adams, BMS Manager bms@bellevillechamber.org

Cathleen Lindauer, Director, Belleville Tourism clindauer@bellevillechamber.org

Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 216 East A Street, Belleville,IL 62220 Phone: (618) 233-2015 Fax: (618) 233-2077 www.bellevillechamber.org

Brown & Crouppen Law Firm

Cannon Utility Services, LLC.

Chelar Tool and Die

Citizens Community Bank

CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP

Cooling Concepts

Estel Foods Inc. / McDonalds

Empire Comfort Systems

FCB Bank

FKG Oil Company

Hank’s Excavating & Landscaping, Inc.

Holland Construction Services

Hoyleton Youth and Family Services

Jack Schmitt Family of Dealerships

Knipp Roofing & Exteriors, Inc.

Knollwood Retirement Community

Lochmueller Group

Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd.

McKendree University

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Nothing Bundt Cakes

pcs for people

Print Master

Serra Honda O’Fallon

SIHF Healthcare

Southern Illinois Builders Association

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Willowcreek Rehab & Nursing Center

AMBASSADORS

Rebecca Boyer, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC

Justin Chapman, Busey Bank

Lynne Clapp, Vertical Performance

Terri Dambacher, CompuType IT Solutions

Julie Fetters, First National Bank of Waterloo

Cari Frick, Metro Lock and Security, Inc.

Sharon Goff, Community Member

Dean Hardt, City of Belleville

Dennis F. Korte, Sr., Community Member

Tracy McCollum, Standard Rule Promotions

Dorothy Meyer, Community Member

Lisa Phillipson, Hospice of Southern Illinois

Joy Prigge, Buena Vista Bank

Leslie Schmidt, Abbott EMS

Brandy Steely, Community Member

Anne Thomure, Memorial Regional Health Services

Sheri Welch, Community Member

Susan Wobbe, Community Member

Sharon Zika, Scott Credit Union

2022 Advertising Rates

Business Card: $25 per month (3.5 x 2.5in)

1/4 Page: $50 per month (3.5 x 5in)

1/2 Page: $100 per month (7 x 5in)

Full Page: $200 per month (7 x 10in)

Ads must be received by the 15th of each month, electronically in JPEG or PDF form.

Please

BarberMurphy Group, Inc.

Bellecourt Banquet Center

Belleville Supply Company

Blanquart Jewelers, Inc.

Bouse Properties, LLC

Call for Help, Inc.

Catholic & Community Credit Union

Da-Com Corp

Down the Hall Homebrew

Egyptian Workspace Partners

First Mid Bank & Trust

Gateway Grizzlies Baseball Club

Gerold Moving & Warehousing Company

Grand Rental Station

Hicks & Spector LLC

Home Instead Senior Care

Huntleigh Securities Corporation

IMPACT Strategies, Inc.

Kelso Auto & RV Collision Center

Metro Lock & Security, Inc.

TerraSource Global The

February 2023

Upcoming chamber events

2/9 Ribbon Cutting - Grüv Bistro & Wine Bar

2/9 Healthcare & CSA Committee Meeting

2/9 Belle-Scott February Gathering

2/14 Coffee Cup Connection - McCoullough Flooring

2/15 Ribbon Cutting - AirBnB Germany Allen

2/15 Leadership Belleville Commitee Meeting

2/20 Chamber Office Closed - President’s Day

RSVP for events online at www.BellevilleChamber.org!

Just click on the event you wish to attend and log-in. Need help? Email your RSVP to

IN MEMORY OF JOHN WUNDERLICH

On Saturday, December 31, 2022 the Chamber lost our long time friend and Ambassador, John Wunderlich.

John was a 1982 graduate of Belleville Township High School East. He received a marketing degree from McKendree University, and later earned a master’s degree in management from Webster University. John was very involved with the Belleville Chamber of Commerce and was a long-time volunteer for Art on the Square. John loved NASCAR and enjoyed watching football. He loved the beach and visited Florida whenever he could. He was always willing to help a friend in need.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

CHAMBER EVENTS

January 26, 2022

Thank you to all of our sponsors and attendees for making this year’s event a success! It’s safe to say that a good time was had! Thank you Bellecourt Banquet Center for the beautiful space and to Grimm & Gorly for the flower arrangements!

Congrats to Belleville Township High School District 201, The CAVE and Logan & Logan LLC Management & Accounting Services for winning this year’s Business Excellence Awards.

Congrats to winner of the Leadership Belleville Alumni Award, Eric Schauster.

This year’s winner of Citizen of the Year Award went to the Honorable retired Judge Annette Eckert. Congratulations, Annette!

Pictured from left to right: Mayor Patty Gregory, Chairman Mark Kern, Mary Lamie, Eric Schauster, Willie Logan, Ericka Logan, Dr. Brian Mentzer, the (Ret.) Honorable Judge Annette Eckert, Rep. Jay Hoffman

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS

Allsup

Ameren Illinois

Bank of Belleville

Belleville High School #201

BOS Metro East Banking Center

Bouse Properties

Busey Bank

Cardinal Buick

City of Belleville

CliftonLarsonAllen

Egyptian Workspace Partners

Farnsworth Group

Gateway Region YMCA

Gonzalez Company Greensfelder

Grey Eagle Distributing

Hank’s

Hospice of Southern Illinois

HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital

Illinois American Water

Impact Strategies

Kaskaskia Engineering Group

Mark A Kern

Mathis Marifian & Richter

Memorial Hospital

Schmale Insurance

SIHF

Terra-Source Global

The EDGE

LEADERSHIP BELLEVILLE, CLASS 2022-2023

The 2022-2023 class spent January learning about educational opportunities in the Belleville area.

Participants heard from a panel of educators regarding the educational system in Belleville and current key issues. The day also includes a tour of Central Junior High school and BTHS Dist 201’s new facility the CAVE (Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence) along with hearing from local students.

Next month they will attend Government day and participate in a half day retreat along with a social.

MEMBER NEWS

AFTER YEARS OF SITTING VACANT, PLANS TO DEMOLISH AND CLEAR THE EXECUTIVE INN SITE AT 1234 CENTREVILLE AVE, BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS IS UNDERWAY

Per approval at both the December 19, 2022 & January 17, 2023, City Council meetings, the City of Belleville will be demolishing the Executive Inn property at 1234 Centreville Ave in the coming weeks, preparing this site for future development.

According to Mayor Patty Gregory, “As I promised during my campaign for Mayor in 2021, it was imperative to find a way to remove this dilapidated structure, clearing and securing this area for all the residents who live nearby. With the joint efforts of many of our city departments, along with the funding that the City of Belleville received through the federal ARPA funds, we were able to expedite the demolition and clearance of this area.”

According to Economic Development Director

Cliff Cross, “We are excited to move forward with the demolition of this structure in the coming weeks. Upon completion of the demolition, the City will move forward with a request for proposal for future development. The removal of this structure and potential new development to this area of our city is expected to anchor and drive future economic growth at this location. As staff, we thank Mayor Gregory and the Council for their approval of this demolition, which will positively impact the economic growth of both this location, and the City of Belleville.”

If you would like additional information regarding this project, please contact Cliff Cross, Economic Development Director of the City of Belleville at 618-792-4346 or at ccross@belleville.net. For media coverage, please contact Kathleen Kaiser, Director of PR/Communications, City of Belleville, IL at kkaiser@belleville.net, 618-792-1115 or at 618-444-3802.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK EMPLOYEES RAISED CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH A DRESS DOWN FRIDAY TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF TEEN COURT

Rick Parks, President of First National Bank presented a check to Barbara Cempura, President of the Teen Court Foundation of St. Clair County. First National Bank employees raised contributions through a Dress Down Friday to support the work of Teen Court.

HSHS ST. ELIZABETH’S HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES FIRST BABY OF 2023 BORN AT THE WOMEN AND INFANTS CENTER

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital proudly welcomed Emma Espinoza as the first baby born at the hospital in 2023 to Nancy Gonzalez and Daniel Espinoza of Fairview Heights, Ill. She was born at 9:30 a.m. on January 1, 2023 at St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center; weighing 6 lbs. 10 oz. and is 20.5 inches long.

In celebration of being the first baby born in 2023 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the baby and her family were presented with a gift card, stuffed animals and other items presented by the colleagues of the Women and Infants Center.

For others expecting in 2023, St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the prenatal class schedule for 2023 is now available on our website at hshs.org/ StElizabeths/Events/Mother-Child. It includes Prepared Childbirth Classes, Breastfeeding Fundamentals and other education about the amenities and quality at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, created by Cribs for Kids, as a Gold Safe Sleep Hospital. The hospital also has a partnership with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon pediatricians who provide coverage 24/7. These pediatricians care for babies admitted to the Well or Intermediate Care Nurseries. The Intermediate Care Nursery is also staffed with specially trained nurses to care for babies born with special health care needs.

For more information about HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, visit steliz.org.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - BELLEVILLE EARNS ACCREDITATION FROM THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF BLOOD & BIOTHERAPIES

BJC HealthCare’s Memorial Hospital in Belleville has earned the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) accreditation, achieving the organization’s highest standards of quality for transfusion medicine and cellular therapy.

Memorial is one of five hospitals in the St. Louis area to receive AABB accreditation, and it’s the only hospital accredited in the Metro East. Four out of the region’s five AABB accredited hospitals are part of BJC HealthCare. Fellow BJC hospitals Barnes-Jewish, Christian, and Missouri Baptist Medical Center have also received this accreditation.

This accreditation follows an intensive assessment by specially trained AABB assessors, which established the facility meets or exceeds the high-quality standards set by the organization. AABB accreditation also meets or exceeds federal requirements. This accreditation establishes Memorial Hospital Belleville as one of the safest facilities in the region to receive a blood product transfusion.

“Memorial’s top priority is our patients,” said Mike McManus, president of Memorial Hospital. “Our accreditation reflects this, as does our desire to demonstrate the high level of professional and technical expertise that contributes to quality performance and patient safety in our facilities. This accreditation is synonymous with quality and excellence at facilities throughout the world.”

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HSHS ST. ELIZABETH’S HOSPITAL HONORS COLLEAGUE WITH QUARTERLY NATIONAL DAISY

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital presented the quarterly National DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to Logan Blankenship, RN, in the medical surgical unit. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s nationwide program to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses perform every day.

Logan Blankenship was nominated by charge nurse, Matt Hill, for taking quick action to assist another colleague with a patient in distress in another area. Her attention to the alert message resulted in a full call to the rapid response team. They, along with Logan, were able to stabilize the patient and get them to the ICU.

Distribution of the nationally recognized DAISY Award at St. Elizabeth’s is made possible through funds provided by HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Foundation.

In addition to Blankenship, nominations were received for over 30 other dedicated St. Elizabeth’s nurses for this quarter. Nominations for future DAISY and other awards at St. Elizabeth’s continue to be accepted. Patients and visitors are encouraged to share and submit their story of witnessing excellent and compassionate care from staff. Award descriptions and online form can be found at hshs.org/StElizabeths/Patients-Guests/Recognize-a-Colleague.

(Left to right): HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Regina Peterson, RN, DNP, is pictured with DAISY Award winner Logan Blankenship, RN, and manager of the medical surgical unit Laura Zink, RN

Listen or watch twice a month as we help highlight, promote, and enlighten people, businesses, and community events in the Greater Belleville area.

EMPLOYMENT LAW 2022 RECAP AND 2023 FORECAST FOR ILLINOIS

It was a busy year in Illinois with respect to new legislation and amendments to laws affecting employee rights and employer obligations. Here’s a recap of a few of the important developments to know about in 2023.

Family Bereavement Leave Act

The Child Bereavement Leave Act is now the Family Bereavement Leave Act and expands the circumstances under which an employee can take bereavement leave. Now, an employee may use up to 10 workdays to attend the funeral, or alternative to a funeral, of a covered family member, to make arrangements necessitated by the death of a covered family member or to grieve the death of a covered family member. Covered family members include children, stepchildren, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents, parents-in-law, grandchildren, and grandparents and stepparents.

Bereavement leave may also be used for a miscarriage or pregnancy loss, an unsuccessful round of in vitro fertilization or a failed assisted reproductive technology procedure, a failed adoption match or an adoption that is not finalized because it is contested by another party, a failed surrogacy agreement, a diagnosis that negatively impacts pregnancy or fertility, or stillbirth. Employers that require reasonable documentation must use the form provided by the Illinois Department of Labor, and they cannot require employees to identify which category of event the leave fits.

Crown Act

The Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act amends the definition of “race” under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Specifically, the amendment identifies that unlawful discrimination on the basis of race includes discrimination on the basis of traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.

One Day Rest in Seven Act and Meal Breaks

On May 13, 2022, the One Day Rest in Seven Act was amended to require that employers give non-exempt employees 24 hours of rest in each consecutive seven-day period beginning January 1, 2023. Yet, while the Illinois Administrative Code provides that employees can voluntarily agree to work on the seventh day of the week, we recommend that the voluntary agreement to work the seventh day be clearly documented and signed by the employee. Employers can also request permits from the Illinois Department of Labor authorizing the employer to require employees to work on designated days of rest based on business necessity and economic viability.

The amendments also affect meal break requirements. Currently, employers must provide non-exempt employees who work a 7.5-hour shift with a 20-minute meal break that occurs no later than five hours after the start of the shift. Beginning January 1, employers must provide another 20-minute meal break for each additional 4.5-hour period an employee works. In other words, an employee must be scheduled to work 15 hours to be eligible for a second meal period.

The amendment increased penalties for violations up to $500 per offense for employers with 25 or more employees, and damages must be paid to affected employees with that same dollar amount ceiling per offense. Employees must bring any claims with the Illinois Department of Labor; they do not have a right to make a claim of a violation in court.

Finally, employers must also display the “Your Rights Under Illinois Employment Laws” poster with these amendments at the start of the new year.

Pay Data Reporting

Beginning January 1, 2023, private employers with 100 or more employees must comply with specific pay data reporting requirements. Specifically, employers must submit a statement of equal pay compliance, their EEO-1, a list of employees with their total wages, and a $150 application fee to the Illinois Department of Labor. Employers must obtain an equal pay registration certificate by March 24, 2024.

According to IDOL, each covered business will receive no less than 120 days’ advance notice of their deadline. Because the IL DOL is randomly selecting covered businesses to which it sends notices, some may not receive their notice of their assigned registration date until late 2023 to meet the final deadline in March 2024. Any employer that is a covered business should register with IL DOL by providing the contact information of key personnel members to ensure that future notices are received.

Edward S. Bott, Jr. O’Fallon, IL

John H. Chassaing O’Fallon, IL

Thomas F. Hennessy, III

Swansea, IL

Paul E. Petruska

O’Fallon, IL

Garrett C. Reuter, Jr.

O’Fallon, IL

William A. Schmitt

Waterloo, IL

Donald K. Schoemaker

Shiloh, IL

Kurt S. Schroeder

Shiloh, IL

Russell K. Scott

Belleville, IL

L. Kevin Vick

Belleville, IL

Donald E. Weihl

Belleville, IL

David W. Ybarra

O’Fallon, IL

MEMBER NEWS

U.S. NEWS LISTS MCKENDREE ONLINE PROGRAMS AMONG THE BEST IN 2023

(U.S. News and World Report has recognized five McKendree University online degree programs, ranking them among the nation’s best in U.S. News’ annual list of “Best Online Programs” for 2023.

McKendree’s online graduate education program rose from no. 102 to no. 89. Other McKendree University rankings included online graduate nursing programs, online MBA programs, online bachelor’s programs, and online bachelor’s in business programs.

“McKendree University provides quality educational experiences for students in multiple delivery formats,” said Dr. Melissa Meeker, dean of Worldwide Programs. “It is an honor to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the ‘Best Online Programs’ in several academic areas.”

The University’s online program offers bachelor’s degrees in psychology, sociology-criminal justice, business administration, healthcare management, computer information systems and nursing. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree is available with the option of majors in accounting, business administration, cyber defense, entrepreneurship, human resource management, management, marketing, sport management, and supply chain management and logistics. Graduate students can earn master’s degrees online in education (MAED), health administration (MHA), business administration (MBA) and nursing (MSN). A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is also available online. The MBA is available with concentrations in corporate finance, cyber defense, digital marketing and human resource management. The MSN is available with concentrations in education, management/administration and population health.

IMPACT STRATEGIES COMPLETES RENOVATION OF TWO RETAIL SUITES FOR USPG

IMPACT Strategies has completed renovations to two retail suites for U.S. Properties Group (USPG). The space, totaling 5,721 SF, is located between the Dollar Tree and Kohl’s stores on Beltline Road in Collinsville, IL. Construction was completed on schedule in just three months.

The firm’s work will allow for the expansion of Dollar Tree and the creation of a new space for a future tenant (Suite A). TR,i Architects was the architect-of-record for the project.

IMPACT Strategies was the original general contractor for the 19,590 SF retail building, which was designed by TR,i Architects and constructed in 2015. In 2011, USPG worked with IMPACT Strategies to develop the Collinsville Retail “A” building, located adjacent to Kohl’s.

Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT Strategies said, “We value our long-standing relationship with USPG and are thrilled to see another project come to fruition in Collinsville.”

IMPACT STRATEGIES COMPLETES WORK AT BUILDING 111 WITH TENANT FINISH FOR AMERICAN WATER

IMPACT Strategies has completed its work at Building 111 in Alton, Illinois formerly known as the Millers Mutual Building with an 8,900 square foot tenant finish project for American Water. The firm began renovation work on the building in 2017; this assignment marks IMPACT’s eighth interior remodel project in the building.

The approximately $1 million project for American Water included renovation of 3 existing tenant/shell spaces by providing modern office finishes. The project features an exposed concrete structure with acoustical ceiling baffles, huddle rooms, updated break room, conference room, and preservation of the decorative wood paneled walls within the old Miller’s Mutual Director’s Meeting Room that dates back to the early 1920’s.

American Water expects to bring several new jobs to Alton with the completion of the new space, which will be used for the company’s call center operations

The five-story Building 111 is located at 111 E. Fourth St. in Alton. Giant City Properties, LLC acquired the 110,000 SF building in 2017 as part of their commitment to revitalize downtown Alton and bring new jobs to the area. Since the building’s acquisition in 2017, IMPACT Strategies has been working with Giant City Properties on improvements to the landmark building.

IMPACT Strategies’ President, Mark Hinrichs said, “We are excited to complete our work renovating Building 111. It’s rewarding to see the spaces come to life, providing new opportunities for growth and commerce in downtown Alton.”

IMPACT STRATEGIES PROMOTES DEREK HINRICHS TO CONTROLLER

IMPACT Strategies announces the promotion of Derek Hinrichs from Senior Accountant to Controller.

Hinrichs holds a master in accountancy degree from the University of Missouri and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Prior to joining IMPACT Strategies in 2021, Hinrichs spent more than ten years at a public accounting firm where he was a tax manager and consultant.

His role as Controller involves a wide range of critical responsibilities in support of the company’s growth strategies. Hinrichs will oversee all financial functions of the business involved in the accounting process, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.

IMPACT Strategies President Mark Hinrichs said, “We are excited to see Derek move into a key leadership position for the company as the head of our accounting team. He has demonstrated outstanding collaboration with our entire team, and we look forward to his contributions in the future.

MLK HUMANITARIAN AWARDS HONOR MCKENDREE JUNIOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE

A business administration major and the assistant director of the Office of Residential Life were this year’s recipients of McKendree University’s 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards at a celebration held on Thursday, January 19 at the Hettenhausen Center of the Arts. The annual awards celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Reverend Dr. King. This year’s recipients have demonstrated care and compassion, understanding and tolerance for all people, and humanitarian principles and ideals. They have also led or participated in service programs that reflect these ideals.

Jamari Jackson, a junior from Belleville, Ill., is the president of McKendree’s Black Student Organization (BSO), a senator in Student Government Association (SGA), and a member of Pi Kappa Delta Forensics Honor Society. Jackson has also been involved with the McKendree debate team, finishing his best season ranked 17th in the nation. He plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree at McKendree after graduation.

“This award means a lot to me, my family, and especially my mom,” Jackson said upon receiving the award. “It’s an honor to be able to inspire and encourage the students at McKendree to do more.”

Millard Curtis of O’Fallon, Ill., is the assistant director of the Office of Residential Life at McKendree and has been at the University for three years. A highly-involved member of Faith Family Church of Shiloh, Curtis is also involved with Black Men of McKendree and Come to the Table, a young adult ministry at the University.

“I strive to do the best I can,” Curtis said. “My passion is to promote change and inspire others. The work is never done.”

Guest speaker Leon Richardson, a local gospel artist and 2011 graduate from McKendree University, presented his keynote speech, which highlighted Dr. King’s impact and the common language we all share: music. He noted how Dr. King would begin and end meetings with song and how it would unify, inspire and give hope to listeners and activists alike.

“Unity is a powerful weapon, and when we use it, we will see a change,” Richardson said. “Keep your sound alive!”

Junior Jamari Jackson (left) and assistant director of the Office of Residential Life Millard Curtis (middle) received the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards from McKendree University President Daniel C. Dobbins (right).

World-Class Expertise is

Memorial Hospitals are proud to be part of BJC HealthCare, which connects us to the area’s top specialists from BJC Medical Group of Illinois, Siteman Cancer Center, and Washington University Physicians in Illinois, Inc. Memorial offers focused, coordinated care from our experts in breast health, orthopedic care, and heart care. When you need world-class expertise, it’s right here where you live.