Communicator
November 2011 • Freeport, IL
Lena Fast Stop Blends Service and Convenience Tony Carton Communicator Editor The Stephenson Service Company remains as dedicated today to its mission of improving the long-term profitability of its members, customers, and owners as it was at its founding over 75 years ago. Those goals are accomplished through the many products the company provides to its customers, by being on the cutting edge of available service innovations, by maintaining high quality personnel, and combining these resources to bring profitable solutions to its customers and member-owners. Among the many services provided is the Fast Stop fuel station located in Lena. Stephenson Service Company Energy Marketing Manager Gordy Williams said the company opened its Fast Stop operation in Lena in 1987 and today, features products including soy biodiesel fuel and a number of ethanol-powered fuels produced right up the road at Adkins Energy. A diverse offering of quality fuels “In Lena we have a regular E10 gas called unleaded plus and our super unleaded E-25 that is a gasoline with 25 percent ethanol,” Williams said. He said they’ve posted on the E-25 pumps that their super unleaded can only be run in a
flex-fuel vehicle. “It fits with any year and any model just so long as it is a flexfuel vehicle,” he said. “Our unleaded plus is an 89 octane no lead gas that we sell in Lena as our least cost opportunity for customers.” A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) or dual-fuel vehicle is an alternative fuel vehicle with an
detected by electronic sensors. He said their biodiesel is currently an 11 percent seasonal blend that meets the requirements of any diesel user. In Illinois we are very fortunate that we have tax incentives to help us to keep our biodiesel products cost efficient,” Williams said. “Lubrication is a huge factor in biodiesel and
internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank. Modern flex-fuel engines are capable of burning any proportion of the resulting blend in the combustion as fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the actual blend
another very large factor with our biodiesel is that it cleans emissions.” According to the US EPA, biodiesel made from vegetable oils (soy) reacted with methanol or ethanol and a catalyst can be used in any diesel engine without modifications and burns up to 75 percent cleaner than petroleum diesel fuel while reducing unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide
and particulate matter in exhaust fumes, as well as cancer-causing PAH and nitrated PAH compounds. Biodiesel is environmentally friendly: it is renewable, and more biodegradable than sugar and less toxic than table salt. Williams said FS alters its blend percentages with the season to keep their customers vehicles running smooth. “Ethanol also does a wonderful job of cleaning up emissions and we are fortunate to have a strong working relationship with the folks at Adkins Energy,” he said. “They are allowing us to purchase direct from their Lena facility and we want to continue with that because it allows us to continue as supporters of our local economy. They’ve got about 35 people working at that plant now and we want to keep it that way.” Adkins Energy in Lena is a corn-to-ethanol production facility processing approximately 16 million bushels of corn annually into over 45 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol, a clean burning substitute for petroleum. Williams added that when FS buys ethanol products from Adkins it supports the local agricultural economy as well. “A lot of our locally produced SEE LENA
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Inside...
2 RISE ’n SHINE
4 MEMBER NEWS
8
RIBBON CUTTINGS
12
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
3
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 27 W. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032 www.freeportilchamber.com Phone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Grimes kim.grimes@freeportilchamber.com
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR: Tiffany King tiffany.king@freeportilchamber.com
RECEPTIONIST: Julie Huber COMMUNICATION EDITOR: Tony Carton The Chamber of Commerce Communicator is published on a monthly basis with the partnership of The Journal-Standard paper. We thank them for their continual effort to keep this publication in print!
DATES TO REMEMBER... NOVEMBER 17 Business after Hours Country Inn & Suites 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. NOVEMBER 24 & 25 Thanksgiving Holiday Chamber Offices are closed DECEMBER 1 Rise N’ Shine Breakfast hosted by Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Kim’s Korner C
an you believe we are only a little over 5 weeks away until Christmas? It seems like we just put the decorations away from last year! Maybe that short blizzard we experienced last week can help us get in the holiday spirit! It definitely has been a fast year. Tiffany and I recently attended the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive Association (IACCE) Annual Fall Conference in Collinsville. This was my 10th Fall Conference and as in past conference’s we were treated with terrific speakers discussing some very topical chamber subjects. Tiffany and I took lots of notes and will be processing all the new ideas that we heard about and look forward to applying these new ideas through your chamber as we approach the new year. Our final speaker’s subject was a discussion on how you communicate with people from the four generations (seniors, babyboomers, gen-x’s and gen-y’s). That topic is always very interesting since the four generations have their own distinct personality traits. I have been serving on the IACCE Board for four years and I was flattered to be named the 1st Vice-Chair of the Board. This puts your Freeport Area Chamber in more of the spotlight with Chambers around the state. I am very proud to serve on this board representing all of our Chamber Members.
The Prospering Together committees continue to meet and the plan is really starting to take shape. Through the leadership of NIDA’s staff and volunteers the public will start to see in the coming months some real live projects being processed that will in the long run drastically improve our local community in many ways. We want to thank Dean White and the Freeport Masonic Temple along with Krogull Catering for hosting last months Business after Hours. I also applaud the Temple for hosting the series of concert’s including “Paul Revere” coming in December. The Masonic Temple is one of Freeport’s “Treasures” and it’s great to have people visit and enjoy such a wonderful facility. We also thank Oakley Courts for hosting last month’s Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast. Thank you to Country Inn and Suites for hosting tonight’s Business after Hours and the Visitors Center for hosting the Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast in December. Be sure and put our December 15th Business after Hours on your calendar at Stewart and Associates at the Stewart Centre.
Rise ’n Shine
DECEMBER 6 Executive Meeting Chamber Conference Room #1 7:30 a.m. DECEMBER 8 Finance Committee Meeting Chamber Conference Room #2 7:30 a.m. DECEMBER 8 Ambassador Holiday Party Fieldstone Inn 6 - 8 p.m.
Rise ’n Shine Breakfast was hosted by the Oakley Courts Assisted Living. This event is a great networking chance to get your name out there if you are a smaller business. Our thanks to Oakley Courts Assisted Living for making us feel so welcome!
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LENA from page 1
He said Cimino’s Pizza and the newly added Taco Depot are corn comes to that facility,” among their most popular Williams said. “We want to offerings. continue to do everything in our “We do very well with food power to support that.” from those franchises,” Williams A one-stop convenience shop said. Williams said that over the He said they have two years the convenience aspect of managers on site that keep both the Lena FS has become the fuel and the food sides of the increasingly important. business running smoothly. “We have Roxanne Daly and Sheila Terhaar sharing responsibilities here and they work hard and do a wonderful job in the store,” Williams said. He said that in addition to Stephenson Service Company Energy Marketing Manager building a well stocked full line Gordy Williams and Lena Fast Stop store managers of convenience Roxanne Daly and Sheila Terhaar work hard to bring store items the service and convenience to all their customers. Lena Fast Stop is gearing into winter with a “We now have a very nice good amount of diesel flow coffee bar as well as great additives for truckers and other breakfast and lunch offerings,” diesel users. he said.
important to us and we are glad “Beyond the addition of diesel flow additives, our stocks of food to be a supportive and items and our menus stay pretty contributing part of the community.” much the same year round,” Just as the name implies, Williams said. Our Lena store is Fast Stop stations are set up so just one in a network of more you can get what you need and than 170 Fast Stop locations get back on the road. throughout the Midwest and we Stephenson Service Company are proud of what we do there.” has Fast Stops located in Service with pride Freeport and Lena. Stop by the Williams said Stephenson store in Lena today at 519 1/2 Service Company is a farm E. Lena St for 24-hour credit supply company first and foremost and the Lena Fast Stop card fueling, alcohol-blended fuels, convenience store, diesel is an important working part of #2, fast food, propane, oil, that bigger picture. premium diesel, restrooms, and “We are very much in tune to winterized diesel fuels. support the agricultural community in both Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties,” he said. “Ag supply is our core business. Our Farm Town store in Freeport and our ag supply outlets throughout Lena Fast Stop store managers Roxanne Daly and Sheila Terhaar prepare the sweet roll display in anticipation of their the area are breakfast rush.
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Business after Hours was hosted by the Freeport Masonic Temple. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful food and great conversation! We would like to thank the Freeport Masonic Temple for their hospitality and the fascinating tour of the temple.
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g t o d r e a m .. . ...& ever yt h i ng n o t t o .
9 West Main, Freeport, IL • 815-232-6213 Mon. - Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-4
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERnews AC Rock at the Masonic Temple Freeport Noon Kiwanis along with Big Radio is sponsoring AcoRock at the Masonic Temple on Friday November 18 at 7 pm AcoRock is Chicago’s premier a cappella quartet, singing classic rock ‘n roll favorites from the 1950s through the 1980s.
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Reserved seat tickets are on sale at the Masonic Temple. Prices are $25 for reserved main floor and mezzanine seats and
$20 for reserved balcony seats. Tickets can be purchased in person between the hours of 9-3 pm at the Masonic Temple. You can also purchase tickets over the phone 815-233-0513 or via the website http://freeportmasonictemple.or g/index.html. Phone and internet orders require a credit card and will also be assessed a service charge. A portion of the funds raised from the event will be earmarked for the Boys and Girls Club of Freeport with other funds going to support youth activities in the Freeport area. Help us help the children of Freeport. An Exclusive Holiday Offer For MovieTime Email™ Members! The perfect gift this holiday season is a Classic Cinemas Reel Money Gift Card. Classic Cinemas gift cards are easy to purchase and easy to use. They never expire, have no fees, are good for admissions
Let’s jingle all the way this holiday season! As we enjoy family, friends, and the simple pleasure of spending time together during the holidays, we hope you will join us in celebrating both personal and community health, hope and happiness.
Community Tree Lighting
Community Festival of Trees
Help us “flip the switch� to light up Freeport’s holiday tree! Stephenson Street side of FHN Memorial Hospital 6XQGD\ 1RYHPEHU ‡ S P 5HIUHVKPHQWV ‡ +ROLGD\ FDUROLQJ ‡ 6SHFLDO JXHVWV
Enjoy holiday trees decorated by local service organizations, clubs and church JURXSV FRPSHWLQJ IRU SUL]HV 9RWH IRU \RXU favorite through Saturday, December 17! December 4 – 31 )UHHSRUW 3XEOLF /LEUDU\ ‡ ( 'RXJODV 6WUHHW Download entry form at www.fhn.org Hosted by FHN and the Freeport Public Library
Holiday Family Movie Series Prices shown are the special reduced customer SULFH IRU WKHVH VSHFLDO D P matinee showings only; )+1 FRQWULEXWHV SDUW RI HDFK IXOO WLFNHW SULFH All children attending will receive a holiday memento from FHN! /LQGR 7KHDWUH ‡ 6 &KLFDJR $YHQXH )UHHSRUW 1RYHPEHU ‡ Happy Feet 2 in 3-D 3* ² 1RYHPEHU ‡ Arthur’s Christmas in 3-D 3* ² 'HFHPEHU ‡ The Muppets (PG) – $3 'HFHPEHU ‡ Home Alone (PG) – FREE 'HFHPEHU ‡ Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (PG) – $3
Singin’ at the King 7KXUVGD\ 'HFHPEHU ‡ S P ² S P .LQJ &RPPXQLW\ &DPSXV J\PQDVLXP Local school choruses Suggested donation of one non-perishable food item upon entry
and concessions, and can be purchased in any amount from $10-$100. For every $50 worth of gift cards you purchase through December 4, you will receive a free movie pass. This offer is good only when you purchase a gift card at a Classic Cinemas box office. (Offer not valid with online gift card purchases) Don’t forget to present your Classic Rewards Card to earn points on your Gift Card purchase! Happy Holidays from Classic Cinemas! *All FREE movie passes are restricted the first two weeks of first run movies and will expire 4/30/12.
represent excellence in historic preservation. “The work of the Johnsons in restoring their historic theatres is a testament to the deep commitment of preservationists across the state,� said Jim Peters, president of Landmarks Illinois. The Classic Cinemas chain of theatres began in 1976 when Willis and Shirley Johnson purchased the then-deteriorating Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove (1928). Since that time the Johnsons have been joined by their son Chris in purchasing and restoring six theatres located in the suburbs of Chicago and Northern Illinois including the Lindo in Freeport (1921), the Lake in Oak Park (1936), the Paramount in Kankakee (1931), as well as the York in Elmhurst (1924). The York Theatre is also home to the Theatre Historical Society of America. Since 1994, Landmarks Illinois has been assisted by a generous grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation to
Classic Cinemas honored with statewide preservation award The Classic Cinemas movie theatres and its owners, Willis Johnson with his wife Shirley and son Chris were recently recognized with the “Stewardship Award,� presented by Landmarks Illinois as part of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards. This 17th-annual Tom Tibia photo - Classic Cinemas Owners Chris, event honors Shirley and Willis Johnson holding the Stewardship Award, a small replica of the entrance arch and a individuals, portion of the Trading Room from Louis Sullivan’s organizations and projects throughout Chicago Stock Exchange building. the state that CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
FHN Festival of Trees Luminary Night Enjoy the soft glow of luminaria lighting the sidewalks along 6WHSKHQVRQ 6WUHHW DQG /LQFROQ %RXOHYDUG 6XQGD\ 'HFHPEHU ‡ 'XVN
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 PREFERRED MEMBERS We would like to give special recognition to the following businesses that provide extra support to the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce.
GOLD MEMBERS
Law Offices of Ralph E. Elliott Reid Enterprises Rock River Valley Blood Center Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTD Berner Food & Beverage Freeport Community Foundation John H. Vogt Bomar Heating & Cooling Fehr-Graham & Associates Stout Insurance Agency Country Insurance & Financial Freidag Associates CPAs Services - Rick Wilson Altman Automotive Inc. Spherion Staffing Group Integrity Investments Freeport Insurance Center Swift Hospitality Group, Inc. Alwayz Cookies Behr Freeport Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Cathy’s Custom Cakery Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Jack Myers Consulting QBE the Americas Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency Freeport Massage Center Twice As Nice Consignments Floor Covering Plus Hulsebus-Gehlsen Chiropractic Maybe You Need Help... Culligan Water Conditioning Union Savings Bank
SILVER MEMBERS Iron-T Junction Brown’s Shoes Family Affair Café
BRONZE MEMBERS
Bill George Plumbing & Heating AquaLand Baymont Inn and Suites Dental Connections Family Health Quest Newby Design Works Citizens State Bank Farmers Insurance Group-Lynn Kempel Midtown Center
Columbia College Winter & Associates Ultrasonic Power Corp. Freeport Park District Eagles Club Pinewood Buffet & Grill Monroe Clinic Downing Remodeling General Contractors, Inc Flachtemeier Monuments LeBaron & Miller Interiors Winter Construction Inc.
Schofield Plumbing State Farm Insurance – Jon Spachman C. J. Vitner Co., Inc. Saxer Accounting Services, LLC Tender Loving Care State Farm Insurance – Steve Johnson Skate Station Sanitary Cleaners
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
honor those whose work demonstrates a commitment to excellence in historic preservation and inspire others to take action to preserve, protect and promote historic resources throughout Illinois. The award itself is a smallscale replica of the entrance arch and a portion of the Trading Room from Louis Sullivan’s Chicago Stock Exchange building, which was demolished in 1972. The fight to save this important part of Chicago’s built environment led to the founding of Landmarks Illinois in 1971. In addition, winners received a $500 cash award. For more information on Classic Cinemas, please visit www.classiccinemas.com. “Twist and Turns of Life” CONTACT of Northern Illinois his holding a raffle for a Quilt Titled “Twist and Turns of Life” presented to CONTACT by Sinnissippi Quilters, Inc. Symbolism of the quilt - colors were chosen to represent the many and varied moods a
person experiences at different times in life. The placement of colors to form arrows in the patchwork represents the different directions and paths a person takes in life. The Twisted Cable Quilting in yellow thread represents the support we receive from others in our lives. In dark or challenging times (dark colors), you can plainly see the support we receive from others. In better days (lighter colors) the support isn’t as visible but is still there in the form of family and friends that share our joy and good time. Tickets are on sale NOW at Heck’s Frozen Meals, 1100 W. Galena Avenue in Freeport for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Ticket sales run through November 26 at 1:00 pm Drawing will be held at the Lincoln Mall on November 26 during the CONTACT Craft Fair. This quilt was donated in loving memory of Ryan R. Cleary
Compassionate care when you need it most.
18 W . Stephenson Street • F.A. Read Center, Freeport, IL 61032 • 815.233.2600
Serving Ogle, Stephenson, Carroll & JoDavies Counties
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- all proceeds from the raffle sales will benefit CONTACT. CONTACT of Northern Illinois will host its seventh Here Comes Santa craft fair from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Freeport Lincoln Mall, 1265 W. Galena Ave. The craft fair features vendors, crafters and a bake sale. Santa Claus will visit from 10 am to 2 pm, and visitors will be able to bring their pets to take photos with Santa from 1 pm to 1:30 pm, but must leave the mall after their photo is taken. A donation is requested for each photo taken and no outside cameras are allowed during the craft fair. Admission to the fair is free. There will be door prizes throughout the day and a quilt raffle. Tickets for the quilt raffle will be available for purchase during the fair until the drawing, which will be held at 2:30 pm. Proceeds from the fair benefit CONTACT programs. For more information about the fair, call CONTACT at 815-233-4357. FHN Ophthalmologist Vinod Wadhwa Retiring Ophthalmologist Vinod Wadhwa, MD, FACS, who has cared for FHN patients at FHN Specialty Care - Harlem Avenue in Freeport since 1976, will retire this month. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with FHN and the people of this community to
help protect and preserve their vision,” said Dr. Wadhwa. “While I am saddened to leave, I am looking forward to retirement and I know that my patients will be in good hands.” Dr. Wadhwa’s last day in the office will be Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. After his departure, FHN ophthalmology patients will see Dr. Hanny Isawi, who joined FHN in August. Patients who had a scheduled appointment with Dr. Wadhwa after Nov. 11 can keep their appointments; they will see Dr. Isawi at the same time and place. To make an appointment with Dr. Isawi, call FHN Specialty Care - Harlem Avenue in Freeport at 815-599-7785. For more information on Dr. Wadhwa, Dr. Isawi or ophthalmology at FHN, visit www.fhn.org. Freeport Downtown Development and Pretzel City USA Presents an Art Auction Join Freeport Downtown Development and Pretzel City USA as they present an Art Auction. All 16 pieces from the Pretzels on Parade will be auctioned off on November 10th at the Freeport Country Club by Munda Auctions. Registration is at 7 pm and the Auction starts at 7:30 pm. This event is open
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To learn more about the hospice medicare benefit,
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109 South Galena Ave. Freeport, IL 61032 815-232-7100
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE to the public and is free of charge! Please R.S.V.P. to Freeport Downtown Development by calling (815) 232-9000 Highland Community College faculty arts exhibit The HCC Gallery will feature works of art created by current HCC Visual Arts faculty members November 10 through December 1, 2011 8 am - 5 pm. Recent works by Robert Apolloni, Reed Bakken, Jim Planting, and Sam Tucibat will be on display and available for contemplation, stimulation, and discussion as the feature exhibit of the Fall 2011 semester. Please join the artists for an opening reception on: Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 4:306:00 pm, Highland Gallery. Jane Addams Recreation Trail Open during Hunting Seasons The Jane Addams Recreation Trail will remain open during the 2011/2012 Illinois Hunting seasons. The Jane Addams Trail Commission strongly recommends that anyone using the trail during designated hunting dates wear the standard, hunterrecognized blaze orange apparel. Signs will be posted on the trail with this recommendation. Hunters are not allowed to hunt on, carry weapons on, or shoot across the trail right-of-way or use the trail
as an access to hunting areas. Hunters are allowed to cross the trail, and to retrieve game that has fallen on the trail right-ofway. This season’s hunting dates are: November 18, 19, 20; December 1, 2, 3, 4; 9, 10, 11 Muzzleloader; 29, 30, 31; January 1, 13, 14, and 15. Further information about the Jane Addams Trail is available by contacting the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 815-233-1357 or visiting the Trail website atwww.janeaddamstrail.com. Jingle All the Way through the Holidays at FHN Festival of Trees Events The holidays are here again, and FHN is proud to present a full sleigh of activities to delight you and your family. Welcome to the 2011 FHN Festival of Trees! This year’s Festival has a new twist right up front - we’re moving our holiday bash to a Saturday, and to Freeport’s Masonic Temple! Join us Saturday, Nov. 19 for the FHN Festival of Trees Holiday Partini and celebrate the season ‘50sstyle. This year, we’re bringing Chicago House of Blues regulars The Blue Olives, featuring Freeport’s own Bob Werntz, to the party for your listening and dancing pleasure. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts and complimentary beverages including martini tastings begin the evening at 6 pm A silent auction will be open until auctioneer Doug Munda presides over a live auction at 8 pm, featuring items like Chicago Bulls tickets, a hot air balloon excursion and much more. If desired, Partini-goers can take advantage of complimentary transportation home in a luxury
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van from CPS Airport Shuttle, a part of Freeport-based Stewart & Associates. Proceeds from this year’s Holiday Partini benefit the FHN Foundation’s Be Cancer Free campaign to fund an expansion to the FHN Leonard C. Ferguson
Cancer Center. The theme for the evening is ‘50’s cocktail party style, and tickets are $50 each, available through FHN board members, FHN Foundation board members and online at www.fhn.org. Before the Partini, kick off the season with your family Saturday morning at the first of our FHN Festival of Trees Holiday Movie Series - Happy Feet 2 3-D at the Classic
Cinemas Lindo Theatre in downtown Freeport. All tickets are $5, and seating is limited. The movie begins at 10 am, and all children attending will receive a special holiday gift from FHN! Visit www.fhn.org for the full list of movies, including a free showing of Home Alone on Saturday, Dec. 10! On Sunday, Nov. 20, we’ll gather ‘round the tree in front of FHN Memorial Hospital after Downtown Freeport’s Mistletoe Walk for the FHN Festival of Trees Community Holiday Tree Lighting. Join us for refreshments and holiday caroling and a visit from Santa! School choirs from across the area will put you in a holiday mood Thursday, Dec. 1 at the FHN Festival of Trees Singin’ at the King. Performances begin at 5 pm at the King Community Campus, 511 S. Liberty Avenue in Freeport and the fun is free, although a non-perishable food donation for the Freeport Area Church Cooperative is CONTINUED
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ribboncuttings
thority to ng with the Freeport Housing Au The Chamber cut the ribbon alo s at the Hosmer Highrise and the er lab yourself! open up the brand new comput see these beautiful facilities for and by p Sto se. hri Brewster Hig
The Chamber cut the ribbon at to be there to help celebrate thi A+ Automotive Inc.! It was our honor s special day! If you are in nee repairs on your vehicle stop by d of some and see A+ Automotive today.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE suggested. Refreshments on sale at the event will benefit local organizations. Take a stroll through the beautiful FHN Community Festival of Trees at the Freeport Public Library from Sunday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 31. The trees are decorated by non-profit organizations and winners chosen by a panel of judges (and People’s Choice winners, selected by YOU!) will win cash prizes. Cast your vote for People’s Choice winner by Dec. 17. In conjunction with the Community Festival of Trees at the library, the Highland Community College Children’s Choir will present a free performance of holiday songs at 5:30 pm Monday, Dec. 5. Finally, join FHN and the residents of Freeport’s Stephenson Street and Lincoln Boulevard at dusk Sunday, Dec. 18 for the FHN Festival of Trees Luminary Walk along these wellknown streets. Information on all FHN Festival of Trees events, including a full FHN Holiday Movie Series lineup and the full slate of Santa Visit times and dates, is available at www.fhn.org. Mistletoe Walk Downtown Freeport Freeport Downtown Development Presents “We Need a Little Christmas” Mistletoe Walk on Sunday, November 20 from 12 pm - 4 pm. Start your holiday season off with: Carriage Rides, Carolers, Window Decorations, and Refreshments. Santa arrives at the Freeport Library at 1 pm. Purchase Downtown Shopping Spree Raffle tickets (benefits Salvation Army, FACC, and FDDF Downtown revitalization). Participate in our Toy Drive for the Salvation Army! Just look for participating retailers and bring a new or gently used toy to their store between November 20 and December 15. Stop by Freeport Public Library to vote on your favorite Gingerbread
House on November 20 and again on November 28 through December 17. Pretzel Pride Dance & Auction The Pretzel Fans Club will be hosting the Pretzel Pride Dance, Saturday, November 26, 7:00 pm to midnight at the Masonic Temple Ballroom. Parents, alumni, faculty, and adult fans are invited to attend this casual fundraising event supporting Freeport High School’s Athletic Program. Dancing, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and authentic Pretzel gear will be highlighted. Entertainment will be provided by Time Warp Entertainment. Hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a cash bar will be offered. Advance tickets are $15 and include a $3 beverage credit. Tickets may be purchased at the Freeport High School Business Office (7am - 3 pm), Cub Foods, Sullivan Foods, Imperial Palace, Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Stephenson County Visitors Center. Tickets are $20 at the door. Bring a friend and support FHS Athletics. Holiday Open House on December 1st Sponsored by ITAC (Illinois Telecommunications Access Corp) RAMP wants you to give the gift that matters! Here is your opportunity to connect your loved ones with useful community agencies! Also, be able to communicate better with your loved ones - stop in and see assistive technology items
available for purchase to assist individuals with daily living! Visit the Stephenson County RAMP office, 2155 W. Galena Avenue in Freeport on December 1, 2011 between 2 pm - 6 pm. There will be an on-site audiologist available to evaluate your hearing and you may
qualify for a free ITAC amplified phone! Also enjoy coffee, holiday treats and a prize drawing! The ITAC program is mandated by the State of Illinois. All RAMP offices are selection centers for the ITAC amplified telephone. For more information or questions please contact the Stephenson County RAMP office, (815) 233-1128 Rare coin appraisal event at Citizens State Bank Citizens State Bank will be holding a Rare Coin Appraisal event in their Freeport Location at 1525 S. Forest Rd. The event will take place on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1st from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Bring your old coins, paper money and gold jewelry into the bank and Ron Beckstrom from Golden Rule Coins in Geneva, IL will tell you what they’re worth and possibly even buy them. To allow Ron to help the greatest number of customers possible, everyone will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be accepted. For more information, call Citizens State Bank’s Freeport location at (815) 801-4524. VietNow Mission Homefront packing gift boxes Freeport Chapter VietNow’s Mission Homefront will be packing boxes for our troops in early November – we are in need of names and addresses of Military personnel now serving our country. Please email names and addresses to ike.sue@frontier.com or call Sue at 815-232-7954.
WINNESHIEK PLAYERS SEEKS TECHNICAL CREW VOLUNTEERS FOR IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Live from Winneshiek Radio The Winneshiek Players is kicking off its 86th season of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from Winneshiek Radio on November 17, 18 and 19, and is currently seeking a technical production crew including, but not limited to, set building and
construction, painting, lighting, sound effects, light board and sound board operators. If you have carpentry and painting skills and have an interest in theater - please consider joining Winneshiek players in bringing this classic tale to life! We are seeking people to fill these roles as soon as possible. For additional information contact the Winneshiek Playhouse at info@wplay.org or by telephone at 815-232-7023. FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center under Construction If you haven’t been by FHN Memorial Hospital in a while, the sight of orange safety fencing and heavy construction equipment from one end of the campus to the other could be quite a shock. Don’t worry: The hospital remains open and in fact, FHN is in the middle of some exciting progress!
Work on the east side of the campus is focused on providing more convenient parking for patients and visitors at FHN Memorial Hospital. That project should be done before the end of 2011. Construction work on the west side of our campus, however, will last a little longer: With the support of the FHN Foundation and its Be Cancer Free campaign, FHN is expanding the medical oncology wing of the FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center. Construction began in October CONTINUED
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Page 10 and is expected to last through the beginning of March 2012. “This expansion will enable us to provide our chemotherapy patients a more comfortable, private and peaceful space to receive their treatments,” said Sue Hartje, Cancer Center director. “So many of our patients benefit from receiving their chemotherapy treatments here, close to home, but the demand has been so great that at times, patients had to undergo treatment in the radiation waiting room area.” The expansion will include eight more treatment stations and room to spare for future
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE expansion. It is the second phase of a multi-year project at the Cancer Center; the first phase began with the installation of a new linear accelerator in 2010 to bring an advanced form of radiation therapy called VMAT Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy - to FHN. The FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center is affiliated with the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, one of just 40 comprehensive centers in the United States, as designated by the National Cancer Institute.
SMALL BUSINESS”you”
The Chamber presented the next in the series of Small Business “You” Seminars. “Managing Stress Before it Manages You!” was taught by Steve Caswell LCSW. We had an excellent turn out and look forward to our next Small Business “You”.
SHOP
Freeport FIRST Allen’s Menswear • Auto Repair Specialists Bocker Group • Book World • Brown’s Shoes Captured Memories Photography • Cellular Connection Cimino’s Little Italy • Culligan Water Conditioning Deininger’s Floral Shop • Eilert’s • Fitness Nutrition Flachtemeier Monuments • Flack Sewing • Floor to Ceiling Store Four Seasons/Freeport Lanes, Inc. • Freeport Shopping News Furst McNess Co. • Freeport Glass Co. • Freeport Lawn & Leisure Happy Joe’s Café • Higher Grounds Coffee • Hillside Studio Imperial Palace • Iron-T Junction • Jiffy Lube • Joe’s Pizza Kent Bank • Kurt Koester Studio • L.P. Scientific Lindo Theater/Classic Cinemas • Loescher Heating & A/C Luecke Jewelers • Maurices • Merle Norman Cosmetics Ross Auto Glass • Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Sanitary Cleaners • Skate Station • Slumberland Furniture Soundwerks Plus • State Bank • Stone’s Hallmark • The Bargain Box Town House Motel • Wagner Business • Whole Body Studio
Think IP Phone Systems Aren’t For Your Business? Think Again.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Aero is the area’s leading provider of Business-Class Digital IP Phone systems and service. Call us and see why so many businesses are switching to Aero’s Business-Class IP Phone Service We’ll install a Polycom IP phone in your office FREE for 30 days before you decide. Aero has installed hundreds of phones throughout our service region, saving our customers hundreds of dollars per month on their phone bills while making them even more efficient, and better able to communicate with their customers.
Aero Group (815) 801-3387 1866 S. West Ave. Freeport, IL
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERspotlights B & T Automotive “We are an automotive repair shop and while we specialize in GM vehicles, we work on all makes and models and no job is too small,” said B & T co-owner Brian Bookman. Bookman operates the shop with wife Tina, and does every phase of repair except alignments. “We have a senior master Ford technician, two master GM technicians and we handle a lot of driveability issues which centers on Check-Engine light problems,” Bookman said. But we do just about everything you can think of for a car. As if to prove the point, he said they are currently replacing an engine in a Jeep model in one bay, replacing light bulbs on a Ford in another and doing a brake job on still another vehicle. “We opened B & T Automotive in 2005,” he said. “I had been with an area Chevrolet dealer for 13 years and worked as a
technician since 1984. I just decided it was time to open my own shop and we went for it.” He said he had been working for various dealerships in the area since 1984 and was moonlighting in his own garage for extra money. “It finally got to the point where I was working 9 to 5 and
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then going home to work till one or two in the morning to keep up with the work load,” he said. “I just figured I was 39 at the time and if I was ever going to open my own shop, it was time. I was doing the work anyway and I decided that if I didn’t go ahead I would spend the rest of my life working for somebody else and wishing I had just done it for myself.” Bookman is a lifelong Freeport resident and said he
running,” Bookman said. “There is always something to do.” He said they are suffering growing pains and predicts relocation to larger quarters at some point in the future. “I don’t foresee it happening any time soon, but we are definitely in need of more space and expansion is a goal,” he said. “We’ve become so busy that the things that should not be a problem are becoming bigger and bigger issues. Parking is a problem while we work to get the cars in the shop and we just need more room.” He said in the automotive repair business honesty and fair prices make all the difference. “Sometimes you have to tell people things they don’t want to hear, but it’s a part of the business,” he said. “If you are fair and honest with the clients they will be back and they will probably tell their friends. You have to honest with people.” Find out what B & T Automotive can do to keep you on the road. Stop by the shop at 6780 W. Pearl City Road in Freeport or call them at 815.232.7579.
sees a lot of potential for small businesses in the area. “Once I got things rolling with my own shop things really picked up,” he said. “Right now we are averaging about 65 cars a week and the business just keeps growing.” He said that jump in business allowed him to hire two fulltimers and two part-timers in addition to himself and they are all running full steam ahead. “It’s been quite an experience,” Bookman said. “Everybody says owning your own business lets you go golfing whenever you want, but that’s not necessarily the case. I used to work 40 hours a week, but now, working for myself, I work 60 to 70 hours a week, but it’s for us and that makes all the difference.” He said that the years of experience offered by himself and his employees have led to commercial accounts that by rights would keep an average shop busy full time. “The commercial work is great because we can count on 10 to 15 vehicles per account and they need constant attention just to keep those businesses
Sauk Valley Predators The Sauk Valley Predators are a Premier Basketball League team set to begin play for the 2012 season. Based in Northwestern Illinois, the Predators will play their home games at several sites in the region, including Sterling High School and Highland Community College in Freeport. “We will be playing in a 12team conference this year,” said General Manager Brad Grenoble. He owns the team with his wife Leah. The Sauk Valley Predators are joined by Central Illinois Drive, Chicago Muscle, Northwest Indiana Stars, Lake Michigan Admirals, Charleston Gunners, Dayton Air Strikers, Scranton Wilkes-Barre, and Rochester Razorsharks. Visit www.thePBL.com for more information about the Premier Basketball League
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE He said the team has signed a number of well known area stand outs including Freeport’s own Willie Veasley, Kevin Bawinkel formerly of Winnebago and U of Iowa, Jeremiah Box out of Rockford Christian, William Eason, a 6’9” center from Massachusetts and more.
League were from Canada and the government there bought all five and is starting their own Canadian Basketball Association. “That opened up a few franchises and they called us because they knew we were looking for a team and had had
“We will be playing January through March with ten home games and ten away games,” Grenoble said. He said he and his wife are from the Chadwick Milledgville area. He played minor league baseball for three years before taking over as Marketing Director and then Assistant General Manager with the Southern Illinois Miners. “The whole time we were down south we always knew we wanted to bring something back to this area,’ he said. “We know Northwest Illinois is a huge
some success in southern Illinois and one thing led to another and we ended up buying the franchise and bringing it to this area.” He said the first thing they did once they bought the team was make a list of players they wanted to sign. “I told all the guys this when we started talking with them, but basketball players are a dime a dozen,” Grenoble said. “We were looking for good kids; guys that will represent the team and the community.” He said the Predators are a long term project and they want community support. One of their first projects will be a basketball camp for youngsters where 5th through 12th grade will meet and learn skills from the coaching staff and players of the Sauk Valley Predators. Go to the team’s website at www.saukvalleypredators.com for more information about the camp.. In addition, The Sauk Valley Predators have teamed up with the local elementary schools to
hotbed for sports, so we just kept saving money and thinking that someday we would own a pro sports franchise. We just couldn’t decide between basketball and football.” He said that five of the teams with the Premier Basketball
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highlight the importance of reading. Each elementary school will receive a bookmark for each student enrolled. When an elementary student reaches the reading goals the teachers have set for them, the teacher will then sign the bookmark. As a reward, the student may exchange the signed bookmark for one free child admission home game ticket. “We just think community involvement is huge,” he said. “Besides signing great basketball players, we have great people too. Community is a big part of everything we will do.” For ticket information, scheduling and everything Predator visit 222.saukvalleypredators.com Knowlton Motors Knowlton Motors takes pride in hand picking each vehicle to make sure that the quality and value is always there. They also pride themselves in making sure your auto rental and service needs are met. Visit Knowlton Motors at 1017 S. West Av in Freeport today. “We are a full service auto, service, and rental company,”
said Rod Knowlton who owns and operates Knowlton Motors with his brother Jim. “We buy, sell and rent cars.”
He said they opened on August 1 after deciding to combine their banking and auto CONTINUED
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sales backgrounds and go into business. “We had a 10-year plan to go into business together and when this opportunity became available we jumped on it.” He said their plan is to quickly establish a “Buy here/pay here” opportunity for their customers.
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE a major overhaul our guys can handle any job,” Knowlton said. He said expansion is in the near future for Knowlton Moters. “We fully expect to outgrow our current lot in six to nine months and we’ll need to acquire some additional place to have more inventory,” he said. Knowlton said fair pricing and honesty are their keys to success.
New and Renewed
MEMBERS NEW: • This Is It Eatery • Porterhouse Equipment & Rental Company • Sauk Valley Predators, LLC
“Typically, cars that are more than 10 years old or have more than a hundred thousand miles on them cannot be financed through a bank,” Knowlton said. “Some of those cars have been well cared for and are in really good condition, it’s just that folks need to have an affordable solution to get a car.” He said Knowlton Motors currently employs two full-time mechanics with combined experience of more than 50 years and they can do it all. “We’ve had them install new engines, new transmissions, everything from an oil change to
• New Pathways Wellness Center “We have some of the best labor rates in town and we offer unparalleled service,” he said. “I come from the customer service industry so I know the customer side and Jim knows the cars. Together we have a lot to offer. We work off each other’s strengths really well.” Stop by Knowlton Motors at 1017 S. West Av in Freeport or call Rod or Jim at 815.233.5505 or visit them on the web at http://www.knowltonmotors.co m for a look at the cars and services available.
RENEWED: • Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership • Behr Iron & Metal • Eagles Club • Family Health Quest • Lincoln Douglas Society • Spherion Staffing Group • RK Dixon • Best in Sight • Stephenson County Fair Association • Immanuel Lutheran Church & School • Maybe You Need Help • Schofield Plumbing • Fehr-Graham & Associates • Boss Carpet One • Hosptice Care of America • Frontier Communications Inc.
whether you enjoy your morning newspaper or reading the daily news online...
• Freeport Masonic Temple • Flack Sewing Center • Cornerstone Credit Union • Krogull Catering • Cub Foods • Life Home Health Care, Inc. • Furst Staffing • Above and Beyond Associates • Edward Jones Investments - Mike Loos • City of Freeport • Freeport Dairy Queen • Boys & Girls Club of Freeport & Stephenson County
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• Imperial Palace • Willett, Hofman & Associates • Papa’s Murphy’s • Freeport Industrial Roofing • Park Hills Evangelical Free Church • Tom & Joanne Lammers • Beggin Tipp Lamm LLC • Gills Freeport Disposal • Shoe Sensation • Nationwide Inbound Inc. • Timber Lake Playhouse • Gills Business Group • Aqua Land • Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary • Parkview Home • Fairway Ford Lincoln • Sullivan’s Foods • Midwest Community Bank • Realtor Association of Northwestern Illinois
27 S. State Ave • Downtown Freeport • 815-232-1171 check us out online at www.journalstandard.com
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