SVM_Spotlight_031619

p i t g l S O ht SAUKVALLEY.COM ■ MARCH 16, 2019 ■ PAGE D1 ■ AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE MAKING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES

SPOTLIGHT | WHITESIDE AREA CAREER CENTER CEO STUDENTS | BUILDING

Success: Built from the ground up A Rock Falls High School junior sees the big picture. He knows it takes a lot of work to turn a business plan into profit – dedication and determination, planning and preparation, networking and knowing his market – but he’s not shying away from lofty goals.

In fact, wants to reach for the sky

SM-ST1631857

Whiteside Area Career Center CEO student Spencer Schutz, a Rock Falls High School junior, plans to combine his passion for farming with drone photography, to take advantage of a growing trend and create a business.

He’s making a business plan, setting goals and considering his financing options.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Brainstorming, building, operating, sustaining — the hallmarks of a successful business. In our Spotlight sections

(running in each SV Weekend edition from March 9 to 30) we’ll profile students in Whiteside Area Career Center’s Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class, who share their ideas on how to come up with, build, operate and sustain a business in the 21st century. Inside the sections, we’ll turn our attention to today’s business landscape in the Sauk Valley, the places that have already learned what it takes to earn your business.

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35

ROCK FALLS – Spencer Schutz is an heir apparent to his family’s farming business, Schutz Farms, south of Rock Falls.

The Rock Falls High School junior knows one day it will fall in his hands, and those of his younger brother, Sloan. It takes more than a pedigree to run a business, though.

Schutz, a student in Whiteside Area Career Center’s Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class, hopes that his foray into drone photography will help give him the expertise he needs to handle operations efficiently.

“You see a lot of older houses that have [aerial] pictures of their house inside, and not a lot of people have that anymore,” Schutz said. “It’s not a big thing anymore, but I want to bring that back.

“If you live in an older farm house, even if you’re not a farmer, it’s nice to have a picture of it.”

SUCCESS CONTINUED ON D2

D2 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, March 16, 2019

SPOTLIGHT | K’S KORNER

This, that and the Udder

Looking for a place to say ‘I do’? How about an indoor party venue big enough to hold a bounce house? A trading post where you can find a little bit of this and a little bit of that? Or maybe you just want to bend an elbow with buddies at a bar? A local couple’s business has cornered the market on all of those places

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

STERLING – Whether you are searching for a spot to host a birthday party with an indoor bounce house, some fun antiques or just a place to sit and share a story from your day, K’s Korners has the answer.

Owners Marion and Andy Younger have taken their place on U.S. Route 30 and state Route 2, just south of Galt and north of Como, and built a destination.

Andy’s parents, Marv and the late Darlene Younger, first built a bar on the site back in 1972, but he has since torn that More info building down K’s Korners, 13030 and replaced it Galt Road, at the with a vintage corner of U.S. dairy barn he Route 30 and state salvaged and Route 2 in southmoved to the west Sterling, is site from about open from 6 a.m. a mile away. to 1 a.m. daily.

The large barn To learn more – it’s 100 feet about rentals, stop long and 34 feet in or call the tavern wide, and was at 815-626-2988, built in 1951 – or find the bar on was stripped Facebook for more down to the information. studs as professional movers carefully maneuvered it down Route 30, which had to be shut down for part of the day to accommodate the move.

“The farmer who owned it said he could store 10,000 bales of hay in the loft,” Andy said.

Once the move was complete, the real work began. Andy and Marion oversaw the renovations, which added plumbing, electricals and insulation, built out the spaces and connected the building to city sewers.

In spring 2015, they opened the tavern on the first floor with pool tables, darts and a few gambling machines.

“It’s a welcoming, friendly atmosphere,” Andy said, adding that often people stop in for directions or a break from driving as they travel down nearby Interstate 88.

That fall, they opened the Udder Room,

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Andy and Marion Younger own and operate K’s Korners, a bar and wedding venue at 13030 Galt Road in Sterling. The family-owned and operated business was established by Andy’s parents, Marv and the late Darlene Younger in 1972. The vintage dairy barn offers two floors of space for weddings, birthday parties and other get-togethers, as well as a trading post and all the amenities of a cozy neighborhood bar. and in 2017 they were excited to complete renovations on the loft area, which can be rented for private parties, weddings and other events.

“It’s pretty exciting to see the ladies’ faces when they see the loft area for the first time.

More than one has had tears in her eyes,” Andy said. “That makes the heart happy. We want people to love it as much as we do.”

While brides love the historic barn as a wedding venue, children and their parents love the large, open space.

Last year, at least 20 parties were booked that featured a bounce-house in the indoor loft space, Marion said.

With 20-foot-tall ceilings, there is plenty of room for hosting a celebration. Their own granddaughter boasts that it’s the best place for a perfect birthday party, Marion said.

There’s also the K’s Korners Trading Post, where visitors can find antiques and other unique items to buy, trade or sell.

The Youngers aren’t quite finished with the property; Andy Younger says he has plenty of work before his vision for the bar is complete.

In the meantime the couple is enjoying the fruits of their labors and the joy of meeting new people and greeting familiar faces every day.

Student: Find your passion before you make your plan SUCCESS

are going to help you. A small business here wants to see other small businesses thrive, because it makes the whole community as t one thrive.

Schutz plans to take that idea and turn it “They want you to shop local and give back into a business using drone photography. to the community, especially younger generWriting up plans and following through ations like us.” with them is easy when you love what you’re Schutz recognizes that building a business doing, he said. is a lot more difficult than most people think, “The number one thing is to find out what and lots of time is spent with it that many you’re passionate about. You don’t want to people do not see, he said. go out and spend all of this money and all of It may take a while before everything is perthis time and take your life away on somefected, but that shouldn’t deter people from thing you don’t enjoy doing every day.” holding off on opening day.

Farming is something Schutz “It’s never going to be perfect is passionate about; he works when you first open, and it realsome days up to 15 hours doing “If you reach your goals ly shouldn’t be,” Schutz said. every single time, I don’t “You’re going to change some a wide array of tasks. Drone photography will connect that know how much you’d things, or how you actually run passion with a trend. business with workers if you be pushing yourself. A the Schutz will get a good look at have them. It takes a few tries, how others like his idea at the business without any but it will always be different.”

CEO class trade show May 7 at You don’t want the goals to be goals is not going to be too Northland Mall in Sterling. easy, though. successful. You’ve got “If you reach your goals every He know that he needs to start with finances, and being to be passionate about single time, I don’t know how organized with detailed plans much you’d be pushing yourwhat you’re doing. Are self,” will help ensure success.

Schutz said. “A business “It depends on what you’re you out there to help without any goals is not going doing, what market you’re be successful. You’ve got the community, or just to going into and what business to be passionate about what to make money?” you’re trying to start up,” he you’re doing. Are you out there said. “If it’s going to be successto help the community, or just Spencer Schutz ful, or is a great idea, a lot of to make money? What are your RFHS student people will want to get behind plans 5 years from now? it. If it’s something that’s kind of “Sometimes you can just go iffy, or not very organized, that’s where you’ll day-by-day and just play it out, but it’s also have problems. That’s where a business plan very important to have a lot of goals.” comes in really big.

Schutz’s idea may involve an old farming “You don’t want to go into a banker’s office tradition, but he knows that he simply can’t and ask for all of this money and not have market to the older demographic, many of everything straight.” whom may not know about drone technolBeing bold also makes a difference, he said. ogy.

Have a firm handshake. Look people in the “You have to appeal to the right audience,” eye.

Schutz said. “You don’t want some compliGetting a business off the ground can be a cated app selling your thing if you’re going challenge, but making a good first imprestoward a 40-year-old, or older than that. You sion and not letting any difficulties show is got to think about who your customer is crucial. going to be.”

As is networking.

Still, “the older generations do have respect “The biggest thing is knowing people, espe- for us, because we’re the future. We’re what’s cially in a smaller town,” Schutz said. “People coming up, and they like to see us succeed.”

CONTINUED FROM D1

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SPOTLIGHT | BOSS CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME

Where you’re the boss When customers walk into Boss Carpet One, they have the floor. The staff prides themselves on listening to what people want and making it happen.

And there’s more than meets the feet at the store; customers also can find countertops, cabinets, closets and more

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

DIXON – From changing out the floor in a single room to an entire home makeover, the staff at Boss Carpet One Floor & Home understands the first step is listening to the customer.

“We work hard to make sure every customer is happy, satisfied and love their floors,” said Ben Boss, a fifth-generation owner in the family business.

From the rug mill his grandparents opened in Amboy to the store’s two locations, in Dixon and Freeport, the foundation of the business is still customer service.

Boss Carpet One Floor & Home offers a wide selection of carpets, tiles, vinyl and wood while also branching out with blinds, countertops, More info cabinets, glass shower doors Boss Carpet One and custom walk-in-closets.

Floor & Home has two This gives customers a onelocations: 329 state stop location for room makeRoute 2 in Dixon, 815overs, Boss said, adding that 284-3933, and 461 E. his team also can work with Submitted South St. in Freeport, any budget, too.

Both Boss Carpet One Floor & Home locations, in Dixon and Freeport, have in-house designers who can help cus815-599-0303.

“Customers like staying tomers, whether they are looking for advice on a single aspect or an entire room makeover. “Our many, awesome Find it on Facebook or with one store and doing an staff are the reason we are successful,” said Ben Boss, a fifth-generation owner in the family business. go to bosscarpetone. entire project,” he said. com for more informaFrom design to sales, the Boss staff truly understand to clean and the ease of installation.”

Both locations have tion and to check out its the products, from form to function; they are aware of Carpet is another longtime favorite, and as part of one in-house designers who can design gallery. of the largest carpet consortiums, Boss has the selection help customers, whether the latest trends too.

For example, luxury vinyl tile is one of the latest trends and best prices, with a 110 percent price match guaranthey are looking for advice customers are asking for, after seeing on television home tee, he said. on a single aspect or an entire room makeover.

After the long, cold winter, Boss is ready to usher in “Our many, awesome staff are the reason we are suc- remodeling shows and through websites such as Pinterest, Boss said. spring and help homeowners tackle their to-do list of cessful,” Boss said.

Vinyl always has been available, Boss says, but its projects.

“Whether it’s new flooring or an entire room, we know how important it is to feel confident in your flooring improved look is helping usher in its returned popularity.

With plenty of great sales and some of the newest prodselection. That’s why we offer the Beautiful Guarantee: “The visuals have really improved over the years,” Boss ucts on the shelf, now is a great time to stop in and see If you don’t love your new floor, we’ll replace it for free.” said. “And there are a lot of advantages, such as it’s easier what’s in store.

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D4 • SV Weekend

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Saturday, March 16, 2019

SPOTLIGHT | LEE-OGLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Submitted

Driver Mitchell Wolfe welcomes a passenger onto a LOTS bus.

Everyone’s going along for the ride The Lee-Ogle Transportation System has LOTS of buses, ready to take people where they need to go – and they’re not just for seniors. The service puts the public in public transportation

Her financial background of grant management, retirement planning services, DIXON – The wheels on the bus go portfolio reviews, and public service pre’round and ’round ... all through the town pared her to be Gates’ right arm. ... and all through Lee and Ogle counties, “LOTS is unique; we offer safe and sporting “LOTS” painted on the side. friendly pick-up or drop-off – door to Did you know that the Lee-Ogle Trans- door,” Wolfe said. “We pick people up in portation System buses, which are outfit- front of their home, or in front of their ted with wheelchair lifts to serve the dis- work. It’s much more personal.” abled and seniors, are nonetheless availPeople moving from urban areas are able to anyone and everyone? used to city transportation.

Your vehicle may be in the repair shop.

“When people are getting to know the You may not have a area, or if they vehicle – you may “LOTS is unique; we offer safe and have environmenfind it less expenfriendly pick up or drop- tal concerns, some sive to use public are satisfied with transportation than off – door to door. We public transportato maintain and pick people up in front tion options,” Wolfe operate your own.

Whatever the reaof their home, or in front said.

“LOTS is doing a son, LOTS is there of their work ... LOTS is good service, and for you. doing a good service, wants to broadMany people still en and reach more harbor the misand wants to broaden and reach people.” conception that more people.”

Door-to-door serLOTS’ buses, which vice to your bank, are owned by the Kari Wolfe county, are just for j o b, Si n n i s s i p p i LOTS assistant director seniors. services, medi“We used to be in cal appointments, the Senior Center grocery store, and on Galena Avenue to Sauk Valley and in Dixon,” said Greg Kishwaukee comGates, LOTS execmunity colleges are utive director since available.

September 2017.

LOTS makes three “Our new buildtrips a month to ing, built in 2007, is Rockford, for medout on Route 26/S. ical appointments Galena, just beyond and to Cherryvale the overpass.”

Mall.

Gates is not new Rides also can be to the transportaprovided to DeKalb, tion business. He’s Terry Christian (inset) Sycamore, LaSalearned a master’s boards a LOTS bus in Dixon. le-Peru, and the in business adminQuad Cities. istration, ser ved Greyhound bus “I enjoy the work. It has enabled me Kreider Services for service also is avail8 years as its directo stretch and grow able at the LOTS tor of communica– working with providterminal, with daily tion and markettravel to Chicago ing, and Sinnissippi er organizations and and Davenport, Centers for 10 years, individuals. I make sure Iowa. also in marketing. people get what they Like airlines, the “I had some dealing with transporcost of a ticket is need for themselves or tation and LOTS at determined daily; for a loved one. Everythat time; I raised they can be purfunds and wrote one can use public transportation at chased at greygrants. Now that hound.com. some time in his or her life.” paperwork experiThe numbers ence has prepared show how valuable Greg Gates me. I request state LOTS is to people.

LOTS executive director funding through From July 2017 to the Illinois Departlast July, LOTS proment of Transportation for LOTS.” vided more than 88,000 rides over 660,000 Gates finds the work very rewarding. miles.

“I enjoy the work. It has enabled me to Gates shared his secret to its growth and stretch and grow – working with providsuccess. “Provider organizations have er organizations and individuals. I make deep roots in our area, and they area sure people get what they need for themselves or for a loved one. Everyone can big proponent of public transportation. use public transportation at some time in We’ve developed great partnerships over the years. his or her life.”

“We want to hear regular feedback from People might be surprised by the size our riders. They are a great sounding of the LOTS fleet: There are 30 buses in the system, medium duty, light duty, and board for ideas. Maybe we’ll start some weekend trips and add limited hours on minivans.

Assistant Director Kari Wolfe also started weekends. It’s all about the people,” Wolf said. in September 2017.

“We have the best drivers, helpful staff, She worked for 2 years at Trinity Financial, right out of high school, and then customer service and dispatch staff. With for the Lee County Treasurer’s office for 6 the recent weather crisis, we still got people where they needed to go every day.” months.

BY AVALYNDA CASEY For Sauk Valley Media

More info

Lee-Ogle Transportation, 210 E. Progress Drive in Dixon, is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Call 815-288-2117 to schedule a ride; they need 24 hours notice for a trip withing the two counties, 48 hours notice for rides outside the county.

Children 5 and older can ride alone; those younger than 5 must be accompanied by an adult or sibling.

The rates are $1 one-way within a ZIP

code for 5 and younger; $2 one-way in a ZIP code for ages 6 to 59; 35 cents a mile is added for travel outside the ZIP code.

Those who are 60 and older or disabled pay $1 one way, in or out of the ZIP code.

One to 2 days’ notice is required.

Go to lotsil.org or email info@lotsil.org for more information. You also can find the agency on Facebook; search for Lee-Ogle Transportation System (LOTS).

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Saturday, March 16, 2019

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SV Weekend • D5

SPOTLIGHT | VERIFACTS

The facts speak for themselves

One of Sterling’s larger employers. Steady growth. A new headquarters.

Community involvement. Fortune 500 clients. They all add up to one thing for VeriFacts: a growing company that’s not done growing yet For Sauk Valley Media

Join the VeriFacts team As VeriFacts settles into its new home at 1980 Industrial Drive, the company is looking for driven, self-motivated people to join its growing family – up to 120 people may be hired this year.

“Here at VeriFacts, we put our investigative super powers to work to provide location services to our clients,” said Anna Garcia, director of recruitment and onboarding.

“As research specialists, each employee uses creative critical thinking skills, internet resources, and telephone communication to find where people are located. Our ideal candidates are self-motivated, creative, and love to talk to all types of people.”

Go to verifactsinc.com/ applynow to join the VeriFacts team, and find VeriFacts Inc. company on Facebook to follow the company’s progress.

STERLING – VeriFacts is celebrating more than 30 years in the data verification industry.

In 2018, we closed on our new building at 1980 Industrial Drive, and our inventory doubled.

Established in 1987, VeriFacts has grown to become one of the larger employers in the Sterling area.

As the need for employees has grown, so has the need for more space.

VeriFacts relocated from downtown at 204 First Ave. to our new home on Industrial drive in July, officially closing on the building Jan. 22.

While achieving such monumental growth, VeriFacts continues to take an active role in the Sauk Valley community.

Owners Jim and Sheila Gabler, both recently retired, have developed a generous community-centered culture, evident at all levels within the company.

While the Gabler family has been lifelong supporters of Happy Tails Animal Shelter, employees also participate in internal fundraising and supportive efforts to enrich the lives of coworkers and fellow community members.

VeriFacts is also proud to provide employees access to a wide array of benefits, including a 401k, health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, and corporate discounts throughout the Sauk Valley area.

Under new leadership of CEO Stephanie Clark, VeriFacts looks forward to many more milestones to come right here in Sterling.

“Being a part of VeriFacts for the last 17 years has been life-changing,” Clark said.

“Watching us grow and provide new career opportunities to the Sauk Valley area is extremely rewarding. VeriFacts is a team of like-minded and driven people who are each dedicated to our success and growth.”

Anna Garcia, director of recruitment and onboarding, also has a long history with the company.

“Next month. I’ll be celebrating my 16th anniversary here at VeriFacts, and I couldn’t be happier to see our steady growth,” Garcia said.

“I’m proud to be part of an organization that conducts itself in an ethical manner, that supports the community, and where it feels like one big family.”

The future is sure to hold many more milestones for VeriFacts, as growth continues at an unprecedented rate.

Leading the nation in the industry while working with many Fortune 500 clients, VeriFacts is expecting to continue to grow their workforce well into 2019.

“Watching us grow and provide new career opportunities to the Sauk Valley area is extremely rewarding.

VeriFacts is a team of like-minded and driven people who are each dedicated to our success and growth.

Stephanie Clark VeriFacts CEO

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Stephanie Clark, president and CEO of VeriFacts Inc., puts her signature on the contract in May 2018 to buy the former Halo Branded Solutions building at 1980 Industrial Drive in Sterling.

A S S E M B LY O F G R A N D D E TO U R

Jim Gabler (center) and his wife, Shelia, have owned VeriFacts for more than 30 years, cultivating a family-like atmosphere within the company, and endeavoring to be philanthropists and community benefactors outside its walls.

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Saturday, March 16, 2019

SPOTLIGHT | KREIDER SERVICES

Living life to the fullest

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: Kreider client Margy McBride of Dixon sorts batteries.

RIGHT: Members of Petunia City Stix, a drumline made up of Kreider clients, performs at the start of Petunia City Brass at A.C. Bowers Field in August 2016. Part of Kreider’s mission is to immerse its clients in mainstream society by having them take part in community events.

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

PLAY SLOTS & WIN!

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Adam Carrington and Aleisha Koch break down boxes before putting them into a compactor at Kreider Services. The longtime Dixon nonprofit helps people with developmental disabilities get job training, life skills and other services needed to live independent lives. feeling the wind on our face and the freedom,” he said, sharing the joy he witnessed on that DIXON – The numbers are impressive: Last young person’s face. year, Kreider Services Inc. assisted more than Since its formation in 1952 by a group of 600 people with developmental disabilities. dedicated parents who insisted their children While the nonprofit agency is defined by the deserved, and were capable of, more than instinumerous programs and services it offers its cli- tutional care, Kreider Services has stretched to ents, it also goes beyond those needs to answer provide care, programming and when possible, the call for some special requests. those extras that make someone’s life better.

Executive Director Jeff Stauter can’t hide the That’s also the philosophy behind the new joy in his voice as he talks about Kreider’s Mean- Comcast Media Lab, opening later this year. It ingful Day Program. will provide clients a hands-on opportunity to Created through benefactors and fundraising better understand how to use computers, tabefforts, Meaningful Day is designed to provide lets and smart phones. the little things that still sometimes have the “Being digital in life is a part of our mainstream greatest of impacts. It helps clients fulfill a wish, society in the United States,” Stauter said. like attending a professional The new lab will improve sporting event or even just the services Kreider Serbeing able to go out for a vices now provides, helpcup of coffee. ing clients understand how “It provides that extra that to use a computer or tablet makes people’s lives betto apply for a job, and how More info ter,” Stauter said. “It’s those to use smartphone apps to Kreider Services is at small things in life we often help manage their lives.

500 Anchor Road in Dixon. take for granted. People with The new lab, funded by a Call 815-288-6691 or go to disabilities want the same Comcast Foundation grant, kreiderservices.org for more inforthings as people without is another example of how mation about its programming and disabilities.” a partnership between services and for ways to support He and his staff work tireKreider Services and the its programming, including the lessly to provide services community can provide Meaningful Day and its fifth annual and care, balancing on the new opportunities for cliSpring Gala on March 22. budget tightropes strung ents. together from state fundA few years ago, Kreider ing and grants. Meaningful Day is supported by formed a partnership with KSB Hospital, Sinadditional fundraising. nissippi Centers, parents and support organiFor example, a blind client wished to feel the zations, to offer rural access for diagnostic and wind on his face as he rode a bike. therapy programs for children with developWhen Stauter saw a cycle mental issues, including autism. that had four wheels and The program, Florissa, has been an overtwo seats, he bought it, whelming success, allowing rural families to and his client was able find services close to home, rather than endurto fulfill a heart’s ing long trips to Chicago or other urban area. desire.

He’s proud of Kreider’s successes during his “ We t a k e f o r 8-year tenure, but Stauter isn’t about to rest on granted the feeling his laurels. There’s always something more that’s of getting on a bicy- needed, whether that’s lobbying the state for cle on a sunny more money, or helping lawmakers understand day and that the needs of the developmentally disabled don’t come one size fits all.

With access to improved services and health care, those with developmental disabilities are living longer, and need more access to care and programming beyond what’s offered for children and young adults. In fact, one of Kreider’s clients is 90, he said.

Whether it’s meeting a need or making an effort to grant a wish, the dedicated staff at Kreider Services is ready to answer the call, Stauter said.

“The people who come to work every day at Kreider Services, from the direct care professionals, nurses, clinicians to the bus drivers, they are here to help other people have a better, more inclusive life.”

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

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Saturday, March 16, 2019

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SV Weekend • D7

SPOTLIGHT | CGH MEDICAL CENTER

Home is where the heart care is

CGH Medical Center has its finger on the pulse of the latest life-saving technology to diagnose and treat cardiac conditions, and that means the road to a healthier heart doesn’t have to take patients out of town anymore

For Sauk Valley Media

“With technological improvements, we have found more ways to deal with problems we couldn’t fix even decades ago.”

Chico Alejo

Assistant nurse manager for the cardiac catheterization lab

STERLING – If you or a loved one experiences a cardiac incident, you can rest assured that you’re minutes away from the highest quality care in CGH Medical Center’s state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab.

Now, with the addition of two new procedures, CGH continues to offer the most advanced vascular diagnostic tools available, while working to reduce the number of patients who need to travel outside the Sauk Valley area for cardiac care.

Thanks to the introduction of the Impella heart pump, Dr. Steven Mackay, FACC, FSCAI, director of the center’s cardiology unit, was able to recently perform a highrisk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for the first time in CGH’s Cath Lab. A PCI procedure allows the doctor to open a patient’s coronary arteries using a catheter inserted through the groin or wrist areas, while the Impella device – the world’s smallest heart pump – provides additional support to the patient’s body by keeping oxygenated blood moving through the heart and the rest of the organs.

“Once in position, the Impella ventricular assist device unloads blood from the left ventricle and pushes it into the ascending aorta, the same effect that happens with the pumping motion of your heart,” Mackay said.

“PCI is one possible alternative for treating blocked arteries that can lead to a heart attack,” said Chico Alexis Alejo, assistant nurse manager for the cardiac catheterization lab. “It is a less-invasive option, and because it is not a surgical

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The expertise of cardiac specialists Dr. Steven Mackay (top) and Dr. Samuel Johnston, electrophysiology, teamed with innovative technology, like the Impella device – the world’s smallest heart pump – and the Cath Lab’s state-of-the-art Phillips Integris Allura, is broadening CGH’s scope of cardiac intervention and doing more to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. procedure, can mean a shorter recovery time for our patients.”

Although PCI has been available to CGH patients for some time, patients with more complicated situations, such as a heart that is too weak to tolerate a high-risk stenting procedure, were not eligible for the procedure locally and thus were required to travel out of the area to Rockford, the Quad Cities or even Chicago for follow-up care.

“This can be taxing on a patient with pre-existing health conditions,” said

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The Impella heart pump: Similar to the pumping motion of your heart, the Impella Heart Pump device provides additional support to the patient’s body during high-risk cardiac procedures by keeping oxygenated blood moving through the heart and the rest of the organs.

Alejo. “With the addition of the Impella device, we aim to be able to treat more patients in the community.”

The second new procedure launched earlier this year in CGH’s Cardiac Cath lab, thanks to the addition of Dr. Samuel Johnston, a visiting University of Iowa Hospitals physician, is the EP ablation – an electrophysiology study with catheter ablation.

During this procedure, the doctor tests the electrical activity of the patient’s heart to find where an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat is coming from.

These results can help decide whether the patient needs medicine, a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cardiac ablation or surgery. The EP ablation procedure offers patients a new, minimally invasive option to treating arrhythmia.

Again, this means patients will have a faster recovery than if they had undergone a surgical procedure, Alejo said.

“With technological improvements, we have found more ways to deal with problems we couldn’t fix even decades ago,” he said.

“The addition of both of these procedures will save lives, and we are proud to be able to add them to the list of services we can offer our patients in the CGH Cardiac Cath Lab.” – Melissa Rubalcaba Risk, for Sauk Valley Media, contributed to this story

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