Update - February 2022

L E A D | IN F LUENCE | IMPACT Leadership Development

UPDATE

LEADERSHIP SPRINGFIELD TO GRADUATE TWO CLASSES

February 2022 | Volume VII | No. 1

IN THIS ISSUE 4Chamber Offering Tuscany Trip 4Annual Gala - March 4 4Utility Savings with Energy Co-op

Across Central Illinois, Exceptional Care Has One Name.

From cities to rural communities, Memorial has united under a single name—and a new symbol. That means wherever you access our care, you’re always connected to the best our system has to offer. Learn more now at memorial.health.

Welcome to the new symbol of health.

IN THIS ISSUE 6

Volunteers to be Honored at Gala Leadership Graduates, Others To Be Recognized

7

Key Positions Filled At The Chamber New Events Manager & Membership Representative

10-11

Leadership Springfield Class of 2020 & Class of 2021

16

Chamber Offering Trip To Tuscany Nine Day Trip in October 2022

19

EV Charging Solutions Partnership With EV Energy

FEATURES 4

Message From the CEO Chambers All In For Economic Recovery

8

ON THE COVER

Join the Chamber Energy Purchasing Co-op Alert - Significant Utility Rate Increase as of December 2021

12

Utilize Chamber Job Fair, Job Board Opportunities To Fill Open Positions

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS The 2022 Chamber Board of Directors was seated at its December 14 meeting.

Mark Donovan of INB will lead the Board in 2022. For a full list of Directors, go to www.gscc.org.

MEMBER RECOGNITION 5

Tiered Investors

14

Welcome to Our New Members

14

Ribbon Cuttings

Chamber Vision To be the voice of business and catalyst that promotes a vibrant community and economy

INDUSTRY FOCUS

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION 15

Chamber Mission Enhance our members’ success and advocate on their behalf

Category Listings

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce 501 E. Capitol Ave., Suite A | Springfield, Illinois 62701 217.525.1173 | www.gscc.org

What We Value Accountability Dedication Integrity Leadership Teamwork

UPDATE (USPS 0703 630) is published six times a year by The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 501 E. Capitol Ave., Suite A, Springfield, IL 62701. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UPDATE, 501 E. Capitol Ave., Suite A, Springfield, IL 62701.

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

CHAMBERS ALL IN FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The platform includes items to address holistic economic recovery while addressing the devastating impacts of the pandemic.

The overarching message is the same as previous: economic recovery must be a top priority for the business community. As we approach the second anniversary of the pandemic, unintended consequences from the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 have surmounted and they risk permanently stunting the prosperity of Illinois’ businesses.

Mike Murphy President and CEO We are nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know your business has faced challenges and choices you may have never imagined. The omicron variant has caused a surge of cases, leading us to question if this will ever end. While our community takes measures to combat this surge in the short term, the business community must apply long-term strategies to recover fully from this pandemic. These strategies include prioritizing economic and regulatory relief for the business community.

We have joined the Chambers All In for Economic Recovery coalition to call on the Illinois General Assembly to take action for Illinois’ businesses. The alliance continues to grow, with nearly 50 chambers representing each region of Illinois.

In the coalition’s second year, Chambers All In has developed an updated platform which focuses on critical items that, if enacted, will bring further relief to the business community.

If enacted, the following items will help bolster a business’ bottom line and allow for continued growth and investment in Illinois.

•

•

Utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding to help replenish the unemployment trust fund and alleviate the impending financial drain from the state’s businesses.

Provide legal protections to employers who follow the CDC established safety guidelines from claims that COVID-19 was contracted at the place of business.

•

Restructure the Minimum Wage Credit’s incremental phase-out to allow small businesses to capture the original intent of the credit.

•

Extend the EDGE credit sunset clause for another ten years and utilize the tax credit as an incentive to attract new businesses to the state and allow for the growth and development of existing companies.

In addition to the items above, Chambers All In for Economic Recovery calls for collaborative solutions to the state’s ongoing workforce challenges. The coalition recognizes the importance of having a ready, willing and skilled workforce for the future of our state’s economy. We call on the state to develop innovative programs, support pilot programs, invest in K-12 career awareness programming and assist in scaling successful workforce programs for other communities and industries.

We urge Illinois legislators to create an environment and funding models that allow the private sector to drive the training demand for employers.

Chambers All In for Economic Recovery will monitor legislative activities for items that specifically support economic recovery or may hinder ongoing recovery efforts. The coalition may act in such cases to bolster support or join in opposition.

The coalition will work this platform with legislators and call for action in the coming weeks. We urge you to get involved and spread the message with us during this time. We commit to being a voice for our members, and our partner chambers will collectively work for tangible relief for our communities’ businesses.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (217) 525-1173 ext. 205.

Chamber’s Core Functions Advocacy

As a significant voice of business, we support legislative policies and practices conducive for a thriving business community and local economy, and oppose those that are not.

Business Resources & Support

We connect local businesses to resources that address specific needs, protect their businesses, and increase opportunities for growth.

Leadership & Professional Development

We offer opportunities for professional growth and leadership development to members and their employees.

Visibility & Connections That Matter

We provide marketing, programming and relationship-building opportunities to help members make strategic connections.

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TIERED INVESTORS Summit Level

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Chair Mark Donovan..............................................................INB Chair-Elect Sharon Riechers.....................................................BUNN 1st Vice Chair Kayla Edwards...........................Express Employment Professionals

Leadership Level

HSHS Medical Group Foundation Level

Vice Chair Tyler Cormeny..................................... O’Shea Builders Secretary/Treasurer Josh Shugart...............................................................KEB

At-Large Directors

Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.

Roger Austin...............Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.

Visionary Level

Kathyy Battee-Freeman.............University of Illinois Springfield

Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Springfield Clinic

Jennifer Boyer...........................Springfield Clinic, LLP Chris Bullock............................... Capitol Radio Group Jennifer Call...................................................... TROXELL Mylas Copeland......Green Toyota Volkswagen Audi

Premier Level

Kevin Corbin.............................................Edward Jones

U.S. Bank

Dr. Ruby Davis.........................Ruby Funeral Services & Chapel, Inc.

Catalyst Level

Rachel DeVries...........................................HSHS Illinois

Bank of Springfield KEB PNC Bank

Michelle Eccles........... The Horace Mann Companies

Executive Level

BUNN Carrollton Bank CEFCU Security Bank, s.b.

Warren-Boynton State Bank Tiered Investors receive recognition and enhanced services for an additional investment. To learn more, contact Mike Murphy at (217) 525-1173 x205 or mmurphy@gscc.org.

Chamber Mission: Enhance our members’ success and advocate on their behalf.

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

Anna Evans.......................................... Memorial Health Josh Flanders...........Buzz Bomb Brewing Company Ronda Folkerts............................Hanson Professional Services Inc. Adam Solomon........................... Solomon Colors, Inc. John Staff.....................................................Staff Carpet

GSCC STAFF Mike Murphy........................................President & CEO Lisa Schafer...........................................VP - Operations David Earhart............................VP - Member Services Teri Hill..............................Advertising Representative Melissa Horn......................................... Events Manager Taylor Ryan.................... Membership Representative Brianna Yost.........................Administrative Assistant

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VOLUNTEERS TO BE HONORED AT GALA LEADERSHIP GRADUATES, OTHERS TO BE RECOGNIZED The 2022 Annual Gala will be held on Friday, March 4 at The Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center.

Presented by PNC, the evening begins with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m. A networking reception will close out the evening.

Every year, this prestigious dinner provides an opportunity to gather with top business and community leaders throughout Sangamon County. Chamber accomplishments are celebrated and exceptional volunteer leaders who contributed to The Chamber’s mission are honored. In addition, this year Chamber leaders will reflect on the business community’s response to the pandemic and its role in assisting members through this unprecedented

crisis. Leadership Springfield graduates from the Class of 2020 and 2021 and recipients of the 2020 and 2021 Small Business Awards will also be recognized.

Tickets are available at $80 per person for Chamber members or $875 for a table of 10, which includes recognition in the program.

We hope you will join us, other Chamber members, and community leaders for what promises to be a great evening!

Thank you to our sponsors listed below. To register, visit The Chamber’s website, www.gscc.org, or contact Melissa Horn at (217) 525-1173 ext. 216 or mhorn@gscc.org.

Reminder: The Gala will be held during the Lenten season.

Those needing a vegetarian meal should contact Melissa Horn by February 28.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Explore our many academic transfer and career training programs.

10 a.m.-noon or 5-7 p.m.

VISIT

PREMIER SPONSORS

Campus Visit Day Monday, Feb. 21

PARTNER SPONSORS

Get details and register at www.llcc.edu/campus-visit-day or call 217-786-2577.

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KEY POSITIONS FILLED AT THE CHAMBER NEW EVENTS MANAGER & MEMBERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE Melissa Horn began February 1 as The Chamber’s Event Manager and will oversee all events for The

Chamber

and

communications.

assist

with

She served 7

years as Senior Meeting Director for the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center and has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years.

Melissa Horn, CMP Events Manager

Certified

Melissa obtained her Meeting

Professional

(CMP) credentials in 2017 and is

currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business.

Taylor Ryan started in mid-January as The Chamber’s Membership Representative. He was born and raised in Springfield, the youngest (and tallest) of 5 boys. Taylor attended Christ the King Grade School and Sacred Heart-Griffin high School, where he graduated in 2008. Afterwards, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Western Illinois Taylor Ryan University. Taylor worked 5 years Membership Representative for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Illinois and prior to that served a 2-year internship for the Illinois House of Representatives.

Melissa resides in Auburn with her husband of seven years, Eric Horn. They have a 4-year old daughter, Emerson, who fills up her parent’s life with laughter and keeping them on their toes, along with a four year old English Bulldog, Hank.

An avid sports fan and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, he spends his free time fishing and being in the outdoors, listening to live music, and trying different restaurants around town. Taylor also always tries to catch a daily episode of Jeopardy.

Davis Financial Group has merged with BOS Investment Services.

Welcome to the BOS team!

Investment Services investwithBOS.com

1005 South Sixth Street • Springfield, IL 62703 217-753-1005

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Bank of Springfield and BOS Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using BOS Investment Services, and may also be employees of Bank of Springfield. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of Bank of Springfield or BOS Investment Services. Securities and Not Insured by FDIC or Any Not Bank of Springfield Not Bank of Springfield May Lose Value Guaranteed Deposits or Obligations insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: Other Government Agency

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

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JOIN THE CHAMBER ENERGY PURCHASING CO-OP

ALERT - SIGNIFICANT UTILITY RATE INCREASE AS OF DECEMBER 2021

The utilities in each service area are required to offer customers an electricity and natural gas supply service and rate if they have not elected to sign a contract with a licensed third-party supplier. Prior to December 2021, the rates offered were reasonable and on average one cent higher than third party supplier rates. However, as of December 2021 meter read date, the rates have significantly increased. The utility rates when compared to current third-party supplier rates are higher.

We recommend you look at your most recent energy invoice to determine if the electricity and/or natural gas rates have been affected by these increases in rates.

TAKE CONTROL REGISTER NOW - the current campaign runs from February 1, 2022 to February 25, 2022.

The Chamber’s Energy Purchasing Cooperative program provides you with an option to help seek pricing that provides savings when compared to the utility rates and offers you long-term budget stability.

The increased purchasing power allows members to receive lower rates than they could typically attain on their own.

If you would like an estimate on your company’s savings, contact David Earhart at (217) 525-1173 ext. 215 or dearhart@gscc.org. For the estimate of savings, companies will need to complete a Letter of Authorization (download at www.gscc.org/member-savings) and provide a recent copy of their utility bill. For questions or specific details, please contact Shelby Dupont with CQI Associates at shelby@cqiassociates.com or (217) 521-9400.

This program is only available to Chamber members who receive their electric and/or natural gas services through Ameren. If your business or organization is a substantial user of natural gas and/or electricity, significant savings can be realized on its annual utility costs.

Hello.

WELCOME

Josh Johnson Your New Mortgage Lender

HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM

3131 WEST WABASH AVE., SPRINGFIELD, IL 62704 217.547.7002 Loan Originator ID: 2179360 Loan Origination Company ID: 433956

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SPRINGFIELD’S

MINORITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM NOW EXPANDED TO STEAM

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART & MATH

The City of Springfield, Sangamon County and Hanson Professional Services Inc. are now in their ninth year of the Grow Our Own Minority Participation Program.

Through this program, the young talents of our city take part in great learning opportunities for brighter futures within our community.

Currently seeking student referrals Visit www.growourown.net for details

LEADERSHIP SPRINGFIELD - CLASS OF 2020 Graduates are listed with their employer at the start of the Leadership Springfield class. Current employers are listed below.

Leadership Springfield is a 14 week series of half day programs during which participants gain leadership skills and in-depth exposure to critical issues affecting the Springfield area. During the program, participants interact with community leaders and decision makers who share diverse perspectives on significant accomplishments and opportunities within the Springfield community.

Class photos courtesy of Sarah Petty Photography.

Jeremy Adams KEB

Amy Barnes INB Wealth

Courtney Bouvet CEFCU

Jonathan Brent Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.1

Samantha Bugg Sikich LLP

Austin Carter Staff Carpet2

Niccole Clements PNC Bank

Denysha Crawford

Travis Davis KEB

Dr. Ty Dooley University of Illinois Springfield

Emily Fuchs

Bryan Gleckler

Alyce Grigsby Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP 3

Katelyn Hall Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP4

Courtney Hess Girl Scouts of Central Illinois

Jennifer Jurgens 5 Heartland Credit Union

Kyle Krager Bank of Springfield6

Solomon Colors, Inc.

Lincoln Land Community College

Executive Ethics Commission (Illinois)

No Photo

Lindsay Lopian Peoples Bank & Trust

Wes Lunt TROXELL

Lisa Peterson City of Springfield9

Michelle Pulce-Flynn Lincoln Land Community College

Kasey VanderMeersch

Carrollton Bank

Matt Willey

Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Erica Meredith

Eric Merkley Hospital Sisters Health System

Sean Mulhern SB Financial Security Bank8

LuAnn Nicolosi BUNN

Tyler Ott Flat Branch Home Loans

Erica Romines Community Child Care Connection

Dan Schafer O’Shea Builders

Darrin Sortor The Horace Mann Companies

Taylor Stevens SYNERGY HomeCare

Chris Urbanek Town and Country Bank

Mel-O-Cream Donuts International7

Morgan Woodfill Hickory Point Bank

Brandy Zanger HSHS Medical Group

Current Employers 1 - GHD 2 - Peet’s Coffee 3 - Christian County State’s Attorney 4 - HeplerBroom, LLC 5 - Alliance Community Bank 6 - Merrill Lynch 7 - SIU Medicine 8 - Morgan Stanley 9 - Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission

LEADERSHIP SPRINGFIELD - CLASS OF 2021 Graduates are listed with their employer at the start of the Leadership Springfield class. Current employers are listed below.

Megan Aubuchon Flat Branch Home Loans1

Samantha Auby BRANDT, Inc.

Alexandria Bailey Springfield Memorial Hospital

Maryssa Bandy CEFCU

Heather Bechtold Springfield Clinic

Kelsey Brady Carrollton Bank

Areli Calderon SIU School of Medicine

Dominic Campo Campo Realty

Dowin Coffey Hospital Sisters Health System

Chantel Corrie Midwest Mission Distribution Center

David Ervin The Horace Mann Companies

Haley Fitzgerald Security Bank

Hannah Hahn HSHS St. John’s Foundation

Lauren Hall INB

Alysse Hewell TROXELL

Allison Hogan Heartland Credit Union

Dushun Hogan Cleaning General Janitorial Services

Schyler Hollis Bank of Springfield

Dane Holmes KEB

Nick Horton INB

Terrance Jordan Springfield Public School District 186

Jason King HSHS Medical Group

Ambra Knox Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.

Tish Leach Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois

David Lee Public Market, Inc.

Alex Palmer United Community Bank

Solomon Colors, Inc.

Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Brileigh Sarnes CEFCU

Adam Schmidt O’Shea Builders

Anthony Schuering Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP

Candace Silas Lincoln Land Community College

Adele Taylor Sikich LLP

Jared Thoele

Adam Watkins Lincoln Land Community College

Jill Wilmot Girl Scouts of Central Illinois

Emily Wilson BUNN

Ben Prevett

Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Paige Remmert

Presenting Sponsor Current Employer 1 - Broadway Graham Wealth Partners

UTILIZE CHAMBER JOB FAIR, JOB BOARD OPPORTUNITIES TO FILL OPEN POSITIONS Members of The Chamber, like other businesses nationally, are seeing unprecedented staffing shortages as a result of The Great Resignation and other COVIDrelated impacts. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has two resources to assist members with filling their positions with quality candidates.

when registering online by March 15 at www. gscc.org. After that date, the rate increases to $200.

Along with Title Sponsor Express Employment Professionals, The Chamber will hold a Job Fair on Tuesday, April 5 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The event will be promoted via print, radio and social media extensively to bring quality candidates in front of employers. Companies frequently report high satisfaction with their results from Chamber job fair events, including strengthening their talent pool and/or hiring new employees.

The Chamber also has a Job Board that is a resource for members as part of their Chamber investment. Postings reside on The Chamber website, www.gscc.org, and also get posted to The Chamber’s Facebook page. To post a job, login to the Member Information Center. If you don’t know your login credentials, contact Brianna Yost at admin@gscc.org.

Title Sponsor

The Chamber is also partnering with the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance at Illinois workNet Center and other workforce partners to promote the event to job seekers. Members can secure a booth for $175

Let’s Get You Home!

With rates still at historic lows, owning a home may be more affordable than you think. It’s a great time to consider your options, and we want to help!

Stop by, call, or visit us online at UCBbank.com to schedule a no-obligation appointment with a Lender today!

NMLS# 571147

UCBbank.com 217-787-3000 12

TheCHAMBERUPDATE |

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Please call Jeff Holt today at

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

RIBBON CUTTINGS LIVING WELL CHIROPRACTIC 2746 S. 6th St. Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 679-1185

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Amazing Xscapes Capital City Music HR Full Circle KEB (Josh Shugart)

PITA OR BOWL

848 South Grand Ave. East Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 670-1895

Living Well Chiropractic MindsEye Peace, Love & Sweat, LLC Prospera Financial Coaching

For more information on our new members and the businesses that held ribbon cuttings, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org.

Senergy Electric, Inc. Trailers Direct of Springfield Turbo Fire Wholesale Inc.

MAKE 2022 GREAT!

NEW YEAR…NEW OPPORTUNITIES. LET US HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE NEEDS. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT-LEASING-SUBLEASING-SALES OR PURCHASE. CALL TERRI BLAKE MYERS OR STEVE MYERS TODAY TO BEGIN THE PROCESS.

Myers Commercial Real Estate, Inc. 1 West Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, Illinois 62701 217-747-0019 Terri Blake Myers

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Steve Myers

TheCHAMBERUPDATE |

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INDUSTRY FOCUS REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION CATEGORY LISTINGS

Kitchens or Bathrooms - Designing, Planning or Remodeling

Apartments Asphalt Paving Contractors

Masonry & Landscaping Building Materials

Building / Construction Materials - Retail or Wholesale

Masonry Contractors

Buildings - Metal

Painting & Decorating

Commercial Construction

Painting Contractors

Concrete Coatings, Polishing or Restoration

Real Estate - Commercial Sales or Leasing

Concrete Contractors Contractors - Pre-Engineered Commercial Buildings Counter Tops

Real Estate - Developers Real Estate - Lease or Rental Properties (Residential) Real Estate - Property Management

Crane Services

Real Estate - Relocation Specialists

Custom Cabinets

Real Estate - Residential Sales

Doors - Sales & Service (Commercial) Doors - Sales & Service (Residential) Electrical Contractors/Electricians

Remodeling Residential and Business Relocation - Right of Way Residential Construction

Excavating Contractors

Roofing Contractors

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Siding & Windows Contractors

Floor Coverings

Temporary Contractors

Garage Builders Generator Installation or Maintenance Highway & Heavy Construction Contractors

Title & Escrow Companies Windows & Doors - Sales & Service

Home Improvements / Handyman Services Make sure your business is listed in the categories that fit your products and services. Two categories are included with membership. To locate a member in any of these categories, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org.

CEFCU® Investment Services Benefit from more than 140 years of combined financial experience. We can help you: • Contribute to an IRA. • Benefit from advice with Managed Accounts.

• Diversify with Mutual Funds.

• Roll over retirement savings, without penalties, from one job to another.

• And more!

Investing today is better than investing tomorrow. Learn more at cefcu.com/invest.

FR-3102460.1-0520-0622

CEFCU Investment Services Advisors are registered representatives of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union.

CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty States of the United States of America.

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CHAMBER OFFERING TRIP TO TUSCANY NINE DAY TRIP IN OCTOBER 2022

Join The Chamber on a 9-day trip to Tuscany, the heart of Italy.

The trip will depart from Chicago on October 4, 2022 and return October 12.

Tuscany is the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculptures to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. This stunning 9-day tour will offer you the opportunity to discover the treasures of Tuscany.

The tour will start in Lucca, Tuscany’s best-kept secret, where we’ll discover its Renaissance walls, Romanesque churches, and medieval streets flanked by towers. We’ll see the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge) and the nearby remains of the Gothic Line – the Germans’ last defense during WWII. Next the group will join a local guide on foot and make our way through Florence, including a visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. At the Piazza del Duomo, we’ll see the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore & the gilded bronze doors of the Baptistery.

The group will also explore historic sites in Pisa, including the

Piazza dei Miracoli…see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and visit the Pisa Baptistery of St. John, the largest in Italy. We’ll continue to a quiet countryside to learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine & partake in a cooking class...see the hilltop village of San Gimignano, with its famous 14 towers…and visit a cheese farm where we’ll learn how the famous pecorino cheese is made before sampling it for ourselves.

The double occupancy fee, which includes roundtrip airfare from Chicago, is only $2,999 per person. A small deposit will hold your booking, with the balance due by July 3, 2022.

A brochure with more details, including a full itinerary, is available at www.gscc.org.

Questions can be addressed to Nataliya Maksymova, Groups Supervisor, at 1-866-978-2997 x828 or nataliya@indus.travel or Lisa Schafer at The Chamber, 217-525-1173 x-203 or lschafer@ gscc.org.

Members can also book their trip at www.gscc.org.

TOUR DATES & PRICING 9 Days/7 Nights Departure Date from Chicago: October 4, 2022 Price: $2,999/pp double occupancy (Single supplement: $499) Includes airfare!

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EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS

PARTNERSHIP WITH EV ENERGY The Chamber is pleased to partner with the EV Energy Group as our preferred provider for members interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations.

CONGRATULATIONS to Megan Aubuchon!

Broadway Graham Wealth Partners congratulates Megan!

This partnership places The Chamber and the entire community at the cutting edge of this emerging industry. EV Energy Group sells world-class software, equipment and media solutions that are ideal for businesses that want to provide charging stations for their customers and/or employees.

The company offers a variety of charging stations—including some that feature digital media towers so that businesses can advertise or sell advertising and receive analytics through EV Energy’s “Insights” division. EV Energy Group also helps businesses navigate the waters of claiming the local, state, and federal funds that have been earmarked to support the establishment and growth of electric vehicles and electric charging networks.

For more information or to discuss your options with charging stations, please contact Gary King, EV Energy’s Midwest Director of Business Development at (630) 770-1948 or gary.king@ evenergygroup.com.

2021 Graduate of Leadership Springfield We are proud of you!

Megan Aubuchon

217-441-8801 bgwealthpartners.com 3330 Ginger Creek Dr. Suite C Springfield, IL 62711

Empowering Our People to Advance wellbeing Create opportunity Transform communities learn more:

cmtengr.com

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Life Saving Addiction Treatment | 877.505. HOPE (4673)

David O. Edwards, Attorney

EVERYONE DESERVES TO FEEL SECURE ABOUT THEIR FAMILY’S FUTURE 401(k)s, IRAs, Pension

Elder Care Planning: Bridging the Gap

The Triumph Program, Achievement in Recovery Gateway’s Professional Program may be right for you or your staff.

Managing responsibilities and taking care of your health can happen at the same time.

Retirement

THE GOOD LIFE

Scan the QR code to learn more about Triumph

Estate Planning END OF LIFE

Wills, Trusts, Life Insurance

Program Includes:

A full continuum of services, including medical detox, residential, and outpatient care Health and wellness planning The ability to balance professional responsibilities while receiving comprehensive substance use disorder treatment

Mindy Melton | Business Development Coordinator 217.685.4197 or 24/7 Help-Line 877.505.HOPE

ELDER CARE:

• Take control of your care • Stay in your home as long as possible • Make your wishes known • Protect your spouse from nursing home poverty • Help finding benefits, including VA benefits • Guidance on finding good helpers

ESTATE PLANNING:

• Protect what you’ve worked so hard for • Leave a “Peace of Mind Roadmap” • Guide your children in managing their inheritance • Leave farmland or other property as a legacy • Help with probate issues & trust administration

217-726-9200

3223 S Meadowbrook Rd., Ste. A Springfield, IL 62711 EdwardsGroupLLC.com

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What is your company’s future calling for?

Infrastructure Updates? Security Needs?

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Structured Cabling / Network Backbone / Copper and Fiber Optics CommScope Certified IP Video Security Solutions / Access Control Sound Masking for Privacy Nurse Call Systems IT Staffing

Let us help you with your company’s growing future!!

Visit us today for more information at www.seagrp.com or call 217.523.1717

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

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grateful and humbled by God’s favor This is a new year; time for a new beginning. Make it a year that includes new and renewed friendships and a year that includes a new and renewed life in Christ. Keep in mind that “Ye are the salt of the earth - ye are the light of the world - let your light so shine before men, that they see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven”. (Matthew 5:13-16) And don’t forget to “Trust in the Lord” - Always!

Walter F. Thompson, retired communications engineer

Thank you to all I have had the privilege to serve for the past 45 years.

Relentless in the pursuit of excellence.

Sam Nichols Managing Broker (217) 494-0800 sam@truecres.com