Update – February 2024

L E A D | IN F LUENCE | IMPACT Business Resources & Support

UPDATE

NEW EMPLOYMENT LAWS COVERED AT ASK HR SEMINAR

February 2024 | Volume IX | No. 1

IN THIS ISSUE 4New Component to Spring Job Fair 4Annual Gala Recap 4Energy Co-op Campaign Underway

Providing the Greater Springfield area turnkey EV charging solutions designed to serve local businesses. evenergygroup.com

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with the EV Energy Group as our preferred provider for members interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations.

Having EV Energy as a preferred provider puts 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.

Chamber members that choose EV Energy will receive publicity around their decision to install electric vehicle charging stations with a news release and ribbon cutting.

For more information or to discuss your options with charging stations, please contact John Truckenbrod, EV Energy Group at (312) 806-2357 or john.truckenbrod@evenergygroup.com.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce 217.525.1173 | www.gscc.org

IN THIS ISSUE 8

State of Greater Springfield Luncheon Mayor & County Board Chair to Provide Annual Address

9

Small Business Awards Nominations Nomination Link will be Live March 1

10

Recap of Gala Awards & Recognition Accomplishments, Priorities Reviewed

11

Leadership Springfield Class of 2023

13

Electronic Certificates of Origin Available Through The Chamber­­

17

Chamber’s Member Information Center Simple to Use Online Marketing Tool

17

Scholarship Donation From Knob Hill Landscape Co.

18

Get Involved with RISE Springfield

ON THE COVER

FEATURES 4

ASK HR SEMINAR

Message From the CEO New Laws in 2024 Businesses Need To Address

6

Spring Job Fair Scheduled for April 23 Event will Include Both a Youth and Traditional Job Fair

7

Protect Yourself Against High Utility Rates Spring Sign-Up Ends March 1st

MEMBER RECOGNITION 5

Tiered Investors

12

Welcome to Our New Members

14

Ribbon Cuttings

Chamber Mission Enhance our members’ success and advocate on their behalf Chamber Vision To be the voice of business and catalyst that promotes a vibrant community and economy

INDUSTRY FOCUS

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION 16

The Chamber held an Ask HR Seminar in January featuring a panel of HR experts that reviewed new employment laws that will impact businesses. In addition to individual presentations, attendees could pose questions to the panelists. Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP served as Presenting Sponsor for the seminar.

Category Listings

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

What We Value Accountability Community Dedication Integrity Leadership Teamwork

3

NEW LAWS IN 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO BUSINESSES NEED TO ADDRESS

Mike Murphy President and CEO Two new laws took effect on January 1, 2024.

While we’ve previously shared information on both, I want to ensure that all our members have established processes to address them.

Let’s begin with the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA), which permits workers to accrue up to 40 hours of leave annually. This paid leave can be utilized for any reason, and employers cannot demand workers to provide a justification for their time off request.

Employees earn one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, with certain exceptions applicable if an employer already has a policy in place. Note that there are specific categories of workers exempt from this law.

The Department of Labor is currently preparing guidance and resources to educate employees and aid employers in compliance.

The Illinois Chamber is collaborating closely with the Department of Labor and JCAR on rule changes. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce remains in constant communication with the Illinois Chamber, supporting their endeavors on this matter.

Should you wish to contribute a question or comment to enhance our outreach and compliance assistance efforts, please email: DOL.PaidLeave@illinois.gov. Additionally, visit the Department of Labor website for further information: https://labor.illinois.gov/lawsrules/paidleave.html. You’ll find a link to the mandatory poster that all businesses must display in their establishments here: https:// labor.illinois.gov/employers/posters.html.

Also effective January 1, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) introduces significant changes for numerous small businesses and companies in Illinois. This federal law establishes a nationwide registry of company and business owners to combat money laundering, financial corruption, and terrorism.

Its scope encompasses corporations, small businesses, and various domestic or foreign entities, such as LLPs or LLCs, filing documents

with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Under the CTA, these businesses are now required to disclose information about their beneficial owners—individuals holding substantial ownership (25% or more) or influencing major business decisions—to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen) within the U.S. Treasury (https:// www.fincen.gov/). Businesses registered before January 1, 2024 have until January 1, 2025 to submit their initial Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report. For businesses formed and registered in 2024, the filing deadline is 90 days after their creation, while businesses registered in or after 2025 must file their initial BOI report within 30 calendar days.

To facilitate compliance with these requirements, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has partnered with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to offer free training and assistance. If you have any questions on these two new laws, please contact Mike Murphy (217) 525-1173 ext. 205 or mmurphy@gscc.org.

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.

4

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

TIERED INVESTORS Summit Level

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Chair Kayla Edwards...........................Express Employment Professionals Chair-Elect Tyler Cormeny..................................... O’Shea Builders 1st Vice Chair Mylas Copeland......Green Toyota Volkswagen Audi Vice Chair Jennifer Call...................................................... TROXELL

Leadership Level

HSHS Medical Group Foundation Level

Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. Visionary Level

Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Premier Level

U.S. Bank

Vice Chair Kevin Corbin.............................................Edward Jones Secretary/Treasurer Josh Shugart...............................................................KEB Immediate Past Chair Sharon Riechers.....................................................BUNN

At-Large Directors Kathyy Battee-Freeman.............University of Illinois Springfield Brent Borah....................................Bank of Springfield Chris Bullock............................... Capitol Radio Group Jeff Dillman..............MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply, Inc. Mark Donovan..............................................................INB

Catalyst Level

Anna Evans.......................................... Memorial Health

Bank of Springfield KEB PNC Bank Sikich LLP

Josh Flanders....................... Buzz Bomb Brewing Co.

Executive Level

Angela Nguyen......................................... Horace Mann

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

Ronda Folkerts............................Hanson Professional Services Inc. Matthew Fry........................ HSHS St. John’s Hospital Jeff Large.....................Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.

Erica Riplinger............. Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP Kim Staff....................................................... Staff Carpet Cal Thomas.........................................Springfield Clinic

Appointed Director Bryan Gleckler....Lincoln Land Community College

GSCC STAFF Mike Murphy........................................President & CEO Lisa Schafer...........................................VP - Operations David Earhart............................VP - Member Services Teri Hill..............................Advertising Representative Melissa Horn......................................... Events Manager Jasmine Dickerson..................... Young Professionals Program Manager

5

SPRING JOB FAIR SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 23

EVENT WILL INCLUDE BOTH A YOUTH AND TRADITIONAL JOB FAIR The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce along with presenting sponsor Lincoln Land Community College will hold its annual Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, April 23 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. This year’s Fair will include both a Youth Job Fair from 12:30 – 2:30 pm. and the Traditional Job Fair from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

The Youth Job Fair was added to provide a resource for employers looking to hire young adults for summer employment or offering summer internships for college students. It provides an opportunity to fill immediate needs as well as develop a pipeline for future positions.

Employers can participate in the Youth Job Fair, Traditional Job Fair, or both. Pricing includes a table and two chairs.

Those participating in both Fairs will also be provided snacks and beverages between Job Fairs.

The Youth & Traditional Job Fairs will be promoted via print, radio, and social media extensively to bring quality candidates in front of employers for both fairs. The Chamber is also working with Sangamon County school districts and local colleges to spread the word to students.

Booth Fees Youth Job Fair Only (12:30 - 2:30 p.m.)

• $175 Early Bird (on or before April 2) • $250 after April 2 • $425 Non-Member Fee

Traditional Job Fair Only (4:00 - 6:00 p.m.)

• $175 Early Bird (on or before April 2) • $250 after April 2 • $425 Non-Member Fee

Both Youth & Traditional Job Fairs* • $325 Early Bird (on or before April 2) • $400 after April 2 • $750 Non-Member Fee *This registration fee will includes snacks and beverages during the break between the Youth Job Fair and Traditional Job Fair.

The Chamber’s Job Fair has historically provided members the opportunity to meet with quality candidates for openings in their business and organizations. Job seekers of all ages will be able to attend at no charge.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

To register, visit www.gscc.org. For questions, contact Melissa Horn at 217-525-1173 ext. 216.

Tuesday, April 23 Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center YOUTH JOB FAIR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Sangamon County City of Springfield Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance

6

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

PREMIER SPONSOR

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST HIGH UTILITY RATES SPRING SIGN-UP ENDS MARCH 1ST The Chamber continues to partner with nationally recognized energy management experts and consultants, CQI Associates, to run the cooperative. CQI’s 25-plus years of energy procurement experience, expertise, and superb customer service provides a great option for stabilizing your utility expenses.

SIGN UP NOW! Current campaign runs through March 1, 2024

Competitive rates are obtained by leveraging aggregated usage from members of 24 Chambers of Commerce. The increased purchasing power allows members to receive lower rates than they could typically attain on their own.

This benefit 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.

Electricity and natural gas utility rates have increased on average over the past 24 months by 55%. Members of the Chamber Energy Purchasing Cooperative program have signed long-term fixed price contracts resulting in 11% to 16% annual savings. Review your current invoice and if you are on the current utility rate or are paying more in your current contract than the posted utility rate, contact CQI Associates for a no obligation rate assessment.

Additional co-op benefits include having an organization that monitors energy market changes and negotiates on your behalf.

The co-op also offers options to obtain up to 100% clean, renewable, wind-powered electricity. Signing up is easy and free to members.

SIGNING UP IS EASY AND FREE 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/membersavings) 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) 5219400.

BEWELLHEALTH.CARE

BE WELL WITH DR. WELLS

Medical Care, When And Where You Need It. Medical Care, When And How You Want It. Medical Care, When And Where You Feel Most Comfortable.

Learn more!

What to expect: unrushed appointments, including home visits sees patients of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of health provides a compassionate, affirming, and non-judgmental health environment assistance with submitting insurance claims proudly supports the LGBTQ+ community, local businesses, and companies that promote diversity and inclusivity info@bewellheath.care

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

@be_well_health1

217-858-3356

7

STATE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD LUNCHEON

MAYOR & COUNTY BOARD CHAIR TO PROVIDE ANNUAL ADDRESS PRESENTING SPONSOR

The State of Greater Springfield will be held on Thursday, May 2.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter will review accomplishments and challenges of the past year and outline priorities for the upcoming months for the City and Sangamon County. Following these presentations, they will answer questions posed in advance by attendees.

Presented by the Commercial Real Estate Network (CREN) of the Capital Area REALTORS, the event will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – A DoubleTree by Hilton, beginning promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets purchased on or before Thursday, April 4 are $50, and after that, the fee increases to $60. Table sponsorships are also available for $650 that include 10 seats and your company’s name printed in the luncheon program.

8

PREMIER SPONSORS

To register for the luncheon or to submit a question, visit www.gscc.org or contact Melissa Horn at 217.525.1173 ext. 216 or mhorn@gscc.org.

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

May 2, 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield A DoubleTree by Hilton (701 E. Adams St.)

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOMINATION LINK WILL BE LIVE MARCH 1 The Chamber believes supporting the work of small business owners helps our local economy and community. Over 80% of our Chamber membership consists of small businesses with less than 25 Full-Time Employees. That’s one of many reasons The Chamber holds its annual Small Business Awards Luncheon.

Nominees will be recognized, and recipients announced, at the Small Business Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, June 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. Reservations are $50 per member ($60 after May 22). Table sponsorships are also available for $650 which includes 10 seats and additional visibility.

The Chamber will soon be seeking nominations for its Small Business Awards, where area small business owners will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in four different categories:

For more information about additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Melissa Horn at mhorn@gscc.org or 217.525.1173 ext. 216.

• • • •

Not-For-Profit Business Director of the Year New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year Small Business Owner of the Year Lifetime Award –Business Owner of the Year

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Nominate a business by providing the name of the company, the name of the owner(s), and the award category. The nomination link will be live on March 1 on The Chamber’s homepage (www.gscc.org) and on the event page. Nomination criteria can also be found on the event page.

Time for a Change?

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 Steve Myers

Terri Blake Myers

Designated Managing Broker/LLC Member

Licensed Managing Broker/LLC Member

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

9

RECAP OF GALA AWARDS & RECOGNITION ACCOMPLISHMENTS, PRIORITIES REVIEWED At its Annual Gala, The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce celebrated the successes of the past year and revealed priorities for 2024. As part of the celebration, The Chamber, along with Presenting Sponsor, PNC, recognized those who have helped enhance its organization and lead the business community.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Leadership Springfield graduates of the class of 2023, as well as Small Business Award Recipients from the same year were also recognized at the event.

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Awards were given to Chamber leaders who went above and beyond their positions to help enhance our members’ success and advocate on their behalf.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Presented to RISE Springfield’s co-chairs, Bailey Woolsey, Levi, Ray & Shoup and Nick Gentile, Prairie State Bank & Trust, for their dedication and commitment to getting RISE Springfield, The Chamber’s new young professionals’ group, up and running in 2023.

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Presented to Jeremy Logue, Security Bank. The Chamber’s Ambassadors Committee is comprised of local Chamber member professionals that advocate on behalf of The Chamber in a variety of ways, including member contacts, identifying member leads, and attending events such as ribbon cuttings, Chamber on Tap, Coffee & Connections, and committee meetings. A point system is utilized to recognize the accomplishments of its members, and the Award recognizes the hard work and dedication of the individual that earned the most points for the various responsibilities of an Ambassador.

EVENT SPONSORS Sponsors included PNC Bank as presenting sponsor: CEFCU, Horace Mann and HSHS St. John’s Hospital as premier sponsors; Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center, Medics First, and Solomon Colors, Inc. as partner sponsors; Modern Mailing & Printing as print sponsor; Cooper’s Hawk Winery Restaurants as wine sponsor; JnR Mehan Expo Decor as stage decoration sponsor, Ed Clark Photography & Music Services as photography sponsor, and GoWeb1 as graphic design sponsor.

LEADERSHIP SPRINGFIELD PROGRAM Presented to Mark Donovan, INB, for going above and beyond the call of duty as it relates to his investment of time in The Chamber, the community at-large, and representing the interests of our members. Donovan has served as an active member on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for several years, providing steady and thoughtful leadership during 2021 and 2022, when he served as Chairman of the Board.

10

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

PRESENTING SPONSOR

LEADERSHIP SPRINGFIELD - CLASS OF 2023

Wayne Ball TROXELL

Natalie Donaldson

Kristin Booher

Lincoln Land Community College

Megan Edwards

Nicholas A. Bristow HSHS St. John’s Hospital

Sarah Enlow

Kate Broida CEFCU

Gentiva Hospice

Jessica Covey

Brittany A. DeRiggi HSHS Medical Group

Lincoln Land Community College

Jessica J. Flynn

Devyn Gentry

Joe Heigert

Andrew Hines

Shelby Kaiser

Carley Kulenkamp

HSHS St. John’s Foundation

YMCA of Springfield

Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Melissa Horn

Lori Beth Huddleston

Erin Hutchins BUNN

Hickory Point Bank

Joshua Johnson

Jonah Kadyk

Kellie C. Mast

Elizabeth McCoy

Jen McMillin

Sarah Oglesby Compass for Kids, Inc.

City of Springfield, Community Relations

O’Shea Builders

Jared Rickord

Olivia A. Rohr

Matthew Rubin

Katie Schmidt

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Beth Long

PNC Bank

Heartland Credit Union

United Community Bank

Christina Prefountain

Ryan T. Randolph

Henry Schmitz

Lisa K. Shelton

Orthopedic Center of Illinois

Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.

Sikich LLP

MMLP Ltd.

Springfield Clinic, LLP

Matt Rapps

University of Illinois Springfield

Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery

Chronister Oil Company

Bank of Springfield

Kandi M. Sidoli

Jacob Szerletich

Community Child Care Connection

Medics First

INB

BUNN

BRANDT, Inc.

Alex Totura

YMCA of Springfield

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

Springfield Clinic, LLP

Jason Dockter

SIU School of Medicine

Ethan J. Posey

Horace Mann

Security Bank

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP

Devin Powell

HSHS St. John’s Hospital

Ashley Vance

Solomon Colors, Inc.

(now with Lilac Solutions)

11

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

For more information on our new members, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org.

Ace Hardware (Chatham) Central States Marketing Edgewood Golf Club Frank & Linda Vala Dream Center The Goddard School The Real Estate Group, Inc. (Jane Locascio) Roto Rooter Spero Family Services Truck Centers, Inc.

Here For You When Life Changes At CEFCU® Wealth Management, we know you’ve worked hard for your assets. We’re here to help you grow and protect those assets.

From retirement and estate planning to fee based investment management and asset protection trusts, Kevin has over 28 years of experience. He can work with your attorney, accountant, other trusted advisors, and even family members to help ensure your financial well‑being and your legacy.

For more information, go to cefcu.com/wealth or give Kevin a call at 309.633.3836 or 1.800.356.7865, ext. 33836.

CEFCU Wealth Management is a marketing name used by CEFCU. Trust and Investment Services provided

by Members Trust Company, a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Non‑deposit products offered through Members Trust Company. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee, Not a deposit of any financial institution.

12

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

Kevin Barbier, CFP® Trust & Investment Management Officer 309.633.3836

Main Street values. Wall Street expertise.™

ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CHAMBER Does your company export goods? If so, the country to which you are exporting may require documentation that the goods originated in the United States. You may even be paying penalties at the border that you may not need to pay if you had provided a Certificate of Origin upfront.

A Certificate of Origin is an international grade document attesting that goods in an export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a particular country.

The Chamber offers online processing of certificates of origin.

What does our electronic certificate of origin provide to you?

• •

• • • • • • • •

All certification staff is accredited by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) World Chambers Federation AWTCC seal is recognized and accepted by customs worldwide

Ensures you have taken all steps to comply with rules, regulations, and international industry best practices Helps you achieve objectives in terms of quality, cost, scheduling, performance All applications are stored online with audit trail, fully searchable database and attachments Ensures your transactions are secure with security background on completed certificates and secure webbased application Reduces shipment delays due to incomplete documentation Online certification saves on couriers, travel, postage, & parking fees Engineered to prevent common errors with repetitive applications—perfect for high volume users Additional services such as legalization available

Fees for members are only $25.00 per document. For more information, visit www.gscc.org/2020/03/11/certificate-of-origin or contact Lisa Schafer at (217) 525-1173 ext. 203 or lschafer@gscc.org.

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

13

RIBBON CUTTINGS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM-CAFE

COMPASS FOR KIDS, INC.

212 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 717-8520

1201 S. Fourth St., Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 691-8103

EAGLE GOLF & GRILL

ILLINOIS ALLIANCE OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

3941 Pintail Dr., Springfield, IL 62711 (217) 970-4137

112 W. Edwards St. Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 553-1599

SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 186-LANPHIER HIGH SCHOOL

POLE BARN CHIC EVENTS

1300 N. Eleventh St., Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 525-3000

SHARE CONSOLIDATED LLC

3600 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 441-8820

4491 Old Chatham Road, Springfield, IL 62711 (217) 685-7389

SPRINGFIELD CLINIC - BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS CENTER

1025 S. Sixth St. Main Campus East, Springfield, IL 62703 (447) 448-3061

For more information on these businesses, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org.

14

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

Please call

Local. Experienced. Invested.

Individuals. Families. Small businesses. Big businesses.

Absolutely dedicated to every customer.

HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM MEMBER FDIC

3131 WEST WABASH AVE., SPRINGFIELD, IL 62704

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

217.547.7002

15

INDUSTRY FOCUS REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION Category Listings

To locate a member in any of these categories, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org.

Apartments

Real Estate - Lease or Rental Properties (Residential)

Asphalt Paving Contractors

Real Estate - Property Management

Building / Construction Materials - Retail or Wholesale

Real Estate - Residential Sales

Buildings - Metal

Remodeling

Commercial Construction

Residential and Business Relocation - Right of Way

Concrete Contractors

Residential Construction

Contractors - Interiors

Roofing Contractors

Contractors - Pre-Engineered Commercial Buildings

Siding & Windows Contractors

Counter Tops

Temporary Contractors

Crane Services

Title & Escrow Companies

Custom Cabinets

Windows & Doors - Sales & Service

Doors - Sales & Service (Residential) Drywall - Finishing / Plastering Electrical Contractors/Electricians Excavating Contractors Fire Sprinkler Systems

Don’t be overwhelmed by technology.

Floor Coverings Garage Builders Generator Installation or Maintenance Highway & Heavy Construction Contractors Home Improvements / Handyman Services Kitchens or Bathrooms - Designing, Planning or Remodeling

Visit www.llcc.edu/digital-literacy for dates/times and registration, or call 217-786-2292.

Manufactured Home Parks Masonry & Landscaping Building Materials Masonry Contractors Painting Contractors Real Estate - Commercial Sales or Leasing Real Estate - Developers

16

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

Classes take place at LLCC-Medical District, 130 W. Mason St., Springfield.

CHAMBER’S MEMBER INFORMATION CENTER SIMPLE TO USE ONLINE MARKETING TOOL Members of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce have access to our Member Information Center (MIC), which is an online marketing tool that allows members to maximize their Chamber membership and extend the reach of their business brand.

This ‘members only’ section of the Chamber website is a simple-touse tool that gives members greater control to tell their business story, connect with other members, register for events, and pay invoices.

Members can also post and view Hot Deals, job openings, events and news, which once approved are published on The Chamber’s website and Facebook page.

How To Obtain Login Credentials

Members can also easily access additional information through the Resources link and manage their business profile by updating their representatives, business information and description, and keywords to enhance their search engine optimization.

A Member Login link can be found on The Chamber’s home page at www.gscc.org. A username and password are needed to access the MIC. Members can easily obtain login credentials by using the link on the login page or by contacting The Chamber at (217) 525-1173.

Member Information Center (MIC)

SCHOLARSHIP DONATION

Exclusive online marketing tool

FROM KNOB HILL LANDSCAPE CO.

Members have their own web page on the Chamber’s website where they can: • • • • •

Submit News Releases, Events, Job Openings and Hot Deals Add links to member social media Include business description, website & map link Update member profile and representative info Access business resources

Experts believe a unique advantage of being a member is how your listing on The Chamber’s website positively impacts your Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Login at www.gscc.org. To obtain login credentials, click the link on the login page or call The Chamber at (217) 525-1173.

Above, Landon Kirby, Owner of Knob Hill Landscape Company, presented a check to Mike Murphy, Chamber President & CEO, for The Chamber’s Business Scholarship Fund. Knob Hill held a concert in the fall of 2023 and donated a portion of all ticket sales to the fund, which helps local college students majoring in business with their postsecondary education.

ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

17

GET INVOLVED WITH RISE SPRINGFIELD The Chamber launched RISE in February of 2023 to foster professional development, resources, and networking opportunities for young emerging leaders. RISE has expanded its volunteer leadership team to nine (9) young professionals and a full-time program manager at The Chamber.

a thriving business community while also offering education on best business practices.

This year you will see networking events RISE & Shine / RISE & Unwind return, along with the clothing drive.

RISE plans to partner with more local organizations, add in semiannual speed networking events over lunch, and offer more volunteer opportunities throughout Springfield.

RISE Springfield is now offering volunteer opportunities!

Several subcommittees have been formed to help carry out our mission of fostering professional development, resources, and networking opportunities for young emerging leaders. If you’re interested in helping with our Clothing Drive, Community Service projects, Events, or Special Projects, contact Jasmine Dickerson at (217) 5251173 ext. 207 or jdickerson@gscc.org, or complete the Subcommittee Interest Form found at www.gscc.org/rise.

Being involved with RISE Springfield ensures that the young professionals within your company have an open door to

More information about the 2024 Committee and upcoming events can be found below.

RISE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nick Gentile, Co-Chair / Recruiting Chair Prairie State Bank & Trust Bailey Woolsey, Co-Chair / Recruiting Chair Levi, Ray & Shoup CJ Baker, Events / Special Project Co-Chair Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Dr. Jamarco Clark, Community Service / Special Project Co-Chair University of Illinois Springfield Kaitlin Coultas, Marketing Chair Visit Springfield Dakota Greer, CPA, Clothing Drive Co-Chair KEB

RISE’S BIRTHDAY BASH RISE’s Birthday Bash will be held February 28 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of network building with delicious food and beverages by Home Plate Bar and Grill.

The cost to attend is $10 and registration is required. To register, visit www.gscc.org.

RISE & SHINE Join us on March 27 from 7:30 – 8:45 am for a morning filled with networking, complimentary coffee, and breakfast sponsored by Cafe Moxo. Melissa Gaynor and Jamie Toole with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes will speak on The Power of Networking. The cost to attend is $5 and registration is required. To register, visit www.gscc.org.

Nicholas Koch, Community Service Co-Chair TechGuard Security Dr. Allison Long, Clothing Drive Co-Chair Prairie Dental Group

FOLLOW RISE SPRINGFIELD ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & LINKEDIN.

Rachel Selvaggio, Events Co-Chair Illinois Bankers Association

18

TheCHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

In a medical emergency, you want a rapid response from expertly trained professionals. In a non-emergency situation, you want prompt, reliable, and courteous service.

Medics First: Bringing Compassionate Care and Excellence to every call

a not-for-proÞt ambulance service operated for community beneÞt 200 N Grand Avenue W, SpringÞeld, IL 62702 (217) 535-0100 ¥ www.medicsÞrst.com

Bank Near. Go Far.

Your Gateway to a World of Financial Possibilities At UCB, our Bankers help you seamlessly navigate your opportunities, both near and far, with personalized, community-focused financial solutions. Visit with us today to: Start or Expand Your Business Improve Your Cash Flow & Create New Opportunities Simplify Your Banking with Secure Digital Solutions Develop a Business Succession Plan

Achieve all this and much more with United Community Bank.

Contact our experts today to help take your business to new distances.

UCBbank.com | 217-787-3000 ALWAYS BUY CHAMBER

19

SPRINGFIELD’S

MINORITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM NOW EXPANDED! SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART AND MATH (STEAM)

The City of Springfield, Sangamon County and Hanson Professional Services Inc. are in their 11th year of the Grow Our Own Minority Participation Program.

Through this program, the young talent of our area take part in learning opportunities that promote brighter futures within our community.

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