Update - April 2023

NEXT GENERATION WILL BE GREAT LEADERS MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

even with a cell phone always attached to them.

soar to even greater heights. We need your help now to accomplish this.

Mike Murphy President and CEO

I have always heard people talk about their concerns with the younger generation. This was true when I was part of the younger generation, when I was a parent of the younger generation and now that I am a grandparent of the younger generation. I never have had concerns about the failure of our future leaders. I knew when I was part of this concerning generation that we would accomplish many great things, even if we did listen to rock-n-roll. I knew my children’s generation would do the same, even if they did spend time playing video games. I believe my grandchildren’s generation will figure out how to accomplish greatness

Regarding our future business leaders, now in their 20’s and 30’s and some even a little older, they are proving too that they will be great leaders. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce began the young professional Rise Committee at the beginning of this year. In the first few months of their existence, I am blown away with their commitment, professionalism, and dedication to our community. The first two events were standing room only and the energy and excitement is contagious (see pictures of the inaugural event on page 19).

All of you as current leaders need to help mentor these motivated young team members of yours to help them achieve their fullest potential. To paraphrase a Greek Proverb; “A society grows great when individuals plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” It is important that we step up with our time, resources, and experience to help them develop. I believe we all want our organization to not only survive once we are no longer leading them, but we want to watch them

Chamber’s Core Functions Advocacy

First, we need you to identify young team members and encourage their participation in upcoming RISE events. You can check out their calendar of events at www.gscc.org/rise.

Secondly, they may be looking for you to share your experience at one of their leadership development events. If so, answer the call and help. They are very fortunate to have Steve Thomas as the speaker for their May 10 Rise & Shine event.

I greatly appreciate all the work that has been done so far by the RISE Committee and all the participants. We must now support them as RISE, and they themselves, grow. I was told several times by different attendees at the initial events, “There is an appetite for a young professionals group”. Let’s make sure that our future leaders are never hungry in their quest for knowledge and guidance.

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.

TIERED INVESTORS

Summit Level

Leadership Level

HSHS Medical Group

Foundation Level

Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.

Visionary Level

Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.

Express Employment Professionals

Springfield Clinic

Premier Level

U.S. Bank

Catalyst Level Bank of Springfield

KEB

PNC Bank

Sikich LLP

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.

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee Chair

Sharon Riechers .................................................... BUNN

Chair-Elect

Kayla Edwards Express Employment Professionals

1st Vice Chair

Tyler Cormeny O’Shea Builders

Vice Chair

Jennifer Call TROXELL

Vice Chair

Kevin Corbin Edward Jones

Secretary/Treasurer

Josh Shugart ..............................................................KEB

Immediate Past Chair

Mark Donovan INB

At-Large Directors

Kathyy Battee-Freeman University of Illinois Springfield

Jennifer Boyer Springfield Clinic, LLP

Chris Bullock Capitol Radio Group

Mylas Copeland Green Toyota Volkswagen Audi

Jeff Dillman MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply, Inc.

Michelle Eccles Horace Mann

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

Josh Flanders Buzz Bomb Brewing Co.

Ronda Folkerts Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Matthew Fry HSHS St. John’s Hospital

Erica Riplinger Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP

Adam Solomon Solomon Colors, Inc.

John Staff.....................................................Staff Carpet

Appointed Director

Jeff Large Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.

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............. Administrative Assistant

STATE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD - MAY 17

MAYOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS & COUNTY BOARD CHAIR OVERVIEW

The Chamber will hold its first State of Greater Springfield Luncheon, formerly known as the State of the City Luncheon, on Wednesday, May 17.

Misty Buscher, newly elected Mayor of Springfield, will review accomplishments and challenges from the past year, an outline of priorities for the upcoming months, and provide the administration’s perspective on the City’s outlook.

New in 2023, attendees will also hear from the Sangamon County Board Chairman, Andy Van Meter, who will provide a brief overview of his respective administration. Following these acknowledgments, they will answer questions posed in advance by attendees.

Presented by the Commercial Real Estate Network 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.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Tickets purchased on or before Wednesday, April 26 are $45, and after that the fee increases to $55. Table sponsorships are also available for $550 that include 10 seats and your company’s name printed in the luncheon program.

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.

May 17, 2023

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

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

CONSIDER A TIERED MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT

RECEIVE ENHANCED VISIBILITY, EXPOSURE & RECOGNITION

Tiered investors are Chamber members who have committed substantial financial resources to strengthen our organization’s mission, vision, and objectives as they relate and connect to the business community.

The important work of The Chamber includes advocating for legislative policies and practices that contribute to a thriving business community and local economy. That representation provides support for the business community today and for the long-term prosperity tomorrow.

Tiered investors, with their high-level of commitment to the Springfield area and its economic well-being, are recognized as champions of The Chamber and the community.

A tiered investment comes with a range of exclusive benefits, including increased recognition, visibility, and enhanced member services as part of the Chamber’s tiered membership levels. Several levels are available.

For additional information, visit our website, www.gscc.org, or contact Mike Murphy at mmurphy@gscc.org or (217) 525-1173, ext. 205.

Newly elected Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski addressing a group of tiered investors at The Chamber in January.

ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

HELP US CELEBRATE LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

The Luncheon also provides a great opportunity to network with your clients and friends.

This year will mark the 38th year that the Luncheon has been held. Presented by Hickory Point Bank, The Chamber will recognize area small business owners for their outstanding achievements in four different categories:

• Not-For-Profit Director of the Year

• New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year

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. It’s an opportunity to honor the most outstanding entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, hard work and innovation have created and promoted a successful and growing business in the Springfield area.

• Small Business Owner of the Year

• Lifetime Award – Business Owner of the Year

Nearly 350 small business owners have been recognized at this event over the past 37 years.

Nominees will be recognized for their accomplishments and successes and recipients will be announced at the Luncheon on Tuesday, June 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center.

The cost to attend is $45 per person through May 23 and increases to $55 after that date. Table sponsorships that include 10 seats and additional visibility are $550. To register go to www.gscc.org or contact Melissa Horn at 217-525-1173 x 216 or by email at mhorn@gscc.org.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CHAMBER HIRES NEW ADMIN ASSISTANT DICKERSON

STARTED MARCH 1ST

Jasmine Dickerson joined The Chamber team on March 1 as its Administrative Assistant. In her role, Jasmine provides support to the executive staff and Board of Directors, creates the weekly e-newsletter, The Brief, assists with events, and performs a myriad of other duties.

Her professional experience includes serving as Jen Hammer’s personal assistant during the COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown, joining the JWHammer, LLC team afterwards as a client manager.

Jasmine is one of six children born and raised in Springfield, and in her free time enjoys the outdoors, watching soccer, listening to Justin Bieber, spending time with family and her dogs Bella and George, and traveling to new places.

Jasmine Dickerson Administrative Assistant

She attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and while there served 3 years as the manager and videographer for its Men’s Soccer Team. She is currently pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) licensing and plans to return to college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business.

Her personal mantra: “I never shrink myself into one lane…there are endless possibilities and opportunities for every passion I have and each goal I want to accomplish in life.”

LEADERSHIP SPRINGFIELD APPLICATIONS

NOW BEING ACCEPTED

The application for the Leadership Springfield Class of 2023, which begins in September, is available on The Chamber’s website.

Leadership Springfield (LS) is a 14 week series of half day programs in which participants gain leadership skills and indepth exposure to critical issues affecting the Springfield area. Participants interact with community leaders and decision makers who share diverse perspectives on significant accomplishments and opportunities within the Springfield community.

The program aims to develop, strengthen, and equip local professionals to benefit the Springfield area. Interactive professional development is a cornerstone of the program. Curriculum topics for the program typically include Leadership Development, Agriculture, Education, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Local & State Government, Team Building, Technology & Innovation, and Tourism.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

When clicking on the link to the online application, individuals will be prompted to create login credentials. This allows the applicant to access the application, save their progress and log out in order to return to either make edits or complete it.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 30, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in July and applicants will be notified of their selection status later that month.

For more information about Leadership Springfield, visit www. gscc.org/leadership-springfield or contact David Earhart at (217) 525-1173 ext. 215 or dearhart@gscc.org.

TOP LAWYERS SPRINGFIELD AREA

BASED UPON A SURVEY OF THEIR PEERS

These LEADING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Illinois.

These EMERGING LAWYERS have been identified by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Illinois who are age 40 or younger OR who have been admitted to the practice of law for 10 or fewer years.

A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading or Emerging Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading or Emerging Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to

www.LeadingLawyers.com

AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE RECOGNIZED AT ANNUAL AWARDS RECEPTION

The Chamber’s Ambassadors Committee held its annual Awards Reception on February 7 at Casa Real Cantina & Grill. Ambassadors were recognized for their accomplishments in 2022.

Awards were presented for attendance at various events, Top Ten in individual points, first place in team points, Spirit of the Ambassador and Ambassador of the Year.

The Ambassadors are The Chamber’s membership committee. Committee members work to increase awareness of Chamber activities and programs to current members. Ambassadors also serve as Chamber representatives at events such as ribbon cuttings, Chamber on Tap, and Coffee & Connections. If interested in learning more about how to become an Ambassador, contact David Earhart at dearhart@gscc.org or (217) 525-1173 ext. 215.

- Spirit of the Ambassador and Ambassador of the Year awards recipient Maggie Gullo.

MEMBERS OF THE 2023 AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE

Brian Anderson, Bank of Springfield

Tiffany Bauman, Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Courtney Bouvet, CEFCU

Kate Dyer, U.S. Bank Wealth Management

Kyle Edmiston, Edward Jones

Sarah Frey, Lincoln Land Community College

Maggie Gullo, LRS Web Solutions

Catherine Henebry, American Heart Association

Derek Hensley, State Farm

Angie Howe, Neuhoff Media Springfield

Adrienne Kipp, Springfield Housing Authority

Sara Linn, AmeriCall Communications, Inc.

Jeremy Logue, Security Bank

Todd Lucas, Warren-Boynton State Bank

Andy Lunt, MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply

Shawn Miller, Miller Mid-America Insurance

Diana Nielsen, INB

Lisa Peterson, Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission

Michelle Pulce-Flynn, Lincoln Land Community College

Zach Reed, First Bankers Trust Company

Kristen Spilman, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Brandy Stabler, Compass for Kids

Taylor Stevens, SYNERGY HomeCare

Above, Top Ten (l-r) - Kyle Edmiston, Melisa Galloway, Courtney Bouvet, Maggie Gullo, Adrienne Kipp, Taylor Stevens, Lisa Peterson, Sara Linn, and Jason King. Not pictured, Kate Dyer.

Above, First Place Team “Three Girls & A Guy”, team captain Lisa Peterson. (l-r) - Kyle Edmiston, Melisa Galloway, Peterson, and Courtney Bouvet. At left

EXPAND YOUR WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA REACH

SUBMIT JOB OPENINGS AND NEWS RELEASES THROUGH THE MIC

Chamber members have the opportunity to submit News Releases and Job Openings through the Member Information Center (MIC) accessible from The Chamber’s website (www.gscc.org). Once submitted and approved, those items are available for viewing on our website and are also posted on The Chamber’s Facebook page increasing the number of people that see the posting.

JOB POSTINGS

Recruiting qualified candidates is always a challenge for employers and human resource professionals, and web and print fees for employment advertising can be costly. The Chamber Job Board is exclusive to members and it’s included in the membership investment you’ve already made.

The Job Board is easy to manage. Just log into The Chamber’s Member Information Center (MIC) and fill out the online form to submit your open position(s). Add this to your list of resources for the next time you’re seeking a new hire.

NEWS RELEASES

Members can share news of offering a new product or service, holding an event, announcing a new hire, or other information about their business. Similar to the job posting, members fill out an online form in the MIC. A business logo can also be added for greater branding and visibility.

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.

INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNISHINGS FOR COMMERCIAL SPACES

CORPORATE HEALTHCARE HOSPITALITY RETAIL EDUCATION

IMPROVING LIVES BY DESIGN

RESOURCEONEOFFICE.COM | SPRINGFIELD, IL

Member Information Center (MIC)

Exclusive online marketing tool

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.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 558-8844

ILLINOIS EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION 3101 Montvale Dr., Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 528-2642

M NAIL STUDIO 1405 Stevenson Dr., Suite 8, Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 836-9636

MEDICS FIRST 200 North Grand Ave. W, Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 535-0100

RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

3100 W. White Oaks Dr., Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 361-0988

SHIELDS ACCOUNTING SERVICES 1999 Wabash Ave., Suite 213, Springfield, IL 62704 (309) 648-8177

TECHGUARD SECURITY 1722 Corporate Xing Suite 1, O’Fallon, IL 62269 (636) 489-2230

YMCA OF SPRINGFIELD 601 N. Fourth St., Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 544-9846

For more information on the businesses that held a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF RISE SPRINGFIELD

IMPRESSIVE TURNOUT FOR INAUGURAL EVENT

RISE Springfield, the Chamber’s new young professionals group, was formed with the idea of using real interactions among young professionals to support educational opportunities in leadership, professional development, community involvement and social events. The kickoff event, held at Home Plate Bar & Grill, had a great turnout and the RISE leadership had the opportunity to share their initial goals for the RISE Springfield program.

For more information on RISE Springfield, please visit www.gscc.org/rise. If you are a young professional and want to receive RISE communications, email your name and contact information to rise@gscc.org.

PHOTOS FROM RISE KICK-OFF

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.

Proving a bad day golfing can still be a good day at the office.

28th Annual Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

JANUARY & FEBRUARY

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

BikeTek, Inc.

The Bressmer

Built Interior Construction

Calhoun’s

Evergreen Coaching & Counseling

Firehouse Subs

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.

Illinois Fuel & Retail Association

Illinois Railroad Association

Iris Consulting Solutions, LLC

Thursday, July 20 & Friday, July 21, 2023

Piper Glen Golf Club

Four

Visit

Malibu Jack’s

Midwest Specialty Printing

Prairie Dental Group

Prairie State Gaming

Prairie Telecom

Questfire LLC

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Riteway Automotive

Route 66 Solar

Sangamon County Auditor

Scooter’s Coffee

City of Springfield, City Treasurer

TechGuard Security

The Wardrobe

White Oaks Mall

The

ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS

The Chamber’s Association Health Plan (AHP) is a direct benefit smallto-mid-sized Chamber members can utilize to save on benefit costs and gain the buying power of a larger employer when it comes to their healthcare options, including exposure to benefit plan choices currently unavailable to traditional small group employers.

Claims administration, medical management, provider network access and pharmacy benefits for the association are all coordinated by Health Alliance, well known throughout the state for high-quality care and excellent service.

Contact Lisa Schafer (217) 525-1173 x-203 or David Earhart (217) 525-1173 x-215 at The Chamber to get a list of local Chamber member insurance agencies that can provide your business with a quote. More information is also available at www.gscc.org/ association-health-plan.

INDUSTRY FOCUS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Category Listings

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

Accountants - C.P.A.

Accounting, Bookkeeping or Income Tax Services

Agribusiness Accounting Services

Architects Attorneys

Auctioneer Services

Audio-Visual - Sales, Service or Rental

Awards, Plaques & Trophies

Background Screenings

Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance

Business Consulting

Business Services

Carpet & Rug Cleaners

Cleaning Services - Commercial

Consultants - Economic Development

Consultants - Social Media

Credit Card Services

Disaster Restoration Services - Biohazard,

Fire, Mold, or Water

Drug-Free Workplace - Policies & Procedures

Dry Cleaning - ??????

Electronics Recycling Engineers - Civil

Engineers - Civil & Structural

Engineers - Consulting

Event Planning

Event Venues & Meeting Rooms

Fire & Safety Equipment - Sales & Services

Funeral Homes & Directors

Garbage Removal & Recycling -

Residential & Commercial

Interior Designers

Landscape Architects / Land Planning

Legal Marketing and Referral

Locksmiths

Mailing Services

Management Consulting

Marketing

Merchant Processing

Mold Inspection & Remediation

Motivational Services

Office Equipment

Office Furniture

Office Supplies

Payroll Services

Printer Toner and Cartridges

Printers - Sales or Service

Printing & Mailing - Commercial

Printing Services

Product Design Firms

Promotional Product Distributor

Public Relations

Records Management & Storage

Safes - Commercial & Gun

Security Equipment

Security Guard & Patrol Service

Security Systems & Monitoring

Shredding - Paper / Products

Small Business Assistance, Information & Advocacy

Storage - Household & Commercial Surveyors

Tax Accounting

Title & Escrow Companies

Training - Leadership, Professional, or Workforce Development

Uniforms

Universal Waste Recycling

Video Production Services

Video Surveillance

Water Filtration & Purification Equipment

Waterproofing & Foundation Repair

DIVERSE PEOPLE. DIVERSE PROJECTS.

To build something extraordinary, you need many hands and a variety of viewpoints. Hanson’s core values reflect the importance of diversity in the communities we live and work in, and we are changing our industry through student programs. We are proud to promote diversity in our community and connect youth with STEAM through the Grow Our Own Minority Participation Program. Our annual Shadow Hanson event is designed to inspire high school students with an interest in STEAM careers. In 2020, we launched STL Next Gen to encourage St. Louis-area minority students to pursue careers in engineering and science. Our internship program focuses on recruiting minority and female students each year, giving them opportunities to launch careers with us. These promising young minds will help shape our future. With diversity, we can build extraordinary things.

SPRINGFIELD RAIL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT