Update - June 2023

Business Advocacy

INAUGURAL STATE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

4Small Business Awards Nominees

4Leadership Springfield Deadline

4Upcoming Job Fair

STATE

Photos from The Chamber’s Inaugural State of Greater Springfield. The event once again featured the Springfield Mayor, newly elected Misty Buscher, and for the first time, County Board Chair Andy Van Meter was invited to address the large crowd. Questions were posed to both elected officials via moderator Tim Butler.

CHAMBER SERVES THE GREATER SPRINGFIELD REGION MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

couple of weeks before the event. It was also the first opportunity Chairman Van Meter had to give a state of the county speech to any group.

Mike Murphy President and CEO

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce held the first ever State of Greater Springfield Luncheon last month. We had a sellout crowd of four hundred packed into the banquet room of the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in downtown Springfield. What made this event unique was the new format of having both Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter address the audience and give their respected speeches on the current state of the city and county. They also discussed what they hope the future might bring to the area. This was Mayor Buscher’s first state of the city speech, having just taken office a

I thought it was important to hear from both since we are The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce with members not only from the city of Springfield, but others from Sangamon County and beyond. It is also important to give the city and county government leaders as many opportunities as possible to discuss issues together and see if there is common ground to have a united front when addressing them. I do feel like these two leaders will have open communication and look for areas that it makes sense to combine efforts to bring services to the people of Springfield and Sangamon County.

Topics discussed during their speeches included rail relocation, homelessness, workforce development, beautification of the city, vibrancy of downtown Springfield, reopening the lake area beach house, and the future of Scheels Sports Complex. Following their speeches there was a Q & A session led by Tim Butler, a former State Representative

Chamber’s Core Functions Advocacy

who currently serves as the President & CEO of the Illinois Railroad Association. During the Q & A, Mayor Buscher addressed her plans to study the current commercial rates charged by CWLP for electricity and making the lake an economic asset for the city. Chairman Van Meter discussed plans to work with the city regarding homelessness and the importance of groups working together rather than in silos.

A request was made at the end of the program to give the Chamber feedback on the new format, and we received eighty returned surveys. The overwhelming majority liked the new format. The Chamber plans to offer this again next year, and looks forward to collaborating with all elected officials as we advocate on behalf of all our members. The Chamber’s next advocacy event will be our Elected Officials event, Wednesday September 13, with Fehr Graham as the Presenting Sponsor. Go to www.gscc.org or watch future communications for more details on how to register.

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.

Anna Evans Memorial Health

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

Ronda Folkerts Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Matthew Fry ....................... HSHS St. John’s Hospital

Angela Nguyen Horace Mann

Erica Riplinger Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP

Adam Solomon Solomon Colors, Inc.

Kim 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

LEADERSHIP SPRINGFIELD APPLICATIONS

DEADLINE TO APPLY JUNE 30

Applications for this year’s Leadership Springfield Class, which begins this fall, are available on The Chamber’s website and are due June 30.

Leadership Springfield (LS) is a 14 week series of half day programs in which participants gain leadership skills and in-depth 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.

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 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.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SENATOR DURBIN HOLDS MEETING WITH KEY CHAMBER INVESTORS

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin made a visit to The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, focusing on addressing local business concerns. The event provided an invaluable platform for business leaders to voice their opinions and share their experiences. Senator Durbin, known for his commitment to advocating for the Springfield

area, engaged in meaningful discussions about crucial topics such as economic growth, job creation and regulatory challenges. Senator Durbin offered insights into potential policy reforms and highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and businesses.

FILL YOUR OPEN POSITIONS THROUGH JOB BOARD, JOB FAIR

Members of The Chamber, like other businesses nationally, are seeing unprecedented staffing shortages. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has two resources to assist members with filling their positions with quality candidates.

The Chamber will hold a Job Fair on Tuesday, August 29 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 event will be promoted via LinkedIn and Facebook, and 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 when registering

online by August 1 at www.gscc.org. After that date, the rate increases to $250.

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 are also 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 the Chamber at admin@ gscc.org.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

ILLINOIS PRESBYTERIAN HOME COMMUNTIES

217-546-5622

LOCALLY OWNED SENIOR COMMUNITY SINCE 1954

FAIR HILLS RESIDENCE

✓ Month to Month Rent

✓ Spacious private suites featuring bay windows, walk-in showers and plenty of closet space

✓ 24/7 on-site nursing and medication management

✓ Three home-cooked meals daily

✓ Personalized laundry service and housekeeping

✓ Social Events, Exercise, & Entertainment

✓ Weekly Worship Services

✓ Month to Month Rent, No Buy-in

✓ Utilities included

✓ Pet friendly community

✓ Lots of Closet Space

✓ All Appliances including Washer & Dryer or complimentary Laundry Room

✓ Covered Outdoor space

✓ Grab Bars and Walk-in Showers

✓ Maintenance, Lawncare & Housekeeping

✓ Community Room

FAIR HILLS COTTAGES & APARTMENTS

STATE RETIREMENT PLAN MANDATE PLANS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYERS WITH 5+ EMPLOYEES

Last November, Illinois state law began requiring Illinois employers with sixteen (16) or more full-time and/or part-time (FT/PT) employees to offer their own retirement program, either through a private plan or through Illinois Secure Choice, a retirement program offered through the Illinois State Treasurer’s office.

Employers who do not comply with the law are subject to fines and penalties as described in 820 ILCS 80/85. Employers are not required to contribute financially to these programs.

Employers that meet the following criteria must comply with the law:

• Employ sixteen (16) or more FT and/or PT employees

• Business operating at least two years

• Currently do not offer a qualified saving plan such as a 401(k), SEP IRA, or Simple IRA

Later this year (November 1, 2023), employers with five (5) or more FT and/or PT employees will be required to comply with the law.

The Chamber offers an alternative to Secure Choice called Signature Fiduciary Connect by John Hancock, which offers small to mid-size companies a simple, flexible and easy to administer plan. BOS Investment Services serves as a financial advisor for the plan.

Regardless of whether your business selects a private plan or Illinois Secure Choice, it is important that your business is compliant with the law to avoid the fines and penalties.

If you have questions about this requirement and/or Signature Fiduciary Connect, go to www.gscc.org/retirement-program or contact Mike Murphy at mmurphy@gscc.org or 217-525-1173 ext. 205.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

RISE & SHINE NETWORKING EVENT WITH

GUEST SPEAKER STEVE THOMAS

RISE Springfield held their second RISE & Shine morning networking event on Wednesday, May 10 at Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet. Our young professionals were able to enjoy coffee and delicious pastries while networking with other young professionals.

Steve Thomas joined the group and spoke on helping people navigate through the complexities of human weirdness. The interaction that Steve had with our young professionals and the knowledge that he brought to the

discussion left many of our young professionals ready and refreshed to start their day at the office.

Don’t miss our next RISE & Shine networking event – Wednesday, July 12 at BRANDT! Register at www.gscc.org.

BUY CHAMBER

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS LUNCHEON CELEBRATES

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

The Luncheon, presented by Hickory Point Bank, also provides a great opportunity to network with your clients and friends. The Chamber recognized area small business owners for their outstanding achievements in four different categories at the luncheon on June 20 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The categories were:

• 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 FTE employees.

That’s one of many reasons The Chamber holds its annual Small Business Awards Luncheon. In its 38th year, the luncheon is 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 300 small business owners have been recognized over the past three decades. This year’s nominees are highlighted in this edition of the Update. Recipients of each category will be recognized in the August Update.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT DIRECTOR NOMINEES

MOLLY BERENDT COMPASS FOR KIDS, INC.

(217) 691-8103

www.compassforkids.org

GUS GORDON

THE HOOGLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS

(217) 523-2787

www.hcfta.org

CHANTEL CORRIE MIDWEST MISSION

(217) 483-7911

www.midwestmission.org

KAYLA GRAVEN

DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD, INC.

(217) 544-1723

www.downtownspringfield.org

OLIVIA HAYSE

THE JAMES PROJECT, INC.

(217) 546-3532

www.thejamesproject127.com

JEN MCMILLIN

JEAN WOODWARD

MINI O’BEIRNE CRISIS NURSERY

(217) 525-6800

www.miniobeirne.org

NOT-FOR-PROFIT DIRECTOR NOMINEES - CONTINUED

CAROL HARMS

SENIOR SERVICES OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS, INC.

(217) 528-4035

www.centralilseniors.org

MELISSA HANSEN SCHMADEKE

SPRINGFIELD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

(217) 788-4700

https://memorial.health/foundations/ springfield-memorial-foundation

ANGELA BERTONI

SOJOURN SHELTER & SERVICES, INC.

(217) 726-5100

www.sojournshelter.org

MARCUS JOHNSON

SPRINGFIELD URBAN LEAGUE

(217) 789-0830

www.springfieldul.org

NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS OWNER NOMINEES

BRANDY FLETCHER

B’S CREATIVE STUDIO

(217) 726-6523

www.bscreative.studio

MICHAEL KIRCHGESNER

MK SPORTS MASSAGE

(217) 331-6919

https://mksportmassage.fit

CHAD FOWLER

SANGAMON TREE SERVICE

(217) 414-5730

https://sangamontreeservice.com

DAMON PRIDDY

STATE FARM INSURANCE

(217) 787-5400

www.insureitwithdamon.com

DOUGLAS POPE

BROADGAUGE

(217) 386-5669

http://www.broadgauge.com

AUDREY KONDELIS

POLE BARN CHIC EVENTS

(217) 685-7389

www.polebarnchic.com

JAMIE TOOLE

MELISSA GAYNOR-TOOLE

SPRINGFIELD LUCKY HORSESHOES

(217) 679-3511

https://shoesbaseball.com

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER NOMINEES

NATALIE GRIDER

APPEARANCES OF SPRINGFIELD

(217) 546-3777

www.appearancesonline.com

JESSICA LANCE

BEWITCHING BOTANICALS

(217) 705-4578

www.bewitchingbotanicals.com

CARI CLAUSSEN

COUNTRY LANE MEMORY CARE

ASSISTED LIVING

(217) 629-4265

www.countrylanememorycare.com

ALINDA HALE

EYE CANDY BOUTIQUE, INC. (217) 787-9677

www.eyecandyspringfield.com

TAMMY LARSEN-TOLLEY

IT’S SCRAPICATED, LLC

(217) 210-2393

www.ItsScrapicated.com

DANNY PAUL

SHERRI PAUL

PAUL TREE FARMS LLC

(217) 626-1616

www.paultreefarms.net

BARRY SEIDMAN

BARBARA SEIDMAN

SCOTT NATION

ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE

(217) 726-5405

JOSH FLANDERS

BUZZ BOMB BREWING CO.

https://buzzbombbrewingco.com

BRIAN REILLY MELISSA REILLY

CURED CATERING (217) 391-2380

www.curedcaters.com

MATTHEW HAMANN

HELLOPAYMENTS

(855) 694-3556

www.hellopayments.net

REBECCA KNOBLOCH

KENNEDY SUE GIFT & HOME

(217) 679-1145

www.kennedysue.com

BRAD WIKE

PEERLESS CLEANING & RESTORATION SERVICES

(217) 787-0725

www.peerlessrestoration.com

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER NOMINEES - CONTINUED

DR. GINA LATHAN

DR. STACY GRUNDY

KENNETH LOCKHART

ROUTE HISTORY MUSEUM

(217) 503-4129

www.routehistory.net

SHAWN BRALEY SPRINGFIELD SUPPORTIVE LIVING

(217) 522-8843

www.springfieldsupportiveliving. com

PHILLIP ROSS

VANESSA ROSS

SYLVAN LEARNING

SPRINGFIELD

(217) 546-0009

www.springfieldsylvan.com

WADE KAMMIN

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED (217) 789-6468

www.wbu.com/springfieldil

STEVE ZAUBI

KIM ZAUBI

ZANE ZAUBI

SEASONS SENIOR LIVING

(217) 698-5780

www.seasonsseniorliving.com

MARK CORTESI

STATE FARM INSURANCE (217) 787-1727

https://growwithmark.com

MEGAN HENLEY BROWN

TRENDSETTERS DESIGN, INC. (217) 483-8800

www.trendsetters-inc.com

LIFETIME AWARD BUSINESS OWNER NOMINEES

DR. TANYA DESANTO

PRAIRIE DENTAL GROUP

(217) 546-0412

www.prairiedentalgroup.com

LEONARD NAUMOVICH

PRIMO DESIGNS, INC. (217) 523-6373

www.primodesigns.net

PRESENTING SPONSOR

‘SHOES, BREWS & BIZ FEATURES LOCAL FARE

SEEKING VENDOR AND EXPO PARTICIPANTS

‘Shoes, Brews & Biz will be held on Thursday, October 5 at the LRS Hangar from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. This event will highlight our area’s restaurants, breweries, and other small businesses. For a small fee, attendees can taste a variety of craft beer and horseshoes while perusing products and services offered by our Chamber members. Attendees can purchase a chance to win a $1,000 along with having a rare opportunity to tour the car and motorcycle collection owned by Dick Levi, President & CEO of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.

We’re recruiting Chamber-member restaurants and brewers to participate in this event by providing either a sample-size horseshoe or 4 oz samples of craft beer for approximately 600 attendees. In exchange, The Chamber will provide a stipend, four tickets for your event staff, and visibility for

your business. To sign up for this vendor opportunity, contact Melissa Horn at 217-525-1173 x216 or mhorn@gscc. org. Vendor spots are limited so sign up today!

To participate in the business expo, register at www.gscc. org by September 7 for the early bird fee of $150. This price will include your table, two chairs and two tickets to the event. Pricing increases after that date.

Attendees can purchase tickets in advance or at the event. The price of your ticket includes samples of all horseshoes and 4 drink samples. Additional drink tickets can be purchased at the event.

Tickets to attend the event are only $20 each, and those purchased prior to September 28 will be mailed in advance. Tickets purchased after September 28 will be available for pick up at Will Call the day of the event. You can also purchase tickets at the event for $25 each.

To register for this event, go to www.gscc.org.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

BOOT BARN

2500 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 210-3223

THE BRINKERHOFF MANSION 1500 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 361-5555

BUILT INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION 1800 E. Adams St., Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 481-4208

CRAWFORD FAMILY DENTAL 1900 E. Sangamon Ave. Suite A, Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 753-3059

HANDS OF GOD HOSPICE

1500 N. Fifth St. Suite 203, Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 284-9070

THE LINCOLNS OF SPRINGFIELD http://thelincolnsofspringfield.com (661) 993-0296

PRAIRIE SPA (INSIDE PRAIRIE EYE & LASIK CENTER 2800 Montaluma Dr., Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 698-3030

PRAIRIE STATE GAMING 2800 Old Rochester Road, Springfield, IL 62703 https://www.prairiestategaming.com/

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

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

MARCH & APRIL

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

AARP

B’s Creative Studio

Boot Barn

Broadgauge

Computer Works Family, LLC

Crawford Family Dental, Inc.

Destination Peak Partners

Emerald’s Eats

The Fallen Outdoors

Galaxy Nail Bar

HR Collective Consulting LLC

It’s Scrapicated, LLC

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Kennedy Sue Gift & Home

M Nail Studio

M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, Inc.

Merrill Lynch (Gary Seitz)

Near North Village

Park Towers

Prairie Eye & LASIK Center

Route History Museum

Russell Cellular Inc. (Verizon Authorized Retailer)

S & K Building Services

St. John’s College of Nursing

Sangamon Towers

Saucy Rice

Seasons Active Retirement Community (Pine Creek)

Seasons Active Retirement Community (Under the Oaks)

Timi’s Tours

Ugly Restaurant and Bar

Washington Plaza

Yellow Bird Coffee House

Youth Service Bureau

INDUSTRY FOCUS

HEALTHCARE & SENIOR CARE

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

Addiction Treatment, Psychiatric or Counseling Services

Ambulances

Assisted Living

Blood Banks

Cannabis - Medical

Chiropractic Physicians

Counseling Dentists

Health & Nutrition

Healthcare - Ambulatory Surgery

Healthcare - Anesthesiology

Healthcare - Audiology

Healthcare - Cardiology

Healthcare - Colon & Rectal Surgery

Healthcare - Critical Care Medicine

Healthcare - Dermatology

Healthcare - Endocrinology

Healthcare - Family Medicine

Healthcare - Gastroenterology

Healthcare - General Surgery

Healthcare - Infectious Diseases & Travel Medicine

Healthcare - Internal Medicine

Healthcare - Interventional Spine Care

Healthcare - Lab Services

Healthcare - Nephrology

Healthcare - Neurology & Neurological Surgery

Healthcare - Obstetrics & Gynecology

Healthcare - Occupational Medicine

Healthcare - Oncology

Healthcare - Optometry and Ophthalmology

Healthcare - Orthopedic & Sports Medicine

Healthcare - Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)

Healthcare - Pediatrics

Healthcare - Physical or Occupational Therapy

Healthcare - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Healthcare - Podiatry

Healthcare - Pulmonary

Healthcare - Radiology

Healthcare - Rehabilitation Services

Healthcare - Rheumatology

Healthcare - Sleep Disorders

Healthcare - Urgent Care

Healthcare - Urology

Healthcare - Vascular Surgery

Healthcare Services

Healthcare Systems

Home Care & Supplemental Staffing & Nursing

Home Health Services

Home Medical Equipment

Hospice Care

Hospitals

Massage Therapy

Medical Supplies

Memory Care

Mental Health Care

Mobility Equipment

Nursing

Opticians

Optometry & Ophthalmology

Orthodontists

Physicians & Surgeons

Retirement Communities

Senior Citizens’ Services

Skilled or Intermediate Nursing Care

Spas - Holistic & Wellness

Transportation - For the Elderly & Disabled

Weight Loss