MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
WHEN WE WORK
The Chamber recently partnered with the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance to host a successful Washington DC Fly-in. Our local group of chamber members met with our Congressional Delegation and staff, and newly elected Mayor Buscher led discussions on our need for federal funding for several community projects.
Mike Murphy President and CEOOur mission statement is “Enhance our members’ success and advocate on their behalf”. What exactly is involved with advocating on your behalf? This is something that takes many forms, and almost every day in one way or another we are advocating on your behalf.
Our events such as the Mayoral Forum, The State of the Greater Springfield Luncheon, and Elected Officials Reception give all our members an opportunity to hear directly from our local elected officials and express their concerns with them.
On state and federal issues that align with our Chamber’s efforts, we regularly work with the Illinois Chamber and US Chamber to advocate on members’ behalf. However, our advocacy is most impactful when a member needs assistance in resolving an issue with a government body.
Our strong relationship with local, county, state and federal elected officials and their staff allows us to help members get answers and/or find solutions that are beneficial to their organization. If your business is facing roadblocks with any government agency, it is important that you reach out to The Chamber for assistance.
Chamber’s Core Functions Advocacy
Our advocacy cannot just be done by us - it must include our members. It is vital that you respond to our request to contact elected officials and tell them how their actions are detrimental to your business and our community. As the second largest chamber in the State of Illinois, it is crucial that we present a united voice to improve the business climate in our city, county, state, and country.
On September 13, we will hold our Elected Officials Reception from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Illinois REALTORS. Take advantage of this opportunity to forge relationships with your elected officials. You can register for this event at www.gscc.org/events.
I look forward to working with you on advocacy issues in the future.
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
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
ENERGY CO-OP CAN SAVE ON UTILITY COSTS
FALL CAMPAIGN SIGN UP STARTS IN SEPTEMBER
Have you looked at your utility bill lately?
Are you concerned about how much you are spending?
The Chamber continues to partner with nationally recognized energy management experts, CQI Associates, to administer and manage the Chamber’s Energy Purchasing Cooperative. Competitive rates are obtained by leveraging aggregated usage from members of 24 Chambers of Commerce. The group 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.
CQI’s 25-plus years of experience with proven results provides
the best option for stabilizing your utility expenses. There is no better time for members to enroll in the Chamber Energy Purchasing Cooperative Program and gain price stability, budget control and peace-of-mind.
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.
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.
CHAMBER JOB FAIR TO BE HELD AUGUST 29
JOB BOARD ALSO GOOD RESOURCE FOR FILLING OPEN POSITIONS
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 $250 when registering online at www.gscc.org.
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
PREMIER SPONSOR
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.
PARTNER SPONSOR
SIU Medicine
ANNUAL ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION
SET FOR SEPTEMBER 13
The Chamber and presenting sponsor, Fehr Graham, are hosting the Annual Elected Officials Reception. This informal event will be held on Wednesday, September 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Illinois REALTORS, located at 522 S. Fifth St.
As the voice of businesses in the greater Springfield area, The Chamber hosts this reception so that members have easy access to those elected officials who work on issues that impact our local businesses, and to encourage members to participate in the political process. The Chamber’s advocacy efforts give members a stronger voice in the policies that impact economic opportunity and the quality of life in Sangamon County and surrounding areas.
Cost to attend is $20 per person, and members can register online at www.gscc.org. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. A list of attending elected officials will be updated regularly on our website.
As a benefit of membership, this event is only open to Chamber members and their employees.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
WASHINGTON DC FLY-IN A SUCCESS CHAMBER, COMMUNITY LEADERS SHARE PRIORITIES
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance on this year’s annual Washington DC Fly-In in June to meet with our Congressional Delegation.
Twelve community leaders representing business, health care, education, city government, county government, and labor interests held meetings with Senator Durbin, Senator Duckworth’s staff, Congressman LaHood, Congresswoman Miller, and Congresswoman Budzinski.
Mayor Misty Buscher led the discussion on the City of Springfield and Sangamon County 2023 Priority Funding Requests. All the meetings were well received, and we look forward to continued federal support on these identified projects and other projects for our community.
2023 CORPORATE CUP CHALLENGE RESULTS
OUTING SOLD OUT BOTH DAYS
The Chamber’s Corporate Cup Challenge was held on July 20 and 21 at Piper Glen Golf Club. Fifty four teams participated over the two day event. The teams that earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Championship and Second Flights, as well as the On Course Contest Winners, are listed below.
Championship Flight
1st Place – Bank of Springfield
Brian Anderson*, Meredith Anderson, Greg Marantz, Hannah Marantz
2nd Place – Security Bank -Team 1 (Thu)
Darren Jones*, Ben Call, Mark Embree, Zach Reed
3rd Place – Security Bank – Team 2 (Fri)
Paul Antonacci*, Blaine Buente, Marc Maslauski, Brad Nell
Second Flight
1st Place – BUNN
Trina Nees*, John Mitchell, Mike Pioletti, Erik Turley
2nd Place – Highlander Renewables (scorecard playoff)
Chris Nickell*, Mike Cavanaugh, Nick Horton, Stan Komperda
3rd Place – Manpower (scorecard playoff)
Evan Jenkins*, David Knight, Chad Larson, Bryan Sumila
On Course Contests Winners (Name & Team)
Closest to the Pin
Hole 4 – Eric Wolf (Bank & Trust Company)
Hole 8 – Jeremy Stuenkel (Horace Mann)
Hole 12 – Meredith Anderson (Bank of Springfield)
Hole 15 – Brian Anderson (Bank of Springfield)
Longest Drive
Hole 2 (Men’s) – Blaine Buente (Security Bank – Team 2)
Hole 14 (Women’s) – Bailey Woolsey (Levi, Ray & Shoup)
Longest Putt
Hole 6 (Men’s) – Adam Schmidt (O’Shea Builders)
Hole 18 (Women’s) – Trina Nees (BUNN)
WHAT HAS RISE SPRINGFIELD BEEN UP TO?
CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS RECAP
RISE Springfield has been keeping busy with summertime activities within the community. Members of RISE volunteered at the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS June 29 - July 2 at Panther Creek Country Club. Those that volunteered worked the J&J Hospitality tent that was located on the 9th and 18th greens of the course.
July 12 was another fantastic turnout for RISE & Shine at Brandt! Our young professionals were able to network with each other and hear Tess Fyalka, O’Shea Builders present how to quiet or best manage your inner self-critic.
RISE Springfield and the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance THRIVE Allies met up at Robin Roberts Stadium to watch the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes take on the Champion City Kinds! Fun was had by all who attended the party deck at the game.
RISE held a Golf Skills Camp during The Chamber’s 28th Annual Corporate Cup Challenge at Piper Glen Golf Club on Friday, July 21. Those who attended the camp were able to learn more or brush up on their golf skills that included putting, chipping, driving and golf etiquette. We had a great turnout! Special thanks to our golf camp instructors from both Piper Glen Golf Club and SCHEELS.
Check out what’s on the horizon with RISE.
Upcoming RISE Springfield Events
August 23
RISE & Unwind
Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery (Beer Garden)
4:30 - 7:30 pm
Connect and network with other YPs in the community.
September 13
RISE with Elected Officials
Pre Event - The Chamber Office
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase & State Senator Steve McClure will share their perspectives on being young professionals in the political arena.
October 14
RISE Clothing Drive
Lincoln Land Community College (Trutter Center)
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Volunteer and help those who need professional clothing to feel and be successful at their future job!
*All events are complimentary. Register at www.gscc.org/rise
Registration is not required, but highly encouraged*
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
CONCERT TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIP FUND EVENT PRESENTED BY KNOB HILL LANDSCAPE COMPANY
The Greater Springfield Chamber Foundation Business Scholarship Fund will be the beneficiary of proceeds raised through the “Supper & a Song” Concert presented by Knob Hill Landscape Company on September 23 from 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Uncle Lucius, a band from Austin, Texas with 4 albums and 18 years of history under their belt, and whose rootsy blend of classic rock, blues, soul, and country flavors has won them a loyal fan following, will perform. More information about the band can be found at their website https:// www.yourunclelucius.com or you can listen to their music at https:// www.yourunclelucius.com/watch.
Local band Wayward Motel, an American, 5-piece rock band from Springfield, IL consisting of award-winning songwriters Josh Catalano, Rory Davis, Matt Natale, Ted Brannon, and Patrick Bruce Miller, will be the opening act.
Tickets are $100 each and will include a full farm-to-table dinner, 2-drink tickets, and the show. The event will be held outside under the stars
at the Knob Hill Outdoor Living Showroom including three fire features, multiple water features, and intimate lighting which make for a unique atmosphere for dinner and a show.
Register at https://knob-hill-landscape-company.square.site/. Tickets are limited.
The Greater Springfield Chamber Foundation, the 501(c)3 charitable arm of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, provides an annual $2,500 scholarship to a full-time junior, senior or graduate student within the College of Business at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Organizations or individuals interested in contributing to the scholarship fund should mail a check, payable to “Greater Springfield Chamber Foundation,” to the Chamber office at 501 E. Capitol, Suite A, Springfield, IL 62701. Contributions are tax-deductible.
SMALL BUSINESSES CELEBRATED / RECOGNIZED
AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED AT JUNE EVENT
The Chamber’s Annual Small Business Awards, presented by Hickory Point Bank, was held on June 14, and four local businesses received the prestigious awards. At the event, 50 nominees representing 38 businesses were recognized for their outstanding achievement in four different business categories. Nearly 480 people attended the event.
LIFETIME AWARD BUSINESS OWNER
LEONARD NAUMOVICH
PRIMO DESIGNS, INC.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
NOT-FOR-PROFIT DIRECTOR
MOLLY BERENDT
COMPASS FOR KIDS, INC.
(217) 691-8103
www.compassforkids.org
Compass for Kids’ mission is to provide academic and socialemotional support for children and families underserved by the community. Its vision is that all children in the community experience success and reach their full potential.
NEW & EMERGING BUSINESS OWNER
BRANDY FLETCHER
B’S CREATIVE STUDIO
(217) 726-6523
www.bscreative.studio
We exist to have fun and share the excitement in what they create. To help and encourage local artists to collaborate with other artists to share (and sell) their art/craft with everyone.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
WADE KAMMIN
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED
(217) 789-6468
www.wbu.com/springfieldil
Wild Birds Unlimited sells high-quality bird food, feeders and other backyard bird feeding supplies, as well as nature inspired gifts & décor for the garden and home.
(217) 523-6373
www.primodesigns.net
Primo Designs sells products that connect communities. They manufacture decorated apparel and promotional products for a target market of health care, corporate, construction and schools.
‘SHOES, BREWS & BIZ FEATURES LOCAL
FOOD, BREWERIES AND BUSINESSES
‘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, of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.
We still have spots available to participate in the business expo. Early Bird Registration of $150 is still going on but won’t last long. This price will include your table, two chairs and two tickets to participate in the ‘Shoes & Brews! Pricing will increase after September 7!
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.
Thursday, October 5 5:00 - 9:00 pm LRS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
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 see a list of participating restaurants and breweries or to register, go to www.gscc.org. For more information contact Melissa Horn at 217-525-1173 x216 or at mhorn@gscc.org.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
E. Adams St., Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 971-4435
W. Carpenter St. Suite A, Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 528-7541
For more information on the businesses that held a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org
For more information on our new members, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org
The Brinkerhoff Mansion
Capital City Motorsports
China Towne
Dabble
Dispatch Medical Transport
Fifth Third Wealth Advisors
First Electric Motor Shop
The Globe Tavern & Restaurant
Heartland HOUSED
Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
Illinois Environmental Council
Kentucky Burn
KIND Consulting LLC
The Lincolns of Springfield LLC
Lindsay’s Restaurant
Meridian
Pole Barn Chic Kids
Special Olympics Illinois - Region H
Taxstra PLLC
3rd Shift Kitchen
Twyford BBQ & Catering
Ziebler & Associates
INDUSTRY FOCUS
FOOD & RETAIL
Category Listings
To locate a member in any of these categories, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org
Antiques
Arts & Crafts
Bakeries, Donuts and Pastries
Bars & Taverns
Beverage Distributors
Bird Seed, Feeders & Nature Gifts
Boutiques
Cannabis - Recreational
Carpet & Rug Dealers
Catering
Chocolate/Candy Shops
Cigar Stores
Clothing
Clothing - Women’s
Coffee - Gourmet
Coffee Houses
Consignment - Services and Shops
Department Stores
Distributors - Food Service & Institutional
Flooring & Furniture Dealers
Florists
Food - Wholesalers & Distributors
Food Trucks
Furniture - Hand Painted or Repurposed
Furniture Dealers
Gift Baskets & Services
Gift Shops
Grocery Stores
Hardware - Retail
Home Decor - Inside or Outside
Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts
Jewelers
Jewelry - Gold, Silver & Costume
Lumber - Barn Salvage and Reclaimed Wood
Mattresses
Meat - Retail or Wholesale
Meat Packers
Microbreweries & Wineries
Music Store
Pawn Brokers - Resale Stores
Popcorn
Produce Distributors
Rental Stores
Resale Stores
Restaurants
Restaurants - Bar & Grill
Restaurants - Deli or Sub Sandwiches
Restaurants - Fast Food
Restaurants - Mexican-American
Restaurants - Pizza
Retail - Home Decor
Retail Stores
Shoe Stores
Shopping Centers & Malls
Tea Lounge
Toys
Vending Machines
HOTEL PROPERTY
1701 J DAV I D JONES PAR K WAY SPRINGFIELD, IL
Currently closed and in need of updating, this 2-story former Howard Johnson and most recently Motel 6 flagged hotel has 79 rooms with a large parking area and excess land situated on 8.61 acres. The property features a restaurant, meeting rooms, breakfast rooms and an outside pool. Good visibility, and is the closest hotel to the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.
Previously Valued Well Over $2,000,000
Suggested Opening Bid $500,000