Update - August 2023

Wade Kamman, Wild Birds Unlimited

Molly Berendt, Compass for Kids

Wade Kamman, Wild Birds Unlimited

Molly Berendt, Compass for Kids

Brandy Fletcher, B’s Creative Studio Len Naumovich, Primo Designs

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 CEO

Our 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.

PARTNER SPONSOR

PREMIER SPONSOR

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)

* Team Captain

Presenting Sponsor

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.

Hangar

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

VELE