Inset: Members of the RISE Executive Committee with Young Professionals Program Manager Olivia Lohse. L-R: Allision Long, Rachel Selvaggio, Lohse, Bailey Woolsey, Dakota Greer, Kaitlin Coultas, and Nicholas Koch.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Mike Murphy President and CEO
A recent national poll conducted by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), in partnership with The Harris Poll, highlights the significant benefits of chamber membership. The results are a compelling reminder for businesses to actively showcase their affiliation with their local chamber of commerce.
One standout finding is that 64% of adults familiar with their local chamber are more likely to purchase from businesses they know are chamber members. Similarly, 63% are more inclined to recommend those businesses to others. These statistics underscore the importance of proudly displaying your
chamber membership. Unfortunately, the study also revealed that only two in five people (40%) are aware of which businesses in their community belong to the chamber.
To maximize the benefits of your membership, ensure your Chamber Membership decal is prominently displayed at your entrance. Include your membership status in your marketing materials, both in print and online. By doing so, you not only enhance your business’s credibility but also encourage potential customers to support chamberaffiliated enterprises. Additionally, consider supporting fellow chamber members by using the Business Directory on our website (https:// business.gscc.org/list) when choosing goods or services.
Another noteworthy finding is that 70% of U.S. adults wish they knew more about the work their local chamber does for the community. Yet only 44% are familiar with their chamber’s mission and activities. This gap presents a tremendous opportunity for education and outreach.
If you know a group or organization that would benefit from learning about the chamber, consider asking them to invite me
Chamber’s Core Functions Advocacy
to speak with them. These conversations not only build community awareness but also highlight the value of chamber membership. When more people understand what the chamber does, they’re more likely to support businesses like yours.
Let’s work together to bridge this awareness gap. By spreading the word about our mission and encouraging others to recognize the advantages of chamber membership, we can drive more customers to your door. Wear your chamber membership proudly—it’s not just a symbol; it’s a powerful tool for growth and community connection.
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
Visionary Level
Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.
Professionals
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.
On Nov. 15, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas set aside the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) rule Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees (2024 Overtime Rule). The final rule, which was published April 26, would have increased the overtime salary threshold for millions of workers. Following the rule’s publication, states and trade groups challenged it, arguing that the DOL overstepped its authority with a significant increase and automatic adjustments.
The court did not provide an opinion on the validity of the salary basis or duties requirements of the exemption test. Since the court vacated, or set aside, the 2024 Overtime Rule nationwide, the overtime salary thresholds are set at the 2020 levels of $684 per week or $35,568 annually. Employees who are classified as exempt should continue to satisfy these preexisting salary and duties test regulations for all exemptions. Additionally, the salary
level for highly compensated employees has returned to $107,432 annually.
The DOL has the right to appeal the decision; however, the upcoming change in administration at the DOL adds uncertainty as to whether there will be a legal challenge. It is possible that President-Elect Donald Trump’s transition team may seek to delay any immediate appeal, pending an opportunity to review what the Trump-Vance administration’s decision will be on this issue. If an appeal is filed by the current administration at the DOL, the DOL’s leadership under the new administration could ask for a stay while it seeks to implement new regulations that undo or change the regulations that had been slated to go into effect on January 1. This would be similar to what happened in November 2016, when the DOL’s proposed changes to the overtime rules were invalidated and the new leadership at the DOL under the Trump administration withdrew the appeal and issued a revised rule that later went into effect in 2019.
Regardless of whether there is an appeal, this decision has no effect on state and local law overtime exemptions, so employers will need to continue complying with all requirements under those laws.
ANNUAL GALA SET FOR JANUARY 31
VOLUNTEERS, OTHERS TO BE RECOGNIZED
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Gala, presented by HSHS St. John’s Hospital, on Friday, January 31 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center.
This prestigious dinner provides an opportunity to gather with top business and community leaders throughout Sangamon County. This year we will recognize exceptional volunteer leaders, share accomplishments from the prior year and provide the Chamber’s vision and priorities for the year ahead. Leadership Springfield graduates and Small Business Award recipients from 2024 will also be recognized.
The evening will begin with cocktails starting at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, and the program at 7:45 pm, followed by a networking reception.
Tickets are available at $85 per person for Chamber members on or before the early bird deadline of Friday, January 10 ($100 after this date) or $1,100 for a table of 10. NEW to this year’s Annual Gala, registration will include two drink tickets for each attendee to redeem for domestic beer, wine, or soda. To register go to www.gscc.org.
We hope you will join us, other Chamber members, and community leaders for what promises to be a great evening!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PREMIER SPONSORS
PARTNER SPONSORS
Please call
ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN AVAILABLE
FIVE HEALTH ALLIANCE PLANS OFFERED
The Chamber’s Association Health Plan (AHP) aims to save members and their employees money while giving them more options with their healthcare choices. The AHP is geared towards small-to-mid sized businesses, allowing them to 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.
Health Alliance, well known throughout the state for high-quality care and excellent service, coordinates essential services, including claims administration, medical management, provider network access and pharmacy benefits for the association. Five different plans are available, and employers can offer up to two (2) plans.
To qualify, you must be a member in good standing of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Some groups may not qualify depending on underwriting.
Members can receive more information at www.gscc.org/ association-health-plan or by contacting Lisa Schafer (217) 5251173 ext. 203 or David Earhart at The Chamber at (217) 525-1173 ext. 215.
American Central Insurance Services, Inc.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. BOS Investment Services
Dimond Bros. Insurance Agency
Forsyth Insurance Group, Inc. Insurance Partners, Inc.
Lee/O`Keefe Insurance Agency, Inc. TROXELL
Dimond Bros. has the experience and resources your small business needs to offer the best Health Plan options for your employees.
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce was a recipient of the 15 Under Fifteen Award at a reception hosted by United Community Bank on October 24.
The roots of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce go back to 1869 when the Springfield Board of Trade was founded. The GSCC has been a driving force for the local business community, and is committed to enhancing member success and advocating for their interests. “Each day, we strive to equip our members with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive landscape,” said Mike Murphy, president and CEO. “Our dedicated team fosters an environment where businesses can truly flourish.”
Celebrating the success of local businesses plays an important role in sending a message regionally and statewide that the Springfield metropolitan area is a great place to do business. Murphy added, “We are truly honored to be recognized by the community for this award.”
This is the 22nd year that Springfield Business Journal has partnered with United Community Bank to recognize 15 outstanding small businesses in the local area. To qualify, a business must be located in Sangamon or Morgan County, have been open for at least two years and have 15 or fewer full-time employees. The recipients represent a wide variety of industries, and some have been in business for decades, while others are much newer. What they have in common is that each of these business owners is passionate about their company and providing a service to the Springfield area.
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DEVELOPMENT POLICY COUNCIL INSTRUMENTAL IN DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGES
The Development Policy Council (DPC) of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has made a significant impact on the local development landscape, thanks to decades of dedication and collaboration. Recently, the partnership between the GSCC and the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance has further strengthened the council’s mission.
Under the leadership of The Chamber’s newly appointed Co-Chairs Tom Fitch of Springfield Clinic and Tyler Cormeny of O’Shea Builders, the DPC has been instrumental in streamlining processes and driving positive changes, particularly in permitting and zoning. The council’s bi-monthly meetings bring together representatives from the City of
Springfield, Sangamon County, the Regional Planning Commission, and industry stakeholders from construction, commercial development, and homebuilding. Collaboration with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation ensures timely responses to relevant transportation issues.
Some notable achievements of the DPC include:
• Establishing Minimum Road Standards
• Adjusting Drive-Through Stacking Requirements
• Implementing 3rd Party Plan Reviews during peak periods
• Introducing Concurrent Reviews for Zoning and Annexation Requests
• Appointing a City Project Manager to oversee developments
• Publishing Annual Reports from Infrastructure Agencies
These efforts aim to streamline processes for developers and create a more efficient environment for growth. The DPC remains committed to addressing emerging challenges to foster continued progress.
If you’re interested in joining or learning more, you can reach out to Mike Murphy at mmurphy@gscc.org.
RISE SPRINGFIELD UPDATE
ENGAGING EMERGING BUSINESS LEADERS AGES 21 - 39
SAVE THE DATE: RISE SPRINGFIELD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Mark your calendars for RISE Springfield’s first ever Leadership Conference presented by INB! This event will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Memorial Learning Center.
The RISE Springfield Leadership conference is designed for young professionals who are looking to build personal and professional skills to help further their careers and become Springfield’s next group of leaders.
Stay tuned for our registration page to go live in January for more information and to reserve a spot for you and/or your young professionals!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
EVENT RECAP: RISE GIVE & TAKE PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING DRIVE
On October 11 and 12, RISE Springfield held their annual Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive.
Donations were accepted throughout the day on Friday the 11th as volunteers helped organize donations. The following day, RISE volunteers helped over 120 attendees find professional clothing for themselves and others. Donations left at the end of the day were taken to multiple local notfor-profit organizations.
RISE would like to thank Lincoln Land Community College for hosting the event, The Crafted Stag Supply for providing suit sizing assistance, and The Wardrobe Boutique, TechGuard Security LLC, SCHEELS, Bank of Springfield, and Hy-Vee for their donations of bags for attendees to transport clothes. We would also like to extend a special thank you to all our volunteers and everyone who donated clothing for helping make the event a huge success!
EVENT RECAP: NOVEMBER RISE & SHINE
On Wednesday November 6, Springfield area young professionals came together at the Springfield Clinic Allen Building to start their day off with coffee, breakfast, and great networking.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Jenny Patton, Director of Operations at Springfield Clinic, on the topic of stress management and work/life balance around the holidays.
We’d like to thank Springfield Clinic for hosting our November event as well as for their 2024 RISE Title Sponsorship!
RISE TITLE SPONSOR
RISE SPRINGFIELD EMPLOYER MEETINGS AVAILABLE
Want to learn more about RISE Springfield and how it could benefit your employees?
Our team is happy to meet with you and your management team, your employees, or both! We are able to tailor our presentation to any group for the most relevant and impactful experience on what we have to offer!
Contact Olivia Lohse at rise@gscc.org for more information or to schedule a time for RISE to visit your office!
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.
Closely/Privately Held Bus; Commercial Litigation; Land Use/Zoning/Condemn; RE: Commercial
Closely/Privately Held Business; Elder; Real Estate: Commercial
Barry Hines Barry Hines — Attorney at Law 217.953.4051 Agriculture; Real Estate: Commercial; Trust/Will/Estate
Michael Glenn Barton Bellatti Barton Cochran & White LLC 217.793.9300 Agriculture; Closely/Privately Held Business; RE: Commercial; Tax: Individual; Trust/Will/Estate
Mark S. Cochran Bellatti Barton Cochran & White LLC
217.793.9300 Agriculture; Environmental; Public Utilitie; Real Estate: Commercial; Trust/Will/Estate
Andrew G. White Bellatti Barton Cochran & White LLC 217.793.9300 Agriculture; Energy; Real Estate: Commercial; Real Estate: Residential; Trust/Will/Estate
217.544.1144 Commercial Litigation; Gov’t/Muni/Lobby/Admin; Land Use/Zoning/Condemnation; RE: Comm
217.544.1144
Commercial Litigation; Land Use/Zoning/Condemnation; PI Def: General; RE: Comm
Trust/Will/Estate
CHAMBER’S DIRECT MAILING PROGRAM
COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO REACH FELLOW MEMBERS
The Chamber’s Direct Mailing Program is a cost-effective way to reach fellow Chamber members with a direct mail piece. Each month, The Chamber organizes a mailing of flyers to members announcing upcoming Chamber events and programs. Members have the opportunity to insert a flyer into the mailing that reaches approximately 2,000 business leaders for a fraction of the cost of an independent mailing.
The Direct Mailing Program is a valuable way to advertise everything from a grand opening to the launch of a new service or product or to promote an existing service in a highly visible and timely manner. Frequency discounts are available.
For more information or to reserve your spot contact Teri Hill at (217) 525-1173 ext. 208 or thill@gscc.org.
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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BREAKFAST RECAP
VALUABLE INSIGHTS PRESENTED BY US CHAMBER KEYNOTE
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor Carrollton Bank held its Economic Outlook Breakfast on Thursday, November 7 at Lincoln Land Community College. Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, presented his outlook on the economy to over 170 members in attendance. During the breakfast,
Dubay covered a range of topics, including macroeconomic trends, global economic factors, policies and regulations, and market trends.
The Chamber would like to thank Presenting Sponsor –Carrollton Bank; Premier Sponsor - Hanson Professional Services Inc.; Partner Sponsors - Comcast Business / Xfinity Retail and the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance; and Venue Sponsor Lincoln Land Community College for making this event possible.
EMPLOYERS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE RETIREMENT BENEFIT
Illinois state law requires Illinois employers with five or more full-time and/or parttime (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 five (5) 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
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
RIBBON CUTTINGS
ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM -NEW EXHIBIT
212 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62701 | (217) 717-8520
FARRELL’S EXTREME BODYSHAPING
3246 Ginger Creek Drive, Springfield, IL 62711 (217) 993-9820
PHYSIOTHERAPY PROFESSIONALS
2201 West White Oaks Dr., Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 546-3301
DAN DEWEESE PAINTING & WOOD FINISHING 4735 Industrial Dr., Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 638-3143
FEAST BUFFET & FUNKIDDO, LLC 3125 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 970-4031
SHAYNA GIBBONS KEELEY BOUTIQUE 3278 W. Iles Ave., Springfield, IL 62711 (217) 717-1946
SMOKY JENNINGS SPRINGFIELD 3040 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62711 (217) 679-2810 For more information on these businesses, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org .
SPRINGFIELD IL FINANCIAL EDUCATION CENTER 2601 S. Fifth St. Suite 3, Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 257-7643
RIBBON CUTTINGS
TRUSTWELL LIVING OF SPRINGFIELD
2451 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 787-9000
VYPER DELIVERY
3460 Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711 (217) 679-1430
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).
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
For more information on our new members, please visit our Business Directory at www.gscc.org
Big Dog Construction Company (Window Depot dealer)
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois
D. Dowson Farms
Dermatology and MOHS Surgery Institute
GOGO Charters Springfield
Illinois State Fair
Lee Enterprises, Inc.
Lincoln Office
Main Place Properties
PhysioTherapy Professionals
Potter Drug
Premier Print Group
Login at www.gscc.org. To obtain login credentials, click the link on the login page or call The Chamber at (217) 525-1173.
Pro Bid, LLC
RE/MAX Professionals (Barbara Endzelis)
Richards & Stehman, LLC
Right Edge Lawn Care
Sapori Pizzeria & Italian Market
Sertoma Club of Springfield
Shayna Gibbons Keeley, LLC
Springfield Homes and Generational Care
Springfield IL Financial Education Center
Trailers Direct of Springfield LLC
The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois
INDUSTRY FOCUS
FINANCE & INSURANCE SERVICES
Category Listings
To
Agricultural Lending
Banks
Banks - Business Banking
Banks - Business Development
Banks - Commercial Lending
Banks - Consumer Banking
Credit Unions
Employee Benefits
Finance Companies
Financial Consultants
Financial Planning - Insurance
Financial Planning - Investment Securities
Financial Services
Insurance
Insurance - Bonding
Insurance - Financial Services
Insurance - Health, Dental, Life or Disability
Insurance - Long Term Care, Senior Health & Life
Insurance - Property & Casualty
Investment Services
Loans
Mortgages
Retirement Planning
Wealth Management
2025 CHAMBER BOARD
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Executive Committee
Board Chair
Tyler Cormeny, O’Shea Builders
Chair-Elect
Mylas Copeland, Green Toyota Volkswagen Audi
1st Vice Chair
Jeff Large, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.
Vice Chair
Angela Nguyen, Horace Mann
Vice Chair
Cal Thomas, Springfield Clinic, LLP
Secretary/Treasurer
Josh Shugart, KEB
Immediate Past Chair
Kayla Edwards, Express Employment Professionals
At-Large Directors
Brent Borah, Bank of Springfield
Chris Bullock, Capitol Media Group
Jen Call, TROXELL
Kevin Corbin, Edward Jones
Jeff Dillman, MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply, Inc.
Robert Ellison, Memorial Health
Marne Fauser, United Way of Central Illinois, Inc.
Josh Flanders, Buzz Bomb Brewing Co.
Ronda Folkerts, Hanson Professional Services Inc.
Matthew Fry, HSHS St. John’s Hospital
Bryan Gleckler, Lincoln Land Community College
Sharon Riechers, BUNN
Erica Riplinger, Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP
Appointed Director
Daniel Mahony, Southern Illinois University System
a.m.
2935 South Koke Mill Rd., Springfield Register at www.gscc.org
CHAMBER EVENT CALENDAR
SCHEDULE FOR 2025
The Chamber has scheduled its events for 2025. Please save these dates on your calendars, and watch for more information in our communications, including The Brief and Update magazine. Event information is also available at www.gscc.org.
January 31 Annual Gala
February 12 Ask HR Seminar
March 25
Youth / Spring Job Fair
May 20
State of Greater Springfield Luncheon
June 24
Small Business Awards Luncheon
July 17 & 18
Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing
August 26 Fall Job Fair
September (date TBD) Elected Officials Reception
October 9
‘Shoes, Brews & Biz
November (date TBD) Economic Outlook Breakfast
CHAMBER ON TAP
January 16 - OOT Box Media
February 20 - S & K Buick GMC
March 20 - Springfield Clinic
April 17 - Arlington’s Catering & Historic Venue
May 15 - Heartland Bank and Trust Company
June 12 - Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
July 10 - TBD
August 21 - TBD
November 13 - SCHEELS Sports Park
December 11 - Green Toyota
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS
February 11 - Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet
March 11 - SYNERGY HomeCare of Central Illinois
May 6 - Trustwell Living of Springfield
August 5 - Gateway Foundation
September 9 - Illinois Air National Guard - 183rd Wing