Update - February 2016

Lead • Influence • Impact

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February 2016 • 2015 Business Visitation Program Annual Report • Leadership Springfield celebrates 30 years • Development Policy Council works to improve development process

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INSIDE

Message from the CEO

Our new patient care tower was designed for very important people.

Everyone in our community.

What inspired our latest renovation? You. At every turn, we thought about what would make you more comfortable, how to better protect your privacy and how to deliver care in ways that improve the patient experience. For more information about how we are advancing care for you visit MemorialMedical.com.

advancing care by design

Photo by Terry Farmer

On the Cover The 2016 Board of Directors gathered for The Chamber’s Annual Meeting in December.

The names of our board members are listed on the side of this page.

Our Mission: Enhance our members’ success and advance our economy.

Our Vision: To be a catalyst that helps create a strong, growing economy through talent, leadership and collaboration.

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce 2016 Board of Directors Executive Committee Elena Kezelis....................................................Chairman Memorial Medical Center Foundation

Tom Gihl..................................................Chairman-Elect Illinois National Bank

Jim Britton..........................................1st Vice Chairman Express Employment Professionals

Cheryl Martin................................Secretary/Treasurer

Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP

Sheryl Daugherty.............Immediate Past Chairman

The Arizona Tile Company

At-Large Directors

Features

The Latest from Q5

Ruby Davis....................................Ruby Funeral Services

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Message from the CEO

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Carolyn Fleischli...........................Springfield Clinic, LLP

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Annual Business Retention &

Expansion Report released

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Anniversary magazine to celebrate 30 years of Leadership Springfield

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Changes made to Business Retention & Expansion program

and Chapel, Inc.

Pamela Frazier...................................................All In One On-Site Wash & Detail

Jennifer Gill............................................Springfield Public School District #186

Working together to improve the development process

Chuck Lucore......................................St. John’s Hospital

New date for Business Education Week

Lori Milosevich....................Estes, Bridgewater & Ogden

Greg Matthews...........................Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. John McCarthy.................The Horace Mann Companies Mike Murphy..................................Charlie Parker’s Diner Kevin O’Dea...............................................Neuhoff Media

News & Events 6

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147th Annual Gala celebrates 2015, prepares for 2016 Business Connections provides local showcase for products and services

Member Recognition 15

Ribbon Cuttings

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New Members

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Advertisers Index

Job Fair effective for recruiting your workforce New online portal for Members Only

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Dr. Charlotte Warren...................................Lincoln Land

Community College

Affiliate Directors Richard Lynch..........................Leadership Springfield

Town and Country Bank

Bill Kienzle................................................Ambassadors

Brother James Court

GSCC STAFF Joshua Collins.......................................Director of Business and Community Development Brianne Coons.....................................................Receptionist Julia Donohue...............................................Events Manager David Earhart...............Vice President - Member Services Ashley Earnest..............................................Events Manager Sarah Graham..........Director of Workforce Development Chris Hembrough...................................President and CEO Mark McBride..............Membership Sales Representative Jim Nelson.....................Manager of Business Retention & Expansion Tom Owen....................Membership Sales Representative Lisa Schafer..............................Vice President - Operations Wayne Utterback......................Communications Manager

UPDATE (USP 703 630) is published six times a year by The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 1011 S. Second Street, Springfield, IL 62704. $6.00 of annual dues for members covers yearly subscriptions. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UPDATE, 1011 S. Second Street, Springfield, IL 62704.

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Jim Sullivan...................................................Design Ideas

Sikich LLP

Alexandria Velten..................................Executive Assistant

The

District Association

Tim Smith.............Evan Lloyd Associates, Inc. Architects

Barbara Weatherford..................Business/Education Partnership of Sangamon County

State of the City provides glimpse of Springfield’s future Make connections with The Chamber

Dr. Diane Rutledge .........................................Large Unit

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Pamela Hart........................................Young Springfield Professionals Network Scott & Scott, Inc.

Ex-Officio Directors Gina Gemberling.........................Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mark Hanna ..........................Springfield Airport Authority Hon. Jim Langfelder ..............Mayor, City of Springfield Commissioner David Mendenhall...............Sangamon County Board

Brian Oaks...................Prairie Capital Convention Center Tim Rowles......................................The Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce

Lisa Clemmons Stott.............Downtown Springfield, Inc.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce 1011 S. 2nd Street Springfield, Illinois 62704 217.525.1173 | www.gscc.org

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Message from the CEO Welcome to the first edition of the 2016 Chamber Update Magazine!

This year, we will provide you with more editions (six), more opportunities, and more value. Since I started my role as President and CEO of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, one of the things I have learned is how many people, businesses, and organizations look to us for information. That’s not just any information, but the right information.

When we filter the abundance of information that is available and provide the RIGHT information to you, it can be a commodity, adding value to the work you do each day. That is the goal of the Update Magazine – to provide you with the right information – so we can enhance our members’ success and truly act as a catalyst that helps create a strong, growing economy in Sangamon County.

In this edition you will find a recap of our annual Gala, a celebration of the past year and the many volunteers

who add value not only to the work of The Chamber, but to our community at-large. You’ll see highlights of our 2015 work, our 2016 priorities, and specifics regarding events such as our upcoming Job & Career Fair, State of The City Luncheon, and Business Connections.

Getting top billing is a summary of our 2015 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Report, which is an examination of trends affecting the Springfield and Sangamon County business community as interpreted through the results of our on-site business survey. Last year, we visited 105 local businesses, conducting the survey, gathering critical information, and identifying the trends discussed in the BRE Report. This report has been shared with community leaders and policy makers in order to address identified issues related to growth, expansion, and creating a better business climate in Springfield and Sangamon County.

Chris Hembrough President and CEO The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce It is our hope that the Update Magazine will serve as a real resource for you and your organization as you chart your course for 2016.

2016 Chamber Events Below are the dates for Chamber events in 2016.

Please 'save the dates' on your calendar.

Greater Springfield Chamber Job Fair - Spring (April 7) Business Connections (April 28) Speed Networking (April 28) State of the City Luncheon (April 28) Leadership Springfield Graduation (May 25) Small Business Awards Luncheon (June 21) Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing (July 20) Plae Dae Picnic (July 29)

Passing the gavel

Photo by Terry Farmer

2015 Board Chair Sheryl Daugherty of The Arizona Tile Company, right, passes the gavel to 2016 Board Chair Elena Kezelis of Memorial Medical Center Foundation at The Chamber’s Annual Meeting in December.

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Greater Springfield Chamber Job Fair - Fall (Aug. 30) Elected Officials Reception (Sept. 15) Economic Outlook Breakfast (Nov. - TBA) CHAMBERUPDATE |

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Annual Business Retention & Expansion Report released The Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5) is a public/private partnership for economic development in Springfield and Sangamon County, led by The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. One of Q5’s most important programs is Business Retention & Expansion (BRE). A vast majority of job growth will come from businesses that are already located in our community.

We assist them in expansion and help to ensure they remain in Sangamon County. Additional objectives of the BRE program are to monitor our community’s business climate and address overall barriers to growth.

is vital to building trust with our local employers. All information, unless otherwise noted, is an accumulation of all information gathered from the 105 businesses who took part in the survey.

economy. Additionally, in the community strengths and weaknesses portion of the survey, more weaknesses were mentioned than strengths, which is unusual. There are obvious factors in our community where the state is without a budget and we believe that inaction at the Illinois State Capitol is playing a role in the downward mood. In our community, everybody is connected to someone who works for the state, whether it be a family member, neighbor, friend or customer.

We believe this is worth paying attention to in 2016.

It should also be noted that the data in this report is not scientific in nature, and only represents information that was gathered from the businesses we met with in 2015. While the BRE report is full of data, one of the themes we noticed in 2015 is a more pessimistic mood in the business community about the overall economy. However, this was often contrasted with increased sales, market share and overall growth in their own businesses. This is not surprising since the Economic Outlook Survey, conducted in the fall of 2015 by the University of Illinois Springfield, often indicates that businesses are more optimistic about their own business than the overall local

To achieve these objectives, Q5 staff meet with businesses and ask them to complete a survey, from which the results are used to compile the 2015 Business Visitation Program Annual Report.

All BRE visits are confidential, which

Overall, the data in the report is very positive with no businesses indicating an intention to leave or shut down and several businesses looking to expand with new capital investment and jobs.

The data reported out of the survey is more positive than the overall mood of the survey respondents.

Sales

Product

1.90%

4.76%

0.95%

19.05%

27.62% 11.43%

65.71%

Increasing

Stable

Decreasing

No Answer

68.57%

Growing

Emerging

8.57% 0.95%

Regional 4

1.90%

National

No Answer

0.95%

41.90%

52.29%

Local

Declining

Market Share

Primary Markets

36.19%

Maturing

55.24%

Increasing

Stable

Decreasing

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Strengths & Weaknesses Similar to survey results in 2014, the 2015 survey showed a variety of responses when community business leaders were asked what they saw as the strengths, weaknesses and barriers to growth in Springfield and Sangamon County. In the 2015 survey, the respondents were more vocal in expressing their thoughts on the “weakness area” and issues that they feel are preventing Springfield from growing. Strengths and weaknesses listed below are those that were mentioned by at least 10 different businesses.

Strengths: •

54 percent cited a stable economy (this also included strong medical and insurance fields, affordable cost of living, good schools and good support for locally owned businesses).

•

13 percent stated that Springfield’s central location and good transportation system were strengths of the community.

Weaknesses: •

• • •

56 percent of the respondents stated that property taxes are too high and that this prevents businesses from expanding or moving into the area.

31 percent stated that building and zoning takes too long.

26 percent stated that the airline fares are too high and that the service is not reliable.

23 percent stated that the lack of having a state budget has hurt business in our area.

Closing Summary The data collected as part of the 2015 Business Retention & Expansion program gives our community a sense of optimism for the future of our community’s economic outlook. While respondents seemed more pessimistic about the overall economy, the data shows that sales and market share are increasing and businesses plan on expanding, while also making capital investments and hiring new workers. Our economic development focuses on private sector employment, but Sangamon County’s largest single employer is still the State of Illinois. There is little doubt that the lack of a budget and the overall Illinois business climate has created a pessimistic outlook for Springfield businesses.

There is plenty to feel optimistic about with 16 businesses planning expansions and only one reporting a decrease in employment. Expansion plans for StandardAero will also have a significant positive impact on the local economy. The investment by Levi, Ray & Shoup in Lincoln Land Community College’s aviation maintenance program enhances our community’s ability to supply StandardAero with a qualified workforce and provides a unique asset for business attraction. For the full report, go to www.SpringfieldAdvantage.org and visit the Data section and then click on the Research Center page.

Changes made to Business Retention and Expansion program By the end of 2015, the Chamber's Business Retention and Expansion met individually with over 100 local businesses to discuss specific needs of local companies in the areas of finding and retaining employees, growth opportunities, expansion of their facility and any challenges that they face with regulations.

These interviews have shown that the local business community feels Springfield has a stable economy, a strong medical community, good transportation and a good CHAMBERUPDATE |

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educational system. Challenges for the business community include finding good qualified workers and the amount of rules and regulations a small business has to deal with daily.

In an effort to gain even more insight into local business issues, The Q5 staff will continue its oneon-one meetings but will also invite 7 to 10 business owners each month to have lunch for a broader discussion with staff and their business peers. The group setting will also offer the opportunity for

businesses to discuss what they see as strengths and weaknesses of the Springfield and Sangamon County business community, and share resources and solutions to problems and challenges they face.

The Q5 staff will still be available to meet with businesses on an individual basis to discuss confidential issues they may not wish to share in a group setting.

To participate in the BRE program, contact Jim Nelson (217) 525-1173 ext. 208 or at jnelson@gscc.org.

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147th Annual Gala celebrates 2015, prepares for 2016 The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce celebrated a successful 2015 while also ushering in a new year at its 147th Annual Gala. Among the celebrations, The Chamber recognized those who have helped lead our business sector and the community at large.

Three awards were given to Chamber leaders who went above and beyond their positions to help enhance our members’ success and advance our economy.

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Chairman’s Award - presented to Jennifer Gill, Superintendent of Springfield Public School District 186.

The Chairman’s Award is presented to a Director of the Board who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, extraordinary involvement, and exceptional dedication.

• Ambassador of the Year Award - presented to Teri Hill of the Illinois Times and the Springfield Business Journal.

The Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes the hard work and dedication of the individual that earned the most points for the various responsibilities of an Ambassador.

Photo by Terry Farmer

Chamber President and CEO Chris Hembrough speaks to the crowd about The Chamber’s vision and mission.

• President’s Award - recipients were Hy Bunn, President and CEO of the Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, and Dan Dungan, Executive Chairman of the Springfield Electric Supply Company. The President’s Award is given to an individual or organization who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to a project or program, thereby creating extraordinary benefits for Chamber membership.

Speaking at the event were Chamber President and CEO Chris Hembrough, 2015 Board Chair Sheryl Daugherty and 2016 Board Chair Elena Kezelis.

“Our Gala is the perfect opportunity to recognize all the people and organizations who come together to move our community and economy forward,” Hembrough said. “Our vision is to be a catalyst that helps create a strong, growing economy through talent, leadership and collaboration. It is through the work of our board and volunteers, our staff and business leaders, and, of course, the City and County that we are able to make that vision a reality.”

Event sponsors included Town and Country Bank as presenting sponsor; CEFCU, The Horace Mann Companies and HSHS St. John’s Hospital as diamond sponsors; Leading Lawyers and Jim Watts Electric as emerald sponsors; Color World of Printing as print sponsor; Cooper’s Hawk Winery Restaurants as wine sponsor; Best Expo, Inc. as stage decoration sponsor and ContentWorks LLC as graphic design sponsor.

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Photo by Terry Farmer

Bunn-O-Matic Corporation President and CEO Hy Bunn addresses the crowd after receiving the President’s Award.

Dan Dungan, Executive Chairman of the Springfield Electric Supply Company, also received the award.

Photo by Terry Farmer

Elena Kezelis of Memorial Medical Center Foundation and 2016 Chamber Board Chair discusses The Chamber’s priorities for the upcoming year.

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Anniversary magazine to celebrate 30 years of Leadership Springfield Leadership Springfield is working on something exciting!

We’re developing a commemorative magazine to highlight 30 years of accomplishments by the program and its participants.

This magazine will feature distinguished alumni, past projects, photos and much more! As a token of our appreciation, this magazine will be offered as a complimentary gift to all Leadership Springfield alumni. Moving forward, this magazine will be used for the next few years as a recruiting tool for future participants. Advertising opportunities are available.

If you’d like to share a story or photo to be considered for inclusion in the magazine or would like more information, please contact Ashley Earnest at 217-525-1173 ext. 212 or aearnest@gscc.org.

Update your contact info and help us reconnect with “missing” alumni Do you receive the monthly Leadership Springfield ChamberUpdate-Mitch Rogers.qxp_Layout 1 2/1/16 2:46 PM Page 1 Join us for the 7th Annual Leadership Springfield Alumni Alumni newsletter? If not, we may not have your current Networking Social! contact information. Please visit the LS Alumni section of the Chamber’s website and fill out the form to update your information.

We’re also trying to locate some of our “missing” alumni. You can find a list of these in the LS Alumni section. If you have contact information for any of these individuals, please fill out the form and help us reconnect.

Start near, at LLCC. Go far, like Mitch Rogers.

To stay current with Alumni news, make sure to check out www.gscc.org/pages/Alumni or the Leadership Springfield Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ LeadershipSpringfieldIL.

Upcoming Alumni Events • March 18 – 7th Annual Alumni Networking Social – The Grille at City Centre • April 15 – After Hours – TBD • May 20 – After Hours – The Alamo • May 25 – Graduation – Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center

Class of 2017 applications available – apply online today Starting with the Class of 2017, applications must be submitted online. The application deadline for the next class is June 30, 2016. Apply today - www.gscc.org/ ls-application.

For more information about Leadership Springfield, please visit www.gscc.org/leadership-springfield.

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Administrator, Cardiovascular Services, Memorial Health System A.A.S., Lincoln Land Community College B.S., M.B.A. with Honors, Benedictine University

Register now for summer classes!

Registration for fall classes begins April 21.

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www.llcc.edu CHAMBERUPDATE |

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Business Connections provides local showcase for products and services The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s Business Connections trade show will be held on Thursday, April 28 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. The show floor opens at 1 p.m. and is free to the public. The show is designed to provide businesses with opportunities to display and promote their products and services, and let customers personally experience what they have to offer.

Why participate?

The Prairie Capital Convention Center will be buzzing with booths representing healthcare, education, employment, recreation, salons, restaurants and many more. The variety of participating businesses is one of many great reasons to be a part of this event.

Business Connections is a unique opportunity to interact with customers on a face-to-face basis. We invite everyone to come in and check out what local businesses are doing to grow our economy. This is a great opportunity to make strategic connections and build business relationships, so don’t miss out!

businesses for over 40 years utilizing successful and experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Business Connections is the site of the largest Speed Networking event of the year, with nearly 100 participants sharing information and initiating valuable business relationships. Business After Hours at Business Connections is also the largest one of the year with food, drinks and a fantastic venue right on the show room floor. Networking has never been more fun or simple.

Sangamon CEO high school students will be present to share information and answer questions about their business.

Sangamon CEO is a year-long, accredited high school class made up of 31 students from seven different area schools that connects students to local business leaders and allows them to experience the challenges and rewards of running a business.

Presenting Sponsor

The State of the City Luncheon will also be held at the Convention Center and will serve as a kick-off to Business Connections (see below.)

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The Chamber’s mission is to enhance our members’ success and advance our economy. Business Connections provides our members with additional opportunities to reach out to fellow members and our community.

We encourage Chamber members as well as the public to attend Business Connections. To register for a booth or learn more, contact Julie Donohue at jdonohue@gscc.org or 217-525-1173.

Special Events

At Business Connections, SCORE will hold a number of business workshops which will include Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing with Constant Contact, Bank Lending and Small Business Administration Resources, and Google’s Put Your Business on the Map. SCORE has been mentoring new and existing

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

At Business Connections, companies display and promote products and services directly to potential customers.

State of the City provides glimpse of Springfield’s future Join your peers and local leaders for a status report on the City of Springfield.

Mayor Jim Langfelder will review accomplishments and challenges from the past year, and outline future priorities at the annual State of the City Luncheon. The event will be held on Thursday, April 28, at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, lower level, room B-11. The event begins CHAMBERUPDATE |

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promptly at 11:30 a.m. and is slated to adjourn by 12:45 p.m.

Regular price (April 14 or later) is $33 for members or $40 for non-members.

Register online by visiting our website, www.gscc.org, and finding the event on our Events Calendar.

Table sponsorships are available for $350 (10 seats and name of business printed in luncheon program). Any business or organization interested in being a table sponsor should contact Events Manager Ashley Earnest at 217-525-1173 or aearnest@gscc.org.

Early bird discount (if registered on or before April 13) is $28 for members and $35 for non-members.

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Make connections with The Chamber

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

Business After Hours at the Hilton Springfield, now Wyndham Springfield City Centre, took place in December. Each month, Business After Hours allows networking in a relaxed and friendly environment. Be sure to check the Chamber’s calendar on www. gscc.org and learn when the next After Hours will be held.

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

Attendees braved winter weather to be a part of Good Morning Springfield in January, hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County ReStore. Good Morning Springfield helps business professionals make connections six times a year.

Todd Garner, Vice President of Peerless Cleaning & Restoration, speaks during a seminar about Business Disaster Preparedness in late October. The Chamber holds seminars discussing topics crucial to the business community.

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

Illini Country Club hosted Business After Hours in January, drawing a large crowd for networking, food and drink. Business After Hours is an easy way to make new connections.

Reach thousands of local customers and businesses by advertising on The Chamber’s Website!

Don’t miss this opportunity to get noticed!

Contact Jim Nelson at jnelson@gscc.org for more information!

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Julie Donohue/The Chamber

Chamber Ambassadors gathered at the beginning of the year to celebrate their achievements through 2015. Members of the Ambassadors Committee make member contacts and participate in a variety of Chamber activities, including ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and Good Morning Springfield. The Ambassadors use a point system to recognize the accomplishments of individuals who serve on the committee. Earning the Bronze Award were Brent Borah of Bank of Springfield (not pictured) and Sherry Feagans of Martin One Source. Earning the Silver Award was Terry Farmer of Terry Farmer Photography. Earning the top level of achievement, the Gold Award, were Barb Weatherford of Town and Country Bank and Teri Hill of Illinois Times/ Springfield Business Journal.

Photo by Terry Farmer

Town and Country Bank served as presenting sponsor of The Chamber’s 147th Annual Gala. Town and Country Bank CEO Micah Bartlett, far right, served as emcee for the evening.

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Julie Donohue/The Chamber

James Glassman of JPMorgan Chase speaks at the Economic Outlook Breakfast in November.

Put your company in front of more than 2,000 business professionals in Springfield and Sangamon County.

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INSIDE

Q5 funding accelerates launch of downtown business incubator

Advertise in the Update Magazine!

Email Jim Nelson at jnelson@gscc.org for more information CHAMBERUPDATE |

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Chamber Job Fair effective for recruiting your workforce The Greater Springfield Chamber Job Fair will be held on Thursday, April 7 at the Wyndham City Centre Hotel from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

are available in marketing, sales, manufacturing, medical, administrative, banking, finance and retail.

The presenting sponsor of the spring fair is Lincoln Land Community College and Express Employment Professionals is the title sponsor.

Last year’s career fairs had over 50 employers participating from the central Illinois area. Companies are looking to hire individuals for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. Employment opportunities

Company representatives are continually impressed with the professionalism and the high quality job seekers that attend The Chamber job fairs. Over 600 job seekers traditionally attend the fair, which allows companies the opportunity to screen many individuals in a short period of time. In 2015, one employer collected over fifty resumes, another

set-up interviews with ten prospective candidates and one hired twenty-two employees from job fair events.

The Greater Springfield Chamber Job Fair is held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This year’s fall job fair is on August 30 at The Crowne Plaza from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Sarah Graham at 217-525-1173 or sgraham@gscc. org for more information or register at www.gscc.org if you would like to participate in the spring fair.

New online portal for Members Only Members now have a valuable benefit in the form of our new Members Only section, or Member Information Center (MIC), accessible from The Chamber ’s website.

Through the MIC, members can post news releases, highlight events, offer deals, post job openings, pay outstanding invoices and access resources. Only membership with The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce provides exclusive access to promote your organization via the

online Member Information Center.

offers through Hot Deals.

Membership listing: Update your listing to ensure everyone has access to up-to-date information. Completing your profile is critical to gaining increased visibility and exposure.

Your primary information is listed in the online membership directory.

Advertise events: Add your events to our online Community Events calendar displayed with quick links; use these links to share in your social media, text to mobile devices, add to calendar or email to others.

Hot Deals: Offer coupons and special deals. Fellow members may well be your best customers. You have the opportunity to make special

Job postings: Submit your own job openings. We will promote these positions on The Chamber’s website and in our social media.

Network with other members: Check out other member listings, jobs, deals, etc.

Access resources: Check your resources tab for items The Chamber posts for Members Only such as a membership directory in PDF format (updated quarterly), information from past seminars and member to member advertising information.

To login, please visit our website, www.gscc.org, click Member Login at the top of the home page. If you are unsure of your login information, contact The Chamber at 217-5251173 or email Brianna Coons at receptiondesk@gscc.org for an email invitation to create your login.

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Working together to improve the development process The Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5) started nine years ago as a public-private partnership to enhance economic development in the region. As part of the effort, Q5 leaders created the Development Policy Council (DPC), also a publicprivate partnership, that includes representatives from the City of Springfield; Sangamon County; the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission (SSCRPC); Springfield Metro Sanitary District; Capital Area REALTORS; the Springfield Area Homebuilders Association; developers; engineers; labor; bankers; and other stakeholders in local development.

One of the main initiatives is to assist in the improvement of local development policies, specifically in Springfield. While it is easier to identify problems as opposed to implementing solutions, the public and private sectors have worked together for many years to improve the development process, including several successful changes to Springfield ordinances.

The first ordinance improved the electric and water installation fees system for residential developments. At that time, developers were not provided with the cost of this going into a project. CWLP led the effort to fix the problem, proposing a system that allowed a developer and their engineers to easily calculate the cost of electric and water installation fees before submitting a project. Additionally, we worked together to incorporate an annual increase in the installation fees so it rises with the Consumer Price Index. The end result: more cost security for the City of Springfield, CWLP and developers.

Next, the DPC worked with the City, the SSCRPC, and representatives of the development community through an “agreed bill process,” streamlining Springfield’s Land Subdivision Ordinance. Changes included: • Front-loading the development process so that City Council reviews a proposed development plan and makes its determination before a developer spends significant amounts of money on engineering. It also assists neighbors, including a required notification process, similar to a zoning change, where a sign is posted on the property and a notice is listed in the newspaper, giving neighbors an opportunity to weigh-in on a project.

• A two-step process for large scale development projects, similar to the one mentioned CHAMBERUPDATE | gscc.org

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above, that front-loads project review and decisionmaking, again creating additional certainty for developers.

• Provides written comments to developers and their representatives from the reviewing agencies and creates simultaneous submissions for location sketch maps and preliminary plans.

The third successful ordinance change resulted in the updating of Springfield’s Arterial Roadway Network Plan for the first time in seventeen years. The implications of this are substantial when one considers that the Network Plan is part of the “developers agreement” that allocates a portion of necessary road improvement costs to developments.

The members of the DPC acknowledge there is more to do.

The DPC hopes to make additional technical improvements to the Land Subdivision Ordinance, and replace the “developer’s agreement” with a system that enhances the roadway network that is better for both the City and the development community.

Additionally, there are administrative and management items the City of Springfield is working on to improve the development process. The City’s Department of Public Works is working on placing the Springfield zoning maps online to provide the development community better access to zoning information.

Such a system already exists for the County’s jurisdiction. Public Works is also drafting a check-list that developers, engineers and builders can utilize to ensure all necessary information for a project is submitted together. The City is taking proactive steps to improve the building permit process.

The development process in Springfield has improved over the past several years thanks to the work of the DPC. We continually review processes and policies to ensure the promotion of development is ongoing.

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New date for Business Education Week Business Education Week, a program of The Business Education Partnership of Sangamon County (BEP), is designed to engage business professionals with Sangamon County schools. This week focuses on partnering business representatives with principals or teachers to participate in the Principal for a Day or Business Professionals in the Classroom programs.

These programs help build relationships between area organizations and county schools, create meaningful dialog about our schools and how they operate, and strengthen community partnerships between business and education.

This week has traditionally occurred in the spring. With the change to school assessments and varying spring break schedules, finding a week that worked for all of our county schools was becoming quite difficult. The Business Education Partnership Partners Committee decided to move Business Education Week to the fall and focus on securing business

partnerships for areas schools in the spring. This will allow businesses to become engaged with local schools sooner and develop a partnership for the following school year. Additionally, the switch will allow more principals and teachers to become involved in Business Education Week because their schedule will be more flexible without assessments around the corner.

Participants in the past have found these two programs very rewarding because they are made aware of challenges educators face and learn about the many successes that occur in our local schools. If you are interested in participating in Principal for a Day or Business Professionals in the Classroom this fall, please contact Sarah Graham at sgraham@gscc.org or (217) 525-1173. The date will be announced soon, as we are still working with area districts to find what works best for them.

BEP was established in 2005 when The Chamber recognized a need to support education by developing business and civic partnerships for schools. The partnership incorporates public and private organizations, so students can be exposed to multiple career opportunities throughout their education. Ultimately, the goal is simple, to strengthen the community partnerships and encourage student achievement. The stronger our education systems are, the stronger our businesses and their workforce become. Currently, the biggest threat to economic development is the lack of a skilled workforce. The BEP hopes early exposure to a variety of careers will encourage students to plan for their chosen career path.

Want to reach members through Chamber emails?

Business Loans That Pay Dividends At CEFCU®, we believe your Business Loan is more an a loan — it’s an investment. That’s why we offer flexible business financing options, local loan decisions and servicing, competitive rates, and more.

Plus, CEFCU is a member-owned credit union. So, when business results permit, CEFCU’s volunteer Board can vote to return profits to CEFCU member/owners in the form of a year-end Extraordinary Dividend.

To learn more, call 217.546.2010 or visit cefcu.com/owner today.

If you paid $1,900/month in business loan interest from 2010–2014, at the end of those five years you’d have earned Extraordinary Dividends totaling more than $5,000.*

*Estimate only; assumes equal interest costs of $1,900 for every month throughout calendar years 2010-2014. Past dividends are used for illustration only, and are not a guarantee of future results.

cefcu.com

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Federally Insured by NCUA

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Reach more than 3,000 email subscribers by advertising your business in the eUpdate!

Email jnelson@gscc.org to learn more!

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Ribbon Cuttings

Financial Keepers, LLC 1700 S. Spring St. (417) 812-5945

Friendly Chevrolet 2540 Prairie Crossing Drive (217) 547-0700

Home Instead Senior Care 2055 W. Iles Ave., Suite H (217) 547-1300

Joslin Diabetes Center 1118 Legacy Pointe Dr. (217) 787-8870

Krispy Kreme 2301 W. Monroe St. (217) 718-6200

Congressman Darin LaHood 235 S. 6th St. (217) 670-1653

Land of Lincoln Credit Union 300 S. Grand Ave., West (217) 528-0677

RSM 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 500 (217) 789-7700

State Farm Insurance - Mark Cortesi Agency 924 Clocktower Drive (217) 787-1727

University of Illinois Springfield Challenge Course (217) 206-7103

Westside Pain Clinic 2700 W. Lawrence, Suite J-4 (217) 546-6698

Woare’s, Inc. 2500 Peerless Mine Road (217) 528-7368

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Welcome to our New Members Joined in December, 2015 and January, 2016

CarMax

Glass Doctor/Capital Glass

Brenda Basile T: (720) 460-8153 brenda_l_basile@carmax.com http://www.carmax.com Automobile Dealers

Josh Koster T: (217) 787-1215 jkglassdoctor@yahoo.com Glass - Automobile, Plate, Window, etc.

Chick-fil-A White Oaks

hibu

Katherine Wade T: (217) 546-2000 cfawhiteoaks@gmail.com http://www.cfarestaurant.com/ whiteoaks Restaurants

Jane Mosey-Nicoletta T: (217) 971-4179 jane.moseynicoletta@hibu.com http://www.hibu.com Advertising - Internet

The Chili Parlor (formerly The Den, Joe Rogers’ Chili) Stephanie Beal T: (217) 523-4989 itschilitime@hotmail.com Restaurants

Shane Stephens T: (217) 726-5599 springfield.il@completenutrition.com http://www.completenutrition.com Health & Nutrition

Country Lane Memory Care

Assisted Living Carrie Claussen T: (217) 725-2657 cari@countrylanememorycare.com http://www.countrylanememorycare. com/about-us Assisted Living Facility

Steven Poe T: (217) 522-2408 esmboats@aol.com http://www.eastsidemarine.com Recreation

Energized Graphics

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Brandy Riley T: (217) 241-7943 info@energizedgraphics.com http://www.energizedgraphics.com Web Site Services

Brandy Riley T: (217) 241-7953 info@icl.coop http://www.icl.coop Advertising - Publications

J. Hilburn/Danny Flynn

Complete Nutrition

East Side Marine, Inc.

Illinois Country Living

Danny Flynn T: (217) 899-9531 danny.flynn@jhilburnpartner.com http://www.dannyflynn.jhilburn.com Clothing - Men’s

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Sara Friedrich T: (217) 679-5686 lq6647gm@laquinta.com http://www.laquintaspringfieldil.com Hotels and Motels

Le-Vel-Sherri Leopold Independent Promoter

Sherri Leopold T: (217) 341-1135 sherrileopold2@gmail.com http://www.sherrileopold.le-vel.com Health & Nutrition

Longhorn Steakhouse

Amber Johnsen T: (217) 726-5130 http://www.longhornsteakhouse.com Restaurants

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McAlister’s Delli

Tom Manley T: (217) 210-0695 mcalisters.deli1443@gmail.com https://www.mcalistersdeli.com/ Restaurants

Norb Andy’s Tabarin

Kimberly Young T: (217) 679-5062 norbandystabarin@gmail.com http://www.norbandystabarin.com Bars & Taverns

Phoenix Tree Design

Ash Hamilton T: (217) 597-3263 ash@phoenixtreedesign.com http://www.phoenixtreedesign.com Graphic Design

Rippon-Kinsella House

Roger Schmitz T: (217) 241-3367 ripponkinsella@att.net http://www.ripponkinsella.com Bed & Breakfasts

Rochester Business Association

Doug Zobrist T: (217) 498-1004 http://rochesterbusinessclub.com/ Associations

Safeguard General Contracting, Inc.

Chris Mikus T: (217) 691-9863 chris@safeguardgc.com http://www.safeguardgc.com Remodeling

Springfield Char House

Tracy Wilson T: (217) 679-5022 springfieldcharhouse@gmail.com http://www.springfieldcharhouse.com Restaurants CHAMBERUPDATE |

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Springfield Mechanical Corporation

Sherrie Smith T: (217) 528-0080 sls.59@hotmail.com Real Estate - Property Management

Springfield Shooting Center Kathryn Jackson T: (217) 585-7199 springfieldshootingcenter@gmail. com http://springfieldshootingcenter.net Guns & Gunsmiths

State Farm Insurance

Daton Kaisner T: (217) 698-2900 daton@datonkaisner.com http://www.datonkaisner.com Insurance - Financial Services

Turbo Fire Pizza

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Tim Collins T: (217) 523-2180 timcollins23@yahoo.com Restaurants

CEFCU - p. 14 GoWeb1.com - p. 3 Hickory Point Bank & Trust, fsb - p. 7

Ware Group General Agencies

Hillier Records Management Company - p. 17

Brad Probst T: (217) 607-0742 brad@waregroupga.com http://www.waregroupga.com Insurance - Employee Benefits

Hillier Storage & Moving Company - p. 7 Jim Watts Electric, Inc. - p. 13

White Fox Social Media

Cathy Mosley T: (217) 546-9280 whitefoxsocialmedia@gmail.com http://www.whitefoxsocialmedia.com/ Consultants - Social Media

For more member information, visit the online member directory at www.gscc.org.

Lincoln Land Community College - p. 8 Memorial Health System - Inside Front Cover Williamsville Bank & Trust - Back Cover

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