Update - June 2016

Lead • Influence • Impact

gscc.org

June 2016 Volume I No. 18

• Small Business Award recipients • Q5 funds minority program at LLCC • Workforce data now available to members

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INSIDE

The Chamber travels to Washington, D.C.

Submitted photo

On the Cover The Chamber, along with local officials and business leaders, traveled to Washington, D.C. and met with Representative Rodney Davis and other legislators.

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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Pamela Frazier...................................................All In One

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Message from the CEO Small Business Awards recipients named Chamber coordinates meetings with officials in Washington, D.C.

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Chamber seeks business support for a Certified Work Ready Community Springfield Black Chamber holds Power Brunch Chamber offers access to workforce data

and Chapel, Inc. On-Site Wash & Detail

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

Dr. Chuck Lucore....................HSHS St. John’s Hospital Greg Matthews...........................Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. John McCarthy.................The Horace Mann Companies Lori Milosevich....................Estes, Bridgewater & Ogden Mike Murphy..................................Charlie Parker’s Diner Dr. Diane Rutledge .........................................Large Unit

District Association

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News & Events 3

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Legislative Update provided overview of new changes to overtime rules

Chamber’s Q5 funds new LLCC minority business mentoring and internship program

Tim Smith.............Evan Lloyd Associates, Inc. Architects Jim Sullivan...................................................Design Ideas Dr. Charlotte Warren...................................Lincoln Land

Community College

Affiliate Directors Pamela Hart........................................Young Springfield Professionals Network

Scott & Scott, Inc.

Leadership Springfield graduates 30th class

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

Brother James Court

Jamie Stout..............................Leadership Springfield

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Lincoln Land Community College

Chamber Job Fair slated for August 30

Barbara Weatherford..................Business/Education Partnership of Sangamon County Town and Country Bank

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Plae Dae Picnic is just around the corner Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing set

Member Recognition 8

Ribbon Cuttings

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Welcome to our New Members

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Advertiser’s Index

GSCC STAFF Joshua Collins.......................................Director of Business and Community Development Bri Coons.......................................................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 Alexandria Velten..................................Executive Assistant

UPDATE (USPS 0703 630) is published six times a year

by The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 1011 S. Second Street, Springfield, IL 62704. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UPDATE, 1011 S. Second Street, Springfield, IL 62704.

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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

On May 16, after 11 months of research and evaluation conducted at the request of Superintendent Jennifer Gill, The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce delivered a report to the Board of Education of Springfield Public School District 186, detailing the business community’s perceptions of the District and its test of the validity of those perceptions.

The school system and the business community have a vested interest in each other’s success. Schools benefit from community partnerships, and today’s students become tomorrow’s pipeline of local workforce talent. Existing and prospective businesses need a strong community in order to recruit and retain employees – and a strong school system is the backbone.

Understanding this unique relationship, in the spring of 2015, Superintendent Jennifer Gill asked The Chamber to survey the business community to better understand the perceptions around the K-12 public school system.

The Chamber, with the approval of its Strategic Leadership Council, allocated funds from the Q5 initiative to hire a professional market research firm to conduct the survey in June 2015. Once the perceptions survey was completed, in keeping with Superintendent Gill’s request, we engaged a task force of local business leaders, led by an outside consultant, to evaluate the data and stories behind the perceptions and test how they align with reality.

After months of information gathering and study, our final report focused on four key areas of interest to the business community: staff evaluation, student achievement, facilities and finances.

In each area, the report details the perceptions of the business community, how the perceptions were evaluated, and the conclusions drawn by the task force.

We found this process to be incredibly informative, and we will continue to share what we’ve learned with the community.

The report provides a solid foundation for

the business community, as well as the community at-large, to gain a better, more accurate understanding of the Springfield Public School system.

A top-level summary of the perceptions and task force conclusions revealed: n

Staff Evaluation: Survey respondents had positive opinions about teachers, but had concerns regarding the teacher evaluation process.

• Conclusion: The task force concluded that District 186 currently utilizes an in-depth, rigorous evaluation process that is consistent with the principles used by many businesses and corporations today.

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Student Achievement: Survey respondents felt the District had adequate core courses, but had concerns regarding elective opportunities and were unsure if students were prepared to graduate with workforce or college readiness.

• Conclusion: The task force concluded that District 186 provides a quality education, including a substantial number of advanced placement and dual credit courses, providing the kind of rigor that helps prepare students for both college and the workforce.

The task force concluded that the top 25 percent of District 186 ACT scores compared favorably with suburban Sangamon County public and private schools.

n Facilities: A majority of respondents had concerns about school facilities, but were unsure how this impacted student learning.

• Conclusion: The task force concluded that highly efficient facilities create spaces to conduct 21st century learning practices, which can enhance student learning and employee satisfaction. They encouraged

Chris Hembrough President and CEO The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce the District to consider a comprehensive facilities study to inform long range planning. n

Finances: Survey respondents did not think the District is adequately funded, and a little more than half were unsure if funds are spent wisely.

• Conclusion: The task force reviewed District finances in three areas – revenue, expenses and fund balances – and found that the District financial data compares consistently with other Central Illinois urban school districts. In fact, over the last three school years the District has not only used its resources efficiently and wisely, eliminating deficit spending, it has increased its fund balance, with a goal of increasing it to a minimum level of 15 percent of annual revenues as recommended by Illinois State Board of Education.

The Chamber’s full and final report is available on our website at gscc.org.

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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Legislative Update provided overview of new changes to overtime rules The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Update on May 24 to review changes to overtime rules initiated by the United States Department of Labor. Effective December 1, employees earning $47,476 or less annually must be paid overtime when working more than 40 hours per workweek.

Local law firm Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen sponsored the event. Partners of its firm, Deb Stegall and Dan Simmons, provided an overview of the overtime changes as well as changes to the definition of misconduct under the Unemployment Insurance Act. In addition, Ben Brockschmidt with The Illinois Chamber provided information on pending bills at local, state and federal levels.

More than 70 Chamber members attended, and survey respondents indicated the information they received was critical to helping them prepare for these major changes to the overtime laws. They also noted a desire for a follow-up session prior to the deadline for implementation, and Chamber staff are considering options for offering this to its members.

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

Dan Simmons of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen speaks to the audience about changes to the Unemployment Insurance Act.

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

Deb Stegall of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen shows the audience a printout of the latest overtime rules changes.

Wayne Utterback/The Chamber

Ben Brockschmidt with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce talks about pending bills at local, state and federal levels.

Save the Date

Elected Officials Reception

& GR ADUATE

Thursday, Sept. 15 Illinois Association of Realtors 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with individuals who have been elected to serve our community. This informal reception will provide a unique networking opportunity to interact face-to-face with city and county elected officials.

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Small Business Awards recipients named her life to helping others. Since coming to the Phoenix Center in 2006, she has been working with the LGBT community and those with HIV/ AIDS.

The Chamber hosted the 31st Annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards on June 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The event, presented by Hickory Point Bank & Trust, recognized five outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following categories: The 2016 recipient for Not-for-Profit – Business Director of the Year is Jonna J. Cooley, PhD, The Phoenix Center. Working in social services since 1986, Jonna has dedicated

Photo by Terry Farmer

2015 Not-for-Profit – Business Director of the Year Tiffany Simmons of Community Connection Point presents the award to 2016 recipient Jonna J. Cooley, PhD of The Phoenix Center.

The 2016 recipient for New & Emerging – Business Owner of the Year is Susan Sullivan Danenberger, Danenberger Family Vineyards. After a tornado hit her family farm in 2006, Susan decided to take the opportunity to transform her 5th generation centennial farm into a vineyard and winery. Since the first grapes were planted eight years ago, Susan’s wines have earned recognition in international wine competitions.

The 2016 recipient for Small Business – Owner of the Year is Laura Carmody, Home Instead Senior Care. Since 2011, Laura has seen the franchise successfully grow, earning nine national revenue awards. She was recognized by the home company as the local franchise with the third largest revenue growth out of 600, all the while helping and serving

Photo by Terry Farmer

2015 Small Business – Owner of the Year recipients Jodi Cole of Flea Market to Fabulous and Joe Doone of Stanley Steemer of Central Illinois, Inc. pass the award to 2016 recipient Laura Carmody of Home Instead Senior Care.

Photo by Terry Farmer

Mayor Jim Langfelder presents the Outstanding Civic Involvement – Small Business Owner of the Year award to the 2016 recipients, Kevin Seals and Mina Biggs of Hanson Professional Services, Inc. 4

families and seniors in central Illinois.

The 2016 recipient for Lifetime Award – Business Owner of the Year is Stan Travelstead, American Central Insurance Services, Inc. Choosing a business or career path that one is passionate about is vital to success. Stan and his team have been in business for 29 years and their passion has carried them through the highs, the lows and the long hours that are necessary to be successful.

The 2016 recipients for Outstanding Civic Involvement – Small Business Owner of the Year are Sergio Pecori, P.E., Jeff Ball, P.E., Bob Cusick, P.E., S.E., and Jo Ellen Keim, CPA, Hanson Professional Services, Inc. Hanson Professional Services’s Grow Our Own Minority Participation Program is a nationally recognized program with the goal of fostering interested high school students in careers involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and providing opportunities through education, job training and paid internships.

Photo by Terry Farmer

2015 New & Emerging – Business Owner of the Year recipient Joshua Becker of Cocoa Blue Chocolates presents the award to 2016 recipient Susan Sullivan Danenberger of Danenberger Family Vineyards.

Photo by Terry Farmer

2015 Lifetime Award – Business Owner of the Year Terry and Sandy Farmer of Terry Farmer Photography give this year’s award to 2016 recipient Stan Travelstead of American Central Insurance Services, Inc.

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Chamber seeks business support for a Certified Work Ready Community

The Chamber’s Q5 Workforce and Education Council applied for Sangamon County to become a Certified Work Ready Community (CWRC), and was one of eight counties accepted in the U.S. ACT, known for college entrance exams, is the organization that provides this certification.

This achievement would mean Sangamon County has a system in place to align our workforce with business employment needs. At the center of the certification process is the National Career Readiness Certificate, or the NCRC. The NCRC focuses on certifying three essential skills in individuals – applied math, reading for information, and locating information.

Counties participating in the CWRC program work to have their emerging, unemployed and current workers take the NCRC, a series of tests to obtain their employability certificate. This certificate demonstrates skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and mathematical reasoning, all of which are in demand by employers. Each individual will be certified as bronze, silver, gold or platinum based on their performance on the tests. Lincoln Land Community College will provide online assessments that test individual’s knowledge in the three areas listed previously.

The job seeker will receive a certificate guaranteeing their skills and that certificate is transferrable anywhere in the United States.

Employers that recognize this certification from applicants can use its ranking to assess an individual’s chance for success within their organization, just as the ACT test predicts if a student is prepared and will be successful in college. The certification will help businesses hire the most qualified people for opportunities within their organization, which leads to lower turnover and fewer accidents on the job.

The NCRC also helps validate the quality of a community’s workforce to help attract

Small Business Awards continued

Photo by Terry Farmer

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner speaks to the audience during the Small Business Awards.

Rauner celebrated the award recipients and stressed the importance of small businesses to Illinois.

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and retain companies, as well as reveal areas where improvements can be made.

If we want to grow our local economy it’s vital that we know the make-up of our workforce, their skills and what employees are available to current and new employers. We are asking companies to show their support and recognize this initiative by filling out this form.

Please contact Sarah Graham with questions at sgraham@gscc.org or (217) 525-1173.

Being a Certified Work Ready Community will position Sangamon County to be a leader in the state, engaging area business, education and economic development leaders to work together toward the shared goal of creating jobs and growing the economy. The certification will help Sangamon County attract and/or expand business and industry by presenting economic developers and site selectors the qualifications of our workforce with real data. Once certified, using data, processes and tools provided by ACT, this certificate will help Sangamon County measure and close the skills gap and help align our workforce development efforts. Sangamon County will be nationally recognized for our workforce, and a strong workforce is a tremendous economic advantage.

Springfield Black Chamber holds Power Brunch

Submitted photo

Future entrepreneurs participated in professional development, including “branding their businesses” at the Young Professional Power Brunch, held April 23 at Lincoln Land Community College's Trutter Center. The Brunch was the first in a series of power brunches sponsored quarterly by the Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce.

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Chamber offers access to workforce data and it can be used when responding to information requests from businesses considering relocating to the community, or to assist any business in our area thinking of expansion.

In today’s data-driven world, companies make real-time business decisions using metrics and data from their own business activity or third-party sources. Gathering that data isn’t always easy though, and many times can be expensive in terms of dollars and staff time.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has invested in a software that provides critical workforce data easily, and it’s offering this information to its members and Q5 investors as a member benefit, as well as using it in its Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5) economic and workforce development efforts.

This new software, called Jobs EQ, is a nationally recognized technology platform that delivers a careful analysis of the capacity and capability of our area’s workforce. This web-based system provides Q5 staff access to data and information about our local labor market,

Ponder this scenario: A small manufacturer is having difficulty filling a welder position. This software can identify not only the location of workers that currently work in that field, but also people that have the skills to be successful in that position, and where both sets of people reside. Using this data allows the business owner to target recruiting efforts to those communities where the skill sets exist. It can also provide that business owner with other valuable information like the percentage of people within a designated area that hold those skills, average wages for that position, and a five-year outlook for the availability of workers…just to name a few.

Another way the information is utilized is providing critical workforce information to companies considering relocating to the Springfield and Sangamon County area. A site selector may contact our Q5 economic development team to find out if our area can fill its workforce need of 150 customer service representatives. Our staff can analyze how many currently employed or unemployed workers are available within the boundaries of the City of Springfield, Sangamon County, or within a certain radius of the area using commute times.

They can also provide the labor outlook for those jobs to the inquiring company.

Providing this information quickly and

accurately increases our chances of bringing new employers to Sangamon County.

The software’s data is gathered by scientists, statisticians and PhD economists, using reliable sources such as Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Center for Education Statistics among many others, helping to identify our community’s assets, strengths and weaknesses. Jobs EQ allows staff to access detailed data, such as employment, wages, and demographic statistics. Information is provided for our state, region, county and city, and can be as specific as a zip-code level of detail. Additionally, reports can be gathered quickly and easily which will help communicate our data through charts, tables, and maps. Site selectors and industry executives respond to datadriven, empirical evidence that a region’s workforce has the skills they demand.

Current, occupation-specific data is coupled with education system data to help describe our area’s workforce pipeline.

Ultimately, this software will help our community with business retention, expansion and attraction by providing current employers and location decision makers real time data on our community’s workforce capabilities. If your company needs workforce information, we encourage you to contact Sarah Graham, Director of Workforce Development, at sgraham@gscc.org or (217) 525-1173.

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www.llcc.edu/inspirational-professors

Inspirational Professors Carmen Allen Professor, Computer Programming Doctoral candidate 20 years teaching experience Programmer and analyst

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At LLCC, you’ll learn from inspirational professors with real world experience who will take you far. Find out why people often say, “the best professors I ever had were at LLCC.” Register now for fall classes.

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Leadership Springfield graduates 30th class

Leadership Springfield graduated its 30th class this year on May 25 at Northfield Inn & Suites. Over the past three decades, more than 800 participants have completed the program. Last month, the 30th anniversary class graduated from the program. Marita Zuraitis, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Horace Mann Educators Corporation, spoke to the graduates about the importance of leadership and being involved in the community.

Over the past few months, new promotional items have been developed including an updated logo, anniversary magazine and promotional video.

11th Annual Distinguished Alumni Award recipient named

Do you receive the monthly Leadership Springfield Alumni newsletter? If not, we may not have your current contact information. Please visit the LS Alumni section of the Chamber’s website and fill out the form to update your information.

The 11th Annual Distinguished Alumni Award was presented at the graduation ceremony. This award is given to an alumnus or alumnae of the program whose achievements in business and community reveal prominent leadership skills. The individual’s leadership must result in significant contributions to his or her place of employment or to the Springfield community. This year’s award was presented to Karen Conn, a graduate from the Class of 2005.

Anniversary magazine available now

In conjunction with the 30th anniversary, the program has undergone a rebranding effort to give a more modern appeal that will serve Leadership Springfield well into the future.

The Leadership Springfield Advisory Board would like to thank those who helped develop these new materials including Mayor Jim Langfelder, a graduate of the Class of 1993, and the Communications Department of the City of Springfield, for putting the video together and to the alumni featured for providing their time.

All alumni are invited to stop by the Chamber office for a copy of the magazine.

Update your contact info and help us reconnect with “lost” alumni

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

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. For more information on Leadership Springfield, contact Ashley Earnest at aearnest@gscc.org or call 217.525.1173.

Submitted photo

Leadership Springfield graduated its 30th class May 25 at Northfield Inn & Suites. Thirty participants from local businesses and organizations completed the course in 2016.

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Ribbon Cuttings

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AAA - Rambach Insurance Agency 2815 Old Jacksonville Road, Suite 103 (217) 331-5424

AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill 2753 Chatham Road (217) 546-6906

Barney’s Furniture, Inc. 1987 Wabash Ave. (217) 789-1926

Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet 2941 Plaza Drive (217) 793-1840

CarMax 2531 Chuckwagon Drive (217) 331-6614

Cocoa Blue Chocolates 4015 Meadowbrook Rd. (217) 498-1261

Community Connection Point 901 S. Spring St., Suite B (217) 525-2805

Country Lane Memory Care Assisted Living 875 Riverton Road, Riverton (217) 725-2657

East Side Marine, Inc. 2525 N. Grand Ave. East (217) 522-2408

Escape Springfield 2501 Chatham Road STE 300 (217) 679-8819

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

hibu (217) 971-4179

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Ribbon Cuttings

JoJo’s Street Quisine 213 S. Fifth St. (217) 210-2577

Leadwell 850 E. Madison St.

Merchant House 625 E. Monroe St. (217) 744-3735

Mosquito Squad 14441 Heritage Point, Athens (217) 919-9292

Personalized Hypnosis of Springfield 2021 Timberbrook Lane (217) 899-9988

Pure Performance Fitness Center 320 S. Fourth St. (217) 891-0691

Springfield Housing Authority 200 N. 11th St. (217) 753-5757

Springfield Sliders Baseball Club 1415 North Grand Ave. East, Suite B (217) 679-3511

The Mosaic of Springfield 555 W. Carpenter St. (217) 525-1880

YMCA of Springfield 701 S. Fourth St. (217) 544-9846

Troxell 214 South Grand Ave. West (217) 528-7533

Your Corner Office, Inc. 427 E. Monroe St., Suite 200 (217) 679-4653

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Chamber Job Fair slated for August 30 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 50 resumes, another set-up interviews with 10 prospective candidates and one hired 22 employees from job fair events.

The Greater Springfield Chamber Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, August 30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is being sponsored by Lincoln Land Community College and the supporting sponsor is First Student.

Last year’s career fairs had over 50 employers participating from the central Illinois area. Companies are generally looking to hire individuals for full-time, parttime and seasonal positions. Employment opportunities available are in medical, sales and marketing, manufacturing, administrative, banking and finance, and retail, as well as many other opportunities.

The Greater Springfield Chamber Job Fair is held twice a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The fall job fair is a perfect time of year to start getting prepared for holiday hiring. Please contact Below are the dates for Chamber events in 2016.

Sarah Graham at Please 'save the dates' on your calendar. sgraham@gscc.org or (217) 525-1173 Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing (July 20) if you need more Plae Dae Picnic (July 28) information. Register today to receive Greater Springfield Chamber Job Fair (Aug. 30) the early bird rate!

2016 Chamber Events

Elected Officials Reception (Sept. 15) Economic Outlook Breakfast (Nov. 8)

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Chamber coordinates meetings with officials in Washington, D.C. In May, The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce coordinated meetings in Washington, D.C. with federal officials and community leaders including Mayor Jim Langfelder, leadership from Sangamon County, Illinois Air National Guard officials and representatives from the business community.

The group met with members of our congressional delegation, including Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Rodney Davis, Congressman Darin LaHood and their staff.

Meetings were also held with representatives from the Air National Guard, Federal Railroad Administration and other department staff.

The purpose of the meetings was to discuss and advocate for a variety of important community issues. The Springfield Rail Improvements Project continues to be the community’s top priority and will require a unified and consistent effort to secure necessary federal funds. Springfield and Sangamon County leaders met with each federal elected official and transportation staff member as well as the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to discuss ways to move the project forward. The Springfield Rail Improvements Project will make our community safer, better connected and will create jobs, particularly in the Medical District.

forward and advocate for the TIGER Grant that was submitted to fund the next usable segment, the Laurel and Ash underpasses.

The trip also helped close some communication gaps about the project and create a dialogue between local decision makers and federal officials in Washington to keep the project in motion.

Additionally, it is the group’s hope that decision makers with the Air National Guard will utilize already existing capacity at the 183rd Air Base for a new mission that offers our nation existing infrastructure and a highly trained workforce. Our community was able to identify and gather additional information about what the Air Guard looks for when making location decisions regarding new missions and present united community support for an additional mission at the 183rd Air Base.

The Chamber believes in bringing the right people to the table to tackle some of Springfield and Sangamon County’s greatest challenges. That is why The Chamber and community leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. By bringing such a wide array of representatives, we hope to show federal officials how united our community is in moving Springfield and Sangamon County forward.

While in Washington, community leaders also joined Illinois National Guard officials in discussing a new mission at the 183rd Air Base. A new mission could utilize existing infrastructure already in place for the Air Operations Unit and could create synergies with the private sector, as training programs will be in place to train workers allowing the Guard and business community to continue working together building a high quality workforce and national defense.

These are just two of a handful of topics covered with officials, which also included infrastructure priorities, Hunter Lake and community policing initiatives by the Springfield Police Department.

The local group’s goal was to continue to move the Springfield Rail Improvements Program

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Submitted photo

Chamber staff, city officials and business leaders talk with Senator Mark Kirk during the trip to Washington, D.C.

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

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Chamber’s Q5 funds new LLCC minority business mentoring and internship program Local African-American males will have opportunities to explore various career paths within the Springfield community through a new mentoring and internship program announced today by Lincoln Land Community College and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

The Open Door program, funded

by The Chamber ’s Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5), will begin this fall when 20-30 African-American males who attend LLCC will be offered mentoring and internships at local businesses and organizations.

“The program will provide minority students with strategic opportunities to ‘try on’ various careers that exist within our community,” said Chamber President and CEO Chris Hembrough.

“The opportunities will result in internships through local businesses and organizations, provide a combination of academic and business mentoring,

and ultimately lead to employment opportunities related to the career path they have both discovered and decided to pursue.”

A little over two years ago, Hanson Professional Services, the City of Springfield and Sangamon County created a partnership called “Grow Our Own,” focused on providing minority students the opportunity to explore STEMrelated careers, specifically engineering.

According to Hanson Chairman and CEO Satch Pecori, “The program has been very well received and spurred interest in non-STEM related fields. The Open Door program expands into other career opportunities from banking and accounting to insurance, medical fields, IT and everything in between.”

LLCC answered the call by creating the new program with funding provided b y T h e C h a m b e r ’s Q 5 S t r a t e g i c Leadership Council. “We’re extremely excited about this endeavor and the

potential it has to change the trajectory of students’ lives,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, president of LLCC. “We envision it as a transformational game-changer, opening up a world of new possibilities for participating students.”

Several businesses have already committed to partnering with LLCC and the Chamber in the program. “Our community is rich with talent and opportunity,” said Hembrough. “We see this as a great way to bring the two together, providing career opportunities while addressing future workforce needs and keeping our talented young people right here in Springfield for years to come.”

Local businesses and organizations interested in participating in the program should contact Hembrough or Sarah Graham with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Plae Dae Picnic is just around the corner Businesses often purchase tickets for valued employees or customers. Picnic tickets are only $15 in advance and $18 the day of the event. Individuals can also purchase raffle tickets, either in advance or at the door, to be entered in a chance win $500! The cost is one ticket for $1 or six tickets for $5 (need not be present to win).

It’s that time of year again to get rid of the suits, ties and heels and throw on those backyard BBQ clothes for the 69th Annual Plae Dae Picnic.

The event will be held at Knight’s Action Park (in the Tradewinds corporate picnic area) on Thursday, July 28th starting at 5 p.m. and everyone is invited to attend. Plae Dae provides a relaxing night of fun, entertainment, great food, beverages and music; a time to mingle with friends and build new relationships.

Corporate sponsors for the event include Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc., Bank & Trust Company, Ace Sign Co., and Core 3 Property Management. Six food vendors and a wine vendor will be at the picnic, and as always, water, soda and beer will be included in the cost of your ticket. A cash bar will also be available.

So mark your calendars, and we will see you there!

For more information, please contact Bri Coons at (217) 525-1173 ext. 216 or at bcoons@gscc.org.

Corporate Sponsors

Wine Sponsor

Food Sponsors

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Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing set The Chamber’s 21st Annual Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing features Springfield area businesses competing against one another in a shotgun, scramble format. The outing will be divided into multiple flights. The top teams in each flight will walk away with fantastic prizes but only the “best of the best” will win the right to keep the Corporate Cup Challenge trophy.

Presenting Sponsor

Spots are filling up fast – register today by visiting www.gscc.org. For more information, email Ashley Earnest at aearnest@gscc.org or call 217.525.1173.

Tee Gifts Sponsor

Wednesday, July 20 Piper Glen Golf Club Schedule of Events 7:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – Morning Shotgun Starts 11:30 a.m. – Lunch served (until 1 p.m.)

12:45 p.m. – Afternoon Shotgun Starts 5:45 p.m. – Awards Reception

Luncheon & Driving Range Sponsor

Golf Cart Sponsor

Awards Reception Sponsor

Putting Green Sponsor

Scalability Meets Reliability With over 14 million customers served across the United States and Puerto Rico, we’re experienced in helping businesses adjust as they grow. With a 99.9% pickup reliability record, we work to ensure proper waste treatment and disposal for any location and to act quickly to meet your needs.

Local Business

Regional Business

Construction

Call 217-391-2991 to get started CHAMBERUPDATE |

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Welcome to our New Members Joined in April and May, 2016

AAA - Rambach Insurance Agency

Client Focused Media

Hugo Systems LLP

Zachary Rambach

Gene White

Austin Duffie

2815 Old Jacksonville Road

212 Manor Hill Drive

15 S. Old State Capitol Plaza

Suite 103

Chatham, IL 62629

Springfield, IL 62701

Springfield, IL 62704

T: (904) 232-3001

T: (800) 402-0698

T: (217) 331-5424

http://www.cfmedia.net

http://www.hugosystems.us

Insurance

Marketing, Advertising

Computers - Equipment Dealers

API Solar

Core 3 Property Management

LA Fitness

Ben Roy

Glenna Winters

Chris Kolb

3888 N. Peoria Road

1999 Wabash Avenue

2501 Wabash Ave.

Springfield, IL 62702

Suite 208

White Oaks Mall

T: (217) 679-3399

Springfield, IL 62704

Springfield, IL 62704

http://www.apisolar.com

T: (217) 697-8312

T: (217) 801-9007

Solar Design and Installation

http://www.core3pm.com

http://www.lafitness.com

Apartments

Health Clubs & Fitness Centers

Matthew Beck

Development Services Group

Lead IT Corporation

645 S. Franklin

George Dinges

Ram Talluri

Decatur, IL 62521

401 E. Adams St.

1999 Wabash Ave., Suite 210

T: (217) 428-7000

Springfield, IL 62701

Springfield, IL 62704

http://www.barbeck.com

T: (217) 241-0336

T: (217) 726-7250

Wireless 2-Way Radio Communications

Consultants - Economic Development

http://www.leaditgroup.com

Bring on Bob!

First Direct Financial

Bob Schweighauser

Randy Hobson

Lisa Steelman Enterprises, Inc.

Chatham, IL 62629

Virden, IL

Lisa Steelman

T: (217) 483-4547

T: (217) 710-0401

Springfield, IL 62711

Computers - Service & Repairs

http://www.firstdirectfinancial.com

T: (217) 546-1182

Credit Card Services

http://www.lisasteelman.com

BARBECK Communications Group, Inc.

Consultants - Information Technology

C.T. Adams Pest Control Inc.

Consultants – Management

Sonny Adams

FreeStyle Apparel & Design

1425 S. MacArthur Blvd.

Phil Fernstaedt

Mosquito Joe

Springfield, IL 62704

2700 W. Lawrence, Suite Y

Michele Sommers

T: (217) 544-2122

Springfield, IL 62704

P.O. Box 9736

http://www.ctadamspestcontrol.com

T: (217) 528-7865

Springfield, IL 62791

Pest Control Sales & Service

http://www.freestyleapparel.net

T: (217) 717-4789

Corporate Apparel/Screen Printing

http://www.springfield.mosquitojoe.com

CareLink, Inc.

Pest Control Sales & Service

Cara Lohrenz

Green View Companies

1999 Wabash Ave. #202

Dave Pence

Mosquito Squad

Springfield, IL 62704

3000 W. Jefferson St.

Lisa Bohannan

T: (877) 884-8480

Springfield, IL 62707

14441 Heritage Point

http://www.carelinknurse.com

T: (217) 787-4700

Athens, IL 62613

Home Health Services

http://www.greenview.com

T: (217) 919-9292

Nurseries - Landscape Contractors & Designers

http://springfield-decatur.mosquitosquad.com Pest Control Sales & Service

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NiCHE- Nutrition Consultants & Health

Regency Nursing Care

Sky Zone Springfield

Educators, LLC

Tony Twardowski

Ram Talluri

Kathy Levin

2120 W. Washington St.

3545 Liberty Drive

2663 Farragut Drive, Suite A-3

Springfield, IL 62702

Springfield, IL 62704

Springfield, IL 62704

T: (217) 793-4880

T: (217) 331-6600

T: (217) 525-1124

http://www.regencycare.com

http://www.skyzone.com/springfieldil

http://www.findyourniche.online

Healthcare & Rehabilitation Centers

Sports & Entertainment

Renewal by Andersen of Central Illinois

Sleep Inn

Penguin Energy Services, LLC

Amber Kienast

Anup Patel

Christopher Senger

3307 W. Farmington Road

3470 Freedom Drive

133 N. Taylor

Peoria, IL 61604

Springfield, IL 62704

Decatur, IL 62522

T: (866) 693-6707

T: (217) 787-6200

T: (217) 853-6082

http://rbaofcentralillinois.com

https://www.choicehotels.com/

http://www.penguinenergyservices.com/

Windows & Doors - Sales & Service

Hotels and Motels

Sheley Trucking and Warehousing

Trades of Hope

Phoenix Center

Rick Sheley

Amy Redshaw

Jonna Cooley

2821 Woodlawn

Springfield, IL

109 E. Lawrence Ave.

Lincoln, IL 62656

T: (217) 816-5316

Springfield, IL 62704

T: (217) 306-5580

http://www.mytradesofhope.com/amyredshaw

T: (217) 528-5253

Distribution Warehouses

Retail Stores

Health & Nutrition

Lighting - Energy Efficiency & Retrofit

http://www.phoenixcenterspringfield.org Not-For-Profit Agencies

Pure Performance Fitness Center Jeremy Ferry 320 S. Fourth St.

Indoor Pistol and Riße Ranges

Springfield, IL 62701 T: (217) 891-0691 Fitness - Personal Trainers

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

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ADVERTISERS INDEX CEFCU................................................................................................ 16 GoWeb1................................................................ Inside Back Cover Hillier Records Management Company..................................... 10 Hillier Storage & Moving Company............................................ 16 Jim Watts Electric, Inc....................................................................... 3 Lincoln Land Community College................................................ .6 Memorial Health System.................................Inside Front Cover Republic Services.............................................................................13

4885 Industrial Drive 217-585-7199 springfieldshootingcenter@gmail.com www.springfieldshootingcenter.net

Springfield Shooting Center......................................................... 15 West Central Bank..........................................................Back Cover CHAMBERUPDATE |

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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 assumes equal of $1,9001for every month throughout Hillieronly; Moving Ad 1-2 H interest (Fall costs 2012).pdf 9/20/12 2:41 PM calendar years 2010-2014. Past dividends are used for illustration only, and are not a guarantee of future results.

cefcu.com

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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Serving the Area Since 1906

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217/525-8550

U.S. DOT No. 076235 ILL CC #4285 MC-CR

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1-800-500-6683

2728 S. 11th, Springfield, IL 62708 Thomas R. Swift, President

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Banking for your Future!

Looking to buy or build a new home?

Refinancing an existing loan?

West Central Bank offers competitive rates, low fees, & quick approval.

Call Kris or Tracy to help with your next mortgage loan.