Special Publication
Stockland Service has been the tire experts for 21 years
Main Street Gifts offers affordable gifts for 28 years
More than two decades ago, Ken Courtney had the dream to be his own boss. So he bought the maintenance shop where he worked at Stockland Nitrogen Service and began specializing in tire sales and service. He bought the maintenance shop after working for 11 years for Lee Bury at Stockland Nitrogen, a fertilizer dealer. Now, 21 years later, Stockland Service Inc. at 2841 E. 850 N. Road in Stockland has grown to include two full-time employees without losing any of the small-town attitude and service for which the company has become known. The biggest strength of his business is “knowing all of the variables involved with making the right choice for the customer,” Courtney said. New this year at Stockland Service is a Coats tire changer, which allows Courtney and company to work on all of the new styles of wheels. “We also have a new and improved line of Cooper passenger tires,” Courtney said.
Carma Anderson has been helping people in Watseka find the right gift for almost three decades at Main Street Gifts. Now owned by Anderson and her husband Ron, the shop opened at 106 E. Walnut St. 28 years ago. She said the shop offers gifts of all types to fill the needs for many occasions, including holiday and seasonal décor, in addition to everyone’s favorities – Vera Bradley, Precious Moments, fashion jewelry, Melissa & Doug toys, candles, and so much more. “We try to offer quality products at affordable prices,” Anderson said. New this year at Main Street Gifts are expanded children’s clothing and toy departments. “We try to keep new items arriving monthly,” she said. “It’s good to keep new items arriving monthly. It’s good to keep new and exciting items coming in often.” One of the best deals at Main Street Gifts takes place every month: a bag sale. “Each month on the 25th is 25 per-
Stockland Service employees (from left) Brian Woodby, owner Ken Courtney and Loren Gray.
Courtney said that after being in business for 21 years Stockland Service can offer its customers experienced service that few can match. Courtney said that is one of things he is most proud of, “being able to offer the customer an experience that only we can offer.” He said thanks to his low overhead he can also offer lower prices for his tires and service. For more information on Stockland Service, call 815-682-4287 or email Courtney at kcourt@wigi.us.
STOCKLAND SERVICE, INC.
Fall season decor and gift ideas are on display at Main Street Gifts, 106 E. Walnut St. in Watseka.
cent off storewide,” she said. The store also offers free gift wrapping. Anderson said her store continuously changes its inventory to keep it fresh for her customers. “I feel that creates excitement for my customers and my staff,” she said. Anderson said she is most proud of her “terrific staff and loyal customers.” She also said she was happy to have a supportive partner and husband. “I am so happy to have a supportive husband and family,” she said. For more information on Main Street Gifts, call 815-432-2815 or email her at andersoncarma@yahoo.com.
New items arriving weekly Outdoor garden mats & flags • Fall wreaths & garlands Fashion jewelry • Fall scarfs Chicago Sports memorabilia • Gormet Chips & Mustards Baby Clothes • Country Home Creations dip mixes ~ Newly Retired Vera Bradley ~
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2841 E. 850 N. ROAD, STOCKLAND, IL
815-682-4287 Complete Tire Service
Main Street Gifts COUPON
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2015 Lang Calendars
106 E. Walnut, Watseka, IL
815-432-2815 Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-3 COUPON
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any one reg. price item. Must present any one reg. price item. Must present coupon. Excludes only Fannie May coupon. Excludes only Fannie May Candies. Coupon expires 9/13/2014. Candies. Coupon expires 9/13/2014.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
2014 Top Businesses • Iroquois County’s Times-Republic
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IMH Multi Specialty Physicians Clinic and Iroquois Women’s Health Growing
Thursday, August 28, 2014
2014 Top Businesses • Iroquois County’s Times-Republic
Gilman Healthcare Center is dedicated to its residents
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Kingdon’s Home Center a family business since 1975
Bob and Ken Kingdon Gilman Healthcare Center Gilman Healthcare have started Kingdon’s Home has a caring staff dedicated been there for years. AtCenter in Watseka in 1975 to making sure the residents tention to detail and a high and the business remains an all family affair. have everything they need. level of customer service Bob’s son, Rich, now manare standards all staffers The center at 1390 S. ages the business with Bob’s Crescent St. in Gilman has must observe. “Our staff is professional wife, Dorothy, handling the an on campus therapy debooks and sales reports. A and dedicated and always partment specializing in nephew, A.J. Kingdon, is in OT/PT/Speech. The center makes sure our residents also has a tremendous suc- have everything they need,” charge of the in-house appliance repairs. said Administrator Matt cess rate for therapy paBob and Ken opened the Cortis. tients to return home. “From activities, therapy doors at 234 N. Jefferson in The center had a very Watseka in 1975 and have to clinical, we all work as good annual survey by the been providing quality apan interdisciplinary team State of Illinois and is in substantial compliance with for our residents,” he said. pliances, flooring, furniture, Sealy mattresses and Schrock With an eye toward the state requirements. cabinets to a 30-mile area It offers free van transpor- future, Gilman Healthcare ever since. tation for families and resi- Center is in the process of The family-owned business dents. Staff offers personal- remodeling patient rooms has operated on one simple ized activities for residents. and creating a new entry concept since the beginning: Residents are very active way. It’s the service that counts. For information on on social media, which alAt Kingdon’s, the staff Gilman Healthcare Center, knows that customers have lows out of town families and relatives to stay in con- call 815-265-7208 or visit many options to choose from its website at tact via Facebook, Twitter in the buying process. That www.gilmanhealthcare. and Yelp. why the company has made com. Many of the staff at outstanding service during and after the sale as what sets
it apart from the competition. Kingdon’s prides itself on knowing about all of the products the store sells. “If we don’t know something about a product, we will find out,” said Rich Kingdon. “That’s what sets us above the big box stores.” Kingdon’s has a full-time appliance service technician and also offers free professional delivery to the local area on almost every item. New this year at Kingdon’s is a new appliance partnership with Whirlpool, Maytag, Kitchen Aid and Amana to bring more selection and lower prices to the store. “Because it’s our family name on the business, we try our best to be sure everyone is happy with their purchase,” said Kingdon. “We try to provide quality products to our friends and neighbors.” For more information on Kingdon’s Home Center, call 815-432-5448.
gilmanhealthcare.com
1390 S. Crescent, Gilman, IL
815-265-7208 Our mission is to promote healing and recovery for our residents. We are committed to achieving excellence in both nursing and rehabilitative services. Our interdisciplinary approach focuses on functional outcomes and successful discharges to the home. We provide safe and compassionate care in an environment that fosters independence and dignity. • • • • • • • •
Complex Wound Care Intravenous Therapy Restorative Nursing Rehabilitation Respiratory Inhalation Therapy Tracheostomy Care Pain Management Enteral Feedings In house peritoneal dialysis
Our Resident Focused Activity Program is individualized to encompass Residents personal social preferences. The Activity program extends beyond the facility to include inter-generational programs, community-based events, family focused programs, and special events.
• • • • • • • • •
Bingo Van on the Go Trips Manicures / Beauty Shop Movies Arts and Crafts Theme Parties Game Time Monthly Birthday Parties Daily Chronicle Time and so much more!
KINGDON’S HOME CENTER Appliances • Fur niture • Flooring 234 N. Jefferson, Watseka, IL 815-432-5448 M-F 8:30am - 6pm; Sat. 8:30am - 4pm Closed Sun; Other times by appointment
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2014 Top Businesses • Iroquois County’s Times-Republic
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Thursday, August 28, 2014
First Trust keeps growing to meet the needs of its customers
First Trust and Savings Bank was established in 1909.
First Trust and Savings Bank was founded in 1909 with $93,750 in capital. By December 2012, the financial institution based at 120 E. Walnut St. in Watseka had capital of more than $27 million and assets of more than $230 million. For more than a century, the bank weather economic ups and downs and continued to grow to better meet the needs of its customers. First Trust is routinely recognized as one of America’s strongest banks by national bank rating firms such as Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings. In 1993, the bank created a new holding company, First Trust Holdings Inc. and the First National Bank of Clifton joined the holding company. In 2004, the two banks merged. Its Trust and Wealth Management Department helps set the bank apart, and its experts can assist customers in estate planning, farm and asset management, and in other fiduciary capacities. At First Trust, banking is personal and relationships are valued. Bank employees take the time to get to know the customers and its team
of experts will help you find the right combination of services to help you meet your specific financial needs today and in the future. At First Trust, the motto is “Helping People Succeed.” First Trust has been built upon the reputation of providing outstanding customer service in the most convenient, professional, friendly and caring manner possible. The bank’s 5 Star rating is a testament to its financial strength. It includes being a community focused bank where every customer matters. First Trust puts the customers first and its mission is to create customer satisfaction and trust, which enhances shareholder value. Bank officials guarantee that customers will love the high-quality financial products, which include banking and wealth management services that help deliver financial solutions from people you know and trust. For more information on First Trust, call 815432-2494 or visit the bank website at www.ftsbank.com.
A Bank Firmly Rooted in Your Community As your hometown bank for over 100 years, we’ve established firm roots in this community and its interests. We invite you to stop by one of our banking locations and see for yourself what differentiates us from other financial institutions. We guarantee you will love our high-quality financial products, which include banking and wealth management services that, combined with our relationship approach, deliver financial solutions from people you know and trust.
145 East Fifth Avenue Clifton, IL 815-694-2329
www.ftsbank.com
120 East Walnut Street Watseka, IL 815-432-2494
Heritage Woods of Watseka celebrates 10th anniversary of assisted living
Heritage Woods of Watseka celebrates 10th anniversary of assisted living Heritage Woods of Watseka, an affordable assisted living community, celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this summer of service to area seniors and their families. When the Heritage Woods community opened its doors in 2004, residents made history as the first in the area to benefit from affordable assisted living. “Since the beginning, Heritage Woods has established itself as the premier affordable assisted living community,” said Rod Burkett, president and CEO of BMA Management. “With the opportunity for seniors to live with dignity in their own apartments and receive the assistance they need, we are proud to say we set the standard for assisted living in Iroquois County.” Over the past decade, Heritage Woods has spent more than 5 million minutes touching lives and providing love, compassion and care for residents. Heritage Woods has also had a significant impact on the local economy and employs dozens of local residents. Officials said much of the community’s success can be directly attributed to the local residents who work at Heritage Woods. As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, Heritage Woods honored six employees who have
worked there since it opened: Tracey Hardy, Administrator; Ginger Howe, Dietary Manager; Linda Carey, Resident Services Coordinator; Amanda Huizenga, Head Cook; and Janice Cotter and Jessie Thompson, CNAs. Doris Kuebler, a Heritage Woods resident, was recognized as well. She has lived at the community since it opened. Heritage Woods of Watseka combines residential apartment home living with the availability of personal assistance, help with medications and a variety of convenience and support services. “We provide a wonderful alternative to a nursing home or to struggling alone at home,” administrator Heritage Woods of Watseka is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Hardy said. Residents have private apartments that they furnish themselves and decorate to their tastes. Each participate in activities and special programs,” said of the studio and one-bedroom floor plans includes Hardy. Heritage Woods of Watseka is the only commua kitchenette, spacious bathroom with shower and nity in Iroquois County that is certified to operate grab bars, individually-controlled heating and air through the Illinois Supportive Living program. The conditioning, and an emergency alert system. affordable assisted living community is managed by Certified nursing assistants, working under the diBMA Management Ltd. of Bradley. BMA Managerection of a licensed nurse, are on duty 24 hours a ment is the largest provider of assisted living in Ilday, seven days a week. Meals, housekeeping and linois. laundry are among the included services for its resiFor more information, visit www.bma-mgmt.com/ dents. heritagewoodswatseka. “Residents also benefit from all of the opportunities that are available to socialize with friends and
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2014 Top Businesses • Iroquois County’s Times-Republic
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Thursday, August 28, 2014
Alexander Lumber in Gilman is an old-fashioned lumber yard.
Alexander Lumber is old-fashioned lumber yard
Alexander Lumber, which proudly calls itself an old-fashioned lumber yard, has been part of a family-owned business in Gilman since 1891. Manager Jim Sheets said they still do things the old-fashioned way at Alexander Lumber, 1420 S. Crescent St. in Gilman. “We talk to people,” he said. “We truly care if your project goes well.” He said customer service was always
an important concern for Alexander. “We make doing business with us easy,” he said. New this year at Alexander are more products, better delivery equipment and more people. “My employees are the best,” Sheets said. For more information on Alexander Lumber, call 815-265-7204 or visit its website at www.alexlbr.com.
Dennis Clatterbuck sits behind his desk at C&C Best-One Tire and Auto
Tires are a changing business “Proudly Featuring Moisture Shield Decking” 1420 S. Crescent St., Gilman, IL 60928 815-265-7204 www.alexlbr.com
Treating customers with integrity and respect has enabled C & C BestOne Tire and Auto Care to serve customers in Iroquois County and surrounding area for more than 40 years Whether you are needing a new tire, fixing a flat or changing a tire, C & C Best-One is the business to call-from the smallest of scooters to lawn and garden tires to car and lightweight trucks to medium duty semi trucks to all kinds of large farm tractor tires to industrial and payloader tires. Since opening at their present location at 227 West Walnut Street in
Unlimited rate plans offered at longterm provider Illinois Valley Cellular
Illinois Valley Cellular has been providing cellular service to residents of Bureau, LaSalle, Iroquois, Marshall, Putman, Stark, Ford and Livingston counties for the last 25 years. The company at 1600 E. Walnut St. in Watseka has roaming agreements with different carriers and provides nationwide coverage for its customers with its unlimited rate plans. The company prides itself on customer service and promises callers will speak to a live person if they call. The company strives to go above and beyond to keep its customers happy and vows to provide same day solutions to callers having problems. New this year is a move to a bigger location to help better serve its customers. The move also allowed the company to extend its business hours and is now open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. IVC also now carries a bigger vari-
ety of phones including the iPhone. The company offers truly unlimited data, talk and text plans. It also offers smart phone classes so customers can make the best use of their new devices. They will even send a technician to your home if need be to help customers. IVC is locally owned and operated and employs local residents. It donates to all kinds of charities in its eightcounty area. The company is most proud of the fact that it values the people in its hometowns. For more information on IV Cellular, call Julie Ladd, sales and store manager, at 815-432-5082, or via email at jladd@ivcel.com or visit their website at www.ivcel.com.
Watseka in March of 2003, the family based business continually trains on new innovative and better ways to maintain their customers vehicles said owner-manager Dennis Clatterbuck. As part of the Best-One buying network of more than 300 independent tire dealers C & C Best-One Tire and Auto has great access to most tire brands and competitive pricing. The introduction of the new Bridgestone Driveguard Run-Flat tire allows C & C to offer added safety and performance to their customers in their family vehicles at affordable prices. Clatterbuck can now also offer you instant financing with the Best-One credit card by CFNA. For more information on C & C Best-One Tire and Auto call 815432-6105, or email cctireauto@ sbcglobal.net, or visit their website www.cctireandautoservices.com
GET A
BY MAIL WITH THE PURCHASE OF 4 ELIGIBLE BRIDGESTONE TIRES 6
VALID SEPT. 1–30, 2014
**Prepaid card is issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. The prepaid card is given to you as a reward and no money has been paid by you for the card. No cash access or recurring payments. Card valid for up to 6 months, unused funds forfeit at midnight EST the last day of the month of the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply; see MyPrepaidCenter.com/site/Bridgestone. Δ Offer good in the U.S. Claim form required. Certain restrictions and limitations apply. For eligible tires and complete details, see your participating Bridgestone retailer or BridgestoneTire.com. Eligible tires must be purchased from a participating retailer’s inventory Sept. 1–30, 2014. Offer excludes Costco and GM dealership purchases. Void in Puerto Rico. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
^To receive the $140 Bridgestone Visa Prepaid Card by mail you must purchase a set of 4 eligible Bridgestone tires with your new CFNA credit card account. The eligible tire purchase must be your first purchase on your new credit card account made within 7 days of opening. The full 9-digit account number must be provided at time of submission. The new CFNA account cannot be closed within 7 days of its opening. The Bridgestone Visa Prepaid Card cannot be used to pay any credit card balance. CFNA reserves the right to alter, change or terminate the higher value reward option at any time. Offer valid only in the U.S. and where permitted. MetaBank does not endorse this credit card offer.
C & C Tire and Auto 227 West Walnut Watseka, IL Service 815-432-6105
227 West Walnut t Watseka t 815-432-6105
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2014 Top Businesses • Iroquois County’s Times-Republic
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Thursday, August 28, 2014
Illiana Backyard Fun is like two Mom and Pop stores in one
Being involved in the community and supporting the local economy is important to Bill & Kristie Cheatum, owners of Illiana Backyard Fun in Watseka, helping the community is as much a part of the business as selling pools, spas and gifts. “Shopping locally saves people time and money,” said coowner Kristie Cheatum. “It keeps the local economy going. It is also important for us to do volunteer work within the community for organizations such as: Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce, Watseka Elks, and the Republican party as well as working with other local merchants.” “It is about the community,” she said. “It is important to us to shop local and keep supporting Mom and Pop stores. They really are the bread and butter of the community. It’s the circle of life.” The business has grown substantially from when it was first opened in April of 2005 by Bill & Kristie Cheatum. The first location was about 1,000 square feet and was located at the corner of Second and Walnut streets. A year later, it moved to its current location at 800 Walnut St. in Watseka. The store also expanded with the move. “We moved from 1,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet of shopping experience,” she said. Illiana Backyard Fun is like two Mom and Pop stores in one. The store specializes in pools and spas and everything pertaining to it. “We deal in anything surrounding pools and spas,” Cheatum said. That includes chemicals, maintenance, pool installation, sales and service for above ground and in-ground products. The gift store offers a wide variety of merchandise that runs from everyday items to seasonal specialties. Cheatum said if a customer wants something and doesn’t see it in the store; we will order it for them. We try to keep our pricing comparable and competitive with Internet pricing. “That way, you can come to a brick and mortar building, see what you are getting and have local customer service,” she said. “A pool and spa is an investment in their backyard.” Cheatum said. “People can have family and friends over hold parties and get-togethers for years as well as enjoy a year round vacation located in their own backyard. During the off-season, Kriste and her husband, Bill go to training every year to learn about new products as well as technical and service education. “I’m a nurse by trade,” she said. “So we offer free customer education & training on the chemicals and maintenance on their pools & spas to our customers because we want people to know how to take care of their investment.” The store offers a free pool school every April where customers can talk with vendors and get answers to questions about their pools or spas. “It’s the A to Z on how to care for a
h t h
One part of the business at Illiana Backyard Fun in Watseka is a pool and spa store, the other is a gift shop that offers a wide variety of merchandise from everyday items to seasonal specialties. pool or spa,” she said. The gift side of the business is open all year round. “We have everything from wall decor to lawn art,” Cheatum said. “Things for sports enthusiasts like the Illini, Cubs, Cards, Bears and White Sox. We try to keep the staples like flags, rod iron, garden statues, candles and dips in stock.” Items that can be found in the store: whimsical decor, wall art, yard art, jewelry, scarves, soaps, every day décor as well as seasonal decor. We stock small quantities to offer a bigger variety of merchandise, “When they’re gone, they’re gone,” she said. “It’s ever changing.” Cheatum said customers will shop the store and find items they would like in a gift basket. “We’ll wrap it up for a door prize or whatever special occasion. We also offer memorial items and have free delivery to the local funeral homes.” The store also offers gift certificates and bridal registration. “If you’re unsure what people like, they can come in with their gift certificate and pick out something for themselves,” she said. Illiana Backyard Fun offers monthly sales: Splash of Savings weekend which is the 1st weekend of every month, “Bagless” Sale on the 11th of each
c t
t month and double punch every Tuesday. Illianad Backyard Fun is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.i
Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and closed Sunday. During pool season, Cheatum said we offer “special hours” to our customers by staying open laterl or opening the store when we are close. “We try to accommodate people’s schedules, just give us a call to make arrangements. It’s just one of those specialt customer service perks offered by a mom and pop store” she said. For more information on Illiana Backyard Fun, call 815-432-1100.
Pool Sale
End of Season Clearance
18’ Round 1300*
$
21’ Round 1450*
27’ Round 1850*
24’ Round
$
30’ Round
$
2000*
$
1550*
$
33’ Round 2200*
$
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1st weekend of each month
Bag Sale
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815-432-1100
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KJ’s Gifts, Gifts, & More Gifts 800 East Walnut, Watseka, IL 60970 815-432-1100 Hours: M-Th 10-5:30, F 10-5, Sat. 9-3, Sun. Closed
Gifts, Gifts, Gifts