June Chamber Courier

JUNE JUNE

The Monthly Business Publication for the Canton Area

MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

cARLA bOBELL

Do you have a busy time of year in your business, organization or just in life? Examples would be; tax firms during tax season, farmers during planting or harvest, retail stores during the holiday seasons, schools during the end of the school year, or maybe even hunters during the hunting season (okay, that might be a stretch!) Well, the Chamber world is no different.

The first part of the year the Canton Chamber hosts many events that take up many hours of our time, but especially right before an event. We had the Chamber Annual Dinner in March where we recognized the Business Person of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Educator of the Year Much preparation goes into writing the bio’s for the winners and collecting pictures to share the night of the event, and that does not include all the planning of food, taking reservations, sending of invitations, and creating decorations which happens over months so we can achieve the successful results we want for our winners and for those attending.

Then we moved to May with the Canton Chamber Golf Outing that was on May 17th this year out at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club. It was a beautiful day (okay, a little warm, but no rain!) and you can see all the team pictures inside this issue of the Courier Hy-Vee provided our food and snacks for the golfers that day, The Loft of Canton, and new member Serve Pro, provided games during the event. We also borrowed a putt-putt golf game from Old Dog Brewery for all golfers to try for a chance at a hole in one! Be sure to check out all the businesses listed (again inside this issue) that were sponsors and prize donors this year. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and we SO appreciate their support, which helped us have another successful golf outing this year.

Coming up on June 14th is the Canton Cruise In happening in downtown Canton from 4 pm to 8 pm. We have been working on this event since January of this year It takes a lot of planning, phone calls, emails, printing, sign making, and don’t forget volunteers to pull off an event of this size, but the end goal is to have a wonderful event for all. We hope you will come out and enjoy this beloved event!

Our Chamber enjoys putting on wonderful events for our community and what we have learned is to have successful events, you have to plan ahead and have a good check list to keep you on track. Just like any successful business or organization, planning ahead will get you the results you want and need. If you ever need help with planning, reach out to our Chamber office, because we have time for you, even if it is a busy time of year.

Welcome New Member

An article written by SNS Roofing; Hello! We’re SNS Roofing, your new go to for roofing, siding and gutters. Even though we’re pretty new in Fulton County, we’ve quickly become a big part of the community. We’re all about making sure you feel like you’re part of the family, not just another job on the list.

Our team is made up of owners Shae Ebert and Lewistown-native Seth Ebert (the two S’s in the name – the N stands for our son Noah), Rick and Ryan (two friends with experience in project management), Joanna (our lovely office assistant) and Mike

(Seth’sformerteacherandnowourmarketingmanager).Beforewhenwementionedfamily,we weren’tkidding!

WerecentlypurchasedahugewarehouseinPeoriashowinghowmuchwebelieveinourfuture andhowreadywearetotackleanyjob,bigorsmall,thatcomesourway.

Weknowdealingwithroofingstuffcansometimesfeelliketalkingtoabrickwall,especially withthoselargercompaniesButnotwithus!Dialournumberandyou’rechattingwithoneof theowners.Noendlessringing,nogettingbouncedaround–juststraighttalkandhelpwhen youneedit.

Weknowourworkspeaksforitself,butyoucanalwaysreadwhatourcustomershavetosay. We’rerockingahigherreviewaveragethanourcompetitorsSo,whenyoupickSNSRoofing, you’renotjustgettingaroofingcompany,you’regettingagroupoffriendswhoarehereto makesureyourroofingprojectisassmoothaspeanutbutter.

We’reheretohelpyou,guideyou,andmakesureyou’resmilingattheendoftheday.Welcome tothefamily!Let’smakeyourhomesafeandsound,together

Message from SRPED

I have been in my role as Executive Director of the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development for several months now, and I have found that many people do not know what our office actually does. Well, I will use this as the perfect opportunity to tell you! First, I will say that our name can be quite a chore for some to say or remember. If its easier, you can just say The Partnership. My job as the Executive Director of The Partnership is to help support economic growth and development in Fulton County. One way to do that is to help new businesses get started and existing businesses grow and expand I provide resources such as information on available grant funding, low interest loan programs, Tax Increment Financing incentives, Business Development District financing and other programs that may help entrepreneurs and established business owners succeed The Partnership is a non-profit entity that operates from generous contributions of local stakeholders who want to see our community grow and thrive.

In addition to assisting Fulton County businesses with recruitment and expansion, The Partnership also supports workforce development, residential growth, infrastructure improvements and community events. We are in the process of creating a new strategic plan to address all of these areas for our fiscal year 2025. One of the most important steps in this planning process will be to gather ideas and support from the community. We plan to hold a community meeting in mid-July to listen to your ideas so that we can integrate your thoughts into our plan Community support will be integral to any plan for economic growth The Partnership seeks to enact. Be on the look out for more details to follow shortly!

I hope that this brief overview of our services has helped you to understand the mission and purpose of The Partnership Feel free to stop in to our office at any time or send an email to mspiva@cantonillinois.org. I would be more than happy to answer any questions or pass along any resources that I think may be of help.

Michelle Spiva Executive Director 309-647-2677

Ext. 4

Employee Spotlight : graham & hyde Architects. inc.

As a new feature in our monthly Chamber Courier, we plan to do an Employee Spotlight from time to time. If you have a new employee that has joined your business/organization or is celebrating a milestone, reach out to our office for more details. This month our Employee Spotlight is on Carlos Rodriguez with Graham & Hyde Architects, Inc , formerly Phillips & Associates Architect firm in Canton

Graham & Hyde Architect, Inc. serves Central Illinois with appealing design for education, faith-based and healthcare spaces. Their team has designed numerous schools, medical facilities, places of worship and other public/private spaces with a constant focus on the well-being and futures of the people they serve

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Mexico and lived there my entire childhood, a place that holds many memories for me. I moved to the United States, more specifically to Beardstown, Illinois in 7th grade. Despite not knowing English and being in an entirely new environment, I adapted. I learned English, which I continue to learn and keep up academically This led me to pursue Architecture in college as a first-generation student.

Where did you go to school to get your degree?

My academic journey began at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL, where I earned a certificate as a drafting technician and an Associates Degree in Architecture. Upon completion, I transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There, I graduated with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in architecture in 2023

HowdidyoulandatGraham&HydeintheirCantonoffice?

Whilestillincollege,IsoughtinternshipopportunitiesnearBeardstowntogainpracticalexperience. ThissearchledmetoasummerinternshipatGraham&Hyde’sCantonstudioin2022.Duringmytimeat Graham&Hydethatsummer,theyofferedmeafull-timeposition,whichIgladlyacceptedinJune2023.

WhatdoyoudoatGraham&Hyde?

AtGraham&Hyde,Iprimarilyhandledraftingtasks,rangingfromcreatingfloorplanstodetailed drawings.Ialsomanageprojects,reviewpayrequests,andshopdrawings.Thisexperienceishelpingme accumulatethenecessarypracticehourstosecuremyarchitecturallicense OurCantonstudio specializesineducationalbuildings,andIhavehadtheopportunitytocontributetoseveralprojects, includingthenewHighSchooladditioninCanton.

Tellusaboutyourfamilyandhobbiesthatyouenjoy Icomefromafamilyofsix,includingmyparentsandfoursiblingswithmebeingthethirdchild.Inmy freetime,Ienjoydrivingandlisteningtomusic.

Carlos K. Rodriguez

Organization spotlight

LAKELAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

Lakeland Community Church offers a unique community service through its Essentials Pantry, a resource dedicated to supporting the local population by providing essential household items Since its inception in June 2023, the pantry has significantly impacted the community, assisting over 2000 individuals to date. Recently they celebrated the Essential Pantry’s one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting (see picture).

The Essentials Pantry operates once a month, specifically on the first Saturday from 9 AM to 11 AM, making essential goods accessible to those in need. Items distributed include personal hygiene products, laundry detergent, paper towels, and more, catering to basic home needs. This service underscores the church's commitment to practical community support, embodying a spirit of generosity and service

Participation in the pantry is straightforward and inclusive. Upon arrival, individuals are given an order form to select up to five items. The pantry ensures accessibility for everyone, including provisions for those unable to physically attend by offering proxy forms. Located conveniently next to Walmart, the church provides easy access and parking, making it a central point for community assistance

Everyone who serves at Essentials Pantry is a volunteer, emphasizing the church's community-driven approach. By volunteering at the pantry, individuals can engage directly in Lakeland Community Church’s mission to support and uplift the community. For more information about the Essentials Pantry and how to get involved, visit Lakeland Community Church’s website: lakelandcanton org

tHANK YOU TO THE CHAMBER GOLF OUTING SPONSORS!

MAJOR SPONSORS:

CART SPONSORS:

TEE SPONSORS:

Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine

American Family Insurance

Associates in Dentistry

Bank of Farmington

Barnhart, Tinsman, & Parrish, Ltd

CEFCU of Canton

Country Financial - Lance Moring

Country Financial - Nick Wright

Davis & Campbell, LLC

Davis Ford

Digital Copy Systems

Edward Jones - Maggie Connell

G&M Distributors

Holthaus Companies, Inc.

Ipava State Bank

Jack’s Bar

Jim Maloof Realtor

McCarthy & Jackson, LLC

MidAmerica National Bank

MidCentury Fiber

Monical’s Pizza

OSF HealthCare

RE/MAX - Clint Peterson

State Farm Insurance - Chuck Taylor

Stinauer Family Dentistry

Taco Bell of Canton

g g

cover the costs for the Golf Raffle this year.

Hocker, Fitzjarrald & Richardson, CPA’s

Town & Country Insurance Agency, Ltd.

Congratulations to the Winning Team: Marble Link

American Family Insurance Barnhart, Tinsman, & Parish, Ltd

Big Cats Bowls

Bistro 101 Davis & Campbell, LLC

Country Financial - Nick Wright

Winning Team Left to Right: Harry Walters, Darryl Schrodt, Jake Ketcham, Patrick Ketcham

More Chamber Golf OUting Teams

Fairview State Bank

Hy-Vee

Ipava State Bank

Jack’s Bar Marble Links

Maurer & Stutz, Inc. MidAmerica

More Chamber Golf OUting Teams

Timbuk Te

TLC Health & We Town & Country Insurance

Thank You to Our Prize

5th Avenue Car Wash

American Family Insurance

Art Hossler Auto Plaza

Billy’s Tap

Bistro 101

Black Maple Coffee & Espresso

Blessings Primitives

Buckheart Solar

Camille’s of Canton

Canton Park District

Country Financial - Nick Wright

Country Line Bar & Grill

Sponsors

Crawford’s Home Furnishings

Cup of Canton

Davis Ford

Di’s Boutique

Don & Nancy’s Cafe

Eats on the Street

Fuller’s Jewelry

Georgia Rae’s

Graham Health System

Harvester Meat Company

JC Custom Laser Creations

Joe’s Place in Norris

Just Teaz’n Hair & Nails

KB Auto

Keefer Financial, Inc.

Klinedinst Chiropractic

Monical’s Pizza

Official Time Out

OSF HealthCare

Peace of Mind Massage

Pizza Hut in Canton

Princess Creations Cakes

Progressive Vision Center

Rosich

The Loft of Canton

Team Kuzinar

Team Harris

150% Club members

greg glomb

150% club

Individual Members

Scott Miller

Phil Miller

Tony Rolando

Otto Stephenitch

Kevin Meade

Kevin & Debbie Stephenson

John Clark

Harriet Ellis

Harold Jump

Samantha Braden - Rhoades Real Estate

Bobby Brown - Flat Branch Home Loans

Joe Christian - MidAmerica National Bank

Stephen Clark - Town and Country Insurance

Brandy Cozad - Jack’s Bar

Kiley Davis-Crouse - Line-X of Canton

Tama Duhs - Bank of Farmington

Sherri Delost - Jim Maloof Realtor

Madison Embry - Bank of Farmington

Jake Green - Graham Health System

Jeromie Hale - Bistro 101

Elli Hummel - Jack’s Bar

Amanda Ketcham - Spoon River College

Seth Klinedinst - Crawford’s Home Furnishings

John Lemon - Rise Canton

Dave Lewis - Dave Lewis Studio, Ltd.

Taryn Mellert - Spoon River Electric

Amanda Reed - MidAmerica National Bank

Dr. Jacob Standard - Spoon River Animal Clinic

Codi Swibold - Hy-Vee Food Stores

Dr. AJ Thum - Associates in Dentistry

Missy Towery - Mid Century Fiber

Bryce Vaughn - CEFCU of Canton

Nick Wright - Country Financial

AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT

Jake is the Senior Director of Regional Business Development for Graham Health System in Canton, IL and has worked at GHS for 14 yeas. Jake graduated from WIU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 2008 and has worked in healthcare ever since. He has since gone back to school, and is currently working on his MBA in Healthcare Administration Jake coached high school football and baseball for Lewistown for 8 seasons until opening up his 24/7 fitness facility, Team Green Fitness, in 2014. Jake is a certified Personal Trainer, BLS Instructor, Stress Management Counselor, Health and Wellness Coach, Ergonomic Assessment Specialist 1, and serves on many boards, committees and organizations throughout the communities GHS serves.

Jake was raised in St. David, IL and currently lives in Lewistown with his wife Kelsey and their basset hound named June Bug Kelsey is a RN and also works at Graham Hospital When he isn’t working, Jake enjoys hunting, fishing, mountain biking and anything related to the outdoors.

CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!