JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
Volume 24 | Issue 1
C O M M E R C E
CONNECTION
Th e
Finance Pictured: Bobbie Butler, Jan Miller, Steve Tock (seated), Chuck Eyman, Kirk Harney (seated), Dan Marker, Toni Delporte.
issue
This issue was sponsored by:
Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL
PAID
Presorted Standard US Postage
C h a m pa i g n C o u n t y ’ s
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b u s i n e s s - to - b u s i n e s s
p u b l i c at i o n
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A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Turn your
Receivables
into CASH!
Discover the benefits of
Accounts Receivable Financing WITHOUT FACTORING!
Improve your cash flow
Rodney Morris
With predictable cash flow, you can make payroll, remit payables on time, and pursue new business opportunities.
Save time and money
Vice President Accounts Receivable Program 1515 Charleston Ave. • Mattoon Toll free 1-866-667-4476 rmorris@firstmid.com
Take advantage of financing that’s less expensive than factoring, and get back to doing business. Mitch Swim
Manage your operations
Track receivables with detailed reports; reduce or eliminate debt; maintain a liquid working capital position; and overcome seasonal fluctuations.
Maintain control of your accounts
Regional President Commercial Lending 2229 S. Neil Street • Champaign 359-9837 mswim@firstmid.com
Continue building valuable relationships with your customers through your existing billing and follow-up correspondence.
Offer financing options to your customers
Sharpen your competitive edge by offering flexible payment terms. You win and your customers do too.
id Visit First M w a video online to vie gram ro about our p it has ow and hear h tomers cus helped our sinesses! bu grow their
Community President Commercial Lending 2229 S. Neil Street • Champaign 359-9837 mkrueger@firstmid.com
Darlene Johnson
To learn more about First Mid or to see a complete list of locations, visit us online.
FIRSTMID.COM
Member FDIC • Equal Opportunity Lender
View our video online:
Mike Krueger
https://www.firstmid.com/commercial-banking/accounts-receivable-financing/
Vice President Treasury Management 2229 S. Neil Street • Champaign 359-9837 djohnson@firstmid.com
Champaign County Banking Centers: Champaign • 2229 South Neil • 359-9837 Champaign • 913 West Marketview • 378-8023 Urbana • 601 South Vine • 367-8451 Mahomet • 502 East Oak • 318-3750
303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org
FY17 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS GOLD Busey Carle SILVER BankChampaign, N.A. First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign BRONZE A & R Mechanical Contractors Amdocs Christie Clinic Heartland Bank & Trust Midland States Bank Presence Covenant Medical Center RSM US LLP
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Illini Radio Group - MIX 94.5, WIXY 100.3, Rewind 92.5, WYXY Classic 99.1, True Oldies 97.9, Extra 92.1, Hits 99.7 Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q96-96.1FM, US105.9, Sunny 95.3 & ESPN 93.5 WCIA-TV / WCIX-49 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO BUSINESS’S CIRCLE FOX, ABC and CW - TV
150 PERCENT CLUB Awards, Ltd. Carmike 13 Dish Passionate Cuisine Hyatt Place LongHorn Steakhouse Thomas, Mamer & Haughey, LLP TrophyTime W.K. Cooper II Asset Management Corporation
CHAMBER STAFF Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org
Stephanie McCullough Director of First Impressions StephanieM@champaigncounty.org
Mindy M. Cain Director of Workforce Readiness & Member Relations MindyC@champaigncounty.org
Lindsay Quick Graphic Design and Marketing Director LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org
Garret Hill Public Policy Director GarretH@champaigncounty.org
Ariel Short Events & Programs Manager ArielS@champaigncounty.org Daniel Stebel Membership Sales Director DanS@champaigncounty.org
Caryn Isenhower Accounts Receivable & Office Administrator Caryni@champaigncounty.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Jeffrey Baker
Susan Jepsen
Becky Preston
Kyle Emkes
Pradeep Khanna
Chuck McReaken
Mike Estes
Kurt Lenschow
Dr. Jared Rogers
David Farrar
Justin Overstreet
Retired
Dodd & Maatuka
Fisher National Bank
Illinois American Water
Tabatha Helm DSC Logistics
Tonya Horn Rogards
Zachary Hillard
Reynolds Towing Service, Inc.
University of Illinois
State Farm
Chair, Midland States Bank
First Vice Chair, TSM Ventures, Inc.
Second Vice Chair Presence Covenant Medical Center
Martin, Hood, Friese & Associates, LLC
Beth Auterman
Rod Roberts
Jim Lyons
Julianna Sellett
Laura Weis
Thunderstruck Design
Carle
Busey
FINANCIAL SERVICES Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen
Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen
Past Chair, Birkey’s Farm Store
Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
All information contained within this publication is property of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and cannot be reproduced without prior expressed or written consent. This publication contains paid advertising; the opinions expressed in those advertisements do not reflect the views of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information, contact the Chamber at 217.359.1791.
in the community Invthateshastinvested in you KEEP YOUR DOLLARS LOCAL: SMALL CHANGE. BIG SHIFT.
93 percent of consumers believe it’s important to support the local small businesses that they value in their community.* Would you agree? We do. Small business has a big economic impact. As a member of the Champaign County community, you can contribute to that impact. Shopping local is more than just spending money to support the business community. It means investing in those that have invested in you; that have invested in Champaign County. Locally owned companies recirculate more of its revenue directly to residents and businesses in their community. Keeping dollars in our community is essential because increased jobs and economic activity leads to greater tax revenue and a stronger economy to support others. Empowering and enabling local companies to capture a bigger share of their local and regional markets can provide significant benefits to the local economies. As the largest and premier business organization in the area, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce continually strives to support a probusiness climate advocating for all members. This includes promoting all members, including members classified as small businesses, which is over 50 percent of our membership base. As part of our efforts to support the many small businesses in Champaign County, we have a program aimed to keep dollars local. The county-wide program is the only one of its kind. It is the Commerce Card.
The Commerce Card is the gift card that supports shopping local. We all know gift cards are great for those difficult family members, friends, co-workers or even last minute gifts, but what about a gift card that guarantees your dollars stay right here in Champaign County? The Commerce Card does exactly that. It can be purchased for any denomination from the Chamber and spent at any participating business in the county (See below for list of participating businesses). That means the recipient of your gift card has the choice to spend the card at a local boutique, restaurant, salon, retail shop, deli, and more. Feel good about spending your money in your own community and making a positive impact on the local economy.
*Statistics from the American Express OPEN Small Business Saturday Consumer Pulse in 2011. Businesses Currently Accepting the Commerce Card:
Modern
Nails Salon
Elegant and Affordable Complete Professional Nail Care and Spa for Men & Women
217-954-0500 1711 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, IL 61821
Mon-Sat 9:00am-7:00pm Closed Sunday
(inside Old Farm Shoppes next to Subway)
Gift Certificates Available
Members can start accepting the Commerce Card at any time. For the most up-to-date list of participating businesses visit www.champiagncouny.org/news.
appointment & walk-ins welcome
89 percent of consumers said they believe that small businesses contribute positively to their local communities.*
Where it all began - what goes around comes around. Community bankers working at the same location that launched their careers 40 years ago.
Hickory Point Bank & Trust, located at 202 W Park Avenue in Champaign, is one of central Illinois’ leading locally owned banks. While Hickory Point Bank has been at the renovated Park Avenue location since 2014, for some staff members, it’s reminiscent of a homecoming. The building was built in 1959, and housed the Champaign National Bank. Chuck Eyman, Hickory Point Bank’s Senior Relationship Manager, began his banking career at the Champaign National Bank in 1966 as a bank teller. “The building was one story, with a full basement until a second floor was added in the mid-seventies,” said Chuck. “My ‘added duties as assigned’ were to manage the building maintenance which caused me to become familiar with the building and its nuances. The Howard Johnson restaurant adjacent to the west was acquired to enlarge the bank parking lot.” Chuck held several different positions and titles in bank operations, including branch manager of the first off-site driveup facility in Champaign County. By the mid-seventies, Chuck moved into a customer service and lending role, and in 1985 managed the commercial loan area as a Sr. Vice President. In the sixties when Chuck began his banking career, downtown Champaign was the hub of commerce. The board of directors consisted mainly of second and third generation families who settled in the area. The building has stood strong on the corner of Park Avenue and Randolph through the evolution of downtown from a thriving area of commerce, to economic downturn, and then back to being a thriving area of commerce once again. Jan Miller, Hickory Point Bank’s Senior Vice President Commercial Lending, also started his banking career at the Park Avenue location in 1977. “I started working right out of college in loan review and as a loan officer trainee with a desk near the furnace room.” Jan said. “When I began making loans, Chuck was my ‘go to’ person for questions, of which there were many, and quite frankly he became and remains a mentor for both business and personal issues.”
Chuck along with Jan assembled a team of commercial lenders that became one of the strongest downstate. Steve Tock, Hickory Point Bank’s Community President, also began his banking career in the mid-seventies at First National Bank in Champaign. “Chuck, Jan, and I were friendly competitors for over 30 years,” exclaimed Steve. “I became a Hickory Point Bank employee in 2001, and in 2010 hired Chuck out of his retirement. Jan joined us in 2011. Former competitors are now best friends!”
The three commercial lenders exemplify what borrowers look for in a banker: Someone knowledgeable about your business, is responsive, and truly cares in good times and bad. “When Chuck retired in 2009, there was a big void. When he called me about coming to Hickory Point Bank, I jumped. The magic was back,” said Jan. “And I’m back in that great building I started my career in almost 40 years ago. Only now I have a nice office!” “It’s ironic that we now find ourselves back where we started,” adds Chuck. “Who can deny that what goes around comes around?”
MEMBER FDIC
Hickory Point Bank & Trust, located at 202 W Park Ave in Champaign, has total assets of $648 million, and is one of central Illinois’ leading locally owned banks. Hickory Point Bank offers a full line of commercial, mortgage, consumer, online, trust, investment management, and farm management services to central Illinois’ businesses and families with locations in Champaign, Decatur, Peoria, and Springfield. For more information about Hickory Point Bank and its products, visit HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM
HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM
CHAMPAIGN DECATUR PEORIA SPRINGFIELD
WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between November 19, 2016 and January 9, 2017 Athletico – Urbana 114 N. Vine St. Urbana, IL 61801-2700 217.352.3330 www.athletico.com Physical Therapists
Athletico is an independent provider of physical therapy. Athletico’s mission is to provide exceptional, progressive and cost-effective outpatient rehabilitation and fitness services through personalized care that emphasizes patient education and prevention of future injury. The Athletico Urbana Clinic has been open for one year and is being managed by Rebecca Nef-Heffernan, PT, MHS. Rebecca has been with Athletico for nine years and has been in the Champaign-Urbana community for 25-years. The Urbana clinic offers Complimentary Injury Screens and Physical Therapy including worker compensation, Graston treatment, Active Release Treatment, Video Gait Analysis, post-surgical rehab and general physical therapy needs. Major insurances that are accepted include: Health Alliance, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthlink, Medicare, and Worker’s Compensation. To schedule an appointment or find out more information contact the clinic at 217.352.3330.
Block Advisors
1333 Savoy Plaza Ln. Savoy, IL 61874-8900 217.355.1040 www.blockadvisors.com Tax Return Preparation
Capitol City Speakers Bureau 1620 S. 5th St. Springfield, IL 62703-3171 800.397.3183 www.capcityspeakers.com Speakers, Lectures & Seminars
Capitol City Speakers Bureau works with meeting planners around the United States to book motivational speakers, sports personalities, and healthcare experts for meetings, conferences and events. Partnering with Capitol City Speakers Bureau ensures booking speakers for your event is the easiest part of your planning process. Capitol City Speakers Bureau becomes an extension of your team to provide creative ideas, secure the speaker, and handle the logistics leading up to your event. As a meeting planner you don’t need to feel like you’re on an island. Capitol City Speakers Bureau is your planning
partner dedicated to helping make your meeting a success. At Capitol City Speakers Bureau, their goal is to find you the perfect speaker to THRILL Your Audience!
Central Illinois Spice Co. 410 S. Glover Ave. Urbana, IL 61802-3531 217.367.8308 www.centralillinoisspiceco.com Spices-Wholesale
Central Illinois Bakehouse
208 N. First St. Champaign, IL 61820-3709 217.359.6114 www.centralillinoisbakehouse.com Bakery-Wholesale
Clean Sweep Fireplace and Chimney Service 805 E. Perkins Rd. Urbana, IL 61802-1213 217.281.1768 www.cleansweepfcs.com Chimney & Fireplace Service
Serving East Central Illinois with quality fireplace and chimney service. They bring tradition to the service with our Top Hats and top notch customer service. Clean Sweep is Veteran owned with over 20-years combined experience. From cleaning to caps, they service all of your fireplace needs. Their range of services include Inspections, Cleanings, Caps, Tuckpointing, Chimney Crowns, Teardowns/Rebuilds, Liner Installations, Dryer Vents, Gutters and Waterproofing.
Dodd & Maatuka
Chase Bank Building 303 S. Mattis Ave., Ste. 201 Champaign, IL 61821-3070 217.356.9500 www.madelaw.net Attorneys Dodd & Maatuka is a full service law firm serving the Central Illinois area. A distinguishing characteristic of Dodd & Maatuka is their diversity of practice. They have a six-member attorney team, yet their lawyers work together to assist a broad range of clients facing a variety of legal issues including: Estate Planning/Probate,
Wills/Trusts, Guardianships, Social Security Disability, Bankruptcy, Business Law, Agricultural Law, Litigation, Immigration, Worker’s Comp, Family Law, Traffic/DUI, Employment Law, Personal Injury, and Real Estate.
FBM Gypsum Supply 201 Industrial Cir. Urbana, IL 61802 217.531.4755 www.fbmsales.com Building Materials
Foundation Building Materials (FBM) is a leading, North American building materials distributor who is focused on meeting and exceeding the needs of local construction trades. Operating at 205 locations in 36 states across the United States and Canada, FBM has built strategic partnerships with leading vendors to provide a highly specialized, core product selection including wallboard, steel studs, lath and plaster, acoustical ceilings, insulation, etc. In addition, FBM provides a wide variety of industrial grade tools and best-in-class services including jobsite delivery and materials stocking. These offerings, when paired with FBM’s values of safety, customer focus, teamwork and integrity, provide an outstanding overall customer experience that is recognized across the industry.
Giordano’s of Champaign 2000 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820-7808 217.953.4299 www.giordanos.com Restaurants
Hamilton Walker’s celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on December 14.
Miracle-Ear celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting on December 19.
Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C. 301 N. Neil St., Ste. 505 Champaign, IL 61820-3171 217.344.0060 www.heylroyster.com Attorneys
Heyl Royster is a regional Midwest law firm with more than 120 lawyers and six Illinois offices. In January, the firm moved from its Urbana office, where it had been for 35 years, to the M2 building in Champaign. Heyl Royster provides legal services to businesses and corporations, professionals, healthcare organizations, governmental entities, universities, insurance carriers, and other major institutions. Heyl Royster lawyers have successfully defended clients in courts in each of the 102 counties in the State of Illinois, as well as in courtrooms in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. Their attorneys also counsel clients on all aspects of business life. For more information, go to www.heylroyster.com.
Star Uniforms celebrated their new ownership with a ribbon cutting on January 17.
Prep Freeze Cook celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on October 18.
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Lounge
Spring Mobile on South Neil
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Lounge serves only the finest north Indian food, prepared with their traditional recipes. Come visit them today and try their signature dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and spices, which have delighted patrons around the world for 40 years. Their fresh, delicious food is served in their family owned and operated restaurant at an affordable price. Kohinoor will cater most any size party or function in the Champaign-Urbana area and offers space to host private events for up to 40 people.
Spring Mobile-Urbana
6 E. Columbia Ave. Champaign, IL 61820-3620 217.552.1384 www.kohinoorchampaign.com Restaurants-Indian
PhRMA
950 F St. NW, Ste. 300 Washington, DC 20004-1440 612.219.2837 www.phrma.org Pharmaceutical Companies
Portillo’s
2306 N. Prospect Ave. Champaign, IL 61820-1239 630.954.3773 www.portillos.com Restaurants
Shoe Carnival
2105 N. Prospect Ave. Champaign, IL 61822-1238 217.378.5334 www.shoecarnival.com Shoes-Retail Shoe Carnival is your one-stop shop for all your work and family needs. They carry steel toe work boots, non-slip work shoes, and other styles to fit your business needs. If your company mandates that your employees wear steel toe boots and your company pays a portion of the boot, our accounts receivable program will benefit your company. They can credit your employee the amount you pay for the boot and your employee pays the remainder. They then will bill your company for the amount of the credit. This program will help save your employees from coming up with the full amount of the boot. They can even come to your factory with their work boots to make it easier for your employees.
Spring Mobile at Market Place Mall
2000 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820-7851 217.356.5200 www.springmobile.com Wireless Communications Products & Services
2033 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820-7219 217.801.3654 www.springmobile.com Wireless Communications Products & Services 2740 S. Philo Rd., Ste. C Urbana, IL 61801-8071 217.689.4663 www.springmobile.com Wireless Communications Products & Services
Tim C. Anderson Media Production Champaign, IL 530.613.6326 www.timcanderson.com Video Production Services
Independent Video Producer Tim Anderson recently relocated from Sacramento where he owned/operated his own video production company since 2008. Catering to small businesses and non-profits, Tim works well with smaller project scopes and limited budgets to accomplish today’s online marketing strategies. Tim is also a certified commercial drone pilot and is looking for opportunities to help companies use this powerful tool. Reach Tim at (530) 613-6326 or Tim@TimCAnderson.com.
Woodspring Suites
1212 W. Anthony Dr. Champaign, IL 61821-1203 217.359.5499 www.woodspring.com Hotels
World Finance-Champaign 816 N. Country Fair Dr., Ste. 7 Champaign, IL 61821-2474 217.352.6100 www.loansbyworld.com Loans
World Finance-Urbana 111 N. Broadway Ave. Urbana, IL 61801-2704 217.384.2966 www.loansbyworld.com Loans
2017 Spring Breakfast Series Join your fellow Chamber members at our Spring Breakfast Series. Each breakfast will be held from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at the City Center. The cost to attend for members is $19 per breakfast or $50 for the whole series; the non-member price is $39 per breakfast. To register, contact Caryn at caryni@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791.
February 9
Performance Driven Selling: Immediate and Lasting Sales Effectiveness
March 9
Candidates Breakfast
Featuring speaker Dr. Jeffrey Magee
April 13
University of Illinois Chancellor Robert J. Jones
We are all in sales.
Want to know what the Chamber has been up to?
In honor of our 25th anniversary in 2016, the Chamber enlisted the help of local video production expert Tim C. Anderson to create an entertaining yet educational video reflecting on the year’s successes and accomplishments. Set to the popular “Carpool Karaoke” theme, the video follows incoming board chair, Becky Preston, as she drives around town with various Chamber members. Throughout the video, Becky and her guests sing their hearts out and talk about some of the Chamber’s highlights of 2016. With over 20-years of experience in film production, Tim was able to capture the essence of what makes our membership so incredible - the people. Check out our video by searching for “Champaign County Chamber” on YouTube. From programs and events to workshops and seminars, the Chamber is extremely grateful to work with our members each and every day. 2016 was a great year and we are looking forward to tackling the new year on our members behalf. Any member who hasn’t renewed yet for 2017 may do so by contacting Caryn at caryni@champaigncounty.org or calling 217.359.1791.
the personal side of finance Written by Lindsay Quick In an industry dominated by numbers, budgets and regulations, empathy and human connections can seem distant. On paper, the financial industry can seem cold and one-sided, when in reality it is anything but. However, Morton Community Bank market president Leon Hinton says that “being able to help people is the most rewarding part of this job.” Hinton adds, “the biggest misconception about financial planners is that we are only in it for ourselves.” Although the numbers and budgets tend to be very black and white, the core of the financial industry is to help people meet their short and long term goals. From those just beginning their careers to those nearing retirement, knowing how to be smart with money is incredibly important. “Financial planning looks different in each stage of life, but one principal remains the same across generations - save early and often. Consistent, modest savings can really add up over time.” (Retirement at Any Decade, busey.com) Not every financial decision has to be major. According to Gerry Smith, senior vice president & Champaign market president at First State Bank, “anyone looking to save money can do so by being disciplined in their spending. For
example, don’t spend five dollars on coffee every day.” Everyday people make decisions that either help or hurt them financially. A lot of times money is about balance. While saving is obviously important, consumers have to be willing to spend and invest some of their money too. “As a general rule of thumb, ten percent of a salary should be saved,” adds Ann Higgens, financial advisor at First Financial. This number may seem insignificant to some, but saving doesn’t have to be done all at once. Throughout the various stages of life, there will be purchases that require large amounts of money (like cars and homes). In order to be prepared for those purchases, consumers must be willing to make saving a habit and not just something that is done out of necessity. While the motivation for personal financial stability is often pretty obvious, those who are seeking to start a business or who already operate small businesses know that commercial finance can be completely different. Hinton explains, “commercial finance is much more complex and typically does not serve a single purpose.” Businesses typically have one goal in mind - to increase profits. When businesses do well, it
reflects on the entire company not just an individual. In the same way, if things aren’t going as well, all employees feel it. “In order to be financially healthy in the New Year (and all the time) businesses must reduce costs and become more efficient in their operations,” says Smith. Before going into business, thorough planning must be done to ensure all financial parts will operate effectively. Starting a business is not something that can be done immediately, but rather requires sufficient planning. Smith goes on to explain, “A lot of times, new business owners overestimate potential revenue and underestimate cash needed to cover expense.” Being realistic when thinking through budgets and business plans is key to being successful when starting out - don’t exaggerate amounts. Hinton adds, “Don’t be afraid to seek out guidance. There are a number of resources available in this community for those looking to start businesses including SCORE and the SBDC.”
is going to take constant and continuous work. Business owners must be aware of their costs and revenue and be able to make adjustments if necessary. “It’s important to strike a balance between generating income today and growing assets for the future.” (Retirement at Any Decade, busey. com) Both personal and commercial finance take immense amounts of planning and work. While the motivations and goals might be very different depending on the type of finance, it is important to keep in mind that the industry isn’t as black and white as it seems. In any type of financial situation, end goals must be taken into account when making decisions. Thinking about how actions will effect the overall company or what you might be able to afford in the future is essential. Do not wait until situations are dire but rather make smart choices often and with purpose.
For those already in business, budgeting and taking care of the financials is something that
R U O T E E M : S T R E P EX Thank you to all members that participated as experts and for the work you do to better our local workforce and community.
Busey Bank
First State Bank
First Financial Bank
Morton Community bank
100 W. University Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 www.busey.com 217.351.6500
Ann Higgens Financial Advisor 1205 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 www.first-online.com 217.352.6700
Gerry Smith Senior Vice President & Champaign Market President 101 Windsor Rd. Champaign, IL 61820 www.fsbcorp.com 217.239.3000 Leon M. Hinton Market President 301 N. Neil St., Suite 105 Champaign, IL 61820 www.hometownbanks.com 217.359.4482
2017 ATHENA Award® Luncheon Sponsored by:
Thursday, February 16 Noon - 1:30 p.m. Champaign Country Club Join Champaign County Chamber of Commerce members and representatives from local businesses as we honor the 2017 ATHENA Award® recipient. The recipient of the ATHENA Award® demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in his or her business or profession; provides valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and assists women in reaching their full leadership potential. This year’s luncheon will also present the ATHENA Young Professional Award®, given to an emerging leader who strives toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment and serves as a role model for young women. This award is sponsored by past recipients of the ATHENA Award®. The 2017 ATHENA Award® luncheon is sponsored by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Spherion Staffing Services. The recipient’s lapel pin is provided by Busey Wealth Management. The luncheon will be at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at Champaign Country Club (1211 S. Prospect Avenue, Champaign). Doors will open and registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $33 for members and $41 for non-members. To register, please contact Caryn Isenhower at caryni@champaigncounty.org. All registrations are billed upon receipt. Only Chamber members may choose to be billed. Should you need special accommodations, please contact the Chamber. Registration and cancellation deadline is Monday, February 13, 2017.
When two good things collide – The result is greatness! Michaels’ Catering is now the official caterer for Hilton Garden Inn.
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217-359-1151
NG-1321947
________________________
UBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE
217-351-2500
O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:___________________________
A customized approach for your business.
DEN INN & HOME PROOF CREATEDBusey AT: 9/16/2016 7:12 PM will help you navigate your unique financial journey. PROOF DUE: NG-1321947.INDD L ILLINOIS BUSINESS NEXT RUN DATE: 10/28/16
Your business thrives because of your dedication to its success. Whether you’re considering a loan to expand, succession planning or cash management services, Busey promises sound advice and simplified solutions. Because we understand that small business is big business.
busey.com 217.365.4500
Member FDIC
the local purchasing challenge
We challenge you to make one simple decision that will transform our local economy; ultimately improving the bottom lines of our members – all without spending any more money than your company currently spends. How? Take the Local Purchasing Challenge. It really is simple. Shopping local is not just a consumer activity. By simply reallocating your purchasing dollars for products and services from a non-local vendor to a local one (again, not spending more), your company will be part of creating significant economic impact in Champaign County. What’s in it for me you ask? The more companies that agree to shift some of their purchasing back to Champaign County means more local companies will see increased sales. As much as you want local companies to buy your goods and services, your fellow Chamber members want you to buy more locally as well. It means better customer service, quicker turnaround and no shipping. More local purchasing means more money in the local economy. It means more money to keep jobs and create jobs. Your commitment to this grassroots effort, along with other local businesses, will make the dollars add up. Again, without spending more than you have already budgeted. In fact, did you know that according to Civic Economics West Michigan that $140,000,000 of new economic activity means 1,600 newly created jobs and $50,000,000 in new wages. Imagine being part of creating 1,600 new local jobs without spending more than you already spend. Take the Local Purchasing Challenge. Help make a difference in our community. It doesn’t get easier than this: Step 1
Identify the categories/line items in your budget where you spend money outside of Champaign County.
Step 2
Commit to reallocating a small portion of that purchasing back to a business in Champaign County. Use the Chamber as a resource to find a local vendor.
Step 3
Take the Challenge and return this card to the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.
Step 4
Honor the promise.
Step 5
Update the Chamber on your status when asked (quarterly update).
Step 6
Sit back and feel good about your decision to help improve your business and our economy. Watch our local economy and local businesses grow.
Yes, please list and promote our company as a local business committed to purchasing more locally. I understand our actual pledge will not be published. Name ________________________________________________________________________ Business ______________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________________________________________ Between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, our company commits to reallocating purchasing dollars spent with vendors outside of Champaign County to local businesses by (at least) the amount indicated below:
____$10,000 ____$7,500 ____$5,000
____ $2,500 ____ $1,000 ____ $750
____$500 ____$100 Other: $_________
The Chamber will track the collective amount pledged. We will report the numbers back to the membership all while keeping your pledge confidential. Please return form by March 31, 2017.
Have questions? Contact Lindsay at LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791. Please complete this form and fax to 217.359.1809 or mail to: Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave. | Champaign, IL 61820
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE With a new year comes new laws going into effect in the State of Illinois. Most notably for employers, the Employee Sick Leave Act (Public Act 99-841) will allow employees to use sick leave benefits in the event of an extended illness of a loved one. There are also changes that will affect everyday interactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Public Act 99-644 will allow citizens to choose their birthday as their vehicle registration renewal date and Real ID Compliance (Public Act 99-511) will help bring Illinois one-step closer to compliance by ending the practice of ID printing at your local DMV. Instead, citizens can apply for an ID which will be printed off site, then shipped to a secure location to make Illinois IDs harder to counterfeit. These are just some of the dozens of new laws going into effect for 2017. Municipal elections taking place in April have taken shape. In all, there will be 253 positions on the ballot in various areas of Champaign County. A few mayor’s races will have contested elections. In Urbana, Democrat Mayor Laurel Prussing is running for election against Democrats Diane Marlin and Evelyn Underwood and Republican Rex Bradfield. In Savoy, Village President Bob McCleary has decided to not run for reelection and Joan Dykstra and John Brown will face off in that non-partisan election. In Rantoul, Mayor Chuck Smith will run for reelection against Neal Williams and Gary Wilson. In St. Joseph, Tami Voges was nominated to be the Republican candidate for Village President and is running unopposed.
In the City of Champaign, the mayor has a four-year term that expires in 2019 and will run with the councilmen at large that year. This year, all five councilmen districts will be up for reelection. In District 1, Councilman Clarissa Nickerson Fourman is unopposed. District 2, Councilman Michael LaDue will see challenge from Alicia Beck. District 3, appointed Councilman Angie Brix will be unopposed. District 4, appointed councilman Greg Stock will be unopposed. In District 5, Councilman Paul Faraci has decided to run for City of Champaign Township Assessor, leaving that seat open. Four people have filed to run, Evangeline Pianfetti, Brian Ames, Debra Shelton Medlyn and Angela Slates. The Champaign County Board has also put two questions on the April ballot. The first would increase Champaign County’s property tax rate to nearly $0.10 per $100 of assessed value. The increase would approximately cost $30 per year for a home valued at $150,000. The new revenue would raise $2.5 million per year to help fund the struggling nursing home. The second proposal would allow for the sale of the nursing home. Should the first referendum fail, board members feared the county would be out of options on how to properly fund and manage the county’s nursing home facility. If approved by the voters, a super-majority of county board members would be required to approve the sale of the facility. County board members were split on which proposal they preferred. The property tax increase referendum passed 12-8 on a partisan roll call. The sale of the nursing home originally failed, however after Chairman Pius Weibel motioned to reconsider, the proposal passed 12-8. The Primary Election for partisan races will be held on February 28 with all elections decided in the General Election on April 4. Job #: 34899-37 Size: 8" x 5" Branch: 21 Champaign
Color(s): 4C Bleed?: N Pub: Chamber of Commerce
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MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Congratulations to Lydia Kisley, a Beckman Brown Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Illinois, for being named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list. CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS Consolidated Communications announced effective January 16, 2017 Champaign Telephone Company (CTC) will take on the Consolidated Communications brand. The Mattoon, Ill.-based provider is one of the largest independent communications providers in the United States and currently has operations in 11 states. Consolidated Communications completed the purchase of CTC on July 1, 2016 and immediately invested and expanded fiber services to businesses in the Woodfield Drive area of nearby Savoy, Ill. Consolidated Communications products and services will continue to be supported by the experienced, local team customers have known for many years. “We are proud of our dedicated employees who live in the communities we serve,” Abolt added. “Consolidated Communications has a history of being a strong local partner and our commitment to the Champaign-Urbana area remains steadfast.” HENDRICK HOUSE Congratulations to Terrell Williams for being named President and CEO of Hendrick House. He will be taking over for long-time leader Betsy Hendrick. ILLINI HEARING Illini Hearing would like to welcome Teri Quednau to their practice. At 32 years old, Teri was diagnosed with a conductive hearing loss in her right ear. After years in the Real Estate business and in administration for several medical centers, later she found herself working for a hearing aid dispenser. Passionate about helping people hear, she is pursuing a licensure as a Hearing Instrument Specialist under the tuteledge of Andy Bierbaum owner of Illini Hearing. As a
team, Teri and Andy combine their years of shared experience to help the community in bringing awareness to Hearing Health. DRAGON FIRE PIZZA Congratulations to Dragon Fire Pizza for being included on Cosmopolitan’s list “50 of the Best College Town Pizzerias in the Country”. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Six University of Illinois faculty members were elected to the 2016 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Jianjun Cheng, Brian T. Cunningham, Kevin T. Pitts, Bruce L. Rhoads, Chad M. Rienstra and Joseph Torrellas were among the 391 new fellows chosen for their efforts to advance science. AMEREN ILLINOIS Congratulations to Ameren Illinois for being named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. CARLE Congratulations to the Neuroscience Institute at Carle for receiving the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidlelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospitals commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. Have news to share with the local business community? Tell us about it and get featured in the Chamber’s next Commerce Connection. Email Lindsay Quick with your news, LindsayQ@ champaigncounty.org, or submit the news via our website: http://champaigncounty.org/membership/ member_accolades.aspx
Chuck Eyman Kirk Harney Jan Miller Dan Marker Steve Tock
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Cham ber Sto re Mailing Labels
An exclusive benefit of Chamber membership, we sell mailing labels containing the names and addresses of Chamber member businesses for the purpose of member-to-member communication. Target the local business community. Two lists are available for purchase:
e-Connection
Long list (approx. 2,400 names and businesses): $175 Short list (approx. 1,000 names and businesses): $125
Recently redesigned, our electronic newsletter is sent to nearly 2,000 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County each week. Sponsor an e-Connection and get your business seen by thousands.
Contact Caryn Isenhower to order, Caryni@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
Header sponsorship (one wk.): $100
Email Blast Advertisement Do you have a new product, service or information you would like to share with our entire Chamber membership? Take advantage of this exclusive offer to send broadcast emails to our entire nearly 2,000 email list. Email Blast Advertisement: $500 Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
Commerce Connection
This is a bi-monthly publication that is distributed to over 2,400 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County. Content varies, but is always relevant to local business. There are a variety of ad sizes available. Ads start at only $90. Ask about the exclusive cover package that allows your business to gain exposure before the reader even opens the publication. Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
Email Footer Sponsorship
For a great price, place an ad in every email that is sent out of the Chamber office. That’s an average of over 12,000 emails per week. The best part? Link the footer wherever you would like. Footer (one wk.): $75 (Add footer to the e-Connection for an additional $50.) Contact Lindsay for details at, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
EXCLUSIVE
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Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@ champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
Website Marketing With over 7,000 visits/month to the Chamber website, this is where you want to be. Market your business to locals and those looking to move and/or visit here. Want more information? Contact Lindsay Quick at LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org.
Event Sponsorship
From monthly First Friday Coffee and Business After Hours to our annual Golf Outing, the Chamber hosts a number of events each month. By sponsoring a Chamber event, your business obtains great exposure not only at the event itself, but also within all promotional materials (emails, mailings, e-newsletters, Commerce Connection, website, etc.). We have numerous opportunities throughout the year, here’s what’s coming up: • Breakfast Sponsorship - $1,000 March 9 (available) • April 13 (available) • Golf Outing Title Sponsorship - $3,000 (available) • Annual Meeting Title Sponsorship - $3,000 (available)
Additional information for events such as Business Success and Solutions Seminars is available upon request. Contact ArielS@champaign county.org or call 217.359.1791 with any event sponsorship inquiries.
Online Business Directory Enhancements Enhance your listing on the Chamber’s online business directory. The directory gets hundreds of thousands of views each day--turn your standard (complimentary) listing into an eye-catching, search engine optimized advertisement. Basic upgrade: included w/membership
Value upgrade: $20/year
Deluxe upgrade: $50/year
Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
Complimentary services: rental of laptop computer; conference space and LCD projector; Certificate of Origin; Notary service; information, assistance and resources.
REACH THOUSANDS ON A SMALL BUDGET.
calendar of events Connect@Lunch
Monday, February 13 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Minneci’s at the Crossing 2501 Village Green Pl., Champaign
ATHENA Award® Luncheon Thursday, February 16 Noon - 1:30 p.m. Champaign Country Club 1211 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign
Creating a Business Plan ECI SCORE
Thursday, February 16 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Chamber Office 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
Business After Hours
Thursday, February 16 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Consolidated Communications 1300 S. Neil St., Champaign
Business Success & Solutions Seminar Sales Effectiveness & Why Have a System
presented by Norm Bilsbury, President & CEO of Topline Consulting
Tuesday, February 21 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Chamber Office 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
Fast Facts
Financing a Business
4.5% Champaign County Unemployment
Thursday, March 2 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Chamber Office 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
26 business licenses applied for in
ECI SCORE
First Friday Coffee
Friday, March 3 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Habitat for Humanity & ReStore of Champaign County 119 E. University Ave., Champaign
Booking Day (2018 FFC & BAH)
Monday, March 6 9:00 a.m. - First come, first serve Call Ariel at 217.359.1791
Spring Breakfast Series: Candidate Breakfast
Thursday, March 9 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. City Center 505 S. Chestnut St., Champaign
Business After Hours
Thursday, March 16 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dish Passionate Cuisine 45 E. University Ave., 4th Floor Champaign
Rate in November 2016
Champaign County in December 2016
104.3
December 2016 U of I Flash Index for Illinois
857,837 rides were taken on CUMTD in December 2016
4,633 visits to the Chamber’s page, champaigncounty.org in December 2016
7,737 average amount of referrals PER DAY the
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory received via search engines and online sources in December 2016
2014 The year that the Champaign County
Chamber of Commerce was named the Illinois Outstanding Chamber of the Year
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