MAY / JUNE 2021
Volume 28 | Issue 3
years
30
A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
t ru s t e d
INSIDE: PG. 7 Public Policy Update: Anybody Have a Map?
C h a m pa i g n C o u n t y ’ s
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
for
more
than
COMMERCE CONNECTION
PG. 10 2021 ATHENA Awards® PGS. 12 2021 Chamber Golf Outing Recap PG. 13 Weis Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program PG. 16 Ag Month Preview
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303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org
FY21 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS GOLD Busey SILVER Carle University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign BRONZE A & R Mechanical Contractors BankChampaign, N.A. Christie Clinic First Mid Bank & Trust Fisher National Bank Health Alliance OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center Ramshaw Real Estate
CHAMBER STAFF Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org
Madeline Herrman Public Policy Director MadelineH@champaigncounty.org
Matt Bradley Business Growth & Development Director MattB@champaigncounty.org
Lindsay Quick Director of Marketing & Events LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org Stephanie Smith-Jeffries Office and Accounting Administrator StephanieS@champaigncounty.org
Mindy Cain Director of Workforce Readiness MindyC@champaigncounty.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS Rachel Coventry
Justin Overstreet
Kyle Emkes
Chip Craddock Clark Dietz, Inc.
Deb Reardanz Clark-Lindsey Village
Tonya Horn
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
Linda Difiore
Dr. Jared Rogers
Dan Kirby
Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q96-96.1FM, US105.9, Christian FM 95.3 & ESPN 93.5
Dan Hurley FedEx Ground
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, Classic Hits 107.9 WKIO
Curtis Orchard, Ltd.
Silgan Closures
R.J. Hynds English Brothers Company
Susan Jepsen
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon
Pradeep Khanna University of Illinois
Martin Hood LLC
OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center
Julianna Sellett Carle
Amie Smith
BankChampaign N.A.
Chair, Maatuka Al-Heeti Emkes LLC
First Vice Chair, Rogards
Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen
Mike Estes
Past Chair, Fisher National Bank
Laura Weis
Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Bill Walter
A & R Mechanical Contractors
Chuck McReaken TSM Ventures, Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen
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.
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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between March 1 and April 30, 2021 OEO Energy Solutions LLC
143 E. Main St. Lake Zurich, IL 60047 800.553.2112 OEO.COM Lighting Consultants & Designers OEO Energy Solutions is focused on providing Commercial and Industrial customers the latest in LED technology. OEO works directly with businesses to lower operating costs, improve light quality, and assist with utility rebates to deliver customer satisfaction second to none. OEO is the leader in “plug and play” EZ LED technology to make conversion to LED as simple as possible. We have developed direct replacement LED products to replace most 70w through 1000w HID legacy lighting systems. OEO prides itself in putting the customer first, allowing you to reach a knowledgeable lighting expert with a quick phone call. Over the years, we have learned which products work best for each situation to deliver reliable solutions, resulting in improvements to your bottom line and your employee morale.
Pan & Cake Catering Co. 2303 Rebecca Dr. Champaign, IL 61821 801.360.3704 panandcakecatering.com Caterers
We believe that the secret to great food starts with great ingredients. We use only the freshest locally sourced ingredients and create each menu 100 percent customized to your taste, paying close attention to every detail. One of our company’s core values is “to serve and support a local experience.” When you support Pan & Cake, you are supporting much more than one local business. Wherever possible, we purchase locally grown produce from farmers here in the Midwest. We love collaborating with other local vendors to make your event something you and your guests will love. We are proud to be a woman-owned and chef-led catering company. Our team brings a diverse knowledge of the culinary industry and sets a strong foundation for success at all of our events. Our strategy is a small crew that brings a big passion.
Rolling Acres Ag Solutions
107 Astoria Dr. Savoy, IL 61874 217.521.5733 www.rollingacres-agsolutions.com Agricultural Consultants 4
Founded in 2019, Rolling Acres Ag Solution’s single mission is to provide exceptional agricultural property service. We help solve ordinary and not-so-ordinary agricultural problems with superior customer service. From timely, accurate real property valuation to implementing new business strategies and ultra-efficient work processes, Rolling Acres Ag Solutions, LLC is ready to tackle any challenge and put you on the path to success. We deliver services that transform the way you do business.
Shade Solutions, Inc.
1102 County Road 900N Tolono, IL 61880 217.239.0718 www.shade-solutions.net Awnings & Canopies Shade Solutions, Inc. is a company that produces exterior shade products for businesses and homes. Our staff has over 130 years of combined experience in the sales, manufacturing and installation of awnings, canopies, metal or fabric, retractable or stationary, in addition to metal pergolas, tension structures, retractable exterior shades, and many other shade products. Our experienced staff will work with you to determine the best solution for your sun concerns in a manner that best suits your needs.
United Rentals
3501 N. Countryview Rd. Urbana, IL 61802 217.351.5820 unitedrentals.com Contractors’ Equip. & Supplies-Renting & Leasing United Rentals is the largest equipment rental and end-toend worksite solutions company globally, providing access to top-quality and expertly maintained rental equipment from the industry’s top brands. With a dedicated team of customer service and industry experts, we’re here to help keep projects on time and budget. Our small and large rental equipment inventory includes solutions for rough terrain, high spaces, visibility blockers, difficult climates and unique situations. With a robust fleet of rental equipment, we have the units you need in the size you need them. Reserve your rental equipment online and leverage digital tools to manage and optimize your fleet, control costs, access invoices and have total control over your projects. You can keep your project running on time with equipment rentals, tools and our 24/7 customer service team.
Ribbon Cuttings
>> held between April 1 and June 15
nuEra celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on April 16.
The Venue CU celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Monday, April 19.
Tenet Wealth Partners celebrated their grand-opening with a ribbon cutting on May 18.
OSF HealthCare celebrated the completion of their new helipad with a blessing and ceremony on June 1. (LEFT): The Axe Bar celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on June 11.
Interested in hosting a ribbon cutting?
Chamber members have the opportunity to sign up for ribbon cuttings to celebrate a grand opening or groundbreaking. Along with your team, a Chamber representative will be present and we invite ambassadors to attend to help you celebrate. Thousands will see photographs of your event through this publication as well as the Chamber’s social media pages. If your business is interested in hosting a ribbon cutting, contact Mindy Cain at MindyC@champaigncounty.org or call 217.359.1791.
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Right now, marketing your business is incredibly important. Now is not the time to go silent. We want to help you reach members of the business community with our affordable marketing opportunities. Reach thousands on a small budget when you choose one of our marketing bundles. Each bundle has been carefully created to give you the most bang for your buck in a specific marketing space. When you bundle, you save.
Digital Blitz Bundle
• Email Blast (1) • E-connection Banners (6 weeks) • Website Banner Ads (6 months) • Bundle Value: $1,900 • Sale Price: $1,500
Email Bundle
• Email Blasts (2) • E-connection Banners (6 weeks) • Bundle Value: $1,600 • Sale Price: $1,300
Chamber Website Bundle
• Enhanced Listing • Website Banner Ads (1 year) • Bundle Value: $1,579 • Sale Price: $1,300
Power of Print Bundle
• Commerce Connection 1/2 page Ads (6 issues) • Trends Report Full Page Ad • Bundle Value: $2,398 • Sale Price: $1,900
We’re ready to bundle! Business Name___________________________________________________________________ Contact Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Billing Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ Fax: ___________________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Please complete this form and return to: Lindsay Quick, Director of Marketing & Events via email at lindsayq@champaigncounty.org
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PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE: ANYBODY HAVE A MAP?
The legislative maps that Illinois and Champaign County have been governed under for the past ten years have officially expired. Governor Pritzker and the Champaign County board have approved new maps, respectively. In a decennial process called redistricting, the district boundaries for the county board, state legislature, Illinois Supreme Court and the U.S. House of Representatives are redrawn. The method and process for redistricting are outlined in Illinois’ Constitution. Passed in 1970, the state’s Constitution tasks the General Assembly with redrawing the legislative maps, but the task is not without deadlines and guidelines. Per the Constitution, the legislature has until June 30 to approve a map of their drawing. As with other legislative proposals, the majority party has an advantage as they have the votes to pass or reject any specific map. The Governor is required to approve or veto any proposed maps. If the General Assembly fails to meet the June 30 deadline, an eight-person, equally bi-partisan commission is formed. This commission has until August 10 to file an agreed-upon map with the Secretary of State. Missing the August 10 deadline puts map-making control up for chance as the Supreme Court will provide the name of one Republican and one Democrat to the Secretary of State. The Secretary then randomly selects one as the tie-breaking member of the commission. Finally, the now nine-person commission would have until October 5 to submit a plan with majority approval of the commission. Three of the last four redistricting cycles have come down to chance as the Secretary of state has pulled the tie-breaker name from a fishbowl or replica of Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat. Political scholars note that redistricting is a high-stakes activity. Redistricting determines voters for each district for the next ten years. Thus, the potential exists that the maps can influence the balance of power between political parties. The term “gerrymandering” is often used for redistricting maps. According to Merriam-Webster, gerrymandering is “The practice of dividing or arranging a territorial unit into election districts in a way that gives one political party an unfair advantage in elections.” For example, the party in control of redistricting may draw the maps to remove rival incumbents from their home district or expand their majority. Essentially, gerrymandering
allows the elected officials to pick their voters instead of the voters picking their elected officials. According to the Illinois Voting Rights Act, Redistricting also has a purpose in creating districts that help promote fair representation of minority communities. Historically, the maps are drawn with decennial Census data; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release and publication of the Census data are delayed. Without Census data, many questioned how legislators would draw districts and could meet deadlines without the data. This year, elected officials at the county and state level approved maps utilizing American Community Survey (ACS) data as the source of information to draw district boundaries. The annual survey is ongoing, and it provides demographic and population data on communities in the United States. The use of this survey data is not without controversy. Some state that Illinois and Champaign County must use the ACS data to fulfill the constitutional obligation to create a new legislative map by the deadlines. Others interpret the use of ACS data as unconstitutional and state the redistricting process requires Census data as outlined in the state’s Constitution. Regardless of the source of data, both maps at the state and county have been signed into law. At the time of this writing, Illinois Republican leaders Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin have filed a federal lawsuit against the Illinois State Board of Elections, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon for use of the ACS data rather than the 2020 decennial Census data to draw district boundaries. It is unclear if or how the lawsuit will proceed. Illinois and the county will not have new maps again until 2031. However, with calls for a constitutional Fair Maps amendment that would limit partisan gerrymandering ongoing and the continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, time will tell where the road to redistricting will lead. Should you have any questions, please contact director of public policy Madeline Herrman at madelineh@champaigncounty.org.
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Supporting Businesses. Building Wealth. Since 1868.
Business | Wealth Management | Personal
New to entrepreneurship? The Chamber Has Your BACK. Starting a business can be intimidating, but you’re not in it alone. With free counseling services available and regular educational events, the Chamber has your back. We are here to help you get your business where you want it to be. www.champaigncounty.org/business-advisors-council 8
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*“Pay” means eligible employers can apply for funding from the WIOA On-theJob Training program, which includes partial reimbursement of wages for up to six months and the provision of support services such as coaching, transportation vouchers, and uniforms. Federally funded, locally driven, we are East Central Illinois’ workforce development agency operating under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
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2021 ATHENA Awards ® ®
The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has named Hope Wheeler, principal at CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, the 2021 ATHENA Award® recipient. The Chamber presented Wheeler with the award at a luncheon held at the I Hotel and Conference Center on Thursday, June 17. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who assist women in reaching their full leadership potential. The recipient demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their businesses or professions. In addition, he or she provides valuable service by devoting time and energy to improving the quality of life for others in the community. Wheeler is the 33rd local recipient of the award. ®
Wheeler has been employed as an auditor with CliftonLarsonAllen for 30 years and has been a partner for 14 years. Her specialty is providing auditing services for government entities and nonprofit organizations. Currently, she serves as the Leader for State and Local Government Industry within the Heartland Region. In this role, she leads a group of professionals to execute the strategic initiatives and growth of CLA’s clients, people and communities. Hope actively participates in CLA’s mentorship initiative and annually has multiple staff that she is coaching. She is passionate and committed to helping others professionally and personally. Hope is also very involved in the career-building team and has assisted in initiating recruiting plans, Hope Wheeler, feedback programs 2021 ATHENA Award® and check-in Recipient systems. She has 10
mentored a significant number of individuals in public accounting throughout her 30+ years in the field. Hope is passionate about the progression of people and understands that is a critical initiative to strategic success. CLA Director Sandy Perry said, “I have worked with Hope for approximately seven years and almost all of this time, she has been my career coach. I was part of a CLA acquisition and after just working with Hope for a few months, I knew that I wanted her to be my coach and I wanted to work on her team. She has encouraged me to work on challenging projects that have helped me grow professionally. Hope understands the work-life balance of being a professional, a parent, a spouse and a family
member. She demonstrates that she has passion and enthusiasm for our work, the importance of teamwork, working hard during challenges, celebrating successes and leading by example.” Wheeler is a graduate of Parkland College and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a self-described “townie” who loves Champaign County and believes in supporting the community that supported her. She is actively involved with the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. She served on the Club’s finance committee, the board of directors, vice president and president of the board. In addition to the leadership roles on the board, Wheeler has volunteered to assist kids with homework, work with events and pack backpacks to distribute to kids and families. Sam Banks, the CEO and executive director of the Club, adds “I can speak first-hand to Hope’s work and commitment to bettering the quality of life of others in the community. Since joining the board of directors in 2013, she has been one of the Club’s most instrumental leaders. Her leadership and guidance helped revitalize the mission and work of the Club and set the organization on a strong programmatic and financial course for the future. While her professional guidance has been instrumental, the personal engagement and commitment that Hope has given to the Club have been an example to other board members, staff and volunteers.”
careful, considerate and individualized care plans to assist those individuals in staying at home with minimal aid. Sullard is involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, serving on the board and as board chair. In addition, she also serves on the board for Young Professionals of Elizabeth Sullard, 2021 ATHENA Young Champaign Urbana (YPCU) Professional® Recipient and has served as the vice president, fundraiser chair, and events chair. She has begun to combine social events with philanthropic events while also developing subcommittees to get more member involvement. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual ATHENA Award® program. Sponsoring the event is Spherion Staffing Services as the corporate underwriter for the ATHENA Award® program. Busey Wealth Management provides the recipient’s jeweled lapel pin. Past Athena Award recipients are the sponsor of The ATHENA Young Professional Award®.
In addition to the Boys and Girls Club, Hope has also been involved with the Executive Club of Champaign County, Champaign West Rotary, her church, Illinois Government Finance Officers Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. ATHENA Young Professional Award® The Chamber also recognized the ATHENA Young Professional Award® recipient, Elizabeth Sullard, client care manager at SYNERGY HomeCare. Liz has transitioned from being a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to working in senior care effortlessly. She has brought her knowledge and skills as a LPN to help the geriatric and disabled clients of SYNERGY HomeCare. She develops
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thank you sponsors & Golfers! The 2021 Chamber Golf Outing was held at Lincolnshire Fields Country Club on Thursday, June 3. We had a sold out event and had a great turn out for hole sponsors. Thank you to Commerce Bank for providing our golfers with lunch and dinner. Beverages on the course were provided by Skeff Distributing. Thank you to Legacy Roofing and Restoration for providing golf balls for each player and Clark-Dietz for providing golf towels for all attendees. We also want to thank the hospitality tent sponsor Insurance Risk Managers, golf cart sponsor Thomas Mamer, putting green sponsor Illinois American Water, driving range sponsor OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center and raffle prize sponsor State Farm agent Steve Tarrant. Thank you to all of our hole sponsors as well as those who donated items for the golfer bags. Congratulations to our first place finishers Scott Johnson, Ryan Murphy, Kolby Jackson and Aaron Van Natta and to our second place finishers David Keenan, Vilma Howard, Jackson Aaberg and Grant Aaberg. Awards for the following contests were also given out: longest drive (men) - David Keenan, longest drive (women) - Krystal Garritson, closest to pin - Josh Henson and longest putt - Jim Penrod. A very special thank you to all individuals who were involved in making the 2021 Chamber Golf Outing a huge success.
PRESENTED BY:
Steve Tarrant
HOLE SPONSORS:
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Weis Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that Laura Weis, president & CEO of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce was selected to participate in the fifth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges. Weis stated, “My decision to apply for this Fellowship program was driven by the needs we see in our community. The number one issue that drives successful economic development is a qualified workforce. Our chamber board understands that we have to be pro-active in helping to cultivate our talent. The K-12 educational system and a qualified workforce are intricately connected. This Fellowship will give us access to the leaders in the talent industry as well as the best practices across the country.” “We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Cheryl Oldham, Senior Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.” Following a competitive application and selection process, Weis was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives and association leaders to participate in the fifth class of this program. The yearlong program, which concludes with an in-person meeting in June 2022, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, higher education, and workforce development. Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of 200 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives. For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website: businessleads.uschamberfoundation.org
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MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER Illinois American Water announced that Angie Bell has been named director of rates and regulatory. Bell will succeed Rich Kerckhove who retires next month after over 14 years of dedicated service. In her new role, Bell is responsible for the successful administration of rate reviews, rate mechanism compliance filings and other key rate and regulatory matters for Illinois American Water. She reports to Illinois American Water’s President Justin Ladner, and will work from the corporate office in Belleville. Bell comes to Illinois American Water from CenterPoint Energy, where she worked for 15 years, most recently as director of regulatory and rates. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Coker College in South Carolina.
IMPACT LIFE In a change that will align its employees, donors, and volunteers of its four-state service region under a single identity, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) has changed its name to ImpactLife. The not-for-profit community blood center is the blood provider to 120 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin, and was previously known by three different names: Central Illinois Community Blood Center, Community Blood Services of Illinois, and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. The name change was effective May 3, 2021.
The bank also announced that Mitch Wilson has been named senior vice president, mortgage sales manager. In his new role, Mr. Wilson will lead and develop the bank’s mortgage lending teams across its locations in Champaign, Decatur, Springfield and Peoria.
Central Illinois Community Blood Center, (based in Springfield, Illinois) Community Blood Services of Illinois (based in Urbana, Illinois), and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (based in Davenport, Iowa) were established independently in the 1970s. The three organizations joined forces in 2010 and 2011 to form a single entity that today has a service region that extends from Madison, Wisconsin to St. Louis, Missouri. Since the time of their merger, the blood center’s legal and regulatory name (for licensing purposes) has been maintained as Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, but the organization has done business as all three names in various parts of its service region. The legal and regulatory name will remain unchanged after May 3 and the blood center will do business as ImpactLife with all communities and partners moving forward.
HEARTLAND BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Heartland Bank and Trust Company announced the promotion of Todd Lindsey, CTP, to assistant vice president, treasury services sales manager. Located at the 1101 West Windsor Road office in Champaign, Lindsey is responsible for overseeing cash management and treasury services, client services and relationship growth throughout the bank’s footprint.
The name change was led by an internal project team with representatives from all Blood Center’s departments and with market research provided by an agency with expertise in developing names for products and organizations. The year-long project included research with blood donors, blood drive coordinators, the blood center’s board of directors, employees, community members, and representatives from hospitals the blood center serves.
HICKORY POINT BANK Hickory Point Bank has announced that Toni Delporte has been named senior vice president, credit officer. Ms. Delporte leads the bank’s commercial underwriting and credit administration functions.
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ImpactLife is now in the process of updating all points where the name and logo are used, including building signs, vehicles, printed material, and apparel. FIRST MID BANK & TRUST First Mid Bank & Trust announced the promotions of Elisha Walters and Bethanie Cougill to division managers. As division manager, Walters will be responsible for overseeing the banking locations in the northern region of the First Mid Illinois banking footprint, which includes the Decatur, Peoria and Sullivan regions. Before stepping into this role, Walters served as vice president, regional deposit manager, managing the locations in Decatur and its surrounding areas. She began her career with First Mid in 2000 and has held many positions within the company, including customer service representative, teller supervisor and retail lending officer.
2020 A List Award Winner for Category III. The A List Award for Real Estate Excellence, presented by CEL & Associates, Inc., recognizes companies whose management performance and commitment to the highest level of quality of service are considered the “Best in the Industry.” A List Award winners are selected based on results from resident surveys conducted by CEL& Associates. Surveys are sent to residents at all Regency-owned and managed apartment communities. CEL & Associates compiles its “Best in the Industry” list of companies whose scores indicate the “ability to perform at higher standard in providing quality customer service” compared to their peer groups across the country. 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.
In Cougill’s role as division manager, she will be responsible for overseeing the banking locations in Central and Southern Illinois and the St. Louis metro region. Prior to this role, Cougill served as vice president, regional deposit manager of Central Illinois. She joined the First Mid team in 1998 as a Teller and has also served as Customer Service Representative and Branch Manager. REGENCY MULTIFAMILY Regency Multifamily has earned national recognition for customer service excellence for the fourteenth consecutive year as the As of January 1, 2020 all employers in Illinois are required to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees each calendar year. Don’t wait until the end of the year to comply with the state requirements for sexual harassment prevention training. The Chamber offers trainings on a monthly basis. For more information vvisit: www.champaigncounty.org/events/calendar/ 15
July is
Ag Month
During the month of July we will be celebrating agriculture and agribusiness throughout Champaign County. We plan to “uproot” your idea of traditional agriculture by educating and engaging you on the extensive reach that agriculture has on our lives in central Illinois. Here’s a sneak peek at what the month will include: • Grapes & Grain Raffle - our annual wine raffle has been expanded to include items traditionally made from grains (i.e. beer, bourbon, etc.) • In-person Event - we are busy planning an in-person, ag-related event. More details to follow. • Weekly Ag Newsletter - featuring insights in to agriculture as it relates to and effects business • Curated Online Store - this exclusive store will feature special items from your favorite local agribusinesses and other small businesses • Video Series - Chamber staff members will be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most interesting agriculture-related jobs that can be found in Champaign County. Additional information and details can be found at champaigncounty.org
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LEADERSHIP We stand out. With hundreds of years of combined experience from local owners, it’s hard not to. HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM
MEMBER FDIC
202 WEST PARK AVENUE, CHAMPAIGN
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CHAMBER STORE - Your Marketing Partner MAILING LABELS
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
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:
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.). Here’s what’s coming up:
Long list (approx. 2,000 names and businesses): $175 Short list (approx. 900 names and businesses): $125 Contact Stephanie Smith-Jeffries at StephanieS@champaigncounty.org
Ag Month - ask about sponorship opportunities.
E-CONNECTION
COMMERCE CONNECTION
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. Header sponsorship (one week): $100 Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org
WEBSITE MARKETING
With over 400 unique views PER DAY to the Chamber website, you’ll have the opportunity to reach thousands of customers each month. With pricing starting at just $300 this affordable and effective.Contact Lindsay Quick at LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org
EMAIL BLAST
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. Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org
Email Blast Advertisement: $500
COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES:
EMAIL FOOTER SPONSORSHIP
Footer (one week): $75
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. Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org
This is a bi-monthly publication that is distributed to over 2,000 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
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Rental of laptop computer; conference space and LCD projector; Certificate of Origin; Notary service; information, assistance and resources.
Reach thousands on a small budget. 18
WEBSITE 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 Listing: included with membership Enhanced Listing: $79 / year Contact Lindsay Quick for more information, LindsayQ@champaigncounty.org
calendar of events
Fast Facts
5.0% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in April 2021
Rebuild, Reenergize: A Webinar Series for Business Leaders in a Post-COVID-19 World July 21 – Julie Shields August 18 – Bill Guertin Each webinar will be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Via Zoom Tuesday, July 22 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. State Required Sexual Harassment Prevention Training*
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, June 29 In-Person Ag Month Event
48 business licenses applied for in
Time & Location TBD
Champaign County in March 2021
We are planning to return to regular, in-person networking events in August. Stay tuned for details.
105.3
For more information or to register for an event, visit www.champaigncounty.org/ events/calendar/
Via Zoom *Trainings will be held monthly throughout 2021
The Chamber office will be open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m until further notice. While we are now open to the public, masks are strongly encouraged for individuals who are not vaccinated.
May 2021 U of I Flash Index for Illinois
284,777
rides were taken on CUMTD in March 2021
6,656 visits to the Chamber’s website, champaigncounty.org in May 2021
5,607 number of unique searches on the
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory in May 2021
2014 The year that the Champaign County
Chamber of Commerce was named the Illinois Outstanding Chamber of the Year
303 West Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 P 217.359.1791 | F 217.359.1809 www.champaigncounty.org 19
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