years
JULY / AUG. 2013
C O M M E R C E
CONNECTION A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Expanding Health Services in Champaign County How the Carle Tower will bring more to the area, p. 11
Come Wine with Us recap, pg. 5 Golf outing winners and recap, pg. 7
Permit No. 29 Champaign, IL
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Volume 20 | Number 4
In Your Business: touring member facilities, pg. 16
MEMBER VIEWPOINTS
SOCIAL MEDIA and the Numbers: 1.11 billion monthly active users
More than 225 million professionals
200 million active users
The reach social media provides individuals and businesses is changing the way we communicate with one another. In a recent survey, the Chamber asked its member businesses what programs or initiatives they currently have in place. Here’s what we found: Does your business have accounts on social media sites? (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, etc.)
Yes, and I have “liked” and/or I “follow” them. 50.6% Yes, but I have not engaged with their pages 13.3% No. 6.6% Other / Not Sure / No response 29.3%
If so, how many sites?
One 12% Two 10.6% Three 12% More than three 21.3% Other / Not sure / No response 44%
How important is social media to your business? Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important Other/ Not Sure/ No response
24% 33.3% 12% 30.6%
How often is content posted on your page? Once a week Every other day Once every day Multiple times in one day Too sporadic to say Other/ Not Sure/ No response
16% 16% 6.6% 13.3% 10.6% 37.3%
Do you think your presence on social media sites needs to be improved? Yes, and I would be interested in seminars about how to use social media more effectively. Yes, but I do not have the time to devote to the process. No, our organization does a good job maintaining our pages. Other/ Not Sure/ No response
20% 18.6% 17.3% 43.9%
THE BEST PART ABOUT UTILIZING SOCIAL MEDIA? “Social media provides a platform for easy and fast interactions. Two-way communications that others can read and participate in is huge for improving understanding about our services and staying true to our mission of excellence and mobility.” - CUMTD “Legitimacy - a Facebook page today (especially for younger buyers) is what a website was 10 years ago. Branding - it gives us an outlet to give our brand a more human feel, and a lighter, fun side.” - Rogards Office Plus
THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT ABOUT UTILIZING SOCIAL MEDIA? “Keeping the most current information on the site everyday that is interesting to first responders.” - Illinois Fire Service Institute “Determining how much staff time should be devoted to posting fresh content and monitoring social media performance.” - Atkins Group
DOES YOUR BUSINESS TRACK WHETHER ENGAGING IN SOCIAL MEDIA HAS RESULTED IN NEW SALES / NEW CUSTOMERS? “It is difficult to track whether or not social media has directly improved sales. However, there is no doubt that there has been an indirect benefit at a minimum. We also know that social media has increased traffic to our main website..” - Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Reality “This is what most businesses want, but it often is very difficult to measure. Social media is about relationships not sales.” - Chambanamoms “We just hired a marketing specialist whom will begin collecting this data.” - UIUC College of Veterinary Medicine
FY14 TOP INVESTORS TOP INVESTORS Gold Busey Carle University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Bronze A&R Mechanical Contractors Amdocs BankChampaign, N.A. Christie Clinic First Mid-Illinois Bank Kraft Foods, Inc. Presence Covenant Medical Center Supervalu Inc. Champaign Distribution Center University of Illinois Employees Credit Union
303 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 www.champaigncounty.org 217.359.1791
CHAMBER STAFF Laura Weis President & CEO LauraW@champaigncounty.org Karly Combest Event & Programs Director KarlyC@champaigncounty.org Caryn Isenhower Accounts Receivable & Office Administrator Caryni@champaigncounty.org Michelle Luna Membership Sales Director MichelleL@champaigncounty.org Lynette Lykins Director of First Impressions LynetteL@champaigncounty.org Samantha Mathis Marketing & PR Director SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org Ryan Roth Public Policy Director RyanR@champaigncounty.org Christopher Sheppard Membership Development Director ChristopherS@champaigncounty.org
Provided by CliftonLarsonAllen
NewsTalk 1400 WDWS, Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS, U-Rock 107.9 Stevie Jay Broadcasting - Q 96.1, COUNTRY 105.9, Sunny 95.3, Connect FM 93.5 & 95.3, ESPN Radio 93.5 WCIA 3, WCIX 49 Business Circle Fox 27 Illinois/WCCU TV Shatterglass Studios WICD ABC NewsChannel 15
150 PERCENT CLUB Carmike 13 W.K. Cooper II Asset Management Corporation
BOARD OFFICERS Michael Wozniak
Beth Auterman
Chair, Livingston, Barger, Brandt & Schroeder
Treasurer, CliftonLarsonAllen
Bill Walter
Past Chair, Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc.
First Vice Chair, A&R Mechanical Contractors Rod Roberts Second Vice Chair, Roberts Design Company, Inc.
Tabatha Helm Laura Weis Secretary, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe Alexander Mark Ballard BankChampaign, N.A.
Mike Billimack Carle
Mike Brown Presence Covenant Medical Center
Mike DeLorenzo University of Illinois
Stephen Flynn Candlewood Suites
Perry Green
FINANCIAL SERVICES
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS President’s Circle Illini Radio Group - MIX 94.5, WIXY 100.3, 92.5 The Chief, WIXY Classic 99.1, True Oldies 97.9, Extra 92.1, HITS 99.7
Cindy Guthrie YG Financial
Kurt Lenschow State Farm
Jim Lyons Birkey’s Farm Store
Dennis Riggs FIX-IT, Sidney Dairy Barn
Diane Ruedi F.E. Moran Security Solutions
Chris Shroyer Busey
Stone Creek Golf Club 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.
the biggest Business After Hours of the year:
ComeWine with Us
Come Wine with Us, sponsored by the Agribusiness Committee, was on Thursday, June 20, at Farm Credit Services of Illinois in Mahomet. The event had over 250 people in attendance. It was warm, but the breeze kept guests comfortable while they enjoyed a great mix of business connections, agriculture, food, beverages and fun.
Our Sponsors: The Anderson’s Farm Credit Services Illini Farm Safety for Just Kids Carle Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety Hickory Point Bank Parkland College Foundation The Atkins Group Illini FS Birkey’s Farm Store First Midwest Bank Champaign County Farm Bureau Dale Carnegie Training FIX-IT Wood Shop Wells Fargo Advisors Matzner Chiropractic WIXY Classic Food & Beverages Provided By: Skeff Distributing Sidney Dairy Barn Holiday Inn & Conference Center Alto Vineyards Louie’s Dixie Kitchen JT Walker’s Dish Passionate Cuisine Silver Mine Subs
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We’ve got an app for that... CHECK OUT CHAMPAIGNCOUNTY.ORG ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE FOR A PORTABLE BUSINESS DIRECTORY, UP-TO-DATE EVENTS, COUPONS + MORE!
2013
g n i t u O f l o G Chamber Dog the
g n i f o o R e h t y b d e r o s spon
was held Thursday, June 6, at Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana. It was perfect golfing weather. Golfers enjoyed great food, great company and great prizes. Winners of the outing: First Place: Matt Bollant, Mike Divilbiss, Todd Lindsey and Nick Ragle with a score of 50. Second Place: Kurt Lenschow, Wade Adams, Jonathan Kerr and Steve Carmichael with a score of 52. Third Place: Shane Allen, Mark Czys, Jamie Fairbanks and Jim Valete with a score of 55. A special thanks to all our sponsors and raffle prize donors: The Roofing Dog • Title sponsor
Midland States Bank • Golf ball sponsor
Dish Passionate Cuisine • Lunch sponsor
Rosati’s • Dinner sponsor
Hole Sponsors: Benefit Planning Consultants Hawthorn Suites The Snyder Companies Candlewood Suites Alto Vineyards Illinois American Water A & R Mechanical Spherion Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express Hickory Point Bank Fighting Illini Energy Hilton Garden Inn Central Illinois Bank Parkland College Foundation Wireless Stores First Bank Raffle Prize Donors: Eastland Suites Firemark Paintball Merry Maids
Alexander’s Steak House BJ Grand Salon Jet’s Pizza Buffalo Wild Wings Savoy Triptych Meatheads Stone Creek Golf Course Golf Etc. Central Illinois Produce Acres of Green Lawn Care Danville Gardens Brookhill Golf Course Biaggi’s Complete Nutrition City Girl Yogurt Curtis Orchard Terminix Prospect Bank Jupiter’s Blossom Basket Florist Body n’ Sole Elite Bridal and Elite Entertainment champaigncounty.org/
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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER >> members who joined between April and May 2013 Ardmore Associates
Ronda Donahue-James 1710 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 312.795.1400 ardmoreassociates.com Construction Management
Area Disposal Service
Jason Nordvall 9550 Heritage Rd. Clinton, IL 61727 309.688.0760 pdcarea.com Environmental & Ecological Services
Bishop Platinum Limousines Dwayne Bishop 1824 E. Amber Lane, Apt. 205 Urbana, IL 61802 217.898.0593 bishopplatinum.com Limousine Service
Bud’s Tree Care
Stacey Burnett 1701 S. Prospect Ave., Ste. 104 Champaign, IL 61820 217.239.1220 budstreecare.com Tree Service
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Julie Pryde 201 W. Kenyon Rd. Champaign, IL 61820 217.352.7961 c-uphd.org Clinics
EatCU.com
Elliot Rosenbaum 512 E. Green St., 4th floor Champaign, IL 61820 847.910.9165 eatcu.com Food Products
EatCU.com was created in 2007 by roommates Dan Glazer and Justin Gorrell, while students at the University of Illinois. Today it is an online menu guide for all Champaign-Urbana residents. EatCU.com contains the menu, phone number, hours, and location of every restaurant and bar in Champaign-Urbana. Their goal with EatCU.com is to make the dining process as simple and satisfying as possible. They look forward to serving the Champaign-Urbana community and hope that you enjoy their efforts.
Fish Window Cleaning
Amanda Alleman 4 Henson Place, Ste. #6 Champaign, IL 61820 217.352.3474 fishwindowcleaning.com/3078 Janitor Service
Fresh Coat Painting Jay Ramshaw 505 W. University Ave. Champaign, IL 61820 217.689.2639 freshcoatchampaign.com Painting Contractors
Katie Heinz 2722 CR 2600 E Penfield, IL 61862 217.369.3913 feelgreatlookgreat.itworks.net Health & Fitness Program Consultants
It Works! by Katie Heinz, will help you tighten, tone and firm in as little as 45 minutes. She offers the flagship product, the Ultimate Body Applicator, a line of Natural Plant based supplements and a work from home business opportunity. She would to help you change your health or your wealth.
Jimmy John’s Mattis Avenue Nic Mueth 1801 W. Springfield Champaign, IL 61821 217.352.3232 jimmyjohns.com Restaurants
K & S New Beginnings
Honda BMW of Champaign Dave Cartwright 100 W. Burwash Ave. Savoy, IL 61874 217.356.0303 drivechampaign.com Automobile Dealers New Cars
It Works! Global by Katie Heinz
Aubrey K. Ward 702 N. Clifford Tolono, IL 61880 217.552.9468 ksnewbeginnings.com Janitor Service
Intelligent Craft Construction, Inc. Tyran Jackson P.O. Box 376 Sidney, IL 61877 217.903.5009 ic-const.com Construction Management
Firemark Paintball held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the addition of a mobile home to the playing field on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
K&S New Beginnings was born from a career change and a desire to make the world cleaner. Green cleaners and safe practices are the cornerstone of K&S. They clean and restore hard surfaces, including stone, tile and concrete. They power clean exterior surfaces and remove stubborn and offensive graffiti. They clean carpets and perform whole house dusting. K&S New Beginnings is licensed, bonded, and fully insured. Call for a demo today and breathe easier.
Pear Tree Estate by L.A. Gourmet Catering Annie Murray 2150 CR 1000 E Champaign, IL 61822 217.643.7205 peartreeestate.com Conference Centers
Residence Inn by Marriott速 Champaign Kevin Shah 502 W. Marketview Dr. Champaign, IL 61820 217.398.0000 marriott.com/cmpri Hotels
The NEW Residence Inn by Marriott速 Champaign is located just off I-74 offering boutique inspired elegance and charming relaxation in the heart of ChampaignUrbana. Spacious suites feature separate sleeping and living areas, fully-equipped kitchen with refrigerator, and 37-inch HD flat panel televisions. Upon waking, join them in the Gatehouse for a complimentary, full-American breakfast buffet offering hot and cold favorites. Business and extended stay travelers will appreciate complimentary wired, wireless Internet access and dualline phone system. Whether you are here to work or play, the Residence Inn by Marriott速 Champaign warmly invites you to make yourself at home.
Robbins Schwartz Guy C. Hall 301 N. Neil St., Ste. 400 Champaign, IL 61820 217.363.3040 robbins-schwartz.com Attorneys
The Rock Counseling Group R.J. McNicholl Huntington Tower 201 W. Springfield Ave., Ste. 605 Champaign, IL 61820
217.722.9079 therockcounselinggroup. com Mental Health Services The Rock Counseling Group is dedicated to providing exceptional, effective, and confidential counseling, therapy, and consulting services. Their staff specializes in working with children, adolescents, individuals and families, businesses professionals, Savoy 16 held a ribbon cutting on Friday, May 17 to and couples with a variety celebrate their grand opening of the IMAX 3D theater. of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief/ Silver Mine Subs loss, addictions, mediation, executive John Wilder coaching, work stress, couples counseling, 612 E. Daniel St. eating disorders, behavioral disorders, and Champaign, IL 61820 Christian counseling. Their caring staff 217.328.5000 assists clients in every step of the process silverminesubs.com from helping you to find the most qualified Restaurants and best fit therapist for you to coordinating with insurance companies to ensure a Silver Mine Subs offers the freshest and seamless experience. finest hot and cold submarine sandwiches, salads, sides, soups and chili this side of the Roto Rooter Plumbers mine. There is no grilling or frying. They Tim Morris bake bread fresh every four hours and make 1304 W. Anthony Dr. subs to-order fast. They are proud to offer Champaign, IL 61821 a healthy alternative to fast food. Choose 217.398.4500 from over 20 sandwiches. They have box rotorooter.com lunches and catering services that will Plumbing Contractors make any meeting a blast. Silver Mine Subs offers dine-in, carry-out and delivery until Roto-Rooter is a 24/7/365 day full service 3am seven days a week. They start serving plumbing, drain and sewer cleaning breakfast burritos around at 7am and start company. They provide service at a flat delivery at 10am. rate and do not charge extra for holidays, nights, after hours or weekends. They are Stages Fitness a trusted, reputable and nationally known Maggie Cornyn company. They are certified in sprinklers, 1109 W. Church St., #3 back flow preventer/inspection, boiler, tank Champaign, IL 61821 less water heaters, sewer & drain, and safety. 217.778.5020 Roto-Rooster also provides preventive stagesfitness.net maintenance for floor and sink drains for Personal Training restaurants and manufacturing. The owner is the second largest franchise owner in the Stages Fitness provides exercise training nation and has a reputation of providing and nutritional coaching directly to great, fast, reliable service and with the best your home or office. Whether you are warranties in the industry. looking to lose fat, gain muscle, reduce stress or increase your strength and Savoy Therapy Services, Inc. flexibility, their certified trainer can help. Kishor Thope Without expensive equipment or gym 501 Trefoil memberships, she will show you how to Savoy, IL 61874 exercise at the right intensity for your 217.419.3747 fitness level and create a program that savoytherapy.com includes cardiovascular, strength, and Rehabilitation Services flexibility training. Owner, Maggie Cornyn, completed her personal training certificate through the International Sports Sciences
Association and has been teaching fitness for eight years.
Station 6 Pizza
Erik Perkins 1103 W. Windsor Rd. Champaign, IL 61820 217.355.1911 perk239@mac.com firehousepizza911.com Pizza
Tower Loan held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening on Thursday, May 30, 2013.
Station 6 Pizza has arrived and they couldn’t be more excited to bring their unique and delicious pizza to your hometown. They offer a variety of pizza, wings, pasta bowls, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. Their thin & crispy, hand tossed and deep dish dough is made fresh daily by one of their dough masters along with their signature sauce. Veggies are chopped in house for that fresh taste that people expect and love. If gluten free is a must, they offer a gluten free crust option as well.
Strategic Control, LLC
To celebrate their grand re-opening, Iman Place held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, June 13, 2013.
Aaron Wozencraft P.O. Box 376 Sidney, IL 61877 217.903.4502 stratcontrol.com Management Consultants
Taffies Restaurant Jeremy VanMatre 301 S. Mattis Ave. Champaign, IL 61821 217.359.4201 taffiesrestaurant.com Restaurants
Tower Loan
Robert Reeves 2412 W. Springfield Ave. Champaign, IL 61822 573.366.6910 towerloan.com Loans
Town and Country Catering On Thursday, June 27, 2013. Kevin Elliott Counseling held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their new location and expanding services.
Bob Hogan 108 E. Anthony Dr. Urbana, IL 61802 217.328.2122 towncountrycatering.com Catering
Triptych Brewing
Joshi Fullop 1703 Woodfield Dr. Savoy, IL 61874 triptychbrewing@gmail.com triptychbrewing.com Breweries Triptych Brewing is a small batch microbrewery located in Savoy, Illinois. Triptych is three guys from three different walks of life united in the pursuit of sharing their passion for great, local beer with the community. The Triptych Tap Room is a simple affair focused on presenting their beers. They do not offer any food in the tap room, aside from light prepackaged snacks, however, you are welcome to bring food with you when you come to visit the tap room. The tap room offers Triptych beer in sampler sizes, full servings, and growler fills to go (for most of their beers).
Wirebox Solutions, LLC Justin LaRocque P. O. Box 7794 Champaign, IL 61820 217.480.0061 wireboxsolutions.com Computers Service & Repair
Founded in early 2013, Wirebox Solutions is a technology services firm based in Champaign. Their primary focus is on IT solutions for business. Their service and support engagements range from replacing a desktop mouse up to complex datacenter projects. They also specialize in Virtualization, Cloud Computing, and Information Security. Partnerships with VMware and Microsoft enable Wirebox Solutions to have the resources available to make sure your business stays connected. Their goal is to keep your technology experience as simple as possible while making sure that businesses have the tools they need to succeed.
The New Tower How Carle Hospital is bringing more to the area
Wr it ten by S am ant ha M at his fo r t h e C hamp aign Count y C hamb er of Co mme rce
T
he health care industry is always evolving, and therefore, must be adaptive and at the forefront of technological advancements. Consumers expect to receive high quality care, no questions asked. They want the most current procedures, highly skilled doctors and nurses, modern and comfortable facilities, and much more. Hospitals across the country are working to meet these high expectations. With the ongoing renovations and expansion projects, Carle Hospital in Urbana is looking to not only meet consumer expectations, but exceed them. The Campus Modernization Project, also known as the Carle Tower, is located at the corner of Coler and Church streets. It is a ninestory, 400,000 square-foot tower with 100 percent private patient rooms and is a prime example of their dedication to excellence. Carle already provides a number of invaluable and unique resources to the community, including the Mills Breast Cancer Institute. This facility is a beacon of hope for many people and Carle believes the new Tower will serve the same function, as it
is shining a bright light on the number one killer in the United States: heart disease.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION There was a great deal of thought and preplanning that went into the Campus Modernization project at Carle, which began over seven years ago. It is basically a “replacement hospital,” said James C. Leonard, MD, president and Chief Executive Officer of The Carle Foundation. It is the largest facility Carle has ever built and it “will allow [Carle] to elevate the level of care today and ensure that the community’s future healthcare needs can be met,” Dr. Leonard continued. In 2008, the project was approved, but was put on hold due to unpredictable economic conditions. Between then and 2011(when the project began), plans were revised and costs decreased by an estimated $17 million. The new Carle Tower is anchored by the Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI). It “improves and consolidates services for champaigncounty.org/
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cardiovascular, neurosciences and intensive care. Carle will be better able to address emergent, acute and chronic conditions to improve the overall health of the community.” The HVI is a vital element of the new building, and “it will encompass outpatient and inpatient cardiovascular services, including eight catheterization labs and the relocation of cardiovascular intensive care, stepdown ICU and medical beds within the new tower.” To make room for the state-of-the-art facility, changes needed to be made to the surrounding area. On January 19, 2011, demolition of the Manor Care building began and was completed by early March. Construction continued and by October, steel was going into place and the steel skeleton of the North side was completed in December. By May of 2012, the interior was taking shape. After tearing down the Manor Care building, the Carle
Center for Medical Research Patient Safety and Performance Improvement building was next. Demolition took place on January 7, 2013, and it made room for an accessible parking and on call lot for the new Tower. Great detail went into the design of the building. Efficiency, standardization and growth were major considerations involved in the construction. Many walls were built off site using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to ensure they were nearly identical; therefore, bringing standardization to the Tower. Ultimately, this increases employee efficiency as the layout of every floor and room are nearly identical making it easier for doctors and nurses to work on floors they are not typically assigned to.
THE TECHNOLOGY With the expansion comes more space. More space allows for a wider range of health services available, which also brings advanced equipment. The space for the clinic, diagnostic area and IVS labs doubled and are located on the first and second floor. There are eight cath labs, which triples the space available for procedures, and room for two additional labs. There are other labs for testing: ten stress labs and four vascular labs. Two of the labs feature “the most advanced technological equipment available on the market today.” The new facility will offer more procedures that other providers in the region are unable to; one of those being a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is “an exciting alternative for patients with severe aortic stenosis who cannot have open heart surgery.” A TAVR requires advanced equipment and highly skilled staff and Carle’s “team approach is what makes this procedure successful.”
Above: RN Kayla Lampe, Quality Outcomes Coordinator, shows an private Intensive Care room that has a “zero entry” shower, a ceiling lift and a portable dialysis machine. Below: the equipment used during a TAVR procedure, which Carle was recently approved to offer.
In addition to the TAVR procedure, the Carle Tower will have electrophysiology (EP) labs that include “advanced equipment designed to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms.” When other options cannot give the necessary information to evaluate an abnormal heart rhythm, an EP study is performed. These studies provide doctors with more information about the electrical activity in the heart because electrodes are placed directly on heart tissue. That’s not all; the HVI also has new cardiac imaging capabilities with a Cardiac CT scanner, which means shorter waiting times. This technology “tailors treatment to what the patient needs, not to what modalities are available,” said Lynn Ullestad, Director of Cardiology and Diagnostics. One of the most unique features of the new Tower is the satellite nurse’s stations that are located in alcoves between each patient room. This allows Carle staff to provide high quality care without having to disturb patients as often. The design of the building also contains technology to make daily activities more efficient and environmentally friendly. It includes “lighting control that powers down when less
Above left: The recovery area of the new Carle Tower located on the first floor. Above middle: The beautiful front desk patients will first see as they walk into the brand new facility. Above right: The alcoves between patient rooms that allow for staff to observe without bothering the patients. Below: one of the two pieces of artwork created by a local artist that is made up of hundreds of children’s drawings of hearts. electricity is needed, automated window shades to control sun exposure and temperature, and internal mechanical systems that are quieter.” The equipment and technology in the new Tower fosters “an environment for Carle Foundation Hospital and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to better conduct translational research.”
THE EXPERIENCE Creating the layout for the outside of the building was just as important as the inside. There are almost 250 parking spaces, two additional shuttle stops and valet parking. The landscape was “designed to enhance the neighborhood, integrate with the main campus and nearby Crystal Lake Park, and complement the architecture.” As visitors enter the lobby of the Heart and Vascular Institute, they will be surrounded by natural light through the two-story vaulted entryway. “Terrazzo floors and cherry wood finishes complement the colors and fabrics inspired by nature, designed to be rich and warm.” Placed at each end of the lobby is “a commissioned piece by a local artist.” The pieces create abstract hearts that “are composed of hundreds of children’s drawings of hearts and photos featuring Carle locations and community landmarks.” Throughout the building, patients and visitors will find comfortable and private gathering spaces where they can come together with loved ones. Studies show that when families are involved in the healing process and patients are in a comfortable environment, they get better more quickly and families are more prepared to provide care when the patient is discharged. Many of the improvements and designs of the new Tower
resulted from patient and family feedback. This is why features such as kitchenettes in the majority of waiting rooms, larger private rooms, “zero entry” showers, and sofas that become beds have been included. The beautiful, state-of-the-art facility furthers Carle’s “ongoing commitment to extend [their] national-caliber heart program by bringing together experts and technology to achieve the best outcomes for our patients,” said Michael Gibb, MD, medical director of Carle Heart and Vascular Institute. “The added resources will allow us to recruit top physicians bringing more advanced care to central Illinois.” The brand new Carle facility offers a modern, comfortable healing space for all. The design of the facility emphasizes not only comfort, but “safety and quality of care.” The Modernization Project is nearly complete and will hopefully be open this fall, maybe even as early as August, pending Illinois Department of Public Health approval.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
Residents of Champaign County live in taxing times; economic growth is sluggish, unemployment is up, and so are the taxes. The Champaign City Council recently voted 8-1 to raise the sales taxes by .25 percent starting January 1, 2014. They also voted 6-3 to increase the sanitary sewer utility fee by 6 percent. All this is on top of the one percent sales tax to improve and remodel schools in Unit 4, a four cent gas tax levied by the cities on top of the gas tax levied by the State of Illinois, and a storm water utility fee increase that went into effect this year. To most, a quarter percent increase in the sales tax on purchased goods may sound insignificant. This addition is on top of the current 8.75 percent sales tax creating an effective sales tax rate of 9 percent starting January 1. Compared to surrounding Champaign communities and throughout Central Illinois, this is one of the highest sales tax rates. Only Decatur at 9 percent and a special taxing district in Peoria at 9.25 percent would be as high or higher. Bottom line, shoppers are more likely to go to places where sales taxes are lower, especially for large ticket items. Elected leaders of Champaign County should consider that Illinois has the most units of government of any state in the country and these other units all levy taxes or fees to provide services. A few cents on the dollar may not sound significant, but when factored in with the cost of the fees and services provided by boards or councils, it is significant. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce does its best to keep our members informed about governmental issues and to advocate on our members’ behalf. Chamber staff cannot tell the story of our member businesses like the members themselves can. Members can tell elected officials how proposed policies will affect their companies. Members who wish to be more involved in the political process, should consider volunteering for the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee or Political Action Committee (PAC) Board. Members should also consider running for office. Local elections are Chamber members’ best opportunity to make change and create a pro-business climate. If you would like more information about these issues or being involved in the Chamber’s political advocacy, contact Public Policy Manager Ryan Roth at ryanr@champaigncounty.org.
BECOME AN
ACE
ACE Graduate Testimonials: “ACE is a phenomenal course that covered a multitude of areas of professionalism in a fun and interactive environment.” -Katelyn Massey, Hilton Garden Inn
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
OPENING RECEPTION AUGUST 22, 2013 at Radio Maria from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
“I was attracted to this program because it worked with my busy schedule and an opportunity to network with other young professionals. It delivered.” -Dustin Boyer, University of Illinois “The relationships formed with other local, young professionals are invaluable.” -Laura Beyer, Clark Lindsey Village “I have been promoted to a leadership position and will use the skills I learned.” -Jesse Hines, Homewood Suites “I benefited from how well-rounded this program was. From understanding other personalities and how to communicate to them, to social media...” -Garret Arndt, Mettler Center “I feel better equipped to deal with difficult and sometimes awkward business situations.” -Aditi Kambuj, City of Urbana
OUR MISSION:
Attract and identify the next generation of community leaders.
Connect young professionals with the surrounding community through unique opportunities in the areas of service, leadership and advocacy.
Engage young professionals in local
corporate, community and cultural settings.
Members of the Spring 2013 Program
One aspect of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce mission is to improve the quality of life in the region through professional development. The ACE Leadership Program does exactly that. The program aims to mold young professionals into strong local leaders through weekly seminars. ACE is a 9-week program that features a variety of speakers and topics. Participants will gain confidence, knowledge, professionalism and strong leadership skills they can bring back to their place of employment. The program is a great way to connect young professionals with their peers and build strong business relationships. The next session will feature the following topics and more: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test, Networking Etiquette, Delegation, Leadership and Management Skills, Allerton Challenge Course, and Etiquette Luncheon. There is limited enrollment, so be sure to be on the lookout for information about registration coming soon! Interested? Contact Karly at KarlyC@champaigncounty.org.
s s e n i s u B In Your
We care about you -- our members. To learn more about you; how we can help; and to better promote our members to other members, the Chamber ambassadors and staff have been touring your businesses. The tours have been both interesting and informative, and we are looking forward to more in the future.
We ventured to Firemark Paintball on May 22, 2013. Daniel Williams, owner of Firemark, recently installed a mobile home as part of the course. Firemark Paintball has four fields total and is open to the public, as well as for private groups. For more information, visit firemarkpaintball.com.
We visited the new Savoy 16 IMAX on May 3, 2013. The inside was recently remodeled with a new layout and self-serve kiosks. The theater is the only one in the area that has an IMAX theater. For more information, visit www.gqti.com.
We had the opportunity to experience Triptych Brewing, a small batch microbrewery located in Savoy. Triptych is three guys from three different walks of life united in the pursuit of sharing their passion for great, local beer with the community. Partners Anthony Benjamin and Joshi Fullop did a great job explaining the brewing process. Visit them at triptychbrewing.com.
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS CDS Office Technologies recently achieved a Gold OEM competency and the Silver Mid-Market Solution Provider/ Small Business Specialist, Devices and Deployment, Hosting, Identity and Access and Server Platform competencies in the Microsoft Partner Network, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft customers’ evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment. To earn Microsoft gold and silver competencies, organizations must complete a rigorous set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, submit customer references and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction by participating in an annual survey. CDS achieved this distinction through demonstrated technology success and customer commitment. Kevin Elliott Counseling Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of its service to include Divorce Mediation. This new service will be provided by Attorney-Mediator Justine D. Becker at Kevin Elliott Counseling’s new branch office located at 116 N. Chestnut Street, Suite 233, in Champaign IL. First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust announces Nicholas Schneider as AVP, Commercial Loan Officer. Nick will be located at 1 Jefferson Street in Mansfield, with his lending responsibilities covering Mansfield and surrounding communities. He holds a Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. Prior to joining First Mid, he served as Vice President and Farm Manager at State Bank of Bement. Nick has over 12 years of banking experience. He brings extensive background in agricultural and commercial lending as well as farm management experience. Joan Dixon has been appointed by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to the state’s Charitable Trust Advisory Council. The council was created to advise the attorney general on issues regarding charitable giving, volunteerism and fundraising. Of the 50 current members, Dixon is the only representative from East Central Illinois and one of only seven members from outside the Chicago area. Dixon is the CEO of the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. She recently concluded a two-year term as president of the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations. Do you have news to share with the Champaign County business community? Tell us about it and get featured in the Chamber’s next Commerce Connection. Send an email with your news to Samantha Mathis, SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org.
Chamber Store Mailing Labels
Commerce Connection Advertisement
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. Two lists are available for purchase: Long list (approx. 2,500 names and businesses).................................. $175 Short list (approx. 1,080 names and businesses)..................................$125
The Commerce Connection is a bi-monthly publication that gets sent out to more than 3,000 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County. Content always relevant to local business, the publication is fullcolor, full-gloss and all around awesome. Ads start at only $90. Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
Website Sponsorship
Contact Caryn Isenhower to place your order, Caryni@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
E-Connection
Recently redesigned, Our electronic newsletter gets sent out to more than 4,000 businesses and businesspeople in Champaign County each week. Sponsor an e-Connection and get your business seen by THOUSANDS. Header sponsorship (one week)............................................................$100 Header sponsorship (four consecutive weeks).................................$360 Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
Email footer sponsorship
The Chamber is planning a massive redesign of our website within the next year. There will be numerous opportunities for businesses to sponsor pages, host banners and showcase themselves on the Chamber site. More information will be available in the coming months. If you would like to express early interest, contact Samantha Mathis at SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org.
Online Business Directory Enhancements
Enhance your listing on the Chamber’s online business directory. The directory gets hundreds of THOUSANDS of hits each day--turn your standard (free) listing into an eye-catching, search engine optimized advertisement. Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
For only $75, your business can place a banner on every email that gets sent out of the Chamber office. That’s an average of over 12,000 emails per week. You can’t get better (or cheaper) exposure!
Basic upgrade...................................................................................................$40 Value upgrade..................................................................................................$60 Deluxe upgrade...............................................................................................$90
Email footer (one week).................................................................................$75 Add email footer to the Chamber’s e-Connection..........Additional $50
Event Sponsorship
Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791.
New! Email Blast Advertisement
Do you have a new product, service or information you would like to share with our entire Chamber membership list? We are now offering an exclusive offer to send broadcast emails to our entire 4,200+ email list. Contact Samantha Mathis for more information, SamanthaM@ champaigncounty.org. Email Blast Advertisement .....................................................................$500
From First Friday Coffee to our annual Golf Outing, the Chamber hosts a number of events each month! By sponsoring a Chamber event, your business gets great exposure not only at the event itself but also within all our promotional materials (emails, mailings, e-newsletters, Commerce Connection, website, etc...). We have numerous opportunities throughout the year, here’s what’s coming up: Breakfast Series sponsorship (includes table of 8)........$1000 Annual Meeting Title sponsorship....................................$3000 Additional sponsorship information for events such as the Annual Meeting, Business Success Seminars and the ATHENA Award Ceremony is available upon request. Contact Karly Combest at KarlyC@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791 with any event sponsorship inquiries.
Some things you get free:
LAPTOP COMPUTER
RENTAL
LCD ROOM CONFERENCE
PROJECTOR
RENTAL
RENTAL
ORIGIN &
INFO
S E R V I C E
ASSISTANCE
CERTIFICATE OF
NOTARY
- - A N D - -
For more information on any of these services, contact the Chamber at 217.359.1791. Services are available free to all Chamber members.
calendar of events Business After Hours
Thursday, July 18, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Presence Covenant Medical Center 1400 W. Park Street, Urbana
First Friday Coffee
Friday, August 2, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Health Exchange Seminar
6.5% Champaign County Unemployment Rate in April 2013
26 business licenses applied for in
Thursday, August 7, 9:30 a.m. Hosted by Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace 303 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign
Champaign County in June 2013
Business After Hours
Champaign County
Hosted by Hawthorn Suites 101 Trade Centre Drive, Champaign
Thursday, August 15, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Farnsworth Group, Inc. Cowboy Monkey 6 E. Taylor Street, Champaign
Business Success Seminar
ACE Opening Reception
Tuesday, August 6, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Presented by Ploughman Analytics 303 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign
Fast Facts
Thursday, August 22, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Registration required Location to be announced
105.9 May 2013 Flash Economic Index for 722,264
rides were taken on CUMTD in May 2013
5,021 visits to the Chamber’s page, champaigncounty.org, in June 2013
16,583 average amount of referrals PER DAY Tools for Business Success • For businesses of all types and sizes • Access on the Chamber’s website for up-to-date, reliable business advice and information. • Local, state, federal and best-of-web resources to help start, grown and maintain your business.
www.champaigncounty.org
the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Online Business Directory received via search engines and online sources in June 2013.
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