WELCOME From the Chamber of Commerce...................... 2
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Champaign County Is Eager for Growth........... 4
COLLEGE TOWN LIVING
Innovation in Telecommunication: Cobalt Digital Inc........................................... 24
It Has Its Perks..................................................... 8
Drink Local........................................................ 25
EDUCATION
RECREATION & TOURISM
Report Card: Public Schools............................. 10
Places to Play: Public Parks and Recreation in Champaign County.................................... 27
Parkland College Continues Expansion.......... 12 U of I Receives Grant for Engineering Efforts....12 Chamber-Member Private Schools.................. 13
HEALTH CARE Carle Tower to Provide Patients Enhanced Treatment, Comfort and Privacy ....14 Today Counts at Presence Covenant Medical Center.............. 16 How to Find a Christie Clinic Primary Care Physician: Your Prescription for Good Health................ 17
vp of production operations Amanda White director of publication design Kelly Friederich managing editor Laura Wilcoxen
Developing a Sharper Image: Shatterglass Studios Produces Cutting-Edge Films........................................ 22 ATHENA Award® Winner Bianca Green of Illinois Mediation Services......................... 23
copywriting Karen Blatzer Nikolle Keeney Amanda Knoles Dana Mancuso Crystal Senesac S ean D. Williams
Dining & Lodging Selections............................ 35
SPONSORS
WORKFORCE
Business Listings............................................... 38
marketing consultant Steve Graff
vp of sales operations & client care Debbie Moss
customer service director Kathy Risley
administrative support Kathy Hagene Carol Smith
ad traffic Carol Smith ad design Mindy Brock mailroom technician Melinda Bowlin
account support Terri Ahner
information technology publishing systems specialist Christopher Miller
executive leadership chairman and founder Craig Williams
But a Way of Seeing........................................... 33
Catch a Ride in Champaign County................. 19
director of media purchasing Diana Vaughn
administrative support
Return to Glory: The Virginia Theatre.............. 32
TRANSPORTATION
website creation & support Josh Chandler
director of business development George Prudhomme
ad research Mary Kopshever Mildred Walker
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
RESTAURANT & HOTEL GUIDE
lead design Kelly Friederich
advertising
Conservation and Contemplation: The Champaign County Forest Preserve District.................................. 31
Wellness in the Workplace............................... 18
photography Benny Lapid
business development manager Bonnie Ebers
Dash to Splash: Aquatic Centers in Champaign County.................................... 30
Rocking Champaign County............................ 34
photography coordinator/ content consultant Jay Nehrkorn
business development
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Provides Both Economic Boost & Economic Endurance...... 29
An Active Retirement in Champaign County... 17
1 800-455-5600
production
BUSINESS VIGNETTES
Chamber-Member Banks & Credit Unions........ 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What’s Inside
CommunityLink.com
ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com. FOR INFORMATION Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, 303 West Kirby Avenue, Champaign IL 61820, Telephone 217-359-1791, Fax 217-359-1809, www.champaigncounty.org © 2013 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, 618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Parkland’s Applied Technology Center Drives State-of-the-Art Vocational Education............ 21
INDEX OF DISPLAY ADVERTISERS ADVERTISERS.................... PAGE NUMBER Acres of Green Lawn Care................................ 23 Advanced Wayne Cain & Sons......................... 23 Alpha-Care Health Professionals...................... 15 Amber Glen ..................................................... 15 Beltone.............................................................. 30 Birkey’s.............................................................. 30 Blain’s Farm & Fleet............................................. 3 BPC.......................................Outside Back Cover Busey................................................................... 9 Carle................................................................. 15 Champaign Unit 4 School District.................... 10 Community Partners Health Plans......................... Inside Back Cover Country Fair Apartments.................................. 16 Country Squire Cleaners.................................... 3 Dave’s Firearms................................................ 30 Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center..... 44 Edible Arrangements....................................... 37
Einstein Bros. Bagels........................................... 9 ESS Clean, Inc..................................................... 9 F.E. Moran, Inc. Fire Protection.......................... 36 Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental...... 3 First Bank............................................................ 5 First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust............................. 3 Flightstar........................................................... 20 General Risk Advisors, Inc...... Inside Back Cover Heartland.......................................................... 18 Hickory Point Bank & Trust, fsb........................... 6 Hilton Garden Inn / Homewood Suites............. 37 Hollywood Liquors............................................ 37 Illini Mattress....................................................... 3 Jarling’s Custard Cup........................................ 26 Krannert Center................................................ 27 Livingston, Barger, Brandt, Schroeder Attorneys at Law............................................ 26 Marine Bank............................ Inside Back Cover MTD.................................................................. 10
The News-Gazette............................................. 23 Parkview Senior Apartment Homes................... 3 The Prairie Center............................................ 16 Presence Covenant Medical Center....................Inside Front Cover Prospect Bank..................................................... 6 Rental City........................................................ 23 Reynolds Towing Service Inc............................ 20 Roberts Design Company, Inc.......................... 23 Rogards Office Plus........................................... 30 St. John Lutheran School.................................... 12 Supervalu.......................................................... 25 Sylvia’s Irish Inn................................................ 37 The University of Illinois - Willard Airport........ 19 Urbana Park District......................................... 27 Urbana Schools................................................. 11 Wagner Machine Co......................................... 23
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W E L COM E
From the Chamber of Commerce
O
ur rich sense of history, which influences Champaign County today, ensures that, as a community, we have always been destined for success. Since 1833, when Champaign County was founded, it has been a welcoming guidepost on the Illinois prairie. In the 1850s, it was a stopping point for a young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln, who frequently visited friends in Champaign and Urbana as he traveled the circuit from Springfield for the Eighth Judicial District. Throughout the years, Champaign County has continued to be both a destination and a stopping point. As home to the world-renowned University of Illinois, our community has attracted scientists and senators, teachers and tradespeople, Nobel Prize winners, and many other notables. Many stay for a lifetime, enriching the community; some receive or contribute to world-class teaching before moving on to influence different communities. Regardless of the amount of time people spend here, they help develop a unique relationship between this region and the rest of the world. While many of our residents will not receive world accolades, they are the fiber of our community and the primary reason Champaign County is a great place to call home. What is it that draws and keeps people in Champaign County? In a phrase, it’s “quality of life.” The 998 square miles of the county include the communities of Champaign, Urbana and Savoy, which make up the commercial hub of the county and its largest population center, with over 100,000 residents. In these tri-cities, homes for every family size, income level and lifestyle are available. Bolstered by outlying areas that claim some of the world’s richest farmland, the county offers unique opportunities in agriculture and related businesses. The rural communities have attracted specialty businesses and sole proprietorships, as well as significant new residential growth.
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
A vibrant business community encourages new commerce and industry. As the home of the University of Illinois National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), Champaign County is recognized as a center for computing and technology, attracting and retaining a diverse group of traditional and high-tech companies and becoming a leader in building the national and global information superhighway. An assortment of cultural resources and facilities abounds. From museums and performing arts centers to a planetarium and botanical gardens, the offerings are matched only by those in the nation’s largest metropolitan centers. Choices continue in education. Public, private and parochial schools strive for excellence in every aspect of staff, facilities, technology and curricula. Nationally and internationally recognized city and county park systems provide recreation for all ages. The spires of more than 100 churches rise above the Champaign County skyline, reflecting a variety of religious beliefs. Much of the area’s business growth is attributable to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Several high-tech firms are spin-offs of university research efforts. Even the area’s agricultural potential substantially benefits from the school’s ongoing crop experimentation, which includes cultivation of disease-resistant crop strains and development of precision farming methods and information systems. Recent building projects include the university’s South Research Park, the redevelopment of Lincoln Square Village in Urbana, the schools built by the Village of Tolono, and the aquatic center in Urbana. These are all concrete examples of people and government working together to build for our future.
WELCOME www.champaigncounty.org
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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Champaign County Is Eager for Growth BY NIKOLLE KEENEY
H
ome to one of the world’s great public research universities, a nationally praised community college, two major regional medical centers and several Fortune 500 giants, Champaign County has emerged a vibrant and technology-driven community, eager for growth and ready for development. “More than $900 million in development projects are scheduled for Champaign-Urbana in 2013,” said Ed Sharlau, vice chairman of Busey Bank, at the 2013 Champaign County Economic Seminar. “This is the largest planned growth since before the 2008 recession. Outside of Chicago, Champaign-Urbana is undergoing more development and growth than anywhere else in the state.” A county consisting of two cities, 21 villages and 27 townships, Champaign County has a combined population of more than 200,000. The area has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, and more than 20,000 new residents have made a home in Champaign County since 2000.
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Clark Wise, retired director of construction management at the University of Illinois and current consultant for Fox Development Corporation, said he is “optimistic” about the next few years of development in Champaign County. “Coming out of a recession is a slow and gradual process — but we’re getting there — we’re making progress,” Wise said. Developer Mike Thompson of Thompson Land Company agreed. “We are upbeat about the future of development in the area,” Thompson said. “We are starting to see more growth and more progress than we’ve seen for a long time.”
Large-Scale Projects Carle Foundation Hospital
Carle Foundation Hospital is now in the final phase of its $200 million Campus Modernization Project. Construction is near completion on their new nine-story, 400,000-square-foot tower on the main campus in Urbana. The new tower includes 136 patient rooms (to replace inadequate rooms from buildings constructed in the 1960s and 1970s); the Carle Heart and Vascular Institute, encompassing outpatient and inpatient cardiovascular services, which include eight catheterization labs and the relocation of cardiac intensive care, stepdown and medical beds within the tower; and enhanced intensive care facilities, serving both adults and children.
Hyatt Place
Ford City Ford-Lincoln and Worden Martin Buick-GMC dealerships will soon move from their longtime home at Carriage Center on South Neil Street in Champaign. Dealership buildings are to be demolished, and the 17-acre site will be redeveloped for commercial ownership. New County Market and Ace Hardware stores will anchor Carriage Center Devel opment, occupying six of Carriage Center’s 17 acres. The estimated project cost for the County Market/Ace Hardware development is $10 million.
Added to downtown Champaign’s cityscape will soon be a luxury hotel. Construction of the Hyatt Place hotel, on the corner of Church and Neil, began in late 2012; its completion is projected for August 2013. The hotel’s site was formerly home to the Metropolitan Building, which was destroyed by a fire in 2008. The nine-story, 145-room hotel will have rooms on the top five floors of the building; parking will be on the second through fourth floors, with a lobby and a small bar-café on the main floor. Hyatt Place has been billed as a $26 million project.
Eden Supportive Living
Formerly the site of a Howard Johnson hotel, Eden Supportive Living will soon occupy 222 North State Street. The project will add stories to the top of the existing building as well as a tower to the north. The supportive living facility will provide 150 apartments for people with physical disabilities between the ages of 22 and 64. The building will include an eight-story waterfall, a yoga studio, recording studio, library and fitness center, as well as a 24-hour support staff. The facility is expected to open in August 2013.
Parking Lot J
Starting fall 2013 work will begin on a new hotel and apartment complex on current Parking Lot J, near the corner of Green and Sixth streets on campus. Construction will include two 12-story buildings and a five-story parking garage. The ground floor will be used for retail space, with four stories of hotel rooms above, along Green Street. The hotel will be a Marriott TownePlace Suites, a contemporary extended-stay brand targeted at visiting University of Illinois professors and affiliates.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Carriage Center
Parkland College – Student Services Center
A $28 million new Student Services Center at Parkland College is scheduled to be substantially completed by December 2013 and ready for occupancy in early 2014. The 113,000-square-foot building will be home to offices for student financial aid, recruiting and admissions, and advising, as well as housing the campus bookstore and cafeteria. The facility will also include several large meeting rooms for both student and faculty groups. “The new Student Services Center will provide an identifiable front door to Parkland’s campus that will welcome our students and community,” said Parkland vice president for student services Dr. Linda Moore. “In addition to improving services to students by locating student services offices in logical proximity to each other, this building has been designed to encourage student success by providing appealing space for quiet and group study and extracurricular events that enrich our students’ college experience.” State Farm Center at the University of Illinois
Major construction on the University of Illinois Assembly Hall is scheduled to start in
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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
March 2014; the project will wrap in November 2016. Renovations will be timed around basketball seasons, allowing the team to hold all home games at the center. The total project cost is estimated at $260 million to $300 million. University of Illinois students recently approved a $25 per semester student fee that will cover roughly 17 percent of the total cost. Donations from corporations and individuals will cover 77 percent; the remainder will come from ticket and facility revenue. Scheduled renovations include a larger floor; air conditioning; premium seating, club and suite seating options (all seats will be orange and blue); increased student seating on the floor; two “grand entrances” on both the east and west sides; a semicircle drive added to the east side; and a hall of fame, retail outlet and ticket office. On the exterior, glass walls will be pushed farther out to allow wider concourses, so there will be more room for additional restrooms, concessions and improved accessibility. University of Illinois – Electrical and Computer Engineering Building
Construction on the University of Illinois’ new Electrical and Computer Engineering Building is scheduled for a fall 2014 completion date. The $94 million project will create 230,000 square feet of instructional, research and office space in the heart of the university’s engineering campus. The move will consolidate functions currently dispersed over multiple locations into a single facility, creating a flexible environment to inspire and support interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
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The new facility will be constructed on the northern edge of campus and will include classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, an auditorium, and faculty and administrative offices, as well as student gathering areas. The ECE building will also establish a sustainability prototype for future University of Illinois projects. Minimizing the facility’s carbon footprint and optimizing energy efficiency were key drivers behind its design. University of Illinois – Ikenberry Commons
The University of Illinois continues work on Ikenberry Commons, a massive redevelopment that will eventually replace all UI Champaign residence halls. Occupying five blocks — from South First to South Fourth streets and East Gregory to East Peabody — the development is part of a 14-year multi-million-dollar project. Work on two new residence halls will begin in 2013, each hall pegged at around $80 million. Two halls and a dining center are already up. West Marketview Drive
Both Ford City Ford-Lincoln and Illini Nissan will relocate to Marketview Drive in Champaign this year; construction on the project began in December 2012. Ford City Ford-Lincoln will move from its current location at Carriage Center in Champaign to a new 56,000-square-foot building at 701 West Marketview Drive. The Illini Nissan dealership will move from its North Duncan Avenue location in Savoy to a new 25,000-square-foot building, just east of the Ford City dealership. The new dealerships occupy land between Marketview and Anthony drives, originally
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
occupied by Best Buy and Prospect Mitsubishi. The Ford City Ford-Lincoln dealership will have the capacity to hold 300 vehicles; Illini Nissan will hold about 150. Movie Theatres
Both major movie theaters in ChampaignUrbana underwent significant renovation over the past year. The Goodrich Savoy 16 — located at 232 Burwash Drive in Savoy — now offers a complete IMAX experience, featuring an auditorium that seats 500 people in front of a giant 80-foot by 50-foot screen. In addition to enhanced visuals, the theater will also feature D-BOX motion effects that move the seats from side to side, forward and backward, and up and down, allowing the moviegoer to “feel” the movie. The new Savoy 16 IMAX held a grand opening for its new auditorium on May 3, 2013 — just in time for Iron Man 3. Carmike Cinemas is also preparing to offer a new kind of movie-going experience for members of Champaign County. The old theater — located at 910 Meijer Drive in Champaign — was completely demolished, making way for a much improved, high-tech theater experience. The new Carmike Cinemas will feature a theater with a three-story-tall, ultra-bright highdefinition screen called the “Big D”; it will hold 600 people and will include surround sound. All remaining 12 screens in the complex will have new stadium-style seating. No official date is yet scheduled, but the Carmike 13 is expected to open in summer 2013.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Chamber-Member Banks & Credit Unions Area code is 217. BANKCHAMPAIGN, N.A.
FIRST MIDWEST BANK
www.bankchampaign.com 2101 S. Neil Street, Champaign..............................................................351-2870 301 N. Neil Street, Suite 105, Champaign................................................351-2877 #5 Convenience Center Road, Champaign............................................351-2876
www.firstmidwest.com 1617 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign...............................................378-7629
BUSEY BANK www.busey.com 100 W. University Avenue, Champaign...................................................351-6500 2710 S. Philo Road, Urbana.....................................................................365-4930 614 S. Sixth Street, Champaign...............................................................365-4552 909 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign..........................................................384-3400 312 E. Main Street, Mahomet..................................................................586-4981 1231 E. Grove Street, Rantoul.................................................................892-4121 2011 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign...............................................351-2854 104 N. Main Street, St. Joseph.................................................................469-7631 128 E. Holden Street, Tolono...................................................................485-6021 201 W. Main Street, Urbana.....................................................................365-4500 3002 W. Windsor Road, Champaign........................................................351-2820
CENTRAL ILLINOIS BANK www.centralillinoisbank.com 2913 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign.........................................................355-0900 302 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign.................................................366-4535 1514 N. Cunningham Avenue, Urbana....................................................328-7000
COMMERCE BANK www.commercebank.com 1015 W. Windsor Road, Champaign........................................................359-9790
COMMUNITY PLUS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION www.cplusfcu.org 526 E. Champaign Avenue, Rantoul........................................................893-8201 1005 Bloomington Road, Champaign.....................................................693-3440
FIRST BANK www.firstbanktrust.com 1251 Woodfield Drive, Savoy..................................................................351-3526 114 W. Church Street, Champaign..........................................................398-0067 1500 E. Grove Street, Rantoul.................................................................893-8100
FIRST FINANCIAL BANK www.first-online.com 1205 S. Neil Street, Champaign..............................................................352-6700 202A Eastwood Center, Mahomet..........................................................586-5322 1611 S. Prospect Avenue, Champaign....................................................351-6620 410 N. Broadway Avenue, Urbana...........................................................351-2701 2510 S. Philo Road, Urbana.....................................................................344-1300
FIRST MID-ILLINOIS BANK & TRUST www.firstmid.com 601 S. Vine Street, Urbana......................................................................367-8451 502 E. Oak Street, Mahomet...................................................................586-3450 Shoppes of Knollwood, Champaign.......................................................359-9837 913 W. Marketview Drive, Champaign....................................................378-8023
FIRST STATE BANK www.fsbcorp.com 101 Windsor Road, Champaign..............................................................239-3000
HEARTLAND BANK & TRUST CO. www.hbtbank.com 1101 W. Windsor Road, Champaign........................................................359-5555 1812 S. Philo Road, Urbana.....................................................................359-5555 2101 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign...............................................359-5555 602 S. Vine Street, Urbana......................................................................359-5555
HICKORY POINT BANK & TRUST, FSB www.hickorypointbank.com 701 Devonshire Drive, Champaign.........................................................351-7100
MARINE BANK www.ibankmarine.com 2434 Village Green Place, Champaign...................................................239-0100 1001 S. Neil Street, Champaign..............................................................356-7601
MIDLAND STATES BANK www.midlandsb.com 1617 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign...............................................398-3800
PHILO EXCHANGE BANK www.philobank.com 200 S. Lincoln, Broadlands......................................................................834-3023 102 W. Washington Street, Philo..............................................................684-2600 401 N. Lincoln Street, Philo.....................................................................684-5500
PRAIRIE STATE BANK & TRUST www.psbank.net 1902 Fox Drive, Champaign...................................................................239-7616
PROSPECT BANK www.theprospectbank.com 1601 S. Prospect Avenue, Champaign....................................................352-0077
REGIONS BANK www.regions.com 111 S. State Street, Champaign...............................................................352-9440
SCB BANK www.soybank.com 2009 Fox Drive, Suite D, Champaign.......................................................356-6789
U OF I EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION www.uiecu.org 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana.................................................................278-7700 2201 S. First Street, Champaign..............................................................278-7700 206 E. University Ave., Urbana...............................................................278-7700
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C OLLE GE TOW N LI V I NG
It Has Its Perks By Nikolle Keeney
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hampaign-Urbana was recently ranked the sixth-best college town in the nation by the American Institute for Economic Research. Boasting more than just the status of the worldrenowned research university and the nationally acclaimed community college within its bounds, Champaign-Urbana was rated high on a community level. High rankings included those in categories such as leisure and arts, cost of living, earning potential, ratio of population with B.A. degrees, diversity, public transportation, unemployment, and more. While all of these factors are certainly related to the sources of higher education in the area, they also play a large part in shaping the community and providing local people with world-class activities and experiences.
At U of I: Russian ballets, Broadway shows, indie rock concerts and symphony orchestras all have a home at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Illinois campus. “Our events are geared not just for students of the university, but also for the community at large,” said Bridget Lee-Calfas, advertising and publicity director at Krannert.
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
“We try to incorporate a wide range of programming each season so there’s something for everyone.” Krannert offers affordable (often free) admission as well as free parking. “Champaign-Urbana is a rare ‘micro-urban’ community in that it’s smaller than a city, but large and cultured enough to truly appreciate and support the arts,” Lee-Calfas said. The University of Illinois is host to a number of venues and activities the community can enjoy and benefit from: • The Krannert Art Museum hosts a wide-ranged collection of world art from ancient times to present day, as well as diverse and contemporary art from a range of new media and technology; admission is free. • The Spurlock Museum is a world history museum with over 45,000 objects in its collection; admission is free. • Japan House is both a cultural experience and a garden; it’s open for tea ceremonies and tours on Thursdays. • The UI Arboretum, a 160-acre garden, collection and habitat functioning as a “living laboratory” for students, is open to the public.
At Parkland College: “Our mission at Parkland College is to ‘engage the community in learning,’ and several of our facilities take this mission to the next level,” said Patty Lehn, director of marketing and public relations for Parkland. • The Staerkel Planetarium offers programming in an immersive video technology environment (“better than an IMAX,” Lehn said). • Also at the college is Parkland Theatre, which is heavily used by community groups. The theatre provides a “beautiful setting” for music and
C OLLE GE TOW N LI V I NG
theatre productions ranging from comedies to Broadway musicals to contemporary plays. • Open to the pubic and free of charge is the Parkland Art Gallery, hosting exhibitions by contemporary artists of regional and national status as well as highlighting the talent of faculty and students.
Continuing Education In addition, both the University of Illinois and Parkland College offer opportunities for local residents to stay engaged and continue their education. “Parkland’s active Community Education programming offers a variety of workshops and programs to residents of all ages that are noncredit, short-term and affordable,” said Lehn. “Noncredit students are an important college constituency, and offering courses on landscaping, computer training, physical fitness and art demonstrates Parkland’s commitment to serving multiple constituencies.”
Fun for Foodies Champaign-area resident and UI graduate Peter Vogen said one of his favorite aspects of living in a college town is the vast amount of food options available. “Champaign-Urbana is truly remarkable in that culinary options abound from so many, many countries around the world — Indian, Israeli, Korean — everything,” Vogen said. “This is heavily due to the amount of foreign students studying at the university and is certainly something the whole community benefits from.”
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E DUCAT I ON
Public Schools BY AMANDA KNOLES
Champaign Unit 4 School District Receives $320,000 Science Grant www.champaignschools.org
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he Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has awarded Champaign Unit 4 School District a two-year, $320,000 grant to fund professional development opportunities for teachers of grades six through 12. The grant is part of the Partnership for Implementing the Framework for K-12 Science Education (PIFSE) program, a collaboration that includes Champaign Community Unit 4 School District; the University of Illinois Office of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (MSTE); and the
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
The two-year format includes a two-week summer institute and after-school meetings with science teachers throughout the year. Partner classroom visits and consultations will take place throughout the year. The program is designed to encourage student achievement, strengthen the quality of instruction and create partnerships that expose students to science, technology, engineering and math career pathways, while also linking Unit 4 to state and national networks of innovators and leaders in science education. Kristin Camp, K-12 science and health curriculum coordinator, is leading the implementation of the program. In addition to her Unit 4 responsibilities, Camp serves as Region 4 director of the Illinois Science Teachers Association and is a critical reviewer at the national level for the
E DUCAT I ON
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). The collaboration is designed to provide professional development training and resources that align with the new national framework and Next Generation Science Standards. According to Superintendent Dr. Judy Wiegand, the district is aggressively pursuing grants that will enrich the lives of students and provide professional development opportunities for faculty. “This opportunity will put our teachers at the forefront of implementing the new K–12 Science Framework, which integrates an understanding of the ideas of science with hands-on engagement in the practices of science, including career exploration,” she explained. “This initiative is a prime example of Unit 4’s commitment to community collaborations that directly enhance student learning.”
Next Generation Science Standards. She is also a member of the Illinois NGSS Adoption Committee. “This grant will allow teachers to identify particular units of study from the science curriculum to receive an in-depth training in content core knowledge, scientific practices, and direct applications to research and development and careers in various fields of science,” Camp explained. “Our teachers are excited by the opportunity to work directly with scientists and engineers in the field. This grant, one of only 10 awarded statewide, will help our staff become even more effective teachers in the classroom and leaders in the field of science education.”
Urbana Middle School Partners With IMSA FUSION www.usd116.org
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rbana Middle School (UMS) has continued its partnership with the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) to provide the award-winning FUSION program, an after-school enrichment opportunity for students interested in mathematics and science. Students in grades six through eight are selected for the program based on essays they write expressing interest in the program, as well as teacher recommendations, academic performance and ISAT scores. Program participants meet on Saturdays during the school year and engage in activities and field trips throughout the year. Group discussions led by teachers during the after-school sessions focus on math problems, science topics and engineering issues, incorporating computers, lab equipment and iPad applications into the learning environment. Students participating in the program work on a variety of projects and experiments involving topics like networking, plant and animal behaviors, and sensory methods. Project showcases are held at STEM and IMSA Parent Nights. UMS teachers Jason Pound and Laura Hlinka attended IMSA professional development sessions and presented a well-received workshop, “Using Technology to Enhance Lessons and Feedback,” at the IMSA FUSION Orientation and Planning Event. The workshop offered other teachers resources, ideas and strategies for bringing innovative technologies into FUSION activities. IMSA FUSION currently has over 110 programs across the state and has served nearly 14,000 students. The program has been recognized among the top programs in the nation by Change the Equation, a corporate-led initiative to identify and expand effective STEM teaching. An important goal of the FUSION program is to increase participation for low-income and minority students. Tina Lehr, UMS science teacher and STEM coach, has played a major role in making the program a success. Thanks to the success of the previous years and increasing interest from students, Urbana Middle School added an additional section to the IMSA FUSION program for the 2012–13 school year and now serves 60 students. As the program grows, the school hopes to make it available to additional students. In recent sessions, students explored the topic of nanotechnology using a variety of materials and enjoyed the fun task of creating four-wheel
balloon cars using recycled household items. The top five cars chosen from a qualifying race represented UMS FUSION at the EOH engineering competition in March, where UMS placed second overall. The Urbana School District also offers a Summer STEM Enrichment Camp for students entering grades one through eight. The camp sessions meet Monday through Thursday at Urbana Middle School and promote discovery through fun learning experiences focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Topics range from Building Bridges and GPS Exploration to Digital Animation and Going Green. At the end of camp, student activities are showcased for family members and the community. For more information about the UMS FUSION program, please visit the UMS website at www.usd116.org/ums. For more information about the USD #116 Summer STEM Enrichment Camp, please visit the STEM page at www.usd116.org/index.php/parents/stem/.
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E DUCAT I ON
Parkland College Continues Expansion BY AMANDA KNOLES www.parkland.edu
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arkland College has embarked on an expansion to meet the demands of its ever-increasing student population. Parkland’s expansions to facility space for its Student Services, Engineering Science and Technologies, Fine and Applied Arts, Fitness and Recreation, and Athletics programs will ultimately add 210,000 square feet to the campus. Other scheduled improvements include upgrading the L-Wing laboratories and campus interior renovations. The goal is to enhance Parkland’s reputation as an excellent learning environment while preparing the campus to meet the demands of the future. Founded in 1967, Parkland has increased its course offerings to help meet the needs of local businesses seeking skilled workers in the health professions, skilled trades and computerrelated fields, in addition to offering a wide range of degree programs designed to give students an edge in the work world when they graduate. When the campus was first built it was designed to serve an average of 9,000 students, but the college currently serves over 20,000 students each year. In April 2012 ground was broken on the Student Services Center site, with construction due for completion by December 2013 and the college taking occupancy in early 2014. Funded through bond sale proceeds from Parkland’s Campus Master Plan and through funds from the state’s Capital Development Board, the $28 million Student Services Center is being constructed to meet the LEED Gold Standard for sustainable building design. Serving as a centralized area for college admissions, course registration, counseling and assessment services, the Student Services Center will also offer a student lounge, food service, a bookstore and large group meeting spaces. According to college officials, the center will provide a convenient place where students can engage in quiet study or participate in after-class activities. The new center will also provide space for student clubs and organizations that previously had to meet off campus. Parkland College offers more than 100 associate degree, transfer and certificate programs of study designed to meet the diverse educational needs of the region. Featuring over 600 full- and part-time faculty, counselors and librarians, Parkland provides online, campus and hybrid learning opportunities for all learning styles and levels. Featuring small classes and specialized labs with an average of 20 students per class, the college offers students a quality learning environment with personalized attention from experienced instructors. Offering several degree programs including Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Engineering Science, Associate in Applied Science and Associate in General Studies, Parkland partners with four-year colleges for advanced degrees and offers a variety of adult education programs, community education workshops and business training classes. Parkland’s Adult Re-entry Center provides assistance to adults seeking flexible scheduling and alternative class formats so they can continue to work while pursuing completion of their associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree.
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
U of I Receives Grant for Engineering Efforts BY AMANDA KNOLES www.illinois.edu
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he Grainger Foundation of Lake Forest, Illinois, has pledged $100 million to support the establishment of the Grainger Engineering Breakthroughs Initiative at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The contribution, announced by Chancellor Phyllis Wise, will support the College of Engineering and was made in memory and honor of William W. Grainger, a 1919 Illinois graduate in electrical engineering and the founder of W.W. Grainger Inc. Since it was founded in 1949, the Grainger Foundation has provided substantial support to a wide range of organizations, including educational, medical and human service institutions, as well as museums. “We are tremendously grateful for this extraordinary gift from The Grainger Foundation, which is an investment in the future of engineering, the future of our engineering faculty and students, and, indeed, an investment in the campus as a whole,” Dr. Wise said. “This transformative gift will ensure a chain reaction of possibilities that will fortify the campus as a pre-eminent, globally recognized institution.” The Grainger Foundation, long a benefactor of the College of Engineering, made the pledge to provide the support and funding necessary to ensure the college can continue to pursue important engineering breakthroughs in the future.
E DUCAT I ON
ChamberMember Private Schools COUNTRYSIDE SCHOOL www.countrysideschool.org • Beautiful 13-acre campus includes a high school-sized gym, performing arts center, playgrounds and soccer fields. • Combined-age classrooms: K/1, 2/3, 4/5 and middle school. • Emphasizes hands-on, applications-based learning through discovery, invention, problem-solving and mastery.
Home to Blue Waters, one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, U of I’s College of Engineering ranks in the top five nationally and internationally for its undergraduate and graduate programs. Home to Blue Waters, one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, U of I’s College of Engineering ranks in the top five nationally and internationally for its undergraduate and graduate programs. University of Illinois President Bob Easter commented, “Thanks to the immense generosity of The Grainger Foundation, and its investment in the College of Engineering at Illinois, the University of Illinois can achieve its ambitious and bold program of knowledge production and excellence in education that will foster innovation to address the critical societal issues of today, and future grand challenges for generations to come.” Resources from the initiative will help support faculty, students and facilities and allow the College of Engineering to invest in research areas that can have a transformative impact and attract engineering leaders of the future. A large portion of The Grainger Foundation’s donation will go toward an endowment for engineering chairs and professorships. At least 35 new chairs and professorships will be created, doubling the number of endowed chairs and professorships at the college, with 26 of the chairs and professorships focused on bioengineering and big data. (Big data refers to the use of computers and supercomputers to make discoveries in fields like genomics, environmental engineering, energy applications and public policy.) Other portions of the donation will establish a $100 million fundraising campaign for scholarships to the College of Engineering and help fund the $40 million renovation of the Everitt Laboratory building at the engineering campus. Home to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Everitt building will be upgraded to become a state-of-the art facility with engineering instructional laboratories and new engineering research centers. Less than a decade old, the Department of Bioengineering attracts some of the nation’s best students, and the gift will enable the college to attract additional faculty to work on breakthrough projects like medical imaging, nanoscale biotechnologies, cell and tissue engineering, and systems biology. Recent projects have focused on developing new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer, infectious disease, cardiovascular disease and neurological conditions. Provost Ilesanmi Adesida remarked, “This generous donation from The Grainger Foundation will strengthen the College of Engineering’s ability to maintain its legacy of groundbreaking accomplishments and remarkable new discoveries that change the world and enrich the lives of people everywhere. We are certain that this very generous gift to the College of Engineering at Illinois will have broad impact across all of the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign and beyond.”
• Majority of teachers have advanced degrees; average class size is 12 to 15 students. • Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. • Curriculum designed for students at or above grade level in all subjects.
THE HIGH SCHOOL OF ST. THOMAS MORE www.hs-stm.org • Co-ed Catholic high school open since 2000. • College prep emphasis, with 99 percent of graduates attending college or university. • Top 25 percent of graduating seniors have had ACT scores of 30 for the past four years. • Offers honors classes and advanced placement. • Student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1. Sixty percent of faculty hold advanced degrees. • Offers a variety of competitive sports and student organizations.
JUDAH CHRISTIAN www.judah.org • Interdenominational school with a Bible-based academic program. • Serves preschool, elementary, junior high and high school students. • Features visual arts, instrumental music, chorus and theatre arts. • A member of Association of Christian Schools International. • Challenging college-prep curriculum. • Competitive sports include baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, track and field, volleyball, cross-country, and cheerleading.
NEXT GENERATION SCHOOL www.nextgenerationschool.com • Independent private school for ages 6 weeks through grade eight. • Core academics, fine arts, performing arts and STEM education programs. • Individualized learning opportunities in a nurturing and stimulating environment. • Emphasis on music, art, foreign languages and community engagement. • State-of-the-art gym, playground facilities and a wide variety of afterschool activities. • Summer camp program combines fun with challenging projects.
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL www.stjohnls.com • Kindergarten through grade eight curriculum. • Features core academics and daily instruction in religion. • Computer training, art, music and Spanish instruction. • Athletic program includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track and field. • After-school program provided by YMCA for extended child care. • Community service activities throughout the year.
www.champaigncounty.org
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H E A L T H CA RE
Carle Tower to Provide Patients Enhanced Treatment, Comfort and Privacy BY SEAN D. WILLIAMS, CARLE PUBLIC RELATIONS
www.carle.org
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his fall, patients will experience many enhancements at Carle with the official opening of Carle Tower on Carle Hospital’s campus in Urbana. This new nine-story, 400,000-square-foot building will house the largest heart center in downstate Illinois as well as advanced medical units designed to enhance patient healing, improve efficiencies for staff and provide comfortable accommodations for visitors and guests. Ranked first in Illinois for cardiology services by Healthgrades in 2012, the Carle Heart and Vascular Institute anchors the hospital tower. Carle’s ongoing commitment to extend its national-caliber heart program will bring together in one location experts and technology for outpatient cardiology and diagnostics. The Heart and Vascular Institute includes cardiovascular and thoracic surgery; cardiac catheterization; vascular, interventional and neurointerventional radiology; electrophysiology; heart failure clinic; and valve clinic, as
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
well as radiology, nuclear medicine, stress testing and laboratory. This center will have nearly three times more space than the previous facilities. Carle Heart and Vascular Institute is one of few in Illinois approved to provide the transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, procedure, an advanced treatment offering hope to patients who would not have been eligible for open-heart surgery. The majority of the new tower will house inpatient services with cardiovascular, neuroscience and surgical intensive care units; cardiac, cardiopulmonary and neuroscience units; and medical, surgical and neurosurgical units. Carle Tower will include 136 private rooms, meaning that most rooms at Carle are private. This will provide enhanced comfort for both patients and visitors while also improving the staff’s ability to deliver high-quality and efficient care.
H E A L T H CA RE
“In addition to the investments in technology and treatment capabilities, we are proud the new facility will have private rooms that will allow us to provide even better care for patients where their loved ones can be as near as possible to provide additional support,� said James C. Leonard, M.D., president and CEO, The Carle Foundation. Carle Tower was also built with the future health care needs of the community in mind. There will be 30,000 square feet of space in the lower level and the ninth floor to expand, and the tower could house 48 more beds. Thoughtful planning will also permit additional floors to be constructed on top of the tower as needed.
www.champaigncounty.org
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H E A L T H CA RE
Today Counts at Presence Covenant Medical Center BY CRYSTAL SENESAC, PRESENCE COVENANT MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
www.presencehealth.org/covenant
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resence Covenant Medical Center is a 210bed, not-for-profit hospital with a staff of over 250 physicians and a wide range of medical specialties. They are one of east central Illinois’ most advanced medical facilities, offering a full scope of inpatient and outpatient care. Presence Covenant’s parent company, Presence Health, was formed by the merger of Provena Health of Mokena, Illinois, and Resurrection Health Care of Chicago in November 2011. As the newest health system in Illinois, Presence Health has a new way of thinking when it comes to health care. They are leading health care reform by shifting their care model from diseasecentered to patient-centered. This means they are focused on enhancing the patient and family experience, providing high quality and value across the continuum in true partnership with physicians and employees, and building healthy communities by preventing illness. Presence Covenant is committed to achieving the best patient outcomes by providing the latest advancements in minimally invasive surgery. With numerous surgeons performing a variety of robotic-assisted procedures, Presence Covenant gives patients access to surgical treatment options that allow them to experience less pain and much smaller incisions and to benefit from recovery times measured in days instead of weeks. Presence Covenant’s comprehensive heart services, ranging from simple diagnostic procedures to advanced surgery, are led by expert physicians using leading-edge technology. Presence Covenant is accredited by the Society
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of Cardiovascular Patient Care as a Chest Pain Center and for the treatment of heart failure. They are also certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. With the newest birthing center in the area, Presence Covenant offers luxurious amenities and free services to help make families’ experiences unforgettable. Some of their birthing center features include spa-inspired rooms; a complimentary nurse partner program; physicians, staff and lactation consultants dedicated to helping moms breastfeed; and a free HALO sleepsack. Presence Covenant maintains a Level II Plus Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with extended capabilities designation, which means they can care for 98 percent of all births.
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Orthopedic services at Presence Covenant include some of the area’s best orthopedic surgeons, the largest rehabilitation unit in the area and skilled home care. They focus on the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, including joint replacement and emergency fracture care. In addition to delivering excellent care and service, Presence Covenant wants to inspire people to see their health in a new way. Health is more than just doctor visits and medical tests. It is a lifelong journey of small, manageable steps that over time make a big difference. They encourage you to make today count. For nurse advice or to find a doctor, call 877-737-INFO (4636).
H E A L T H CA RE
An Active Retirement in Champaign County BY AMANDA KNOLES For retirees looking for relaxed living with urban amenities nearby, centrally located Champaign County is an ideal choice. Located 135 miles south of Chicago, 124 miles west of Indianapolis and 178 miles northeast of St. Louis, Champaign County presents a wide choice of living spaces to choose from, including affordably priced single-family homes, condos, apartments, 55+ communities and assisted living residences. Affordability is key here, too, as Champaign County offers a cost of living lower than the national average.
How to Find a Christie Clinic Primary Care Physician: Your Prescription for Good Health BY KAREN BLATZER, CHRISTIE CLINIC
www.christieclinic.com
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o you have a primary care physician? It’s a good idea. Having a primary care physician can actually improve your health over time. How? Through continuity of care. Continuity of care means building a long-term relationship with a doctor who sees you regularly, knows your entire medical history and is the first person you consult when you are sick or injured.
Who Needs a Primary Care Physician? Everyone — regardless of age or physical condition. Building a long-term, ongoing relationship with a primary care physician can result in significant health benefits, including: • Trust: The longer you know your doctor, the more comfortable you will feel asking questions and talking about medical concerns. The more honest you are with your physician, the better it is for your medical care. Your primary care physician can help you avoid illnesses by knowing your family history and will have a much greater likelihood of noticing a change in your health compared to someone you’re seeing for the first time. • Improved Health: Through regular physical exams, your primary care physician will learn your health goals and be in a better position to help you manage chronic conditions and offer personalized recommendations about diet and exercise. • Personal Referrals: With so many specialists available, you may not know what kind of doctor to see for a specific problem. Rather than diagnosing yourself, discuss your condition with your primary care physician. He or she will be in a much better position to steer you in the right direction and refer you to someone they know and trust.
How to Find a Christie Clinic Primary Care Physician If you’ve moved into a new area, ask co-workers or neighbors if they have a physician they like. Your insurance company can be helpful in giving you names of primary care physicians who are accepting new patients. If you need suggestions, Christie Clinic’s “Find a Doctor” online resource can help: Visit www.christieclinic.com or call 217-366-1200.
What to Look for in a Primary Care Physician The single most important thing you should look for in a primary care physician is someone who listens to you, makes you feel at ease and who is genuinely interested in your well-being. When you are sick or need immediate medical attention, you want to be comfortable seeing someone you know and trust and, even more importantly, someone who knows you and your medical history. This is a relationship based on trust — it’s okay to be picky.
Active retirees will enjoy easy access to parks and recreation facilities, plus a wide variety of urban shopping and dining destinations. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby lakes, rivers and forest preserves for boating, fishing, canoeing, camping and hiking. For retirees on the go, Champaign-Urbana’s local transit system, serving 11 million riders each year, is one of the highest rated in the United States. Amtrak and Greyhound services are available to popular regional destinations, and Willard Airport provides convenient air travel linked to major hubs Chicago and Dallas-Ft. Worth. Convenient access to top-rated medical facilities like Carle Foundation Hospital, Presence Covenant and Christie Clinic provides peace of mind. Retirees can also take advantage of frequent programs, classes and events designed to help keep them healthy. The YMCA and local fitness centers like the Savoy Recreation Center offer classes for active seniors, including aqua aerobics, gentle yoga and tai chi. The Champaign and Urbana parks and recreation departments regularly feature special programs tailored for retirees, including field trips, nature walks, arts and crafts instruction, and more. As a college town, Champaign/Urbana offers more cultural amenities than many areas of similar size, including concerts and lectures at the University of Illinois and a variety of special events held at the historic Virginia Theatre. Art galleries, museums, local festivals and a host of other attractions provide plenty of leisure activities to enjoy year-round. For those seeking to expand their education, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a dynamic schedule of programs and courses as well as lectures, study groups, travel opportunities and collaborations with the university and the community. OLLI members have access to books, movies, journal articles, and online newspapers and magazines at the University of Illinois Library and receive reduced rates at campus recreation facilities. Champaign County is also home to numerous community service organizations that provide retirees with a chance to share their years of experience through mentoring, tutoring and other rewarding activities. Visit cuvolunteer.org for current volunteer opportunities.
www.champaigncounty.org
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H E A L T H CA RE
Wellness in the Workplace BY NIKOLLE KEENEY
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ellness” is often defined as the physical, nutritional and emotional health of an individual. The concept is often described as an “equilateral triangle,” according to Dr. Doug Matzner of Matzner Chiropractic in Champaign. “The three components play off of each other — if one is skewed, the others will follow.” Matzner Chiropractic — among several health centers in Champaign County — is working to educate those in the community about wellness. “The general consensus is that just because you’re not sick or in pain, you are in good health. That’s just not true,” Matzner said. “There are
many aspects to health and maintaining good health, and it’s our goal to spread that message.” Public health officials have reworked how they approach health education in recent years, said Brandon Meline of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. “The average American spends more of their waking hours at work than anywhere else,” Meline said. “If people start thinking about health and making healthier decisions in the workplace, they will be far more apt to make better choices at home in their free time.” A forecast by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development predicts that
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
75 percent of Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020. Two-thirds of adult Americans are already overweight. “It’s an uphill battle,” Meline said. “It’s often easier to make unhealthy decisions while at work. Our goal is to make healthy decisions easier and more accessible.” To turn offices and industries into more “health conscious” environments, Meline suggests making a formal health plan and adopting it into one’s office policy. Changes could include replacing vending machines full of snacks and soda to machines filled with healthier options; adding bike racks outside the building and encouraging employees to bike to work; holding “Biggest Loser”-style weight-loss competitions; or launching a lunch-break walking program. “There are many things offices can do,” Meline said. “Small changes can make a big difference.” Christie Clinic, Crawford Chiropractic and Matzner Chiropractic have all embraced different Ideal Protein-based diet programs. This medically supervised program, accompanied by weekly checkins and wellness education, often results in dramatic weight loss. The Mettler Center features similar weight-loss and wellness education programs. “America spends more than $150 billion a year on health care related to obesity, with 70 to 80 percent of medical problems related to obesity,” Dr. Nathan Walker, a Christie Clinic internal medicine physician, said in a written statement. “One of the best ways we thought we could help our patients and a community struggling with a high obesity rate was to introduce a proven, medical weight loss program.” Weight loss and wellness programs are available at many centers in Champaign County. Area chiropractors include Advanced Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center, Crawford Chiropractic, Fruhling Chiropractic, Jackson Chiropractic and Acupuncture, Matzner Chiropractic, and Schwartz Chiropractic Centre. Many area fitness clubs, such as the Champaign County YMCA, Evolve Fitness Club, Kinex Fitness Club, Mettler Center and the University YMCA, offer personal training and wellness education. Carle, Christie Clinic and Presence Covenant Medical Complex also offer wellness programs and physical therapy.
TRANSPORTATION
Catch a Ride in Champaign County BY AMANDA KNOLES
Willard Airport One of only two commercial airports in the United States operated by an educational institution, Willard Airport is served by American Airlines and offers non-stop service to Chicago O’Hare and Dallas-Ft. Worth International. A $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program is being used to market new airline service to the East Coast. According to Bruce Walden, director of real estate planning and services at U of I, Airport Administration hopes to add a direct flight to Washington, D.C. Other destinations under consideration include New York, Philadelphia and Charlotte, as well as southern Florida and Nevada. The recent merger of American Airlines and US Airways could add flights to additional destinations. “There are 62 cities served by US Airways that are not served by American,” Walden said. “This could potentially add access to one or more new hubs.” The university is also exploring the possibility of more community involvement and investment in the governance of the airport. A report prepared and funded by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation emphasized that for the airport to be sustainable, there must be more active local participation and support. “The Chamber of Commerce and Champaign County First have been active participants in this process,” Walden said. Airport manager Steve Wanzek notes that Airport Administration continues to invest and maintain facilities, with $4.3 million in projects funded primarily by federal and state grants. “We are about to start a project to replace the aging Airfield Electrical Vault,” he said. “This building provides electrical power to the lights and signs on the airport’s runways, taxiways and aprons. We have future plans to refurbish the rest of Airport Road, the www.champaigncounty.org
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TRANSPORTATION
rental car lot and roads, the employee parking lot, and the road used by trucks and buses to the terminal.”
Champaign-Urbana MTD Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District serves Champaign, Urbana and portions of Savoy as well as the University of Illinois campus. More than 11 million riders are served, and MTD continues to make improvements that will benefit the public as well as the environment. The newest members of the hybrid-dieselelectric bus fleet represent the most advanced hybrid technology available. The 10 new Flyer Xcelsior XDE40 buses also kneel lower, making it easier for those with physical limitations to step onto the bus, while the boarding ramp deploys at a less severe angle, providing easier entrance for those using mobility assistance devices. Additional improvements include illuminated lights behind the front wheels, indicating when a turn signal is activated; mini-skylights for roof hatches; and a decrease in weight, resulting in better fuel efficiency. MTD’s fleet is now more than 50 percent hybrid diesel-electric.
Illinois High Speed Rail In March 2013, Governor Pat Quinn announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) named the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to lead the multi-state procurement of 35 Next-Generation locomotives for high-speed rail. IDOT will lead the effort on behalf of Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri and Washington. “The decision by the federal government is a testament to Illinois’ role as a national leader in high-speed rail,” said Quinn. The FRA provided a Record of Decision on the Chicago–St. Louis Corridor in December 2012, paving the way for IDOT to move ahead with corridor segment studies so work can begin on high-speed service to the other 25 percent of the corridor as soon as possible. Planned segments include Joliet to Chicago and Alton to St. Louis City. University and transportation officials are excited at the possibility of high-speed rail going through Champaign, essentially making travel from the University of Illinois to Chicago possible in just 43 minutes by bullet train.
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
WOR K FORC E
Parkland’s Applied Technology Center Drives State-of-the-Art Vocational Education BY DANA MANCUSO
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arkland College’s Applied Technology Center (ATC) is the new home for some of the college’s Engineering Science and Technologies programs, including Automotive, Ford ASSET, Industrial Technology, Welding and Collision Repair. Not only is the space ready to turn out certified technicians, the building itself is certified, having been built to LEED Gold standards for green building and performance measures. The new facility brings a number of programs together from locations off campus. Cathie Stalter, department chair of the college’s Engineering Science and Technologies Department, said that Parkland is happy to have this new facility where all the students can be housed under one roof. “The collision repair program had never been on campus before. Moving those students to campus lets them interact with peers on campus and puts them closer to their general education courses,” she explained. Stalter said that in addition to $1 million in new equipment, the collision repair program has new paint booths, and the 32 welding booths are double the previous number. The 67,000-squarefoot center is considerably larger than what was on campus before and reflects the latest technology, according to Stalter.
“A lot of what we have now replaces equipment that had been at Parkland for 40 years,” she said. “Today technicians rely on more technical and computer skills. We have tried to create a new state-of-the-art learning center.” At the ATC, students can study industrial technology, receive training in conventional mills and lathes, and train as technicians or for jobs and manufacturing. Among the programs housed at ATC is the Ford ASSET Program, designed so that students receive up to 100 percent of the same certifications that a Ford service technician would receive through attending a Ford Training Center. Stalter said the Ford ASSET Program at Parkland has 20 freshmen and 20 sophomores enrolled. Upon graduation they will have earned an associate degree from Parkland and become factory-certified technicians. Inside the light-filled work spaces, you will find an auto lab with 15 lift work stations; flat work stations with the only educational dynos in a 100-mile radius of Champaign; a lathe, engraver/ cutter/laser and plasma cutter; and much more. “We wanted to create an atmosphere that replicates what students will see when they go to work in a dealership or in an industry,” Stalter said.
Seventeen-year-old Mahomet-Seymour High School senior Grant Taylor is enrolled in a dualcredit program at Parkland, where he has already earned 14 hours toward his degree. Students like Taylor can take classes in a number of automotive specialties. “The opportunities are amazing,” he said. “I am ready to go to work in a dealership or shop. I have options already after doing one year of dual-credit here.” As he continues toward his degree, Taylor is excited to take advantage of the state-of-the-art equipment that is housed in the ATC, especially scan tools. “They provide you a way to look into the vehicle’s computer system. They will be the first tool I use to give me an idea of what possibly could be wrong with a vehicle.” The practical, immediately applicable skills that can be acquired at Parkland’s ATC have made the programs instantly popular. Stalter said that nearly 440 students were taking classes in the programs occupying the ATC in spring 2013.
www.champaigncounty.org
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BUSINESS VIGNETTES
DEVELOPING A SHARPER IMAGE: Shatterglass Studios Produces Cutting-Edge Films BY AMANDA KNOLES www.shatterglassstudios.com
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
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ecognized as the 2012 Small Business of the Year by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Shatterglass Studios is a new media development, film and video production company that has produced several award-winning shorts and features, many of which were shot in the Champaign and Chicago area. In addition to creating films and shorts, the studio produces television commercials, corporate branding and industrial videos, and promotional videos. Brett Hays is co-owner/producer and Luke Boyce is co-owner/director. Founded in 2005, Shatterglass uses cutting-edge digital technology like the RED camera to produce high-quality films and videos for companies seeking a creative way of improving their brand or product message. “The Jacksonville Art Glass video was a turning point for us,” Hays explained. “It was the first time we had full artistic control, and it helped us define the storytelling style that has become our niche.” An impressive list of clients includes Ebertfest, Carle, The Illinois Connection, Gillette and others. The studio’s productions have been featured at numerous film festivals, including the Sonoma International Film Festival and the Cannes Independent Film Festival. A feature film, The Drunk, starring Tom Sizemore and Jesse Ventura, is in post-production and scheduled for release in late 2013. Distribution is another key element in the Shatterglass story. Recently the studio released the “Roger Ebert’s Film Festival App” for iPad, which allows fans of Ebertfest to quickly and easily access films, panel discussions and other content from all previous festivals. “We hope to partner with other organizations to offer new ways of distributing their content,” Hays said. In 2013, Shatterglass moved into a new location at 309 S. Neil Street in Champaign. The expanded headquarters includes offices, a 15-seat screening room and a complete soundstage. With many movies now being produced away from Hollywood in cities all across the United States, Boyce and Hays hope their soundstage and production facilities can help pave the way for more films being shot in the Champaign-Urbana area. In addition to running Shatterglass Studios, Boyce and Hays helped organize the Champaign-Urbana Film Society. “Along with bringing film enthusiasts together, we wanted to promote film literacy,” Hays noted. “We have brought in several filmmakers for workshops, and we hope to do more of that.” Boyce and Hays are also very excited about the Pens to Lens screenwriting competition they initiated in January. “We developed curricula for teachers to teach screenwriting to grades kindergarten through five, six through eight, and nine through 12. Out of over 120 scripts received, we chose 10 that were made into films by local filmmakers,” Hays said. “In May we had a Gala Premiere at the Art Theater, where the kids walked the red carpet and got to see their films shown on the screen. Our goal with the whole project was to inspire children to follow their dreams.”
BUSINESS VIGNETTES
ATHENA Award® Winner Bianca Green of Illinois Mediation Services BY AMANDA KNOLES
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ianca Green, founder of Illinois Mediation Services (IMSI), is the recipient of the 2013 ATHENA Award®, presented by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Spherion Staffing Services. The award is presented each year for professional accomplishments, community service and developing leadership potential in women. Green graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. After earning a law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1994, Green worked as an associate in the Thomas Mamer & Haughey law firm in Champaign for six years and served as a partner for 10 years before leaving to become an independent mediator and arbitrator. “I wanted to utilize my legal background, training and experience in a way that would allow me to help people but would not be as stressful for me and my family,” Green explained. At Illinois Mediation Services, Green works on divorce and family mediation cases and assists companies with corporate disputes, construction issues, public policy matters and other challenges. In addition to her extensive experience negotiating hundreds of cost-effective settlements, she holds
www.illinoismediationservices.com
certificates in performance-based mediation skills training, divorce and custody mediation training, and elder care and adult guardianships. Christine Bruce, executive director of Premiere Global Sports College Division, nominated Green for the ATHENA Award®, citing her skill as a negotiator as well as her commitment to community service. “In my opinion, there is no greater investment to be made than in the people who share our small part of the world,” said Green. “What I love the most about community service is that it knows no boundaries and there are no limits. If you identify a need, someone can make a difference. Champaign County is truly a wonderful place to live, to work and to raise a family, and when people come together with the goal of improving our community (at any level), everyone wins! If receiving this award means that others believe I am making a positive impact in some way then I am thrilled to receive the recognition.” Green serves on the board for the Cunningham Children’s Home and is active in the Constitutional Rights Foundation, the Executive Club of Champaign, Leadership Illinois and the C-U Oneto-One Mentoring Program. She also serves as a hearing officer for the State Universities Civil Service System. A member of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Council, Green also works with the UI College of Law’s American Bar Association Negotiation Team and has served on the Champaign County Bar Association’s board of governors.
www.champaigncounty.org
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BUSINESS VIGNETTES
Innovation in Telecommunication:
Cobalt Digital Inc.
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BY AMANDA KNOLES www.cobaltdigital.com
obalt Digital Inc. was honored as the winner of the 2013 Innovation Longevity Award at the Eighth Annual Innovation Celebration. The event, sponsored by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, the University of Illinois Technology Entrepreneur Center, Parkland College and other local business firms, recognizes individuals and corporations that have made significant contributions and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County and the growth of entrepreneurial talent in the community. Cobalt designs and manufactures award-winning and technically advanced equipment for domestic and international broadcast television environments. Founded in 1997, the company engineers products that enable broadcasters to regulate and monitor audio levels — an important function since President Obama signed the CALM (Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation) Act in December 2010, requiring broadcasters to maintain the same loudness levels in commercials and programming. Cobalt also provides gear that processes signals from one format to another so they can be more universally
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accepted. The company has supplied equipment to major networks including ESPN, NEP and Fox Speed Channel and provided numerous operations covering broadcast networks, mobile operations, ENG and TV stations. Distributed through a worldwide network of dealers, system integrators and other partnerships, Cobalt products are backed with a five-year warranty. In February 2013, Cobalt announced it would be moving to larger quarters in Champaign. Citing tremendous growth as the catalyst, Chris Shaw, Cobalt Digital’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, said the company has already begun the process by relocating the engineering staff to its new 20,000-square-foot facility. The remainder of the company will follow later this year. The new building more than doubles the size of the company’s headquarters and will house administration, manufacturing, management, technical support and accounting. Cobalt’s sales team will continue to operate from regional offices strategically located throughout the world. “Every aspect of Cobalt Digital is growing!” said Shaw. “We’ve recently expanded the sales staff, and thanks to input from our customers,
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
our product ranges are reaching broader markets and geographical regions. Having all departments under one roof will streamline the entire R&D and manufacturing process and allow us to react to customer requests faster.” In April 2013, Cobalt revealed several new product ranges and enhancements at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Conference in Las Vegas, the world’s largest electronic media show, which covers filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all media. Launches and announcements included Obsidian3G, a series of terminal gear cards offering the highest-quality performance and improved frame density; fiber units for the Company’s Blue Box Group™ to answer the industry demand for high-quality, pricecompetitive, signal conversion equipment; and improved performance for the popular Fusion3G series via Dolby DD+. SpotCheck, Cobalt’s audio loudness measurement and recorded data logging system, was also enhanced with up to 16 video channels containing up to 32 audio channels. The new version monitors, meters and logs loudness compliance (CALM) over extended time periods.
BUSINESS VIGNETTES BY NIKOLLE KEENEY
DRINK LOCAL
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he farm-to-table movement has already hit the restaurant scene in Champaign County, where we see chefs thoughtfully paying attention to farms and local food manufacturers where they source their ingredients. Now, it’s beer’s turn. In the last year, Champaign County has landed on the craft brewery map. Two new nano breweries opened in 2013, in addition to the “gastrobrewpub” already open. Shop local. Eat local. Drink local.
Champaign County Brewing Company www.jtwalkers.com
Shortly after opening JT Walker’s Restaurant and Sports Bar in downtown Mahomet five years ago, owner Justin Taylor said he started to notice more and more people interested in their beer selection. “Very quickly we grew from just having a few basic beers on draft to having a wide selection,” Taylor said. “We started to become known as a ‘beer bar.’” The brainchild of Taylor and Aaron Young (head bartender turned head brewer), the Champaign County Brewing company — located across the street from JT Walker’s — is scheduled to start brewing later this year. Owned by Taylor’s parents (Nick and Renee Taylor), the brewery will operate its own tasting room as well as self-distributing to JT Walker’s and potentially others. Although called the Champaign County Brewing Company, the brewery will craft “JT Walker’s”-brand beer. The restaurant will soon change its name from JT Walker’s Restaurant and Sports Bar to JT Walker’s Restaurant and Brewery.
DESTIHL www.destihl.com
A self-proclaimed “gastrobrewpub,” DESTIHL — located on Neil Street in downtown Champaign — combines a love for craft beer with full-flavored www.champaigncounty.org
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BUSINESS VIGNETTES
American cuisine, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible. On average, DESTIHL brews more than 50 different beer styles each year, with as many as 17 beers on draft at a time. Their goal is to keep their draft list rotating, with seasonal selections, specialty beer treatments or barrel-aged beers in the mix. Their brewing schedule allows something for everyone — from the novice palate to the experienced beer drinker.
Triptych Brewery www.triptychbrewing.com
“For the love of beer,” Anthony Benjamin, co-owner of Triptych Brewing in Savoy, said upon being asked why he does what he does. “Beer making was a hobby turned passion turned career for me,” Benjamin continued. Formerly a Web developer at the University of Illinois, Benjamin began self-brewing in 2005 and immediately started entering competitions. After winning several home-brewing awards — including the coveted Midwest Home Brewer of the Year title — Benjamin started getting more serious about craft brewing, thinking now in terms of a full-time career. After a successful Kickstarter online fundraising campaign as well as support from his two partners, Joshi Fullop and Jason Bartell, Benjamin was able to put his dream into action. The brewery, located at 1703 Woodfield Drive in Savoy, consists of a bar and tasting area that seats around 65 people. Beer is brewed on-site, and customers can drink pints or samples on the premises. Sixty-four-ounce growlers can be bought to be consumed off the premises. Though food is not available at the brewery, patrons can bring food in or have it delivered. On any given day, Triptych will have eight beers on draft — the selection rotates depending on what’s being brewed at the time. “I like to experiment and try out a wide range of styles,” Benjamin said. Styles include everything from German hefeweisens, to India Pale Ales, to Belgian saisons, to local corn-based American brews. In addition to selling beer at their brewery, Triptych is also self-distributing to several local restaurants, including Radio Maria and Dublin O’Neils.
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Public Parks and Recreation in Champaign County
RECREATION & TOURISM
Places to Play: BY AMANDA KNOLES
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bundant public parks and active recreation departments are a feature of both Champaign and Urbana, while nearby Savoy boasts an outstanding place to exercise and play for all members of the family in its Recreation Center. With an amazing variety of activities available, you’ll definitely be a fan of the great outdoors — and the fun indoors — in Champaign County. Below are just a few highlights; visit our parks departments online for more information.
and educational classes that help residents learn new skills or pursue new interests. Community events include a sunset concert series, art shows, mini-triathlons, seasonal festivals, fishing derbies, cardboard boat races and summertime activities at the Prairie Farm, a replica turn-of-the-century farm with traditional farm animals. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities that include hiking, fishing, boating,
sledding and skating at the city’s many parks. Sholem Aquatic Center is a popular spot for summer fun, with pools for kids and adults, water rides, and areas for picnics and sunbathing. In-line skaters and skateboard enthusiasts enjoy Spalding Skate Park, offering over 18,000 square feet of concrete with two bowls, a snake run and a challenging street course. Dog lovers spend time with their playful companions at
Champaign Park District www.champaignparkdistrict.com
The Champaign Park District includes 58 parks spanning over 576 acres. The district also operates 13 facilities, including recreation centers, a tennis center, a downtown cultural center, an aquatic center and the historic Virginia Theatre. In addition, the Park District serves the community with more than 1,200 programs and special events each year. Appealing to all ages and interests, the district’s annual array of programs includes arts and crafts and fitness classes, preschool activities, field trips to fun destinations for seniors,
www.champaigncounty.org
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RECREATION & TOURISM
Champaign Bark District, a 7-acre dog park at Windsor and Rising roads. Robert C. Porter Family Park is the latest addition to the Park District. Located at Rising and Windsor roads, it features a loop walking trail and a naturescape playground surrounded by hills, rocks, grasses and trees. Attractions for kids include a rope bridge, rock-climbing wall and interactive areas designed to help them become more aware of the wonders of nature. The park also features a pavilion with picnic tables. Another new park is Sunset Ridge, an 18-acre park located on Staley Road south of Route 150. It not only features traditional park amenities, including basketball and tennis courts, a pavilion, and a playground, but is also host to a new street skateboarding area. The city of Champaign’s Planning Department and the Park District have collaborated on the Champaign Trails Plan, a series of recreational trails that will connect parks with key community destinations. Also in the works is a new recreation center at Kenwood Road and Sangamon Drive that will feature basketball courts, an elevated walking/jogging track with three lanes, multi-purpose activity rooms, multipurpose classrooms and an indoor play area. The 38,000-square-foot facility will also include a reception and lobby area, restrooms with changing areas, and a small concession area/kitchen. The Champaign Parks Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Park District, supporting the Springer Cultural Center and the recently restored Virginia Theatre. Throughout the year the foundation conducts fundraising efforts to assist in the development of new parks and trails and for purchasing land and open space. The foundation also funds a Youth Scholarship Program that makes it possible for underprivileged children to attend day camps and recreational programs.
Urbana Park District www.urbanaparks.org
Featuring 22 parks with a variety of facilities for all ages, the Urbana Park District offers yearround recreational activities. Crystal Lake Park Facilities
Crystal Lake Park spans 90.4 acres and features a lake for fishing and seasonal boating, paths and trails, a playground, picnic tables with shelters, and areas for sledding.
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The Family Aquatic Center, which opened in summer 2013, is expected to draw more than 62,000 annual visitors. Designed with both water play and relaxing spaces, the center offers lap and competitive swimming, swim lessons, and areas for other activities. Crystal Lake Labyrinth, located at the west end of Crystal Lake Park, features a winding brick path, custom-designed seating and a surrounding garden. The Anita Purves Nature Center, at the north end of the park, is a free environmental education facility. Known for its exhibits on the natural history of Illinois, including its landscape, native animals, plants and ecosystems, the center offers interactive and hands-on displays and a wildlife observation room. Multi-purpose rooms are used for educational programs, private parties and group retreats. The Educator Resource Room features reference guides, videos and other materials to help teachers educate students about nature, and the Audubon Nature Shop includes a wide assortment of naturethemed gifts, from bird feeders and binoculars to books, toys and much more. Proceeds support local environmental education and conservation. The Busey Friendship Grove and Edith Ingle Wildflower Garden are not-to-be missed outdoor attractions. Busey Woods, the 59-acre forest preserve adjacent to the Nature Center, also offers a boardwalk loop, seasonal ponds and lovely views. Other Facilities
• Meadowbrook Park (Windsor Road and Race Street) is open from dawn to dusk and spans 130 acres. Boasting the district’s largest playground, it also has paths and trails for hikers and bicyclists and offers an abundance of scenic beauty, including a wide expanse of prairie plants, wildflowers, tree groves, herb and sensory gardens, and the Wandell Sculpture Garden. • The district’s 10-acre Dog Park (1501 E. Perkins Road) is a great spot to enjoy outdoor recreation with pets. • The Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center (102 E. Michigan Street) is shared by the Urbana Park District and the Urbana School District. Operating year-round, it offers swim lessons, water exercise programs and open swim hours in a family-friendly environment. • Phillips Recreation Center (505 E. Stoughton Street) offers a wide variety of
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
activities for all ages. Featuring three multipurpose rooms, a senior lounge, and a dance and fitness space, it hosts fine arts, fitness programs and senior activities throughout the year. Outdoor amenities include a playground and basketball court. The recreation center also handles registration for district programs and rentals for park pavilions and rooms throughout the district.
Savoy Recreation Center www.savoyreceationcenter.com
Located south of Champaign in nearby Savoy, the Savoy Recreation Center has served the community since 2005 with a variety of affordable fitness programs. Featuring activities for all ages, the center also offers many classes specially tailored for active seniors. Providing a safe place to exercise, play sports and participate in group activities, the center features a full-court gym, cardio and weight rooms, an aerobics studio, and an indoor walking/jogging track. There’s a broad range of fitness equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals and stair-steppers. Members also have access to volleyball and basketball courts, lockers, showers, and a multi-use activity room. Group fitness classes appeal to all ages and fitness levels and include yoga, cardio kickboxing, Zumba and fitness boot camps. Competitive sports include youth and men’s basketball leagues and Biddy Ball for children. Morning, afternoon and all-day summer camps are offered for children, with different themes to choose from. Camps combine physical activities with life skills and include a free sack lunch. The center offers a variety of affordably priced short-term memberships, ranging from one to six months, as well as annual memberships for families, adults, couples, youth and seniors, with both resident and non-resident rates available. In addition to its regular roster of fitness programs, the center hosts many special events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations and other fun activities for families. The Recreation Center gym and activity room may be rented for corporate and private events, and the center offers a variety of themed birthday packages for children. For more information call 217-359-3550.
BY NIKOLLE KEENEY
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rom bustling downtown streets through treelined parks, crowd-filled neighborhoods and breezy spring Midwestern air, participants in the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon get the whole Champaign County experience. “Runners come from all over the country to participate,” said Jan Seeley, director of the marathon. “It’s a great opportunity to show off ChampaignUrbana as well as the tremendous camaraderie of our community.” Only in its fifth year, the marathon has grown from a 9,000-participant event to a 21,000-participant celebration. “It’s amazing that in such a short period of time Champaign-Urbana has gained recognition as one of the premier marathon spots in the Midwest,” said Jayne DeLuce, CEO of the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Illinois Marathon, typically held the last weekend of April, consists of a whole weekend’s worth of activities. A Health and Fitness Expo kicks off the event, followed by races
beginning on Friday. Races include a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and a youth run. The event concludes with a 27th mile celebration, complete with food, entertainment, inflatables and familyfriendly activities. Of individuals involved in the race, approximately 80 percent travel from out of town. Those individuals lodge in area hotels, eat at local restaurants and shop at community businesses. This rush of visitors has a substantial economic impact on the area. According to the National Association of Sports Commissions, the average spending per visiting person per day is approximately $146.89 across the United States. Using this data, the total economic impact of the 2013 marathon was approximately $2,467,752. “The marathon brings in so many people from all over the state and the country. Those people want to get out and see Champaign County. They go shopping, they explore campus and explore downtown. They see our community as a destination spot, and they bring their business here,” DeLuce said. Businesses on and off the 27-mile stretch are known to show their support. From standing outside and cheering to offering special promotions and discounts, local shops, restaurants and businesses all find some way to get involved.
Einstein Bros. Bagels is an example of a business that has found a unique way to support the race. Since 2011, the bagel group has elected to host a “Bagel Bite Bar” on Saturday morning before the race. Starting at 5 a.m., Einstein Bros. serves 5,000 bagel halves and schmear to the first runners, spectators and volunteers who stop by their booth. Marc Bralts, co-owner of the franchise, said the Bagel Bite Bar was “the least we could do.” In fact, Bralts continued, the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon is one of the main reasons he decided to open an Einstein Bros. franchise in Urbana three years ago. “My wife and I first came to Champaign to run the inaugural half-marathon [five] years ago,” he said. “We were already reviewing different franchise opportunities but weren’t sure where we were going to start up. After coming in town for the marathon, we just really fell in love with the community … that’s essentially why we decided to open the store here.” Other businesses involved with the event include Illini Radio Group, Biaggis, Buca di Beppo, Presence Covenant Medical Center, the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Busey, Athletico, the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and more.
www.champaigncounty.org
RECREATION & TOURISM
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Provides Both Economic Boost & Economic Endurance
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RECREATION & TOURISM
Dash to Splash:
Aquatic Centers in Champaign County BY AMANDA KNOLES
Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center 1401 N. Broadway, Urbana • 239-SWIM
Celebrating its grand opening in summer 2013, Urbana’s new outdoor aquatic center features a leisure pool, competition pool, waterslides, a 17-foot climbing wall over the plummet pool, a vortex, 1-meter diving board, and a stream-bed feature offering natural, interactive water play. Other fun activities include sand play for young children, a treehouse-themed water playground with a large dump bucket, an eight-lane competition/activity pool, and a water spray structure outside the pool complex. Swim lessons and a variety of water exercise programs are held on weekdays. Season passes and party rentals are available.
Sholem Aquatic Center 2205 W. Sagamon Drive, Champaign • 398-2581
Sholem Aquatic Center in Champaign is a popular place to beat the summer heat. Open from late May through early September, with reduced hours when Unit 4 schools are in session, the facility at 2205 W. Sangamon Drive features The Beach, an 8,000-square-foot activity pool with spray features for interactive fun. The Rapids is a 660-foot winding river with meandering loops, while The Falls is a 170-foot tube slide with fun twists and turns as it descends into The Rapids. The Plunge and Blue Rush are twin enclosed body slides. Each is 197 feet of fun that spirals you into the splash pool. Other features include The Puddle, a zero-depth pool for children; The Sea, an eight-lane 25-yard lap pool; and The Oasis, a concession area with seating in the sun and shade. The bathhouse includes locker rooms, family restrooms, and additional sun and shade seating. The Aquatic Center offers open swim hours, swimming lessons, water aerobics and lap swimming and is available to rent for company parties, family reunions or other social gatherings.
Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center 102 E. Michigan, Urbana • 217-367-1544
Urbana’s Indoor Aquatic Center is a partnership between the Urbana Park District and the Urbana School District. Open to the public daily, the community pool offers a variety of activities year-round. The facility is also used for middle and high school physical education programs, and the UHS Swim Team uses it for practices and meets. Other organizations utilize the pool for competitive events, swimming and scuba lessons. The pool and party room may be rented for birthday parties, corporate events, family gatherings and other special occasions.
Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center 320 W. Flessner, Rantoul • 217-893-5700
Located in Rantoul near the Recreation Building, this 14,000-square-foot aquatic center features two water slides, a zero-depth entry pool for children, and a huge pool with diving boards and lanes for lap swimmers. Other amenities include a bathhouse, full-service concession stand, and shaded and open lounge areas with picnic tables. Pool hours are May through August, and season passes and party rentals are available.
University of Illinois ARC 201 East Peabody Drive, Champaign • 217-333-3806
Among a host of recreational facilities the ARC includes two 50-meter (Olympic length) swimming pools — one indoor and one outdoor.
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
The Champaign County Forest Preserve District BY AMANDA KNOLES
www.ccfpd.org
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he Champaign County Forest Preserve District promotes conservation, education and enjoyment of the county’s historic natural resources. In addition to overseeing five forest preserves spanning 3,885 acres, the district provides a variety of educational programs for the public as well as summer youth camps, customized guided tours and hikes, and a wide range of themed presentations throughout the year.
Forest Preserves Sylvester Woods
The preserve’s newest acquisition, Sylvester Woods, is located a mile west of the Homer Lake Forest Preserve. The 6.67-acre site has been untouched by development and is a prime spot for viewing wildflowers in the spring. Land on both sides of the Salt Fork is included in the acquisition, which was made possible through generous private donations and funds from the Forest Preserve District Foundation. Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, near Mahomet, is situated on 900 acres along the Sangamon River. The scenic wooded area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including picnicking, hiking and fishing in the warmer months and cross-country skiing and sledding in winter. Kayaks, pedal boats and rowboats may be rented from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Landmark destinations include the Hi-Tower Carillon and Observation Area and the Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge, accessible via a 3.3-mile paved pedestrian path that winds through grassland, prairie and wooded areas. Rayburn-Purnell Woods is an old-growth oak and hickory forest. The 0.44-mile winding trail through the woods is a popular destination for viewing fall leaves and spring wildflowers. Museum of the Grand Prairie features an extensive collection depicting 19th- and 20th-century life in east-central Illinois. Exhibits and educational programs for all ages are presented year-round, and the gift shop offers works from local artists, jewelry, home décor, toys and collectibles. The 8-acre Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden features magnificent flower and plant displays, including the award-winning Miriam Davies Memorial Enabling Garden and the Discovery Garden. Lake of the Woods Golf Course, designed by Robert Bruce Harris, is an awardwinning 18-hole regulation course. A recent renovation included a redesigned entrance, revamped fairways, sand bunkers and teeing grounds. The course is one of only two downstate golf courses certified as an Audubon Sanctuary. Homer Lake
Homer Lake Forest Preserve, near Homer, spans 814 acres and offers 10 miles of trails that attract hikers and birdwatchers. The
scenic preserve features grasslands, prairies and woodlands and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, sledding and cross-country skiing. The Homer Lake Interpretive Center features a wildlife viewing area, interactive displays and activities for all ages. Children also enjoy exploring the Natural Playscape, an alternative to traditional playground equipment. A Looking for Lincoln Wayside Exhibit at the north end of the preserve marks the location of the horse trail that Abraham Lincoln traveled when he served on the 8th Judicial Circuit.
RECREATION & TOURISM
CONSERVATION AND CONTEMPLATION:
River Bend
River Bend Forest Preserve boasts two lakes with 130 acres of clear water. The 280-acre site includes 2.5 miles of forest along the Sangamon River. Visitors enjoy a one-mile nature trail, a 1.3-mile multi-use trail and Possibility Pier, a universally accessible fishing spot with a roof, picnic tables and seated fishing areas. The 9-11 Memorial Woodland, located on the west side of the preserve, is a lasting tribute established by the citizens of Champaign County. Sangamon River
Sangamon River Forest Preserve sprawls across 160 acres and offers an ideal setting for low-impact activities like bird watching, hiking, picnicking and river fishing. Natural features include the Sangamon River and its tributary, the Wildcat Slough. The preserve is also home to the Lincoln Ash Tree, one of the largest ash trees in the state. Also notable are the groves of large bur and white oak trees, some measuring more than 13 feet in circumference and others more than 200 years old. Middle Fork River
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is one of the region’s prime waterfowl management areas. Comprised of 1,702 acres of reforestation projects, marsh reclamation and prairie restoration programs, the preserve offers seven miles of scenic hiking trails, three fishing ponds, a swim beach, and areas popular for cross country skiing and picnics. Visitors exploring the river, wetland and forest areas are treated to views of wildflowers, wildlife and a wide variety of plant life. Middle Fork is home to the Harry L. Swartz Campground, with 65 campsites; 53 have electricity. All sites are close to the swim beach and other facilities. www.champaigncounty.org
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
RETURN TO GLORY: The Virginia Theatre BY NIKOLLE KEENEY
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ecember 28, 1921, was a cold but shining date in the history of Champaign County, as men in tall hats and women glamorous in fur-lined coats anxiously awaited the opening of Champaign’s new vaudeville theatre. Named after the original owner’s daughter, the Virginia Theatre was to be a beacon of high-class, moral entertainment for the Champaign-Urbana community. Resembling an Italian Renaissance palazzo on the exterior, inside the building revealed a contrasting Spanish Renaissance motif, designed to look like a courtyard of Old Castile. Grander-than-life Spanish coats of arms canvassed into the ceilings; gold leaf sparkled atop baroque plasterwork; a dome covered in silver leaf and warm Tiffany lights set the auditorium aglow. The theatre quickly became downtown Champaign’s most prized landmark, drawing such stars as Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, Red Skelton and Guy Lombardo. The theatre originally showcased both live stage shows and silent films, often accompanied by a house orchestra or a Hope-Grand Orchestral organ. “The theatre truly was the ‘gem’ of the city,” said Bobbie Herakovich, executive director of the Champaign Park District. “Now, 90 years later, we are proud to be restoring the theatre to all its former glory.” After 80 years and three owners, the Virginia Theatre fell into a state of disrepair and faced imminent closure. In 2000, the Champaign Park
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District stepped up with intention to renovate the theatre. “The people of Champaign care very much for the theatre,” said Herakovich. “Upon being surveyed, the Virginia is always in the top five landmarks the community prioritizes as important. They want to see the theatre functioning and well taken care of.” Renovations have been ongoing for the past few years. Most noticeably, the theatre marquee was replaced to resemble its original fixture. Other notable projects include new seating, restoration of the theatre’s Wurlitzer organ, a renovated lobby and foyer, and a new stage, bathrooms and dressing rooms. The building also now meets compliance with modern safety and wheelchair-accessibility standards, with widened doors, elevators and seating areas for patrons in wheelchairs and their companions. “The most striking and noticeable features, however, are those that have been painted and restored,” Herakovich said. Included in these features were elaborate canvases hidden under the dull paint on the auditorium’s ceiling, around each of the two light fixtures on either side of the dome. Careful work on each side of the light fixtures revealed four canvases depicting the Coat of Arms of Castile and Leon of Spain supported by two male figures. “We had no idea that [these] canvases even existed,” Herakovich said. “They were a wonderful and awesome discovery — really shaping the entire feel of the auditorium.”
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Another surprise discovered during the restoration was 24-karat gold leaf around the proscenium (the arch around the stage). Geoffrey Steward, director of paint restoration and managing director of International Fine Art Conservation Studios, led his team through a full color study to determine the theatre’s original palate. Bold blues, crimson and gold appear throughout the auditorium — true to the theatre’s original Spanish Renaissance design. The theatre unveiled its latest renovations at the 2013 Ebertfest celebration, held in April. Though the facility still has another phase of renovations to go (men’s restrooms, renovations to the roof, safety features around the dome, etc.), most of the theatre’s cosmetic renovations are now complete, Herakovich said. The Champaign Park District Board hopes the renovations will make the theatre more competitive and accommodating to touring performers. The theater will continue to host community theatre, dance and performing arts shows. Movies will also continue to be shown at the theatre, as part of both The News-Gazette and the Champaign Park District film series. “The Virginia Theatre is in integral part of the Champaign County community,” Herakovich said. “It is our [the park district’s] intention to make the facility open and accessible to all.”
BY NIKOLLE KEENEY
B
old; daring; subtle; quiet; tense; provocative; beautiful — “What is art but a way of seeing?” asks Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Saul Bellow. From glass blowing to illustration, sculpture to dance — art, in its many shades and forms, leaves a standing impression on the Champaign County community each spring. The Boneyard Arts Festival is an annual four-day event that showcases the broad range of creative activity flourishing in Champaign County. The goal of the festival is to bring together local artists and businesses for a special event showcasing the arts of Champaign County. The event is traditionally held the same weekend as UI Mom’s Weekend, usually mid-April. The celebration features over 100 different venues, indoors and out, where residents and visitors can enjoy a diverse range of performance, spoken and visual art offered by hundreds of local artists. More than a traditional arts walk, the Boneyard is a unique countywide celebration that takes place in a variety of venues, both traditional (galleries and museums) and non-traditional (salons, cafés and vacant buildings). The 2013 event marked the festival’s 11th year, and each celebration has continued its growth, with more artists and community members getting involved with each new event. Among recent innovations has been the inclusion of “pop-up” galleries — makeshift galleries that transform vacant buildings, current businesses and outdoor space into full artistic showrooms. Rebecca Reid, curator of pop-up Nevermore Gallery, said she always enjoys bringing something “unexpected” to the festival. Reid’s gallery,
held in 2013 at Error Records, featured 28 artists all using a wide range of talents and media for the shared space. “The overarching theme for the gallery is ‘weird and wonderful,’” Reid said. “Everyone brings something different to the table. It is always awesome to see how art from such a broad collective can come together and transform a space into a cohesive gallery.” The Boneyard Arts Festival features four traditional “District Days,” when galleries and exhibits are open and active at the UI Campus (Day 1), Champaign and Urbana (Days 2 and 3) and in outlying communities (Day 4). Homer, Mahomet and Rantoul are all continued participants in the festival. Fisher joined in 2013. Examples of past Boneyard Arts Festival events include bluegrass music in Homer, a cappella singers in downtown Urbana, a film festival in Champaign, tea ceremonies on the UI campus, glass blowing and graphic design, puppets and painting, juggling and jewelry, photography, ceramics, and so much more. Artists partner with local businesses, arts organizations, nonprofits, schools and parks to demonstrate how the arts stimulate both cultural and economic development.
www.champaigncounty.org
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
But a Way of Seeing
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Rocking Champaign County
BY NIKOLLE KEENEY
F
rom local indie rock shows at Cowboy Monkey to world-class orchestras at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Champaign County’s music scene is as vibrant as it is diverse. With acts ranging from Billboard Top 40 artists to renowned classical musicians, Champaign-Urbana has emerged as a destination spot on the national touring circuit. Always popular, several music festivals have planted roots in Champaign County. Each festival has grown year after year, attracting artists from all genres and influence.
Blues, Brews & BBQs Founded in 2008 to celebrate Urbana’s 175th anniversary, the Blues, Brews and BBQs festival, which took place in late June in 2013, has evolved into an entity entirely its own. The festival grew from an attendance of 1,200 in 2008 to more than 55,000 in 2012. Jeff Grant, owner of Fluid Events, who organizes the festival, said he anticipated near 75,000 in attendance at the 2013 festival, as it ran in conjunction with the Bloomington Gold Corvette Show. Having moved from Urbana to downtown Champaign in 2012, the two-day free event features three stages for musical performance as well as a motorcycle show, educational music sessions, restaurateurs, food vendors and more. The festival draws in both national and local touring blues artists, all lured by the more than a dozen barbeque vendors who usually participate.
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Grant said when the festival was in its initial phases of development, it was important that the event be planned in conjunction with the Mississippi Blues Trail, a two-month venture that leads blues music aficionados from Chicago to Clarkesdale, Mississippi, with shows along the trail every weekend. “It’s less of a ‘festival’ and more of a ‘celebration,’” said Grant. “It’s an event that is free and open to the whole family. We work hard to make it an event the community really feels good about and looks forward to.”
DoCha Committed to the idea that chamber music can and should be enjoyed by everyone, DoCha is a collaborative effort among University of Illinois faculty, students and community members to experiment with new ways to present chamber music. Taking place in early April, DoCha is a threeday event held at the Orpheum Theatre. The event is free and open to the public, offering fun, collaborative, engaging and educational chamber music experiences to the Champaign County community.
Ellnora Guitar Festival Grit-layered blues, scorching soul, genuine roots, elegant classical lines, Indian ragas, flatout rock and six strings galore — guitar doesn’t get any better than at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ bi-annual Ellnora Guitar Festival. “Guitar is one of those universal languages that everyone can relate to and understand,”
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
said Bridget Lee-Calfas, advertising and publicity director for Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. “The festival is a true celebration of guitar in all its forms.” The three-day festival is traditionally held the first weekend of September every other year. Artists range from the likes of Buddy Guy, to Luther Dickinson, to Calexico, to My Brightest Diamond. Admission is free, with free parking.
Pygmalion Pygmalion (noun): a legendary figure of Cyprus; familiar as a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he had carved of a woman. Also, (noun): a rocking indie music festival held in Champaign-Urbana each September. Drawing in college rock acts such as Grizzly Bear, Iron and Wine, Andrew Bird, and Of Montreal, Pygmalion is a multi-day, multi-venue festival spread across Champaign-Urbana. Past venues include Krannert, Bentley’s Pub and Cowboy Monkey.
Summer Stage Center City Summer Stage is an event that invites CU locals to reclaim Campustown — an area often avoided while school is in session — for a lively day of music, shopping, food and libations. Taking place in mid-June, the festival closes Green Street from Wright to Sixth. Prominent local bands, mostly indie rock and folk artists, start performing at 6 p.m. and play well into the evening. Area restaurants, shops and retailers are all encouraged to have a presence outdoors as part of the festival.
RESTAURANT & HOTEL GUIDE
DINING & LODGING SELECTIONS Delicious Dishes
CAFE ZOJO
GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.
2740 S. Philo Road, Suite D, Urbana................328-9656
Shoppes of Knollwood, Champaign...................398-5623
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
GUIDO’S
528 E. Green Street, Champaign......................344-0466
2 E. Main Street, Champaign...........................359-3148
CITY GIRL YOGURT
HICKORY RIVER SMOKEHOUSE
202 E. University Avenue, Suite E, Urbana.........607-1345
1706 N. Cunningham Avenue, Urbana..............337-1656
COWBOY MONKEY
HILTON GARDEN INN
6 E. Taylor Street, Champaign..........................398-2688
1501 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................352-9970
CULVER’S
HOOTERS OF CHAMPAIGN
1905 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................356-8040
903 W. Marketview Drive, Champaign...............356-8132 2302 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................352-1699
1706 S. State Street, Champaign.....................355-7682
BENTLEY’S PUB
D. Q. GRILL & CHILL
105 N. Mattis Avenue, Suite D, Champaign.......398-5650
Area code, unless otherwise noted, is 217. 301 MONGOLIA
301 N. Neil Street, Champaign.........................531-1153 ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE
202 W. Anthony Drive, Champaign....................359-1789 AROMA CAFE
118 N. Neil Street, Champaign.........................356-3200 ATLANTA BREAD COMPANY
419 N. Neil Street, Champaign.........................359-7977 BEVIER CAFE/UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
260 Bevier Hall, Room 298, Urbana..................333-8469 BIAGGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
2235 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................356-4300 BILLY BAROOZ PUB & GRILL
2521 Village Green Place, Champaign..............355-8030 BLACK DOG SMOKE & ALE HOUSE
201 N. Broadway Avenue, Urbana....................344-9334 BOLTINI LOUNGE
211 N. Neil Street, Champaign.........................378-8001 BUCA DI BEPPO
2000 N. Neil Street, Champaign.......................378-8731 BUFFALO WILD WINGS
907 W. Market View Drive, Suite 5, Champaign.... 378-4400 1335 Savoy Plaza Lane, Savoy.........................356-9464 THE CAFE
1001 Killarney Street, Urbana..........................328-7900
3602 N. Mattis Avenue, Champaign..................373-2412
ICHIBAN BUFFET JARLING’S CUSTARD CUP, INC.
DAIRY QUEEN
309 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign.....................352-2273
701 N. Third Street, St. Joseph........................469-8078 911 W. University Avenue, Urbana....................344-4108
JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS
DESTIHL RESTAURANT & BREW WORKS
301 N. Neil Street, Champaign.........................356-0301 DUBLIN O’NEILS IRISH PUB
301 N. Neil Street, Champaign.........................531-1152 DUNKIN’ DONUTS
607 E. Green Street, Champaign......................384-3375 515 S. Neil Street, Champaign.........................359-7005 1302 N. Prospect Avenue, Champaign..............359-2786 404 W. University Avenue, Urbana....................328-3513 EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS
901 W. University Avenue, Urbana....................344-7520 ESQUIRE LOUNGE
106 N. Walnut Street, Champaign....................398-5858 FAT CITY BAR & GRILL
505 S. Chestnut Street, Champaign..................954-0556
505 E. Green Street, Suite 3, Champaign..........954-1170 JET’S PIZZA
512 S. Neil Street, Suite B, Champaign.............352-3333 JIMMY JOHN’S
43 E. Green Street, Champaign........................344-6200 601B E. Green Street, Champaign....................344-4443 1811 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign...................359-9100 1511 N. Prospect Avenue, Champaign..............359-6700 1801 W. Springfield, Champaign......................352-3232 807 S. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana........................328-3100 102 E. University Avenue, Suite A, Urbana.........328-2700 315 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston.......................356-9900 JT WALKER’S RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR
401 E. Main Street, Mahomet..........................586-1100 JUPITER’S PIZZA & BILLIARDS
39 E. Main Street, Champaign..........................398-5988 2511 Village Green Place, Champaign..............366-8300 www.champaigncounty.org
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RESTAURANT & HOTEL GUIDE
KAM’S
PANERA BREAD
SILVER MINE SUBS
618 E. Daniel Street, Champaign......................337-3300
1903 Convenience Place, Champaign...............239-5000 1765 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign...................355-9885
612 E. Daniel Street, Champaign......................328-5000
1211 S. Mattis Avenue, Champaign..................352-5544
PAPA DEL’S PIZZA
1912 Round Barn Road, Suite A, Champaign....351-0800
LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
206 E. Green Street, Champaign......................359-7700 2510 Village Green Place, Champaign..............359-5500
SUN SINGER WINE & SPIRITS, LTD.
LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA
2101 N. Prospect Avenue, Champaign..............352-9189 LOUIE’S DIXIE KITCHEN
1104 N. Cunningham, Urbana..........................954-0301 MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY
1211 Savoy Plaza Lane, Savoy.........................359-5950 MCDONALD’S
1910 N. Federal Drive, Suite 120, Urbana.........328-0200 MEATHEADS
1305 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................352-5555 MONICAL’S PIZZA
103 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign.....................356-4243 MURPHY’S PUB
604 E. Green Street, Champaign......................352-7275 NOODLES & COMPANY
528 E. Green Street, Champaign......................367-2000 ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE
1909 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign...........352-8866 OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
2402 N. Prospect Avenue, Champaign..............398-3322
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PIA’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL
1609 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign...........351-1993 PIATO CAFE
300 S. Broadway, Suite FC2, Urbana................344-9015 PIZZA HUT
1317 Savoy Plaza, Savoy.................................352-2587 RADIO MARIA
119 N. Walnut Street, Champaign....................398-7729 RED LOBSTER
1901 N. Prospect Avenue, Champaign..............355-2577 THE RIBEYE RESTAURANT
SMOOTHIE KING
1115 W. Windsor Road, Champaign..................351-1115 TAFFIES RESTAURANT
301 S. Mattis Avenue, Champaign....................359-4201 TCBY
1731 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign...................607-5090 TGI FRIDAY’S #2136
103 W. Marketview Drive, Champaign...............352-8443 WINGSTOP
512 S. Neil Street, Champaign.........................690-9464 ZA’S
1905 N. Neil Street, Champaign.......................355-4990 2006 W. Springfield Avenue, Champaign...........355-4990
1701 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................351-9115 ROSATI’S PIZZA
701 S. Gregory Street, Suite H, Urbana.............328-2334
Be Our Guest BAYMONT INN & SUITES - CHAMPAIGN
SEVEN SAINTS
302 W. Anthony Drive, Champaign....................356-8900
32 E. Chester Street, Champaign.....................351-7775
BAYMONT INN & SUITES - TUSCOLA
SIDNEY DAIRY BARN
1006 Southline Road, Tuscola..........................253-3500
311 W. Main Street, Sidney..............................688-3700
CANDLEWOOD SUITES
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
1917 Moreland Boulevard, Champaign.............398-1000
RESTAURANT & HOTEL GUIDE
COMFORT SUITES
2001 N. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana......................328-3500 COUNTRY INN & SUITES
602 W. Marketview Drive, Champaign...............355-6666 COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
1811 Moreland Boulevard, Champaign.............355-0411 DRURY INN
905 W. Anthony Drive, Champaign....................398-0030 EASTLAND SUITES HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
1907 N. Cunningham Avenue, Urbana..............367-8331 ECONOMY HOTEL INN & SUITES
914 W. Bloomington Road, Champaign.............356-6000 FAIRFIELD INN
1807 Moreland Boulevard, Champaign.............355-0604 HAMPTON INN AT U OF I
1200 W. University Avenue, Urbana..................337-1100 HAWTHORN SUITES BY WYNDHAM
101 Trade Centre Drive, Champaign.................398-3400 HILTON GARDEN INN
1501 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................352-9970 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - TUSCOLA
I-57 & Route 36, Tuscola.................................253-6363 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - URBANA
1003 Killarney Street, Urbana..........................328-0328 HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
1001 Killarney Street, Urbana..........................328-7900 HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON
1417 S. Neil Street, Champaign.......................352-9960 I HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
1900 S. First Street, Champaign......................819-5000 LA QUINTA INN
1900 Center Drive, Champaign........................356-4000 LINDA’S OAK MEADOWS BED & BREAKFAST RESORT
789 County Road 3300 N, Dewey....................897-1775 RED ROOF INN
212 W. Anthony Drive, Champaign....................352-0101 SLEEP INN
1908 N. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana......................367-6000 SUPER 8
207 S. Murray Road, Rantoul...........................893-8888 SYLVIA’S IRISH INN
312 W. Green Street, Urbana...........................384-4800 VALUE PLACE
1212 W. Anthony Drive, Champaign..................359-5499 WINGATE BY WYNDHAM
516 W. Marketview Drive, Champaign...............355-5566
www.champaigncounty.org
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S P ONS ORS
Business Listings ADMINISTRATION - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
ASSISTED LIVING
BANKS
Amber Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center — See ad on Page 15
1704 E. Amber Lane Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 384-0100......................................... fax (217) 384-2963 amberglen-adm@jeaseniorliving.com ww w.jeaseniorliving.com
BPC, Inc. — See ad on Outside Back Cover
2110 Clearlake Boulevard, Suite 200 Champaign, IL 61826 (217) 355-2300......................................... fax (217) 355-5100 ww w.bpcinc.com
Since 1979 Central Illinois businesses have trusted BPC to provide award-winning services for 401(k)/403(b)/DB/Flex/HRA/ HSA/COBRA/POP/Cafeteria Plans/Profit Sharing/457/ESOP, online enrollment, and now LifeLock Identity Theft Protection.
Premier assisted-living residential community. Specializing in Alzheimer’s and related memory impairment, allowing our residents to benefit from individualized care. 24/7 licensed nursing, activities, meals, laundry, beauty shop and enhanced care support. We care for each resident with dignity and respect, joining with you in honoring them.
Hickory Point Bank & Trust, fsb — See ad on Page 6
701 Devonshire Drive Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 751-7100......................................... fax (217) 351-7818 ww w.hickorypointbank.com
Hickory Point Bank & Trust is a full-service financial institution that distinguishes itself by providing exceptional service and expertise in a personal banking environment.
AIRPORT
Bridle Brook Adult Community
1505 Patton Drive Mahomet, IL 61853 (217) 586-3200......................................... fax (217) 586-4100 marketing@bridle-brook.com ww w.bridle-brook.com
Flightstar — See ad on Page 20
7 Airport Road Savoy, IL 61874 (217) 351-7700......................................... fax (217) 351-9843 ww w.flightstar.com
Welcome to Bridle Brook, a premier assisted living community for adults 55+. Our community contains private assisted lving apartments, as well as memory care suites for seniors in need of specialized care for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Flightstar offers a wide range of services, including a fixed base operation (FBO), airline and general aviation maintenance, avionics sales, installation and repair, executive jet charter, and aircraft management services.
ATTORNEYS
11 Airport Road Savoy, IL 61874 (217) 244-8618......................................... fax (217) 244-8644 ww w.flycmi.com
Served by American Airlines, with daily flights to Chicago O’Hare and Dallas-Ft. Worth. Visit ww w.FlyCMI.com.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY
Happy PAWZ Balancing TTouch For Animals Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 621-8975 penny@fourhappypawz.com ww w.fourhappypawz.com
Custom In-Home Care for your Pet’s Health and Behavior concerns. • Mind/Body Wellness • Arthritis • Mobility • Injuries • Stress • Fear • Reactivity … and much more! Available by appointment.
ARTS
Krannert Center For The Performing Arts — See ad on Page 27
2918 Crossing Court, Suite E Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 351-7479......................................... fax (217) 351-6870 ww w.lbbs.com
Timely information, advice and solutions for business and employment matters, including transactions, estate planning and succession planning, employment agreements, HR advice, and representation before courts and administrative agencies.
ATTRACTIONS
Curtis Orchard, Ltd. 3902 S. Duncan Road Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 359-5565 info@curtisorchard.com ww w.curtisorchard.com
AUTOMOTIVE - REPAIR
Car-X Auto Service
2216 S. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 531-3900......................................... fax (217) 819-3029 ww w.carx.com
Tires • Brakes • Maintenance • Alignment • Suspension Batteries • Oil Change • Ride Control • Engine Repair Starting/Charging Airconditioning • ABS • Driveline Repair Catalytic Converters • Exhaust • Steering & Chassis Fuel Pump & Injection Systems • Electrical Systems
500 S. Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-6282 ww w.krannertcenter.com
The nation’s premier university-based performing arts facility, providing an environment for high-impact encounters between art, ideas and society, where student artists prepare for their professional work and professional artists perform, teach and enter the fabric of community life.
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Boltini Lounge
211 N. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 378-8001 boltinilounge@gmail.com
BEAUTY SALON
Lando Salon
707 S. 6th Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 344-0097
BEER & ALE - WHOLESALE & MANUFACTURERS
Livingston, Barger, Brandt & Schroeder — See ad on Page 26
University of Illinois Willard Airport — See ad on Page 19
BARS & TAVERNS
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Champaign County Brewing Company 402 E. Main Street Mahomet, IL 61853 (217) 586-1100 jtaylor@jtwalkers.com
CATERERS
Dish Passionate Cuisine
45 E. University Avenue, 4th Floor Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 586-2300 ww w.dishpassionatecuisine.com
COMMERCIAL CLEANING
ESS Clean, Inc. — See ad on Page 9
2406 E. University Avenue P.O. Box 17067 Urbana, IL 61803 (217) 337-6701......................................... fax (217) 337-6889 ww w.ESSclean.com
Serving Central Illinois since 1995, ESS is the leading provider of commercial contract cleaning and janitorial services. Facility owners and managers trust ESS to professionally care for their valuable buildings.
CONTRACTORS’ EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Illini Contractor Supply, Inc. 706 W. Bradley Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 355-0303
P.O. Box 255 Rantoul, IL 61866 (217) 893-8201 manager@cuplus.org
Serving all of Champaign, Ford, and Piatt counties. We are also located at 1005 Bloomington Road, Champaign. Deposits insured by NCUA to $250,000.
EXERCISE & PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAMS
S P ONS ORS
CREDIT UNIONS
Community Plus Federal Credit Union
The Fitness Center Body Shop 1752 N. Market Street Monticello, IL 61856 (217) 762-3600 loric@fitcen.com ww w.fitcen.com
FARM SUPPLIES
DESIGN/MARKETING
Central Illinois Bank
2913 W. Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 355-0900 matt.friel@cibbank.com ww w.centralillinoisbank.com
We provide personal service and expertise to help you meet your financial goals with our full array of Personal Banking, Corporate Banking and Treasury Management services. At Central Illinois Bank, you’ll find “Solutions to count on” — each and every day.
Roberts Design Company, Inc. — See ad on Page 23
201 W. Springfield Avenue, Suite 906 P.O. Box 6742 Champaign, IL 61826 (217) 356-5179......................................... fax (217) 621-5179 ww w.robertsdesigncompany.com
Roberts Design Company is a full-service, creatively energized graphic design and marketing firm specializing in corporate branding services, print advertising and digital media.
EDUCATION
Murray Seed
2607 County Road 1000 E Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 202-8408......................................... fax (217) 643-3701 jack.murray@plantpioneer.com ww w.murrayseed.com
We are a family of Pioneer sales representatives that have been serving the community for over 25 years, selling Pioneer seed corn and seed beans.
FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Farm Credit Services of Illinois 1100 Farm Credit Drive Mahomet, IL 61853 (217) 590-2200 info@fcsillinois.com ww w.fcsillinois.com
First Bank-Champaign, IL — See ad on Page 5 114 W. Church Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 398-0067 ww w.firstbanktrust.com
First Bank has locations in Downtown Champaign, Savoy and Rantoul. We offer a full line of loan and deposit services, as well as the convenience of mobile banking.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
St. John Lutheran School — See ad on Page 12
509 S. Mattis Avenue Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 359-1714......................................... fax (217) 359-7972 rleffler@stjohnls.com
Busey Bank — See ad on Page 9
201 West Main Street Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 351-6629......................................... fax (217) 369-0840 ww w.busey.com
St. John Lutheran School provides a safe and nurturing environment for students in preschool through eighth grade. Our dedicated and caring teachers strive to help parents lay the foundations for their children’s futures.
2229 S. Neil Champaign, IL 6180 (217) 359-9837...........................................fax (217)359-9889 ww w.firstmid.com
Urbana School District — See ad on Page 11
205 N. Race Street P.O. Box 3039 Urbana, IL 61803 (217) 384-3600......................................... fax (217) 337-4973 ww w.usd116.org
Urbana School District is a public school district in Urbana, Illinois, that comprises early childhood school, six neighborhood elementary schools, middle school and high school, along with an adult education program. Outstanding Schools in an Outstanding Community!
Central Illinois Bank
1514 N. Cunningham Avenue Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 328-7000 amy.ballard@cibbank.com ww w.centralillinoisbank.com
We provide personal service and expertise to help you meet your financial goals with our full array of Personal Banking, Corporate Banking and Treasury Management services. At Central Illinois Bank, you’ll find “Solutions to count on” — each and every day.
ENGINEERING
Fehr Graham — See ad on Page 3
EQUIPMENT DEALERSHIP
First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust has four banking centers in Champaign County, each with a 24-hour drive-up ATM. Visit us online at ww w.firstmid.com or call 359-9837 for more information.
First State Bank
101 Windsor Road Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 239-3000......................................... fax (217) 239-1164 ww w.fsbcorp.com
First State Bank is 100% employee-owned, and all decisions are made locally. We have the longest drive-thru hours in Champaign County and have been serving Central Illinois families since 1945. Friendly. Smart. Banking.
340 N. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 352-7688 ww w.fehr-graham.com
Fehr Graham is a premier provider of engineering, environmental and funding solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional and government clients.
First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust-Champaign — See ad on Page 3
Central Illinois Bank
302 W. Springfield Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 366-4535......................................... fax (217) 328-7940 angie.hill@cibbank.com ww w.centralillinoisbank.com
Heartland Bank & Trust Co. 1101 W. Windsor Road Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 359-5555 ww w.hbtbank.com
We provide personal service and expertise to help you meet your financial goals with our full array of Personal Banking, Corporate Banking and Treasury Management services. At Central Illinois Bank, you’ll find “Solutions to count on” — each and every day.
Birkey’s — See ad on Page 30
1801 East University Avenue Urbana, IL 61803 (217) 337-1772......................................... fax (217) 337-6511 bmccoy@birkeys.com ww w.bickeys.com
Birkey’s Farm Store Inc. is a full-line Case IH and Case Construction equipment dealer. Birkey’s also is a dealer for Kubota tractors and mowers along with Exmark mowers.
www.champaigncounty.org
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S P ONS ORS
FLOWERS - CANDY & COOKIES
Carle — See ad on Page 15
Hickory Point Bank & Trust, fsb — See ad on Page 6
701 Devonshire Drive Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 351-7100......................................... fax (217) 351-7818 ww w.hickorypointbank.com
Hickory Point Bank & Trust is a full-service financial institution that distinguishes itself by providing exceptional service and expertise in a personal banking environment.
Edible Arrangements — See ad on Page 37 49 E. Marketview Drive Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 355-1711 ww w.ediblearrangements.com
FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
2434 Village Green Place Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 239-0100 ww w.ibankmarine.com
Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory 1900 S. Philo Road P.O. Box 92 Urbana, IL 61803 (217) 367-1122 rennerwikoff@gmail.com ww w.renner-wikoffchapel.com
GROUP INSURANCE
FIREARMS
1868 CR 1600 North Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 469-8000......................................... fax (217) 469-8001 dave@davesfirearms.com
Firearms; New, Used, Consignment. Appraisals, Buy-Sell-Trade, Reloading Supplies — All your shooting needs.
FLORIST
Community Partners Health Plans — See ad on Inside Back Cover
At CPHP we make the connections between employers, insurance companies and health care providers to create the best and most accessible health plans possible for employees/patients.
A history founded on service to the community. Locally owned and operated since 1875. Stephen Ater and Matthew Schable
Prospect Bank offers a full range of products and services designed to meet and exceed your banking expectations. Prospect Bank — Where Dogs are Welcome! Member FDIC
Dave’s Firearms — See ad on Page 30
With a nationally ranked 345-bed hospital and more than 300 physicians, Carle offers a comprehensive network of health care services to patients in central Illinois and western Indiana.
1605 S. State Street, Suite 104 Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 355-0055......................................... fax (217) 355-0044 info@cphp.com ww w.cphp.com
Helping businesses, home owners and families achieve their goals with personalized, full-service financial solutions. Drive-up open seven days a week to serve you.
1601 S. Prospect Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 465-4154......................................... fax (217) 463-1407 ww w.theprospectbank.com
611 W. Park Street Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 383-3311 carle.org
Our stores create magnificent, fresh fruit arrangements and gourmet chocolate-dipped fruit to order, for pick-up or delivery, seven days a week. You can order online at EdibleArrangements.com, by phone at 1-877-DO-FRUIT, or in the local store behind Olive Garden Restaurant.
Marine Bank — See ad on Inside Back Cover
Prospect Bank — See ad on Page 6
HEALTH CARE
GeneralRisk Advisors, Inc. — See ad on Inside Back Cover
1605 S. State Street, Suite 104 Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 355-0055......................................... fax (217) 355-0044 ww w.cphp.com
GeneralRisk Advisors is a full-service life and health insurance agency providing solutions for employers and individuals in the Central Illinois area. Over 30 years of problem-solving experience.
GYMNASTIC INSTRUCTION
Heartland Healthcare - Champaign — See ad on Page 18
309 E. Springfield Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 352-5135......................................... fax (217) 352-9139 ww w.hcr-manorcare.com Katrina Buhlig, Admissions Coordinator Heartland of Paxton 1001 E. Pells Street Paxton, IL 60957 (217) 379-7192......................................... fax (217) 379-3325 ww w.hcr-manorcare.com Lucinda Redenius, Admissions Coordinator
Prairie Center Health Systems, Inc. — See ad on Page 16
718 Killarney Street Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 693-3050......................................... fax (217) 239-1129 ww w.prairie-center.com
Prairie Center Health Systems, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization providing a continuum of substance abuse and addiction treatment services for youth, adults and families in east central Illinois.
I-Power School of Gymnastics 215 S. Staley Road Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 359-3547
Campus Florist
609 E. Green Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 344-0051 campusflorist@att.net
Serving Champaign, Urbana and the surrounding area for over 70 years. Artistic floral arrangements, gourmet baskets, plants and planters. Your desires — Our accomplishments. When you “Say It With Flowers,” say it with ours!
HEALTH & FITNESS PROGRAM CONSULTANTS
The Fitness Center Body Shop 109 W. Pembroke Tuscola, IL 61953 (217) 253-2000 loric@fitcen.com ww w.fitcen.com
Presence Covenant Medical Center — See ad on Inside Front Cover
1400 West Park Street Urbana, IL 61801 (877) 337-2000......................................... fax (217) 337-2069 ww w.presencehealth.org
Presence Covenant Medical Center is a 210-bed comprehensive hospital providing compassionate, holistic care with a spirit of healing and hope in the central Illinois region.
HEALTH CLUBS
The Fitness Center Body Shop 2508 S. Galen Drive Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 356-1616 loric@fitcen.com ww w.fitcen.com
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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
S P ONS ORS
HEARING AIDS
Snyder Insurance Agency Beltone Hearing Aid Service — See ad on Page 30
I Hotel and Conference Center
1402 Main Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 359-3331......................................... fax (217) 359-3397 b210@sbcglobal.net
1900 S. First Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 819-5000 natalieg@fox-companies.com
Hearing Test & Evaluations Hearing Aid Dispenser
Offering superb amenities, upscale essentials and daring cuisine, the I Hotel and Conference Center is unlike any other facility in CU. Stay where your expectations are exceeded, and unparalleled comfort awaits.
HOME HEALTH CARE
HOUSING / APARTMENTS
Country Fair Apartments — See ad on Page 16 Alpha-Care Health Professionals — See ad on Page 15
301 N. Neil Street, Suite 301 Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 398-4100......................................... fax (217) 398-4175 rfreeland@alpha-care.com ww w.alpha-care.com
Alpha-Care Health Professionals specialize in skilled and unskilled home care services. We provide CNA’s for daily assisted living as well as RN’s and LPN’s for “in-home” nursing care.
HOTELS / MOTELS
2106 W. White Street Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 359-3713......................................... fax (217) 359-4293 countryfair@myapartmenthome.com ww w.myapartmenthome.com
Parkview Senior Apartments — See ad on Page 3
100 N. Parkview Lane Savoy, IL 61874 (217) 352-3938......................................... fax (217) 352-4441 parkview_mgr@steadfastcompanies.com
INSULATION CONTRACTORS-COLD & HEAT
Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center — See ad on Page 44
Terminix Services, Inc.
1100D W. Bloomington Road Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 359-0037..........................................fax (217) 363-3201 ww w.bigbugs.com
1501 S. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 217-352-99770......................................... fax (217) 398-5763 ww w.champaignurbana.stayhgi.com
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Terri’s Interior Design Studio 601 W. University Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 352-2998
INTERNET SERVICES
Pavlov Media, Inc.
206 N. Randolph Street, Suite 200 P.O. Box 25 Champaign, IL 61824 (217) 353-3030......................................... fax (217) 239-1112 ww w.pavlovmedia.com
Pavlov Media is a locally founded and headquartered Internet and video services provider with 90 employees. Pavlov Media has built a Gigabit network, meaning the company can put bandwidth at your location that matches or exceeds the competition. And Pavlov Media manages their network locally, meaning outstanding service for you.
LAUNDRY / DRY CLEANING
1907 North Cunningham Avenue Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 367-8331......................................... fax (217) 384-3370 ww w.eastlandsuites.com
Hilton Garden Inn — See ad on Page 37
Home Auto Business Farm Life Service Beyond Expectations We are an independent agency and have access to top rated companies. Since 1906, Snyder Insurance has been building strong relationships with the people of central Illinois.
One- and two-bedroom apartments, FREE heat, FREE hot and cold water, FREE 80 digital cable channels, FREE high-speed Internet; FREE parking, pool, tennis court and playground. Pet Friendly.
Senior living at its best! One- and two-bedroom units from $472 to $925 with most utilities included. Call us at 217-352-3938 to find out about our great senior community.
Convenient location and great service! Enjoy daily breakfast, wireless Internet access, area shuttle service and indoor heated pool! Weekly and monthly rates available.
2500 Village Green Place Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 531-8000 brooke.dickson@insurewithsnyder.com ww w.insurewithsnyder.com
Locally owned and operated. Serving residential, commercial and industrial settings in Champaign, Ford, Livingston and Piatt counties. Specializing in pest control, termite elimination, crawlspace/basement dewatering and attic insulation.
INSURANCE
Convenient location to Champaign Urbana Community. Restaurant and Bar on-site. Indoor pool and large workout room. Banquet space for up to 900 guests. Free Parking, Green Friendly!
Country Squire Cleaners — See ad on Page 3
1805 W Springfield Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 356-9422......................................... fax (217) 356-9422 ww w.countrysquirecleaners.com
Same day laundry & dry cleaning service.
LAWN MAINTENANCE
Acres of Green Lawn Care — See ad on Page 23 533 County Road 700 N Sadorus, IL 61872 (217) 649-4148 acresofgreenlawncare@gmail.com
LIQUOR STORES
CCMSI
Homewood Suites by Hilton — See ad on Page 37
1417 S. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 352-9960 ww w.champaignurbana.homewoodsuites.com
Convenient location to Champaign Urbana Community. Complimentary breakfast 7 days a week. Welcome Home reception Monday thru Thursday. Green Friendly. Complimentary Wireless Internet.
2 E. Main Street Danville, IL 61832 (217) 446-1089......................................... fax (217) 443-0927 mfrazier@ccmsi.com ww w.frazier.com
Founded in 1978, CCMSI is a leading third-party administrator specializing in the design and administration of self-insured workers’ compensation and property/casualty programs.
Hollywood Liquors — See ad on Page 37 512 S. Neil Street, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 607-1123 cs@hollywoodliquors.us
Walk the magic Red Carpet and feel like a star at Hollywood Liquors. We offer great selection, everyday low prices and Academy-Award-winning service. Conveniently located near Campus Town and open til midnight. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
www.champaigncounty.org
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S P ONS ORS
LOCKSMITHS
PARK DISTRICT
RECYCLING
Urbana Park District — See ad on Page 27
303 West University Avenue 1776 East Washington Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 367-1536......................................... fax (217) 367-1391 ww w.urbanaparks.com
Dave & Harry Locksmiths 116 E. University Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 352-5034 jim@dave-harry.com
Urbana’s was the first park district in Champaign County. Our neighborhood and community parks and recreation facilities offer a variety of indoor and outdoor options for all ages.
PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Commercial and residential service and lock provider. Also do automotive lockout service, as well as make most automotive keys. After-hours service for emergencies is also available.
Mervis Industries - Advantage Recycling 3008 N. Cunningham Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 344-7696 tomf@mervis.com ww w.mervisadvantage.com
Advantage Recycling purchases scrap aluminum, iron, copper and brass at competitive prices. We also accept electronic items. Check out our convenient, clean facilities now in Urbana! Open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday 8 to 11:30 a.m.
MACHINE SHOPS
RENTAL SERVICE STORES & YARDS
Rental City — See ad on Page 23 Terminix Services, Inc. Wagner Machine Co. — See ad on Page 23
3200 Farber Drive P.O. Box 3969 Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 384-0072......................................... fax (217) 384-8061 ww w.wagner-machine.com
Precision machine shop producing a variety of parts using conventional and unconventional techniques. Shop equipment includes 5-Axis Milling, CNC & Manual Mills, CNC & Manual Lathes, Grinders, Band Saws, Waterjets & Wire EDM.
1100D W. Bloomington Road Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 359-0037..........................................fax (217) 363-3201 ww w.bigbugs.com
Locally owned and operated. Serving residential, commercial and industrial settings in Champaign, Ford, Livingston and Piatt counties. Specializing in pest control, termite elimination, crawlspace/basement dewatering and attic insulation.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
MEDIA
The News-Gazette, Inc. — See ad on Page 23
115 East Main Street P.O. Box 677 Champaign, IL 61824 (217) 373-7453......................................... fax (217) 351-5662 ww w.news-gazette.com
Your most comprehensive and reliable source for local news, sports and entertainment in East Central Illinois. Locally owned and operated, we have been serving our communities since 1852.
NURSING HOMES
Champaign Urbana Nursing & Rehab
302 Burwash Avenue Savoy, IL 61874 (217) 402-9700......................................... fax (217) 402-9750
213-Bed Skilled Nursing Facility. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy 7 days per week. Certified Alzheimer’s Unit.
OFFICE SUPPLIES & FURNITURE
214 S. Walnut Street Champaign, IL 61620 (217) 359-1795......................................... fax (217) 356-1050 info@rogards.com ww w.rogards.com
We are your locally owned office supply and furniture experts. In business since 1906, contact us for office supplies, furniture, janitorial, breakroom, promotional items and much more.
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Rental City has been serving the greater C-U area with quality equipment and friendly service since 1953. Call or stop in to check us out for your equipment rental needs.
RESTAURANTS
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 1335 Savoy Plaza Lane Savoy, IL 61874 (217) 356-9464 bwwsavoy@yahoo.com
Einstein Bros. Bagels — See ad on Page 9 Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers
1612A S. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 355-1961.........................................Fax (217) 355-1963 ww w.acceleratedrehab.com
Leading provider of comprehensive outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine services throughout the Midwest. Specialties include: ASTYM, Dartfish, Dry Needling and Industrial Rehabilitation. Call to schedule a free injury screen.
Mettler Center
2906 Crossing Court Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 356-6543 ww w.mettlercenter.com
At Mettler Center, we want to help you improve your body, adopt a healthy diet, or reach for that elusive balance of life. Our fitness centers are founded on the principle that “whole life fitness” — a combination of healthy mind, body, and soul — is essential to keeping you well.
PHYSICIANS / SURGEONS
Rogards Office Plus — See ad on Page 30
2508 North Mattis Avenue Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 359-6127......................................... fax (217) 359-6180 rentalcity@gmail.com ww w.cuatrentalcity.com
901 W. University Avenue P.O. Box 683 Urbana, IL 61803 (217) 344-7520
Einstein Bros. Bagels offers a wide range of coffee, breakfast and lunch options for just about any mood. Hot, fresh bagels and darn good coffee are available every day for yourself or your group of any size. Enjoy FREE PARKING at our Lincoln & University location.
Sylvia’s Irish Inn — See ad on Page 37 312 W. Green Street Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 384-4800 sylviasirishinn@gmail.com ww w.sylviasirishinn.com
Victorian House built in 1895 that offers 3 queen rooms and 1 king suite. Very comfortable with elegant surroundings. Breakfast is exceptional and referred as a highlight.
RETAIL
Gailey Eye Clinic
2435 Village Green Place Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 398-1700 ww w.gaileyeyeclinic.com
At Gailey Eye Clinic, our mission is to provide superior eye care that improves your quality of life. From routine eye exams, new glasses and contacts to laser vision correction — Gailey Eye Clinic is focused on you.
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Blain’s Farm & Fleet of Urbana — See ad on Page 3 2701 N. Cunningham Avenue Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 367-1354 ww w.farmandfleet.com
Blain’s Farm & Fleet has been proudly serving this community since 1978, sponsoring programs like “Shop with a Cop” and 4H, and is involved with local schools, police and fire departments.
Wal-Mart #5403
100 S. High Cross Road Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 344-6148 fax (217) 344-618w0 ww w.walmart.com
Walmart Supercenter #3255 505 S. Dunlap Avenue Savoy, IL 61874 (217) 355-5845 ww w.walmart.com
R O O F I N G & S H E E T M E TA L
Advanced Wayne Cain & Son — See ad on Page 23 1207 E. University Avenue Urbana, IL 61802-2010 (217) 344-8300 info@awcroof.com ww w.awcroof.com
Roofing & Sheet Metal Lic # 104-002891IL
Your complete steel service center and fabricator. Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Cold Finished Material in stock. “A reputation as strong as our products.”
SCHOOLS
Champaign Unit 4 Schools — See ad on Page 10
2611 N. Lincoln Avenue P.O. Box 9008 Champaign, IL 61826 (217) 384-2736......................................... fax (217) 384-2800 ww w.supervalu.com
RETAIL - FURNITURE DEALERS
Techline-Green Street Studio, Inc.
Little Hearts & Hands, Inc. 2501 S. Myra Ridge Drive Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 328-2532
Reynolds Towing Service — See ad on Page 20
SECURITY SYSTEMS
303 E. Green Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 898-8677 dteems@cpm-apts.com
RETAIL - ICE CREAM & FROZEN DESSERTS
TRANSPORTATION
F.E. Moran, Inc. Fire Protection — See ad on Page 36
3001 Research Road, Suite A Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 356-0700......................................... fax (217) 356-0777 ww w.femoran.com
Full-service fire protection company founded in Illinois in 1980. Providing design,installation, maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems, including wet, dry and clean agent systems.
Jarling’s Custard Cup, Inc. — See ad on Page 26 309 W. Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61826 (217) 352-2273 ww w.jarlingcustardcup.com
Opened in Champaign in 1983, our private recipe product is made fresh daily. Our restaurant is a full-service soda fountain featuring only desserts.
SIGNS
Dean’s Graphics, Inc. 3103 Research Road Champaign, IL 61822 (217) 363-1390 dean.deans@gmail.com
514 S. Country Fair Drive Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 359-0156......................................... fax (217) 353-7987 info@illinimattress.com ww w.illinimattress.com
We are proud to be family-owned and operated, serving Champaign County since 1990. We strive to offer the best brands and provide the best customer service possible. Let our family help you find the perfect mattress … to have a good morning!
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District — See ad on Page 10
1101 E. University Avenue Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 384-8188......................................... fax (217) 384-8215 ww w.cumtd.com
Annual Passes $60, Saturday/Sunday $2, and one-way fare is $1. With a green fleet, award-winning service, and exceptional service, MTD’s your choice. Leave your car home and save!
TRAVEL TRAVEL AGENCIES & BUREAUS
Destinations With Donica!
113 W. Tomaras Ave. Savoy, IL 61874 (888) 362-5651 donicahalcom@ymail.com ww w.destinationswithdonica.com
RETAIL - MATTRESSES & BEDDING
Illini Mattress Co. — See ad on Page 3
1417 West Kenya Road Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 337-0913......................................... fax (217) 352-9277 sjepsen@reynoldstowinginc.com ww w.reynoldstowing.com
Reynolds Towing serves the community 365 days a year, utilizing the latest in towing technology and equipment. We pride ourselves on prompt, courteous service and customer satisfaction.
Locally owned and operated contemporary furniture for home, office, kitchen, storage, sewing rooms and virtually any room in your home. Friendly service and installation. Stop in soon M–F 9-5 p.m.
Property Management Hardware
TOWING SERVICES
703 S. New Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 531-0252......................................... fax (217) 351-3871 ww w.champaignschools.org
307 S. Locust Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 352-5570 cbreen@techline-cu.com
RETAIL - HARDWARE
Kurland Steel Company
510 E. Main Street Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 367-2323......................................... fax (217) 328-6758 jping@kurlandsteel.com ww w.kurlandsteel.com
RETAIL - FOOD
Supervalu-Champaign Distribution Center — See ad on Page 25
STEEL FABRICATION
S P ONS ORS
ROOFING CONTRACTORS
ADVANCED WAYNE CAIN & SONS
Prairie Signs, Inc.
1215 Warriner Street Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-0463......................................... fax (309) 454-8741 acarby@prairiesigns.com ww w.prairiesigns.com
Full-service sign company offering design, manufacturing, service and installation. Award-winning designs with over 70 state and national awards! The most skilled technicians in central Illinois! Most competitive pricing!
Life Changing Small Group Travel Adventures Enjoy “one of a kind” carefully-crafted and escorted trips departing from Central Illinois. Over 17 years planning & escorting travel, we are dedicated to ensuring a memorable experience!
TRAVEL SERVICES
Destinations With Donica!
113 W. Tomaras Avenue Savoy, IL 61874 (888) 362-5651 donicahalcom@ymail.com ww w.destinationswithdonica.com
Life Changing Small Group Travel Adventures Enjoy “one of a kind” carefully crafted and escorted trips departing from Central Illinois. Over 17 years planning and escorting travel, we are dedicated to ensuring a memorable experience!
www.champaigncounty.org
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