chamber connection
GREATER BELLEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FEBRUARY 2022
ADVANCING BUSINESS. ASRU T IP CL AR C LOE M M U ANRITTI C PEO R T I N GT IC YL. E NAME
OFFICE D E S C RCLOSED IPTION
NAME
BELLEVILLE DESCRIPTION CHAMBER
NAME
MARKETING DESCRIPTION OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIAL PARTNERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Amy Richter, Chairperson & Treasurer Hospice of Southern Illinois
Platinum:
Memorial Hospitals Belleville/Shiloh
Gold:
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
Mary Lamie, Chairperson Elect Bi-State Development
Silver:
Illinois American Water Company
Bronze:
Ameren Illinois Belleville Boot Company Belleville News-Democrat Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
Friends:
ALLSTAR Carpet & Upholstery Care Associated Bank AT&T Illinois Auffenberg Dealer Group Busey Bank Commerce Bank Eckert’s Inc. Essence Healthcare Gonzalez Companies, LLC Grey Eagle Distributors Scott Credit Union Southwestern Illinois College TerraSource Global
Ryan Boike, First Vice Chairperson Belleville Public School District #118 Brett Baltz, Second Vice Chairperson Egyptian Workspace Partners Kevin Vick, Immediate Past Chairperson Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
Board of Directors
Lisa Adams, Adams Publications Jeff Bair, Grimm & Gorly Florist and POUR@322 Jeff Baker, Executive Freedom Partners Amy Gould, Illinois American Water Ericka Logan, Logan & Logan Mngt & Accounting Service Dan Lovekamp, Auffenberg Dealer Group of Illinois Alliance: Brian Mentzer, Belleville Township High School Dist. #201 Paula Nixon, Ameren Illinois Jessica Orelt, Baldree-Orelt Insurance Agency Kirk Schilling, Invelope LLC Laura Schrick, Mathis, Marifian & Richter Stephen Sedlak, Schmale Insurance Ron Stephens, Bank of Belleville John Ziegler, Memorial Hospital
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Chairman Mark Kern, St. Clair County Mayor Patty Gregory, City of Belleville Christine Spargur, Scott Air Force Base Jo Ann May, IL Small Business Development Center
CHAMBER STAFF Wendy J. Pfeil, President/CEO wpfeil@bellevillechamber.org Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/Event Manager pschifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org Diana Goebel, Marketing & Communications Manager marketing@bellevillechamber.org Alex Mathews, Main Street Manager bms@bellevillechamber.org Cathleen Lindauer, Director, Belleville Tourism clindauer@bellevillechamber.org
Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 216 East A Street, Belleville,IL 62220 Phone: (618) 233-2015 Fax: (618) 233-2077 www.bellevillechamber.org
Abbott EMS Air One Chiropractic Allsup, Inc Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering & Testing, Inc. Bank of Belleville Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine Bi-State Development BOS Metro East Banking Center Breakthru Beverage Group Cannon Utility Services, LLC. Chelar Tool and Die CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP Cooling Concepts Draft Kings at Casino Queen ELB Enterprises, Inc. Estel Foods Inc. / McDonalds Empire Comfort Systems FCB Bank First Bank FKG Oil Company Hank’s Excavating & Landscaping, Inc. Holland Construction Services Hoyleton Youth and Family Services Jack Schmitt AUto World Knipp Roofing & Exteriors, Inc. Knollwood Retirement Community Lochmueller Group Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. McKendree University National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Nothing Bundt Cakes pcs for people Print Master Serra Honda O’Fallon SIHF Healthcare Southern Illinois Builders Association Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Willowcreek Rehab & Nursing Center
AMBASSADORS Rebecca Boyer, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC Justin Chapman, Busey Bank Lynne Clapp, Vertical Performance Terri Dambacher, CompuType IT Solutions Julie Fetters, First National Bank of Waterloo Cari Frick, Metro Lock and Security, Inc. Sharon Goff, Community Member Dean Hardt, City of Belleville Dennis F. Korte, Sr., Community Member Tracy McCollum, Standard Rule Promotions Dorothy Meyer, St. Clair County Lisa Phillipson, Hospice of Southern Illinois Joy Prigge, Dieterich Bank Leslie Schmidt, Abbott EMS Brandy Steely, Community Member Anne Thomure, Memorial Regional Health Services Jack Weck, Community Member Sheri Welch, Community Member Susan Wobbe, Community Member John Wunderlich, Community Member Sharon Zika, Scott Credit Union
ADVERTISE IN THIS PUBLICATION 2022 Advertising Rates Business Card: (3.5 x 2.5in)
$25 per month
1/4 Page: (3.5 x 5in)
$50 per month
1/2 Page: (7 x 5in)
$100 per month
Full Page: (7 x 10in)
$200 per month
Ads must be received by the 15th of each month, electronically in JPEG or PDF form. Please call 618-233-2015 or email marketing@bellevillechamber.org to reserve your ad space.
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January 2016
COVER STORY Chambers All in for Economic Recovery We are nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know your business has faced challenges and choices you may have never imagined. The omicron variant has caused a surge of cases, leading us to question if this will ever end. While our community takes measures to combat this surge in the short term, the business community must apply longterm strategies to recover fully from this pandemic. These strategies include prioritizing economic and regulatory relief for the business community. The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce has joined the Chambers All In for Economic Recovery coalition to call on the Illinois General Assembly to take action for Illinois’s businesses. The alliance continues to grow, with nearly 50 chambers representing each region of Illinois. In the coalition’s second year, Chambers All In has developed an updated platform. This year’s platform focuses on critical items that, if enacted, will bring further relief to the business community. The platform includes items to address holistic economic recovery while addressing the devastating impacts of the pandemic. Please see the entire platform below. The coalition will work this platform with legislators and call for action in the coming weeks. We urge you to get involved and spread the message with us during this time. We commit to being a voice for our members, and our partner chambers will collectively work for tangible relief for our communities’ businesses. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Wendy at 618-233-2015.
“all in” platform Chambers All In for Economic Recovery releases its 2022 platform below. The overarching message is the same as previous: economic recovery must be a top priority for the business community. As we approach the second anniversary of the pandemic’s declaration with continued efforts against COVID-19, unintended consequences for the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 have surmounted and they risk permanently stunting the prosperity of Illinois’ businesses. If enacted, the following items will help bolster a business bottom line and allow for continued growth and investment in Illinois. • Utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding to help replenish the unemployment trust fund alleviate the
impending financial drain from the state’s businesses.
• Provide legal protections to employers who follow the CDC established safety guidelines from claims that
COVID-19 was contracted at the place of business.
• Restructure the Minimum Wage Credit’s incremental phase-out to allow small businesses to capture the
original intent of the credit.
• Extend the EDGE credit sunset clause out for another ten years and utilize the tax credit as an incentive to
attract new businesses to the state and allow for the growth and development of existing companies.
In addition to the items above, Chambers All In for Economic Recovery calls for collaborative solutions to the state’s ongoing workforce challenges. The coalition recognizes the importance of having a ready, willing and skilled workforce for the future of our state’s economy. We call on the state to develop innovative programs, support pilot programs, invest in K-12 career awareness programming and assist in scaling successful workforce programs for other communities and industries. We urge Illinois legislators to create an environment and funding models that allow the private sector to drive the training demand for employers. Chambers All In for Economic Recovery will monitor legislative activities for items that specifically support economic recovery or may hinder ongoing recovery efforts. The coalition may act in such cases to bolster support or join in opposition. The Chamber Connection
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CHAMBER NEWS 2022 Marketing opportunities for chamber members As we begin a new year, we would like to share some of our upcoming marketing opportunities (both paid and FREE!) with our business members. PAID OPPORTUNITIES Chamber Connection Newsletter The Chamber Connection is a monthly newsletter that the Greater Belleville Chamber sends out via email to over 1,200 individuals throughout our business community and also shared on the chamber’s website. This is a great way to support the chamber and consistently promote your business to other local businesses and individuals. Go to our website at www.bellevillechamber.org for more information on pricing, sizes, and more. Now through March 11, 2022, members can get a free month of advertising if you pay for 11 months upfront. Weekly Email Banner Ad The Greater Belleville Chamber sends a weekly email every Friday morning to the membership with upcoming chamber events as well as member-submitted events (more on that below). We offer quartly ads to be featured at the top of the email. This is $800 per quarter. If you do not receive our Friday emails, please contact the chamber. If you are interested in this opportunity, you can email our marketing manager to see what our current availability is at marketing@bellevillechamber.org. Business After Hours & Coffee Cup Connections Host We are currently seeking businesses to host our 2022 networking events. These events are great opportunities for businesses to get people in the door to see in person and learn about the hosting business. These events are popularly saught after and tend to fill up quick! Many spots already have businesses scheduled due to rescheduling from the last couple of years but there are select months available for both events. Contact the Chamber office immediately if you think your business would like to host. You can call 618-233-2015. FREE OPPORTUNITIES Chamber Connection Newsletter Write-up Do you have an event coming up you want to share? What about the announcement of a new employee, promotion, service, location, etc? Submit a press release or write-up ready to publish to share with others in the business community. Think of it as a newspaper article. These are due on the 15th of the month to be guaranteed a spot in the following month’s newsletter (ex. Feb. 15 due date for March newsletter) to marketing@bellevillechamber.org. Event Sharing Does your organization have a public event coming up that you would like to share? You can add it to our website calendar which will then be shared in our weekly email update. NEW in 2022 | Meet Our Members Monday Social Media Feature This is a new weekly feature that we are starting on our social media. Every Monday we will highlight a different member business at no charge. The business will be asked to help with content. If you are interested in having your business featured in 2022, email our marketing manager to get on our schedule at marketing@ bellevillechamber.org. Otherwise, they will be picked at random and contacted by our staff. NEW in 2022 | Member Facebook Take-over This is another new social media feature. We will offer a couple of days a week where businesses can “take over our Facebook page” by submitting pre-written posts and including a visual to go with each post that the Chamber will post throughout the day for you. All content would be due no later than 36 hours before the takeover. Email marketing@bellevillechamber.org for more information and to schedule your Facebook takeover. Ribbon Cutting Are you a new business? Maybe you just celebrated an anniversary, remodel, new location opening? Celebrate with a chamber ribbon cutting! Contact our office to schedule yours. Page 4
January 2016
CHAMBER NEWS
February 2022
Upcoming Chamber Events 2/8 2/10 2/16 2/21
Coffee Cup Connections Healthcare & CSA Committee Meeting Leadership Belleville Committee Meeting Office Closed - President’s Day
RSVP for events online at www.BellevilleChamber.org! Just click on the event you wish to attend and log-in. Need help? Email your RSVP to marketing@bellevillechamber.org or call 618-233-2015.
greater belleville chamber closed February 21 for President’s day. the office will reopen on tues., february 22.
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
Welcome
to the following businesses and organizations who joined the Chamber in December.
PeachTree Foods 6017 North Belt West, Belleville www.peachtreefood.net
Thank you
to the following members for renewing their membership with the Chamber in December.
Adam’s Auction & Real Estate Services, In
Hideg Pharmacy, Inc.
Allsup,LLC
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
Arena Gas
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Arena Liquor
Jim D. Keehner, Ltd.
Bellecourt Banquet Center
Lincoln Theatre
Belleville News-Democrat
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Benedictine Living Community At The Shrin
Melroy B. Hutnick
Circa Boutique
Merrill Lynch - The Gray Group
Crystal & Spice
Pinnacle Electronic Systems, Inc.
East Belleville YMCA
Print Master
Hair on Main/Classic Curl
Schmale Insurance Agency, Inc.
For a complete list of our members, visit www.BellevilleChamber.org. For Membership Information, contact Peggy at 618-233-2015 or PSchifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org
Did you know the Chamber has a members-only event calendar? Submit your event online at www.BellevilleChamber.org and click “Calendar” to see the calendar and submit your event! All events will be featured in our Weekly Friday E-blast. Page 6
January 2016
Ribbon Cuttings
Chiro-Med Thursday, January 27 2900 Frank Scott Parkway W, Suite 904 | Belleville
Celebrating a new business opening, anniversary or remodel?
Celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting! Contact Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/ Event Manager, for more info. Call the Chamber Office at (618) 233-2015.
BELLEVILLE HAS A NEW PODCAST! Listen or watch twice a month as we help highlight, promote, and enlighten people, businesses, and community events in the Greater Belleville area. Find out more at
www.bellevillechamber.org The Chamber Connection
Page 7
Edward S. Bott, Jr. Belleville, IL John H. Chassaing Belleville, IL Thomas F. Hennessy, III Swansea, IL Paul E. Petruska Belleville, IL Garrett C. Reuter, Jr. Belleville, IL William A. Schmitt Waterloo, IL Donald K. Schoemaker Shiloh, IL Kurt S. Schroeder Shiloh, IL Russell K. Scott Belleville, IL L. Kevin Vick Belleville, IL Donald E. Weihl Belleville, IL Andrew V. Wolkiewicz Waterloo, IL
Southern Illinois businesses… ... count on Greensfelder’s attorneys to protect their hard work and grow their businesses. We address the legal needs of business organizations in all sizes and industries and take the time to learn our clients’ needs and goals and help them stay on course.
David W. Ybarra O’Fallon, IL
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. • www.greensfelder.com 12 Wolf Creek Drive, Suite 100, Belleville, IL 62226 Offices in Southern Illinois • St. Louis, MO • Chicago, IL
Page 8
January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES Belleville Area Humane Society Saves Momma Dog from Animal Control; Names Betty White Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS) recently pulled a momma dog from a local animal control and named her Betty White, in honor of the late Betty White who was an avid animal lover known for her charitable work and advocacy for animal causes. The pup Betty White gave birth to 8 healthy babies late last week and she is one proud momma to her Golden Girls (and boys). Betty White is now in a foster home where her foster parents are showering her with love and affection. Betty will be nursing and caring for her Golden Pups for the next 8-10 weeks before she and the pups are available for adoption. BAHS relies on foster volunteers to support Betty White the pup and many other foster animals and are a critical part of the work at the Belleville Area Humane Society. Foster homes increase the Belleville Area Humane Society’s ability to save lives by preserving shelter space for other pets in need. Foster families also improve the quality of life for each individual pet they save. Fosters help the most vulnerable pets in need. Puppies, kittens, and animals recovering from illness or injury get a second chance at life when community members choose to foster. The Belleville Area Humane Society works hard to make fostering easy. As foster volunteers, individuals work with dedicated canine and feline foster coordinators to get everything they need to be successful — food, medication, pet supplies, information and resources, as well as one-on-one support. To learn more about fostering, please contact Belleville Area Humane Society at 618-235-3712 ext. 106 or dogs@bahspets. org. If community members are not able to foster but would like to help with the care of Betty White and her puppies they can make a donation to BAHS to help keep the program thriving. Gifts of generosity help staff, volunteers, and fosters care for Betty White and her puppies. As a non-profit organization, BAHS receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of the community to continue serving animals. The support from the community is critical for the Belleville Area Humane Society. To make an online donation, please visit www.bahspets.org/donate. While Betty White and her puppies are not quite ready for adoption yet, we currently have many adoptable animals waiting for their furever homes. Please find them at www.bahspets.org/adopt.
January Events at the Hett Rescheduled for April Due to the rise of COVID-19 illnesses in the area, all January events taking place at McKendree University’s Hettenhausen Center for the Arts have now been rescheduled for April. Brian Owens, Complete Gamer, who was originally scheduled for January 21, has been rescheduled to April 25. Brian Woods, a classical pianist who was slated to perform on January 27, has been rescheduled to appear on April 7. Patrons with tickets for the postponed events should hold their tickets, which will be automatically moved over to the newly-scheduled dates. If these new dates are not convenient to ticket holders, patrons may donate their tickets to the University or request a refund. For more information, please visit theHett.com or call the box office at (618) 537-6863. The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, — “The Hett” — is Southern Illinois’ premier performing arts venue, presenting world-class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. The 488-seat auditorium is located on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, Ill., 25 miles from downtown St. Louis.
The Chamber Connection
Page 9
MEMBER UPDATES Extraordinary Nurse recognized at Memorial: Francesca Carrara-Brown receives prestigious Daisy Award® Francesca Carrara-Brown, RN, has been honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Carrara-Brown is a staff nurse in the emergency department at Memorial Hospital Shiloh and has been employed at Memorial for almost 5 years. Nominated by a patient’s family, Francesca was recognized for her dedication and time spent making sure the needs of the patient were adequately met. Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation said, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Memorial are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.” “Franci is truly deserving of this award. She is consistently willing to help out wherever she is needed and is a dedicated team player. The break room lights up when she walks in for her shift because she is so happy to be at work and help our patients,” said Assistant Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department, Kim Kesting. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 4,600 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurseled Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nurses Advancing Health Equity, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, Medical Mission Grants their new Health Equity Grant program. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org. If you would like to nominate a Memorial nurse for a Daisy Award®, please go to www.memhosp.org/daisy-award and complete a nomination form. The Daisy Award® program at Memorial is sponsored by Memorial Foundation.
IMPACT Strategies Completes Construction of 50 West Office Building: The new 36,000 SF Class A office building is strategically located in O’Fallon, IL IMPACT Strategies recently completed construction of the 50 West Office Buildi ng in O’Fallon, IL. The new office building, located near the bustling HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Campus will house the practice of Dr. Joshua Wilson of Advanced Vision Care. Designed by TR,i Architects of St. Louis, MO, this three-story multitenant professional building includes 36,000 SF of Class A office space, with the first tenant being SSM Physical Therapy. Construction is comprised of conventional steel with a contemporary brick and stone façade. Set on a main thoroughfare in O’Fallon, the building occupies a strategic, high-traffic location. IMPACT Strategies completed the construction on schedule in under 12 months. The state-of-the-art building is equipped with a Building Automatization System (BAS) and an access controls system to remotely monitor and control building security, HVAC systems, and more. IMPACT Strategies has a long history of building up the O’Fallon community, completing projects including Greenmount Corporate Center, Academy Sports, Bella Milano, and others. “It is particularly gratifying for me as an original resident of O’Fallon to continue to participate in its growth with another new project,” said Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT Strategies, Inc. “Doctor Wilson has great vision for the growth potential of his practice in this new strategic location.”
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January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES New name for HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s walk-in clinic: UrgiCare is now Convenient Care The new year brings a new name for HSHS St. Elizabeth’s UrgiCare. To better reflect the type of care provided, the walk-in service has been renamed HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Convenient Care and it is now a provider-based outpatient department of the hospital. The location and hours of operation remain the same. The same caring clinical staff continue to provide high-quality Franciscan health care with no appointment necessary. “Convenient Care is a great option for our always-on-the-go patients and families,” said Sara Fishbein, BSN, RN, assistant manager of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Convenient Care. “We are here for those who need to be seen after normal physician office hours or on a weekend for those minor illnesses that need immediate treatment but aren’t serious enough to go to the ER.” HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Convenient Care is located within the O’Fallon Medical Building at 1512 N. Green Mount Road in O’Fallon and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Patients can walk-in without an appointment to receive care for minor illnesses, sprains and strains and minor lacerations. Patients may also reserve their spot in line, see current wait times and receive text message notifications to help them arrive shortly before their appointment with the SaveMySpot online scheduling tool available at https://www.hshs.org/StElizabeths/Services/Convenient-Care. This is a great option to reduce time spent in the waiting room. Please note Convenient Care does not provide return to work/school COVID-19 testing. Those with no symptoms, or mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. should also use local, public testing sites instead of Convenient Care or an emergency room. This allows hospitals to focus on those needing a higher level of care or hospitalization. Patients at Convenient Care are considered hospital outpatients. Services are billed to primary insurance plans and if applicable, any secondary plans. The transition of services to an outpatient department aligns to similar care delivery locations within HSHS, including HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Convenient Care in Effingham and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital PrimeCare in Highland. Patients in a hospital outpatient location will have two separate claims submitted to insurance. In addition to Convenient Care, the HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Medical Building also houses outpatient imaging services (X-ray, mammography, CT and open MRI), HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine O’Fallon, HSHS Occupational Health and Leadwell and an independent OB-GYN clinic. The entrance Convenient Care and imaging services is to the right, at the ‘L’ of the building. Follow the directional signage posted.
MEMORIAL AUXILIARY HOSPITAL BOOK BAZAAR Memorial Auxiliary Hospital is accepting books, sheet music, DVDs, CDs, and cookbooks for their 2022 Book Bazaar. Books are accepted every Tuesday and Thursday, January 11 through March 17 from 8 – 11 am, as well as the 1st and 3rd Saturdays through March 17 from 8 – 11 am. Books need to be dropped off at the Auxiliary warehouse at the Annex, located on the Southeast corner behind the hospital. Barrels for book drop off are at the following locations through March 17: Memorial Hospital Belleville, Main Entrance Memorial Hospital Orthopedic & Neuroscience 4500 Memorial Drive Main Entrance Belleville, IL 62226 4700 Memorial Drive Belleville, IL 62226 Memorial Hospital Shiloh, Main Entrance 1404 Cross Street Shiloh, IL 62269
Memorial Hospital Shiloh Medical Office Building 1414 Cross Street Shiloh, IL 62269
The Chamber Connection
Page 11
MEMBER UPDATES HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Announces First Baby of 2022 Born at the Women and Infants Center HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital proudly welcomed Kyrie Tatum Killion as the first baby born at the hospital in 2022 to Mallory Killion of Carlyle. He was born at 12:06 a.m. on January 1 at St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center; weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces and 20 inches long. In celebration of being the first baby born in 2022 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the baby and his family were presented with a basket of gifts presented by the colleagues of the Women and Infants Center. For others expecting in 2022, St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the prenatal class schedule for 2022 is now available on our website at hshs.org/StElizabeths/Events/MotherChild. It includes Prepared Childbirth Classes, Breastfeeding Fundamentals and other education about the amenities and quality at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, created by Cribs for Kids, as a Bronze Safe Sleep Hospital. The hospital also has a partnership with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon pediatricians who provide coverage 24/7. These pediatricians care for babies admitted to the Well or Intermediate Care Nurseries. The Intermediate Care Nursery is also staffed with specially trained nurses to care for babies born with special health care needs. For more information about HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, visit steliz.org.
Oliver and Olivia were Top Baby Names at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in 2021 A name says something about a person – noble, kind, charitable or simply derived from another name. Below are the top baby boy and baby girl names for deliveries at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in 2021. They are: Boys: 1. Oliver, which was also the top boys name for 2020 2. Samuel Girls: 1. 2.
Olivia Amelia
These names for bundles of joy were part of the1024 babies that were delivered by HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center in 2021. For those expecting in 2022, St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the prenatal class schedule for 2022 is now available on our website at hshs.org/StElizabeths/Events/MotherChild. It includes Prepared Childbirth Classes, Breastfeeding Fundamentals and other education about the amenities and quality at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, created by Cribs for Kids, as a Bronze Safe Sleep Hospital. The hospital also has a partnership with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon pediatricians who provide coverage 24/7. These pediatricians care for babies admitted to the Well or Intermediate Care Nurseries. The Intermediate Care Nursery is also staffed with specially trained nurses to care for babies born with special health care needs.
Contact us for more information on our full spectrum of comprehensive services including: Free Epilepsy Education, Case Management, Support Groups, Advocacy, Emergency Epilepsy Medication Funding and Summer Camp.
Website: www.efgreatersil.org, Phone: (618) 236-2181
Learning Center & Driving School Brad Garland, B.S. Ed. & Elissa Garland, M.S. Ed. 4212 North Belt West, Belleville, IL 62226 Phone: (618) 277-7323 | Fax: (618) 277-6786 Email: info@mytutorlearning.com
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January 2016
CALLED to
®
Yes, the pandemic came to our hospital. So we showed it who we are. We are Called to Care. Thank a health care worker at steliz.org/calledtocare. The Chamber Connection
Page 13
MEMBER UPDATES Free running performance program extended through 2022 HSHS Medical Group and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Outpatient Therapy has extended the Injury Free Running Clinic into 2022 to continue to support current runners and those wishing to start on how to run safely and improve performance. One-day sessions will be held on the last Wednesday each month at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Outpatient Therapy clinic, located at 209 Rec Plex Drive in O’Fallon. The clinic is FREE and open to the public. Registration is open. Visit www.hshs.org/StElizabeths/Events/Community/Injury-Free-Running-Clinic-2022 or call 618-624-3668. Led by HSHS Medical Group family physician Dr. David Bereda and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s physical therapist Kristen Busch, PT, DPT, the program’s goal is to support and educate runners on injury prevention and performance enhancements through a personalized plan. Additional community partners of the program include Toolen’s Running Start and the McKendree Metro Rec Plex. “Running injuries can often be caused by poor body mechanics, muscle overuse and even wearing the wrong type or mis-sized shoes,” Dr. Bereda said. “With our trained specialists, we can adjust and improve performance for all levels of runners – from beginners to experts – safely with a comprehensive examination and one-on-one support.” The program is designed to improve flexibility, strength, and general fitness level with an overall treatment and exercise plan to grow running mileage and speed safely to avoid future injuries. It features: • A demonstration of proper running form • Instruction on dynamic stretching and cadence count • A video gait analysis • Shoe fitting by Toolen’s Running Start • Discussion on common running injuries • Question and answer session with physician and physical therapist
IMPACT Strategies Adds Kelly Bush as Project Accountant Kelly Bush has joined IMPACT Strategies in Fairview Heights, Illinois as Project Accountant. In this role, Kelly will work closely with project managers and other team members to manage expenses for company projects, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Kelly’s background includes 12 years working in the service and manufacturing industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from McKendree University. “I’m grateful to have joined the team at IMPACT Strategies,” said Bush. “The firm builds so many exciting projects that benefit the local community. I’m looking forward to putting my accounting skills to great use in support of the firm’s mission.” A resident of Edwardsville, Illinois, Kelly enjoys motorcycle riding and doing home remodeling projects in her spare time. Mark Hinrichs, president of IMPACT Strategies, said, “We are thrilled to have Kelly on board. Her indepth project accounting experience and attention to detail will serve our clients and their projects very well.”
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January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES Winter brings increased need for blood and plasma donors Current blood supplies are critically low Someone needs blood or a blood product every two seconds in the United States, and one out of every seven people who enter a hospital will need a blood product, according to America’s Blood Centers (ABC). After the holiday season of giving, the ABC says blood and plasma donations become scarce. In a hospital setting this can mean patients in a wide range of circumstances can be limited in how much blood they receive. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Laboratory Director Justin Cox says January’s Blood Donor Awareness Month is an important time to educate the public about the many benefits of being a blood or plasma donor, whether it’s once or on a regular basis, and to raise awareness around the current critically low supply level. “Donations are important because we do not have an alternative for blood or platelets; they cannot be manufactured,” said Cox. “Hospitals use blood every single day to help patients. We want to ensure supply is available for you or a loved one should you need it.” According to Kirby Winn, public relations manager at ImpactLife, “We strive to collect an average of 3600 donations on a weekly basis. In recent weeks, however, the donation rate has ranged from 2500 to 2800 donations per week. Blood products are perishable and must be used for transfusion within a short window of time, so we strive to keep a 5-day supply in our inventories to meet anticipated and unanticipated needs. Unfortunately, most blood products and types are at a less than 3-day supply.” ImpactLife is the local blood provider for 126 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, including St. Elizabeth’s. Blood transfusions can be necessary for serious injuries, surgeries, childbirth, blood disorders, anemia and many other conditions and situations. Plasma donations can be vital for patients with liver failure, severe infections and serious burns. St. Elizabeth’s hosts blood drives on a regular basis. To schedule an appointment, go to www.bloodcenter.org/group and use code 10155 or call 800-747-5401. Drive dates for 2022 are as follows: February 1, April 5, June 7, August 9, October 11, and December 13, 2022. Here are four top reasons to consider making a life-saving blood donation part of your new year: • A donation can save a life, or several lives if your blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma • Only 10% of eligible donors donate despite it being a safe and regulated process by the Food and Drug Administration and the American Association of Blood Banks • By donating, you get a fee blood test as your donation is checked for infectious diseases and you are notified immediately if there are concerns. • Blood donation can improve your overall health; Research shows blood donors are 88 percent less likely than others to suffer a heart attack ImpactLife guidelines for donor eligibility in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Do not give blood if: • You have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. • You have been diagnosed with COVID-19 UNTIL 10 days after your recovery (no fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms and not need for oxygen). • You are waiting for a test result for COVID-19. If it is negative and you are well you may donate. If it is positive, you must wait 10 days from your testing date and be well. • In the last 10 days you have been within six feet of someone who has the virus or is being tested for the virus for greater than 15 minutes without use of personal protective equipment UNLESS you meet the following vaccination criteria: Vaccination Criteria-You are ELIIBLE to donate if exposure to COVID-19 occurred two weeks after receiving the last dose COVID-19 vaccine series (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson). For more information about how to save and improve quality of life for those in need of blood and plasma, visit ImpactLife at www.bloodcenter.org.
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES Explore the Western Frontiers or the American Riviera with PSOP in 2022 Dreaming of your next big adventure? Let Southwestern Illinois College Programs and Services for Older Persons help make it a reality! Plan to attend the Travelogue program on Tuesday, Feb.15 at 10 a.m. at PSOP, 201 N. Church St., Belleville. Masks/face covering will be required for the travelogue program. The meeting will highlight the following excursions: Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Western Frontiers – Aug. 3-11, 2022 Discover picturesque landmarks of north Wyoming and the western part of South Dakota. The nine-day, eight-night trip includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, motorcoach transportation, 12 meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, eight nights lodging, hotel transfers, travel insurance, baggage handling and a professional tour director. Highlights of the adventure include visiting several national parks such as Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone. Also, view the Crazy Horse Memorial, a mountainside sculpture of the famous Oglala chief; travel to Deadwood and visit the haunted Devil’s Tower National Monument. Explore the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and much more during the PSOP Travelogue trip. The cost starts at $4,349 per person, based on double occupancy. The American Riviera – Nov. 6-12, 2022 Have you been dreaming of tropical sands, coral reefs, and island blue water? Join PSOP for a journey to explore sunny Santa Barbara & The American Riviera. This unique excursion is jam-packed with things to do and features something for everyone. The eight-day, seven-night trip includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis, round trip motorcoach transportation, nine meals, sightseeing and admissions per itinerary, roundtrip airport transfers, two excursions per-day, professional tour director, baggage handling and a travel protection plan. Highlights of the activities include visiting the Reagan Library, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Ynez Valley Winery. Discover the history behind El Camino by traveling to the Old Mission Santa Barbra. While touring the town, individuals will be immersed in the seaside festivities and culture. Moving on to Santa Monica, experience a fascinating walking tour of the Queen Mary with local experts. Overall, the Santa Barbara and The American Riviera PSOP Travelodge trip will be one full of picturesque views and magical memories. The cost starts at $3,999 per person, based on double cupancy For more information or to reserve a seat to the Travelogue program, contact Group Travel Specialist Nancy Bauer at 618234-4410, ext. 7020, or email at nancy.bauer@swic.edu.
Hospice of southern illinois celebrates life on betty white’s birthday On Monday, January 17th, Hospice of Southern Illinois thanked community partners for being a friend! This date marks what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. Betty White was a symbol of living life to its fullest, so Hospice celebrated with cheesecakes (Golden Girls style) for 50 of their partners in Clinton, Madison, and St. Clair County. It was a wonderful day of remembrance for a symbol who truly proved “age is just a number”!
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January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES Donna Richter to Receive SIUE Distinguished Service Award For more than 40 years, Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) CEO Donna Richter has been dedicated to the betterment of the construction industry in Southern Illinois. For this work and her ongoing partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Richter will be honored with the University’s Distinguished Service Award during a Fall 2021 commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 18. “Over the past four decades, Donna has strengthened SIUE’s construction program while making an indelible mark on the construction industry in Southern Illinois,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “Her commitment to training the next generation of construction professionals has created valuable educational opportunities for our students.” “I am very honored to be selected for this prestigious award,” said Richter, who also serves as the administrator of the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP). “By participating in various organizations and institutions, I have been able to see firsthand how many entities work together for the betterment of the construction industry. Hopefully I have helped them achieve their goals.” Richter began working at SIBA, which serves as a trade association for commercial contractors in the southern 39 counties in Illinois, as an administrative assistant in 1981. She was promoted to director of operations, membership director, IT manager and assistant executive director before being appointed chief executive officer in 2015. Over the course of her career, Richter has developed a strong partnership with SIUE and its School of Engineering. She has created numerous opportunities for students in the Department of Construction by funding scholarships, sharing industry connections and supporting advancement initiatives. “Donna is one of the School of Engineering’s most valued friends,” said Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “The resources SIBA has provided in the form of scholarships, equipment and networking support have been instrumental for our construction program to grow, gain academic strength and reputation, and significantly enrich the educational experience of our students. We are thrilled to see that Donna’s outstanding service to the University is recognized through such a prestigious award.” “SIBA/SICAP believes supporting SIUE ensures that students are trained with state-of-the-art equipment and in construction-related programs that will prove beneficial in the industry,” said Richter, who is a member of the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute Board and the SIUE Construction Advisory Board. “It is imperative that SIUE has the resources to retain the faculty necessary to teach and train future generations.” In addition to her partnership with SIUE, Richter is active in numerous other institutions and nonprofit boards, including Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois Executive Committee and Board of Directors; Cement Masons Local 90 Health, Welfare and Pension Fund trustee; John A. Logan College, Kaskaskia College and Southwestern Illinois College Construction Department Advisory Committees; St. Louis Regional Chamber Leadership Roundtable; and Associated General Contractors of America Executive Leadership Council; among others. The St. Louis Business Journal recognized Richter for her contributions to the construction industry and the community with its Most Influential Business Women of 2019 distinction. She also received the Construction Forum St. Louis’ Building Tomorrow Awards.
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES Family Care Birthing Center at Memorial adding OB hospitalists As part of our overall commitment to women’s health and care for expecting mothers, Memorial Hospital is adding an OB hospitalist program to provide consistent care to our Family Care Birthing Center patients. Memorial has partnered with the OB Hospitalist Group (OBHG) to establish an OB hospitalist program that will bring an experienced team of OB/GYNs on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These dedicated physicians will provide a variety of services including: • Providing emergency care prior to the arrival of a patient’s own physician • Supporting the care of high-risk pregnancy patients • Delivering babies for patients who don’t have an obstetrician These hospital-based OB/GYN physicians will help enhance patient safety and improve the coordination and efficiency of care. They will not replace the care of a patient’s regular physician, but they will provide peace of mind to our patients since an OB/GYN will be available at a moment’s notice to step in to provide care. OBHG will begin providing services in Shiloh effective January 19, 2022. In addition, a new “Obstetrical Emergency Department (OBED)” is being established within the Family Care Birthing Center on the third floor of Memorial Hospital Shiloh, where pregnant patients requiring emergency care will be evaluated and cared for by the OB hospitalist team. The OBED will open later this spring.
siue school of engineering alumnus mike marchal inducted to hall of fame The School of Engineering is pleased to recognize Mike Marchal as its 2021 inductee to the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame. A construction management professional with 27 years of experience, Marchal currently serves as president of Holland Construction Services, where he began as a project manager in 1997. Marchal is a leader who is passionate about nurturing the growth and development of Holland Construction, his family and his community. Throughout his career, he has been involved with many professional organizations including the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, Associated General Contractors of America Board of Directors, YToung Presidents’ Organization, Regional Business Council Mentor Network, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the SIUE School of Engineering Construction Management Advisory Board. Additionally, Marchal enjoys paying it forward by mentoring students in both high school and college. He has previously held active fundraising roles in United Way of Greater St. Louis campaigns, within his church and the Greater St. Louis Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. “The School of Engineering has provided best in-class talent to Holland since our company was founded over 35 years ago,” shared Marchal. “More than a third of our office staff and over half of our company’s owners are graduates of SIUE’s construction management program, including me. We feel extremely grateful to have a program of this caliber in our immediate area and are proud to be part of its history. By staying involved at the University through boards, committees, and scholarships, we are honored to be a part of SIUE’s bright future.”
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January 2016
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The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES iillinois american water reminds public how to prevent freezing pipes With extreme cold temperatures occurring across the state, Illinois American Water is reminding homeowners to take steps to prevent frozen pipes. These tips can also help protect the local water team as they perform critical work for reliable, safe water service. Customers should: • Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Customers should consider collecting the water for later use such as watering indoor plants and more. The cost of a short-term trickle is much less costly than a repair to a burst pipe. • Open cabinet doors to expose pipes. Opening cabinet doors exposes pipes to warmer room temperatures. Vice President of Operations Beth Matthews said, “These two tips are most important. They help residents keep their home plumbing safe, while also supporting our team in the field. Many times, when pipes freeze, customers will assume there is an issue with their water service and call our team to inspect. This can place demand on our team members who are working hard in the field to keep water flowing.” If in-home pipes freeze, customers should: • Shut off the water immediately and not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints. • Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it. Use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Space heaters should not be left unattended. Avoid using kerosene heaters or open flames. • Once pipes thaw, water should be turned on slowly and pipes should be checked for cracks and leaks. When customers are away from home, they should: • Have someone regularly check their property to ensure the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen. • Consider a freeze alarm. The alarm will call a user-selected phone number if the inside temperature drops below 45 degrees. Other tips: • Residents should keep snow cleared away from fire hydrants located near their residence. This can help local firefighters in the event of an emergency. • Direct customers of Illinois American Water should keep account contact information updated to receive important information if their water service is impacted. Customers can update information online at www.illinoisamwater.com or by calling 800-422-2782. Residents not directly served by Illinois American Water should check community resources for information. • Customers can report a water emergency online at illinoisamwater.com. Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
IMPACT Strategies Adds Three New Field Staff Members IMPACT Strategies’ field staff has grown by three – the firm has added Ron Reed as a Superintendent, and Brett Fechte and Corey Liszewski as Carpenters. Ron Reed is a 30+ year construction industry veteran, having worked primarily in residential and multifamily construction as a foreman. In his new position at IMPACT, his responsibilities will consist of all field operations including safety, quality control, daily scheduling of on-site work activities and subcontractor coordination. An avid hockey and football fan, Ron also enjoys off-roading on his ATV or cruising on his motorcycle down the area’s most scenic roads. He and his wife, Susan, live in Collinsville, IL. Brett Fechte holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He joins IMPACT Strategies after more than five years working in exterior/interior carpentry construction. Fechte lives in Troy, Illinois with his wife, Katie. Corey Liszewski brings nearly three years of experience in carpentry to his new position at the firm. He and his wife live in New Minden, Illinois. In his spare time, Corey enjoys music, target shooting, and all things vehicle related. Scott Manning, Director of Construction Operations at IMPACT Strategies said, “We are thrilled to have Ron, Brett, and Corey on board. Their varied experience and backgrounds add depth to the already robust teams at each jobsite. We’re pleased to welcome all three of them to the IMPACT Strategies family.” Page 20 January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES Winter weather means taking extra precautions to prevent slips and falls Winter is here, and snow has already covered many regions of the United States. With the possible snowfall predicted for the region, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital wants to ensure area residents stay as safe as possible when venturing outdoors. Slips and falls can cause serious harm as conditions of roads, parking lots and sidewalks worsen in winter weather. They can cause injuries ranging from minor bruises, cuts and abrasions to more serious fractures, spinal cord damage and concussions. Slipping and falling on ice or snow may seem minor but can really cause serious injury Whenever someone is outside in colder temperatures where sidewalks or driveway may be slippery, medical experts at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s urge everyone to take caution as it can be surprising how much damage taking a fall can do. Here are some tips to be mindful of over the next few months to avoid slips and falls: • Beware of wet, dark areas on the pavement. There may be thin, hardly visible layers of ice (black ice) on these spots as a result of dew or water vapor freezing. It is best to treat all of these areas as slippery in cold temperatures. • Walk slowly and take short strides. Use handrails when walking up or down steps. Choose well-walked paths and avoid taking shortcuts, since these areas may not be accessible for snow or ice removal. • Keep your hands free and extend your arms while walking. Avoid carrying too much or placing your hands in your pockets. This will keep your center of gravity from decreasing and help to maintain balance. If you do take a fall and need emergency care, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s emergency department, 1 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd. in O’Fallon, IL, is well-prepared to deliver high-quality emergency medical care 24/7.
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MEMBER UPDATES Employment Law 2021 Recap and 2022 Forecast for Illinois
By Nick Coyle, Lauren Daming, Lauren Harris and Gabrielle Intagliata Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
As with most years, the Illinois legislature was active in 2021 with amendments to a number of statutes that impact employers. Below is a summary of several of those amendments employers should know about. • The Artificial Intelligence Video Interview Act was amended to require employers who solely rely on artificial intelligence analysis of video interviews to determine which applicants receive in-person interviews to annually report certain data related to the race and ethnicity of applicants. The data will be analyzed to determine whether the data reveals a racial bias in the use of artificial intelligence. • The Illinois Equal Pay Act was amended to provide protections for employers who seek to verify certain compensation history information during the hiring process. The act generally prohibits employers from seeking information about a job applicant’s wage or salary history from the applicant’s current or former employer. This prohibition is broad enough to cover inquiries about “benefits or other compensation.” Nonetheless, the act contains language explicitly protecting an employer or employment agency’s ability to engage in “discussions with an applicant for employment about the applicant’s expectations with respect to wage or salary, benefits, and other compensation.” Illinois HB 1207 amends the act to give employers the ability to verify applicants’ claims that they would forfeit unvested equity or deferred compensation by leaving a current job. The provision comes into play only if, during discussions about compensation, the applicant “voluntarily and without prompting” discloses that they stand to forfeit unvested equity or deferred compensation by resigning from their current employer. In that circumstance, an employer may ask the applicant to request a verification letter. • The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) was amended to prohibit employers from discriminating against individuals because of their association with others with disabilities. Previously, while the IHRA explicitly prohibited discrimination based on association with disabled persons in real estate, there was no explicit ban on associational disability discrimination in the employment context. Illinois HB 1838 brings the IHRA in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by banning discrimination in employment against individuals due to their association with a person with a disability. • The Illinois legislature amended the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) with Illinois HB 3582, which expands the types of crimes for which victims are entitled to take VESSA leave beyond those of sexual and domestic violence. Specifically, employees who are victims of (or whose family or household members are victims of) certain violent crimes, including but not limited to murder, sexual solicitation and abuse, harassing and obscene communications, terrorism and armed violence, are now entitled to take VESSA leave. • The Illinois legislature amended the Personnel Record Review Act (PRRA) to provide aggrieved employees or former employees the right to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor or bring a lawsuit for violations of the act. The PRRA requires employers to give written notice to an employee or former employee any time the employer discloses a disciplinary report to a third party, with limited exceptions. Previously, the PRRA provided no explicit remedy for employees whose disciplinary reports were disclosed without notice in violation of the PRRA. SB 2486 amends the PRRA to give aggrieved employees the explicit right to file a complaint or a lawsuit for disclosure of a disciplinary report without the required notice. Any complaint or legal action must be filed within three years after the date of disclosure. • The Illinois legislature amended the Illinois Freedom to Work Act, which since 2017 has placed limitations on employers’ ability to enter into covenants not to compete and covenants not to solicit. The 2021 amendments represent a broad overhaul. Some of the most noteworthy changes are outlined below. o Covenants are valid only if the employee receives “adequate consideration” in exchange – defined as employment for at least two years after the agreement is signed or other “consideration adequate to support an agreement not to compete or to not solicit,” which may consist of a period of employment plus financial benefit to the employee or financial benefits by themselves. o A covenant not to compete is not valid unless the employee earns at least $75,000 per year at an annualized rate (to increase by $5,000 every five years until 2037). A covenant not to solicit is not valid unless the employee earns at least $45,000 per year at an annualized rate (to increase by $2,500 every five years until 2037). o Employers may not enter into a covenant not to compete or a covenant not to solicit when laying off or furloughing an employee due to the COVID-19 pandemic or similar circumstances. o Covenants not to compete and covenants not to solicit are deemed void and illegal with respect to certain public sector union employees and non-management construction employees.
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January 2016
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January 2016