Chamber Connections Newsletter - October 2022

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Amy Richter, Chairperson & Treasurer Hospice of Southern Illinois

Mary Lamie, Chairperson Elect Bi-State Development

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

Brian Mentzer, Belleville Township High School Dist. #201

Paula Nixon, Ameren Illinois

Jessica Orelt, Baldree-Orelt Insurance Agency

Kirk Schilling, Invelop 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

Courtney Adams, BMS 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

SPECIAL

Platinum: Memorial Hospitals Belleville/Shiloh

Gold: HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

Silver: Illinois American Water Company

Bronze: Ameren Illinois Belleville Boot Company Belleville News-Democrat Clean Eatz Belleville Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.

Friends: ALLSTAR Carpet & Upholstery Care

Associated Bank

AT&T Illinois

Auffenberg Dealer Group Busey Bank Eckert’s Inc.

Essence Healthcare Gonzalez Companies, LLC

Grey Eagle Distributors

Kyle Lener - Allstate Insurance Agency

Scott Credit Union

Southwestern Illinois College TerraSource Global

Alliance: Abbott EMS

Air One Chiropractic Allsup, Inc

Barb Davidson, Designated Managing Broker, Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors

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 Citizens Community Bank CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP

Cooling Concepts

Draft Kings at Casino Queen 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 Family of Dealerships

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

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, Buena Vista Bank

Leslie Schmidt, Abbott EMS

Brandy Steely, Community Member

Anne Thomure, Memorial Regional Health Services

Sheri Welch, Community Member

Susan Wobbe, Community Member

John Wunderlich, Community Member

Sharon Zika, Scott Credit Union

Welcome

Buena Vista National Bank 1320 W Market | Red Bud www.bvnb.com

GMAN & Partners Airbnb

864 St. Benedict Dr Belleville

to the following businesses and organizations who have joined the Chamber in August

Cosmic Comics Games & Collectibles

132 W Main St. | Belleville www.cosmiccomicsbelleville.com

GRUV 223 East Main St. Belleville

Thank you

Ace Hardware of West Belleville

All In Shipping

ALLSTAR Carpet & Upholstery Care

Belle Clair Rotary Club Bouse Self Storage Breakthru Beverage Casa Maria Catholic Urban Programs CBD Kratom

Demetria’s Dancewear and Costumes, LLC

Chiro Pro 1231 Thouvenot Lane #100 | Shiloh www.chiropro.com

Stealth Creative 1617 Locust St. | St. Louis www.stealthcreative.com

to the following members for renewing their membership with the Chamber in August

Eckert Florist Express Employment-Professionals Helfrich Family Eye Care Local Lucy’s Payroll Central Signal Hill School District 181 Skyview Drive-In Tamarack Country Club Tribout Distributors.

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.

CHAMBER CALENDAR

October 2022

Upcoming chamber events

10/7-8 38th Annual Chili Cook-off

10/8 9th Annual Chili Chase

10/11 Coffee Cup Connections

10/12

BMS Committee Meeting

10/13 Healthcare & CSA Committee Meeting

10/13 Business After Hours

10/14 Executive Board Meeting

10/18 Board of Directors Meeting

10/19 Leadership Belleville Committee Meeting

10/20 BMS Diva Night

10/21 Leadership Belleville History Culture Religion Day

10/21 BMS Senior Diva Day

Old Towne Market, Every Saturday in September 7:30am - Noon

RSVP

CHAMBER

September 20, 2022

Knipp Roofing

15 S 10th St. Belleville, IL

Celebrating

BELLE-SCOTT FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL September 15, 2022

business opening, anniversary

Celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting! Contact Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/ Event Manager, for more info. Call the Chamber Office at (618) 233-2015.

Belle-Scott Committee’s Annual Fall Harvest Festival at the Millstadt Eckert’s Farm. This free event is in support of Team Scott’s military families, particularly those families impacted by military separation.

CHAMBER EVENTS

SEPTEMBER COFFEE CUP CONNECTIONS

September 13, 2022

The Menta Group hosted the September Coffee Cup Connections at The Abbey in West Belleville. The networking opportunity was well attended by those Chamber Members who enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet other members over a cup of coffee.

The Menta Group is a dynamic, responsive, multi-state education non-profit, operating numerous private and public/ private partnership schools. The organization still firmly adheres to its policy to never give up on a child and that no student will be rejected, suspended, or expelled. The Menta Group also expanded to offer additional non-profit educational services under the umbrella of Special Education Services (SES) as well as transportation services under the umbrella of Special Education Systems. For more inforamtion vist www.menta.com

CHAMBER

LEADERESHIP BELLEVILLE, CLASS 2022-2023

The Leadership Belleville program is a unique training program coordinated through the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce. The program works to build effective and dedicated leaders within the community. It provides a foundation of skills and knowledge to emerging local leaders. In addition to developing leadership skills, the program seeks to foster a commitment to community service and provide opportunities for economic growth for local businesses.

The 2022-2023 class currently finished up their retreat at Toddhall Retreat Center. This year the class is comprised of 20 up and coming community leaders. Each month these 20 individuals will come together to learn about the Belleville community, meet and develop relationships with an immense number of business, community and political leaders, and continue to develop their leadership skills.

Thank you to the Leadership Belelville Committe for your time and dedication to host and develop this program each and every year.

CHAMBER EVENTS

HEALTHCARE COMMITEE CURRENTLY COLLECTING SOCKS & SNACKS

HSHS ST. ELIZABETH’S CANCER CARE CENTER

HOSTING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FUN WALK FOR SURVIVORS AND SUPPORTERS

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Cancer Care Center is hosting a 1.5 mile Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk for survivors and supporters on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Moody Park in Fairview Heights (rain or shine). This is a free event to all, but donations of any amount are being accepted. The donations will be used to fund transportation needs for patients in long-term treatment. Family, friends, and co-workers are invited to come together for this community event to make a difference.

Breast cancer can develop in women of every age, race and ethnic group. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and approximately 43,250 women will die. Breast cancer in men is not as common, but it does happen, affecting about 2,710 American men each year. Fortunately, the death rate for those diagnosed with breast cancer has decreased significantly due to early detection.

Dr. Camille Williams, Medical Director, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Radiation Oncology Center, shared, “A breast cancer diagnosis and journey is very difficult. However, the support of family, friends and kind strangers who come alongside our patients have made all the difference. This event is to recognize patients’ past and present journeys, offer visible support and kindle comradeship in our community. The donations from our supporters will help relieve some of our patients’ financial burdens, especially as it relates to transportation, which is a barrier to care and challenge in this region.”

This walk is also presented by HSHS Medical Group, Prairie Cardiovascular, Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois, New Life Congregation, The Rec Complex of Fairview Heights and Medical Physics Consulting.

All participants will receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last) and an event goodie bag along with additional health information. Refreshments will also be provided.

Register for the walk online at steliz.org/Fun Walk. Registration will not be available the day of the event, but donations will be accepted. Donations can also be mailed to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Foundation, 1 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon, IL 62269. Please note “Cancer Center Walk” on the check.

For more information, please call Christy Koenigstein, patient navigator at St. Elizabeth’s Radiation Oncology Center, at 618-607-5545.

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Cancer Care Center

CANCER

FUN WALK

SURVIVORS & SUPPORTERS

8:30-11AM | MOODY PARK

walk (rain or shine)

(while

AT: steliz.org/FunWalk

Presented by:

DONATIONS WELCOME! This event is FREE to all, but donations of any amount are

to support funding dedicated for cancer patients’ transportation needs.

advance for

kind support! Donate on the registration page.

TWM NAMED A 2022 TOP DESIGN FIRM BY ENR MIDWEST

TWM, Inc., one of the top 10 largest engineering and geospatial firms in the greater St. Louis area, announced it has earned a spot as a Midwest Top Engineering Design Firm by Engineering News-Record in their annual listing. ENR annual lists are considered an industry benchmark and the ranking is based on design-specific revenue and ranks the largest U.S-based design firms, both publicly and privately held. This is the first year TWM has secured a position on this list.

TWM ranks #76 out of 122 firms on the list. ENR Midwest is a top news source for the A/E/C industries and ranks design firms based on revenue earned in 11 different regions, and includes breakout rankings based upon project sectors, work type, and state-by-state activity.

“This is an exciting honor,” said Robert DeConcini, President. “Our ranking on this list recognizes the hard work and dedication of our talented workforce to reach this milestone. We are thrilled to be recognized and thank our wonderful clients for helping us achieve this industry-specific distinction.”

TWM continues to grow and expand its engineering and geospatial services footprint, serving clients locally, regionally, and across the U.S.

TWM MONROE COUNTY, IL BRANCH OFFICE MOVES TO COLUMBIA, IL

TWM, Inc., one of the top 10 largest engineering and geospatial firms in the greater St. Louis area, announced the relocation of its branch office from Waterloo, IL to Columbia, IL. This new location is the start of another exciting chapter in the company’s 75-year history and will bolster TWM’s visibility in the local area.

Plans to expand TWM’s reach within our core markets reflect the company’s growth strategy and pursuit of new opportunities. “This new branch office is well-situated to serve our current clients and increases our overall engineering capacity to expand. It’s an ideal location where we can better facilitate our business operations and support our professional growth, both internally and externally,” said Robert DeConcini, President.

The new Columbia branch office location, at 100 North Main Street, is an organic evolution that reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to retain a high level of client engagement within the local community while establishing a broader presence within the southwestern Illinois region.

TWM has a total of seven office locations in the Illinois and Missouri bi-state region. In Illinois, the corporate headquarters is based in Swansea, IL, with additional branch offices in Edwardsville and Peoria. In Missouri, there are offices in downtown St. Louis, St. Charles, and Columbia. In Tennessee, TWM has offices in Franklin and Chattanooga.

California.

INFORMATION Simon

edward.simon@amwater.com

INCLUSION & DIVERSITY GRANT PROGRAM

To further promote and support inclusion and diversity in our communities, California American Water is piloting an Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program.

To further promote and support inclusion, diversity and equity in our communities, Illinois American Water is offering an Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Grant Program

The program will provide financial assistance to organizations seeking to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects that aim to promote and foster inclusion and diversity in the community. The maximum grant amount is $2,500.

Help make a positive impact in our communities and state. Apply today. Working together, we will continue to move the needle forward to promote inclusion and diversity throughout California.

Help make a positive impact in our communities and state. Apply today. Working together, we will continue to move the needle forward to promote inclusion, diversity and equity throughout Illinois.

The program will provide financial assistance to organizations seeking to develop and implement programs, training or community-related projects that aim to promote and foster inclusion, diversity and equity in the community. The maximum grant amount is $2,500.

To qualify for a grant, the organization, project or event must:

• •

To qualify for a grant, the organization, project or event must:

Be located within California American Water's service area Be a new, innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program

• Be located within Illinois American Water’s service area

• Be a new, innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program

• Promote inclusion and diversity in the community the organization serves

• Have 501(c)(3) designation or be a government agency (includingpublic schools)

• Promote inclusion, diversity and equity in the community the organization serves

Individuals are not eligible to receive grants. Only nonprofit organizations within California American Water’s service territory are eligible to receive funding.

• Have 501(c)(3) designation or be a government agency (including public schools)

Individuals are not eligible to receive grants. Only nonprofit organizations within Illinois American Water’s service territory are eligible to receive funding.

COMMUNITY.

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 1, 2021

NOVEMBER 1, 2022

Applications must be received via email or mail by Monday, November 1, 2021.

email by Applications must be received by November 1, 2022.

• Email: karen.cotton@amwater.com

•Mail: Edward Simon, California American Water, 655 West Broadway, Suite 1410, San Diego, CA92101

•Email: edward.simon@amwater.com

application is approved and of the amount funded.

All applicants will be notified if their application is approved and of the amount funded.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

californiaamwater.com

illinoisamwater.com

Contact Karen Cotton: karen.cotton@amwater.com

The Chamber Connection Page 15 MEMBER NEWS DIVERSITY & EQUITY GRANT PROGRAM

At Illinois American Water, we encourage, honor, and celebrate inclusion and diversity of people, ideas, thoughts and experiences. It’s vital to our culture, makes us stronger as a company and allows us to better serve our customers across Illinois.

MEMBER NEWS

BARBERMURPHY ADDS THREE BROKERS

Commercial and industrial real estate firm BARBERMURPHY has added three new brokers to its team.

Scott Muentnich, Cole Hensel and LaRae Bigard recently joined the 20-broker firm as broker associates. Each possesses unique market sector experience.

Muentnich brings his construction expertise to the table. “I assist owners seeking expertise for new projects and the build-out of existing buildings,” said Muentnich. “BARBERMURPHY is a transactional firm that does not own or manage real estate, which is what sets it apart. We help owners perform research on properties, and we share our expertise about the local market to equip buyers, sellers and investors with the market analytics they need to make the best decision.”

Specializations that Muentnich brings to BARBERMURPHY include client growth initiatives and expertise on local municipality negotiations, tax increment financing, grants, business incentives and redevelopment agreements.

A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate with a bachelor’s degree in construction management with 25 years’ experience in the construction industry, Muentnich is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)accredited professional. He specializes in guiding clients through existing property assessments, land acquisition or sales and construction-related issues. Muentnich is a member of the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce and the REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois.

Cole Hensel began his career at BARBERMURPHY immediately upon graduating from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is a member of the firm’s industrial brokerage team, learning from senior team members Steve Zuber and James Leopold. Hensel completed an internship at BARBERMURPHY last summer.

“I love what I do and have the privilege of learning from two of the best industrial brokers in the St. Louis region,” said Hensel, who is a Millstadt, IL native. “There’s something about the industrial side that really invigorates me. We deal with a great number of unique buyers and sellers.”

Hensel was drawn to the real estate profession after job shadowing Zuber during a high school career day several years ago. “I understand that real estate can be a large part of a client’s portfolio,” he said, “and I take pride in communicating properly and informing clients of the process along the way.”

LaRae Bigard also developed an affinity for commercial real estate while in her teens. By the time she graduated from high school in the small Southern Illinois town of Newton, Bigard earned her real estate license. She is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in finance at SIUE and plans to pursue an MBA. In 2021, Bigard joined the newly formed SIUE real estate club.

“My mother is a real estate broker, so I’ve been interested in the field for a long time,” she said. “I enjoy a challenge, and I’m excited to be one of few women working in commercial and industrial real estate in the St. Louis region.”

Scott Muentnich

Cole Hensel

LaRae Bigard

HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ADDS SENIOR TALENT ACQUISITION SPECIALIST AND NEW MARKETING DIRECTOR TO GROWING TEAM

Holland Construction Services has announced the hiring of Senior Acquisition Specialist Susan Schultz and Marketing Director Neal Stewart to join its growing team. Holland has seen record growth and revenue in 2022, adding more than 25 team members so far, with an additional 15 expected to be added before next year.

“We feel so fortunate that we’ve been able to find such quality talent to join our team at Holland who understand our values and principles,” said Holland President Mike Marchal. “Culture has always been a founding principal at Holland so it’s been very important to us that while we are growing quickly, we are also adding team members that we know will succeed here. I feel very confident that both Neal and Susan will do an exceptional job in their roles as we move forward.”

Schultz has a background in higher education and has worked with universities in career development for the past 25 years. Her newly created position as a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist will include responsibilities such as working with Holland’s management team and industry leaders to attract quality talent, staffing open positions, and influencing the hiring process to pave a way for Holland’s success. Schultz said her goal is to continue developing Holland’s outreach with universities and increase employee recruitment efforts.

“My goal is to help with recruiting top talent to meet the needs of Holland’s continued growth,” said Schultz. “I have become familiar with Holland’s work and reputation in the community and believe that relationships are a hallmark of the success that they have created. I am excited to use my background to continue to attract top talent to Holland.”

Stewart, a Belleville Illinois native, comes to Holland with more than 25 years of marketing experience. He also serves as an adjunct professor at West Virginia University. His role includes overseeing Holland’s brand, leadership of all marketing efforts, reputation management, community outreach, and further development of video and photography assets for Holland.

“Holland’s brand has existed for 36 years and the fact that so much of their business is referrals and repeat clients is a testament to their success, “said Stewart. “The next frontier is to demonstrate their innovative and thought-leading culture to a new client audience and continue propelling that growth, especially in new sectors such as industrial. I’m excited to be part of their continued growth.”

Susan Schultz

Neal Stewart

Edward S. Bott, Jr. O’Fallon, IL

John H. Chassaing O’Fallon, IL

Thomas F. Hennessy, III Swansea, IL

Paul E. Petruska O’Fallon, IL

Garrett C. Reuter, Jr. O’Fallon, 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

David W. Ybarra O’Fallon, 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.

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 821 W. Highway 50, Suite 303, O’Fallon, IL 62269 Offices in Southern Illinois • St. Louis, MO • Chicago, IL

SCOTT JOHNSTON JOINS LEADERSHIP BELLEVILLE PROGRAM

Greensfelder attorney Scott Johnston has been selected as a member of the 202223 class of Leadership Belleville, a program of the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce.

The program launched in August and spans nine months, offering training that aims to develop community involvement and build relationships between business and civic leaders. Participants are selected for their demonstrated abilities in leadership and achievement and their commitment to the region. They meet monthly to engage with business, community and political leaders and learn about the region’s history, challenges and growth potential.

U.S. NEWS RANKS MCKENDREE IN TOP TIER OF MIDWEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES

McKendree University once again ranks in the top tier of regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 “Best Colleges” edition, released on Sept. 12, 2022. U.S. News rated 593 participating institutions in the Regional Universities category nationwide, and McKendree is ranked No. 58 among the Best “Midwest” Regional Universities.

“We are pleased to be recognized by U.S. News as a top tier University,” said President Daniel Dobbins. “At McKendree, we are committed to ensuring access to a high quality college experience and prioritizing affordability by investing in opportunities for our students to succeed.”

In the Midwest regional category, McKendree was also recognized for other distinctions, including “Best Colleges for Veterans” at No. 23, “Top Performer on Social Mobility” at No. 38, “Best Value Schools” at No. 41 and “Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.” McKendree is also listed nationally on the “Best Undergraduate Nursing Program” rankings.

The 2022-23 U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings evaluate more than 1,500 colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, social mobility, strength of faculty, and low rates of student debt among graduates.

Over the past 38 years, the rankings have become a comprehensive tool for students and their parents in their search for the right college or university. The full 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings and data are now online at usnews.com/colleges.

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

MEMBER NEWS

MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY TO HONOR OUTSTANDING ALUMNI DURING HOMECOMING AWARDS CEREMONY OCT. 29

McKendree University will honor several of its accomplished alumni at its annual awards dinner on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, Ill. Chosen by the alumni board, the 2022 awardees have made their mark in their professions, communities and at their alma mater.

Peter Akers Award

Edward “Ed” McGlynn of Brielle, N.J., will receive the highest alumni honor, the Peter Akers Award, which acknowledges professional success, outstanding service and loyalty. McGlynn graduated from McKendree in 1968, earning a degree in history. He was the founder and first president of Delta Phi Sigma and was also named to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” during his senior year.

Loyal Service Award

John Sanders of Rockford, Ill., will receive the 2022 Loyal Service Award. He graduated from McKendree in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. At McKendree, Sanders played on the men’s basketball team and on intramural teams and was involved with Phi Beta Lambda/Investment Club and Delta Phi Sigma. He also served on the Inter-Society Council and was a resident assistant in Baker Hall.

Academy of Excellence

Four alumni will enter the University’s Academy of Excellence for achievement, leadership and character in the following categories: social sciences, business, nursing and health professions, and community services. Honorees have made exceptional contributions to the honor and prestige of the University and have demonstrated the values imparted by a liberal arts education in their professions or chosen fields.

Social Sciences

Kristin (Voegele) Kneedler of Collinsville, Ill., graduated from McKendree in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. On campus, she was the captain of the tennis team, a member of the psychology club and the speech and debate team, and volunteered at the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service. She was also a delegate representative for the Technos International program in Japan and volunteered in Jamaican orphanages.

Business

Glen Kinder of Eddyville, Ky., graduated from McKendree in 2002 with a degree in business administration economics and finance. While at McKendree, he was chosen as the Student Lincoln Laureate in 2002, was a regular volunteer for 4-H and the Second Chance Homeless Shelter in East St. Louis, Ill., and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the nation’s largest community service fraternity. Through his service to APO, Kinder has been recognized with a Distinguished Service Key at the Chapter Level in 2001, the Selection Level in 2008, the Alumni Association in 2019 and the Region Level in 2020.

Nursing and Health Professions

Regina Peterson of Mascoutah, Ill., graduated from McKendree in 2018 with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in Ethical Leadership. Following the completion of her degree, Peterson became the chief nursing officer at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, Ill. She continues to serve the University by mentoring nursing students for the BSN, MSN and DNP programs and providing preceptorship and clinical opportunities. She collaborated to help create the BSN and MSN cohorts at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and she is a member of the nursing advisory council.

Community Services

Danita Lynn Smith of Black Jack, Mo., graduated from McKendree in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. She then graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University in 2009.

MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY AWARDS, CONT.

Rising Stars

Rising Stars are McKendree University graduates of the past decade who have made significant achievements in their professions or chosen fields, and who have been highly involved with the University or their communities.

Airika (Tyler) Detmer of O’Fallon, Ill., graduated from McKendree in 2012 with a degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice. She was active on the women’s track and field and cross-country teams and was a member of the Senior Class Gift Committee as a student. She was also a student ambassador, an NSO group leader and UNI 101 peer mentor, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society and Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society

Ryan Vincent of St. Louis, Mo., graduated from McKendree in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. While at McKendree, Vincent was a student in the Honors Program who served as a tutor for the computer science and math department for three years, and he was actively involved in Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, the Association of Computing Machinery, Sigma Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi, Math Club, and homecoming court. He was recognized as an Active Collegians Engaged in Service (ACES) recipient for having volunteered more than 400 hours of service to communities, churches, schools and organizations. He also spent the summer of 2011 as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) intern at the University of Houston to study automatic text summarization.

Jon Becker of Effingham, Ill., graduated from McKendree in 2013 with a degree in athletic training. As a student, he was a member of the men’s golf team and was active in the University’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association, New Student Orientation, intramural sports, and volunteered for Special Olympics and McKendree Race Day. He is a member of Iota Tau Alpha and Phi Kappa Phi. While earning his Athletic Training Certification (ATC), Becker earned Honor Student of the Year from the nationallyacclaimed program.

Entering the McKendree Bearcat Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 are Ricardo Harris, class of 2003, football; Amy (Quirin) Kremmel, class of 2009, softball; Dylan Mueth, class of 2014, men’s hockey; and the 2002-2003 men’s basketball team. Read more about the new Sports Hall of Famers at mckbearcats.com.

MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY, SEPT. 20

In observance of Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day, McKendree University’s ALL IN Civic Engagement Committee held a voter registration drive on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at Holman Library.

“Students can register for the first time or change their registration to vote here on campus if they would like. We can help them get registered either way,” said Dr. Ann Collins, professor of political science, who leads the ALL IN Engagement Committee on campus. “We can also help them with the specifics on how to register back home if they prefer to do that.”

Students who are registered to vote and reside either on campus or in Lebanon will be able to cast their ballots at the Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC), the University’s polling place.

Dr. Collins said the University plans to have more voter registration opportunities over the next few weeks before the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The website NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org provides a listing of National Voter Registration Day events across the country, in communities and held virtually. Founded in 2012, National Voter Registration Day is designed to create an annual moment when the entire nation focuses on registering Americans to exercise their most basic right – the right to vote. Nearly 4.7 million Americans have registered to vote on the holiday since the inaugural National Voter Registration Day in 2012.

HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES BREAKS GROUND ON DORRIS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL EXPANSION PROJECT

Holland Construction Services recently broke ground on a $6 million expansion and renovation project at Dorris Intermediate School in Collinsville, Illinois. Construction work on the existing school, which was built in 1962 and has a current enrollment of roughly 1,000 students, is set to begin the first week of September and has a completion date in the fall of 2023.

“This expansion will give our students the additional space they need to learn and grow in the classroom along with additional space for some of our students with higher needs,” said Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 Superintendent Dr. Brad Skertich. “The district felt Holland would be the best fit for this project because of their previous work and reputation. We have been incredibly impressed with their open communication, keeping us aware of every step in the process and we’re very excited to get started.”

The 14,000 square foot expansion consists of a two-story addition to the existing school which will include eight new classrooms, four restrooms and a therapy room. The remodeling portion of the project will consist of ceiling replacements throughout the entire building along with a reconfiguration of administrative areas. Construction on the expansion project is set to begin immediately while the remodeling portion will be done next summer when students aren’t at school.

“Communication with the school district is extremely important on a project like this,” said Project Manager Brian Dayton. “We have had to map out with the district exactly where we will be at all times since safety on the job site is our number one priority, with students attending school while the project is under construction. The project will be entirely fenced off from student areas and it should be a very beneficial addition to the school when complete.”

Dorris Intermediate School is one of five school-related construction projects Holland is currently working on in the Metro East. The construction company is also managing projects for Caseyville, Sparta and Redbud school districts, as well as a project for Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.

The architect on the Dorris Intermediate School project is FGM.

Oates Associates, an engineering / architectural design firm, is pleased to announce that Benjamin Miller has earned his ADA Coordinator Certification.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities to ensure they have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Oates is committed to empowering communities in their efforts to increase accessibility and achieve the goals of the ADA through our knowledgeable engineering team.

Our firm continues to encourage accessibility and inclusion by having team members who are certified through the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program. The ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program is a threeyear program administered by the Great Plains ADA Center located at the University of Missouri – College of Human and Environmental Sciences, School of Architectural Studies. The most recent Oates recipient of this certification, Ben Miller, has been heavily involved in our mission to provide accessibility to the local community. Ben is the third Oates employee to complete this certification.

Ben has been active in several projects that help implement this mission including ADA transition planning and the development of pedestrian paths. Most recently, he was highly involved in the City of St. Louis ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan developing a methodology to inventory and program future projects to eliminate barriers to access. This was accomplished through the development of a prioritization system that allows the city to compare pedestrian facilities throughout St. Louis based on a scoring system that pursues the city’s long-term goals.

OATES ASSOCIATES WELCOMES CASSIDY AERY

Oates Associates recently welcomed Cassidy Aery to the administration team as a marketing coordinator.

With over two years of professional marketing experience, Cassidy will be assisting the firm by implementing its marketing tactics and supporting the engineering staff through marketing initiatives. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the former vice president of marketing and communications of the American Marketing Association (AMA), SIUE Collegiate Chapter.

Her previous roles include interning in the marketing department of a national law firm, a customer service representative at a bank, interning at a marketing and public relations agency, and most recently worked with a startup home improvement business to build their marketing collateral.

BENJAMIN MILLER OF OATES ASSOCIATES EARNS ADAC CERTIFICATION

MEMBER

OATES ASSOCIATES CEO JOSEPH HAGERTY TO RETIRE

After three decades of leadership, Joseph Hagerty, current chief executive officer of Oates Associates, Inc., is retiring at the end of 2022.

Hagerty began with Oates Associates in 1991 as controller where he soon transitioned to vice president and then CEO. With his leadership and guidance, the firm has earned many accolades and has seen unprecedented growth. Oates Associates is now a 60-person firm with four offices that work collaboratively with transportation and facility clients. With Hagerty’s focus on the advancement of engineering through employee development and client satisfaction, the firm has been bestowed such honors as Best Engineering Firm from St. Louis Small Business Monthly, Employer of the Year from Women’s Transportation Seminar, received the Private Practice Professional Development Award from the National Society of Professional Engineers and has been consecutively ranked as one of St. Louis’ largest engineering firms by the St. Louis Business Journal.

“Joe has been an extreme asset to our firm, not only providing expertise in business operations but also being able to provide a full understanding of the engineering profession. This unique combination of skills minimized risk and protected our firm, made us profitable and allowed us to expand into other markets and grow with confidence,” said President Bruce Schopp.

“I am proud of the firm we have built,” said Hagerty. He went on to say, “We have fostered good and meaningful careers for staff, provided solid advice and impactful solutions to clients, and we have designed projects that have improved the communities where we live and work. Engineering is truly a higher calling and I have been privileged to work with some brilliant engineers throughout the years. Several individuals have been with the firm for most of their career and have developed strong leadership skills, which has helped guide this transition.”

Schopp was appointed President in 2010 and will continue within that role alongside Jeffrey Rensing, who has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2, 2023. Working closely with Rensing and Schopp will be firm principals Michael Busch, Thomas Cissell and Steven Keil

OATES ASSOCIATES WELCOMES BIRAJ BUDHATHOKI

Oates Associates is excited to announce the newest addition to their growing staff, Biraj Budhathoki.

Biraj joins the firms bridge team with over four years of engineering experience. Previously, he interned with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), instructed undergraduate engineering classes at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), and most recently worked for a St. Louis based engineering firm. He earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from SIUE in 2021 and previously earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from Cosmos College of Management & Technology in

ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER CELEBRATES SECOND ANNUAL SOURCE WATER PROTECTION WEEK

In conjunction with the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Illinois American Water will participate in the second annual Source Water Protection Week. The company will highlight collaborative efforts needed to protect sources of water used as drinking water supplies and how to protect our world’s most precious natural resource. Source Water Protection Week is observed Sept. 25 – Oct. 1. Illinois American Water continuously educates customers about source water protection through bill messaging, customer emails, annual water quality reports and social media posts.

“Each system we operate requires constant testing and maintenance to provide a high-quality product to our customers,” said Rachel Bretz, director of environmental compliance and water quality at Illinois American Water. “Our team knows at the end of each tap someone is using our product to make their morning coffee, brush their teeth, drink, cook, clean and more. Focusing on the source and ways everyone can protect the source is just as important as every test we conduct to deliver safe, reliable service.”

Illinois American Water will be taking the opportunity to educate customers and communities throughout the week about the specific steps taken to help deliver safe, reliable water from various sources. These include:

• Testing for about 100 regulated contaminants as required by state and federal drinking water standards.

• Utilizing advanced technology and detection methods that are paving the way for source water protection.

• Implementing green technology whenever possible to protect our precious resources.

“This week is another opportunity to educate our customers and share ways they can protect our world’s most precious resource,” said Bretz. “By sharing useful tips, we can help facilitate action.”

Illinois American Water encourages the following actions during Source Water Protection Week, and year-round.

• Be conscious of daily water use and take the necessary steps in the home to be water smart and help preserve this essential natural resource, which can also have an impact on reducing monthly bills.

• Be sure that leaking pipes and faucets—indoors and outdoors—are repaired.

• Take care when using garden, lawn, garage and other home products, so they do not find their way into water.

• Check for leaks from automobiles and fuel tanks. Clean up any spills using an absorbent material like cat litter. Sweep up the material and put it in a sealed bag.

• Clean up after your pets and limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

• Dispose of chemicals, unused medications or other potentially harmful products in a legal and proper manner. Do not put them directly into home drains, the sewer, street drains or the lawn.

Customers can find their water quality report online and are encouraged to view a short video about Illinois American Water.

Learn more about source water protection here and on Illinois American Water’s Facebook page.

MEMBER TIPS

FOUR WAYS TO LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL DURING NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION MONTH

September is National Cholesterol Education Month and serves as a reminder to increase efforts to address one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease: high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body uses to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. It’s not necessarily bad, but too much cholesterol can pose a problem. Cholesterol comes from two main sources: the liver and animal products. Foods high in saturated and trans fats also contribute to raising cholesterol by causing the liver to create even more.

High cholesterol is one of the leading factors of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Keeping your numbers in check can go a long way toward preventing cardiovascular issues. “Know your numbers and what to do about them,” said Dr. Scott Marrus, Prairie Heart Institute cardiologist. “If there is an issue, often times small lifestyle changes can bring your numbers in line, but if that’s not enough medication may be prescribed.”

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Prairie Heart Institute offers four ways to lower your cholesterol, as also recommended by the American Heart Association:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet

o The best way to lower your cholesterol is reduce your intake of saturated fat and trans fat.

o A heart-healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, nuts and non-tropical vegetable oils, while limiting red and processed meats, sodium and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages.

• Become more physically active

o Physical activity is important. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week is enough to lower both cholesterol and high blood pressure.

• Quit smoking

o By quitting, smokers can lower their bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase their good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

• Lose weight

o Being overweight or obese tends to raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol. But a weight loss of as little as 5% to 10% can help improve cholesterol numbers.

Learn more information and even take a high cholesterol risk assessment at heart.org/cholesterol.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

BY DR. ELLEN MIDDENDORF, MEDICAL DIRECTOR- HOSPICE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

When we all think about medication administration our mind naturally goes to swallowing a pill or a teaspoon of cough syrup, for example. This route of medication administration is by far the most common and preferred. However, there are often circumstances that prevent the oral use of medications. These can include the inability to swallow, whether due to a decreased level of consciousness or an oral or gastrointestinal lesion, severe nausea and/or vomiting, or bowel obstruction. When these issues arise, prescribers must look to alternative routes of medication administration to meet patients’ needs. We will systematically review several of these options below.

Intravenous & Subcutaneous Administration

The other most familiar route is iaintravenous administration. While this is remarkably common in an inpatient setting, hospice use of IVs is less familiar to many. This is a very useful choice when patients have permanent IV access, such as a port or a PICC line. Intravenous administration works for almost all medications used in hospice care. However, a line “hook up” limits patient mobility and freedom. The IV site itself can also be a possible source of infection. For those patients who do not have permanent intravenous access, medications and fluids can be administered via the subcutaneous route. Administration under the skin has similar results as administering through a vein. However, the infusion is not as fast, and external tubing still limits patient mobility. If the patient happens to have a pre-existing enteral tube, such as a PEG tube, crushed medication is an alternative option for administration. Crushing or altering extended-release medications is not possible; thus, precluding their use. Enteral tube placement, in and of itself, has surgical risk, and typically the sole purpose of medication administration in the hospice setting is not enough to initiate placement.

Transdermal & Transmucosal Administration

Transdermal patches have become more common due to their ease of use, typical extended duration of action, up to three days for many products, and their painless nature. The medication is systemically absorbed. However, many types of patches require the patient to have an adequate amount of subcutaneous fat under the patch placement area to ensure absorption. Oftentimes, our hospice patients have lost a large amount of weight, and this can be a limiting factor. Some patients may also develop local irritation to the adhesive. Heat exposure, such as heating pads and personal fever, can also increase medication absorption causing untoward effects.

Topical administration differs from transdermal in that these products are typically gels, creams, or ointments. They constitute direct application to the problem area and minimal systemic absorption. In other words, they work where you put them, but absorption into the bloodstream is not efficient. Thus, they have limited usefulness in hospice care. Some medications can be absorbed via the transmucosal route, such as under the tongue and via the inside of the cheek. A volume of 1ml is the limit on this alternative, due to aspiration risk. However, this method is very simple for families to utilize and can often be used with the same medications that are already present in the home.

Respiratory Route

Many respiratory medications, such as albuterol, require a nebulizer machine to help with wheezing or shortness of breath. However, other categories of medications, such as opioids and diuretics, might be given this way if needed. Their effectiveness can vary from patient to patient.

The intranasal route can have extremely rapid absorption, similar to intravenous administration, but the dose must be 1.5 to 2 times higher than the parenteral dose. Volume, of up to 1 ml, limits this route, and these medications can be quite expensive. Lastly, the rectal route is a useful method. Oral administration and rectal administration constitute the same dosage with the same effectiveness. This route is simple to utilize, though many patients may find it unpleasant. Patients with either low white blood cell counts or low platelets should avoid rectal administration due to the risk of infection and bleeding risk, respectively.

In summary, oral administration of medication is the most common and most palatable route of medication administration for most patients. However, when that route becomes unavailable, there are multiple other avenues that prescribers and caregivers can pursue to ensure patient comfort and symptom management.

At Hospice of Southern Illinois, we are regularly evaluating our patients with our interdisciplinary team to ensure that our care measures are effective for our patients and manageable for their caregivers. We are proud to be your choice as a community not for-profit hospice provider.

References:

Kestenbaum MD M, Vilches RPh A, Messersmith MS M, Connor PhD S, Fine MD, P, Murphy MD B, Davis M, Muir MD JC. Alternative Routes to Oral Opioid Administration in Palliative Care: A Review and Clinical Summary. Pain Medicine 2014; 15: 1129-1153

World-Class Expertise is

Memorial Hospitals are proud to be part of BJC HealthCare, which connects us to the area’s top specialists from BJC Medical Group of Illinois, Siteman Cancer Center, and Washington University Physicians in Illinois, Inc. Memorial offers focused, coordinated care from our experts in breast health, orthopedic care, and heart care. When you need world-class expertise, it’s right here where you live.