October 2016 Chamber Connection Newsletter by The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | October 2016

November 2015

Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois Receives Committment to Community Award The Commitment to Community Award is presented quarterly to a Chamber Member who demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and/or businesses in the greater Belleville area. The Ambassadors were honored to present this quarter’s award to the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois on September 1st, 2016. The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois has been providing services to victims of domestic violence and providing prevention and education to the community for over 36 years. When the Center was founded in 1979, it consisted of one five-room shelter in Belleville with one part-time staffer. Today it employs 32 people and has a physical presences in Monroe, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties. The Center provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence including shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, prevention education, art therapy and a 24/7 hotline. They also operate the “Shelter Shop,” located at #2C Bellevue Park Plaza in Belleville, selling donated, pre-owned clothing, furniture, and household items to benefit the Center. Clients staying in the shelter who are in need of emergency clothing and/or other items are also given vouchers to shop for items free of charge – a valuable asset to those who flee with nothing. The Violence Prevention Center partners with schools, hospitals, community service agencies, police departments and State’s Attorney’s offices to further their mission of eliminating domestic violence in individual lives and society as a whole. They begin educating children as early as kindergarten about bullying and continue through high school, where students learn about healthy relationships. On college campuses they hold Candlelight Vigils to honor the lives of domestic violence victims, giving the community an opportunity to see the real-life implications of domestic violence. Darlene Jones, Executive Director of the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois is often asked if domestic violence is getting worse because there are so many incidents and deaths being reported as domestic violence. Her response is this, “It’s not getting worse; it’s just being identified as what it is. The education is working.” She sees this as major progress towards the center’s goal of eliminating domestic violence. No longer is it simply referred to as “disturbance of peace” or a “domestic disturbance.” To learn more about the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois, visit vpcswi.org.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Bob Mueller, President TheBANK of Edwardsville

Platinum:

Memorial Hospital

Kevin Richter, President Elect Mathis, Marifian & Richter, LTD

Gold: Silver:

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital City of Belleville Illinois American Water Company

Dr. Jeff Dosier, 1st Vice President Belleville Township High School District #201

Bronze:

Ameren AT&T Belleville News-Democrat Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.

Friends:

Associated Bank Auffenberg Belleville Commerce Bank Eckert’s Country Store and Farms Gonzalez Companies, LLC Grey Eagle Distributors Korte & Luitjohan Regions Bank Scott Credit Union Southwestern Illinois College TerraSourceGlobal TheBANK of Edwardsville The ROHO Group U.S. Bank

Alliance:

Abbott EMS Allsup, Inc Apartment Community of Our Lady of the Snows Bank of Belleville Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative BMO Harris Bank BOS Metro East Banking Center Breakthru Beverage Group Casino Queen Century Brass Works Chelar Tool and Die CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP Cooling Concepts ELB Enterprises, Inc. Empire Comfort Systems FCB Bank First Bank FKG Oil Company Four Fountains Convalescent Center Hilton Garden Inn & Regency Conference Center Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP Holland Construction Services International Paper Lewis & Rice Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. Memorial & St. Elizabeth’s Cancer Treatment Center McKendree University National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows NAACP, East St. Louis Branch North Bay Produce NovaChrome Prairie State Energy Campus Print Master Sam’s Club Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. Schmitt Chevrolet Strano & Associates The Home Depot UMB Bank United Parcel Service Volkert, Inc. Walmart Willowcreek Rehab & Nursing Center Windoor Company

Mike McManus, Treasurer Memorial Hospital Tracy McCollum, Immediate Past President Standard Rule Promotions

Board of Directors Dr. Brett Barger, Lindenwood University-Belleville Geri Boyer, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC Edmond Brown, ELB Enterprises Mayor Mark Eckert, City of Belleville Chris Eckert, Eckert’s, Inc. Dr. Mark Eichenlaub, Southwestern Illinois College Grant Evitts, Illinois American Water Harlan “Skip” Ferry, Commerce Bank Scott Givens, Scott Givens, LLC Pat Hill, Allsup, Inc. Rachel Jackson, Project Compassion, NFP Darlene Jones, Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois Jerril Jones, Center for Racial Harmony Matt Klosterman, Belleville Public School District #118 Mary C. Lamie, St. Louis Regional Freightway Melissa Mason, Belleville News-Democrat Kevin Pesko, Bank of Belleville John Reichert, In-Focus Marketing Peg Sebastian, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Kevin Vick, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. Joseph Weissert, Ameren Illinois Will Welsh, Gateway Region YMCA Roger Wigginton, Don Rodgers, Ltd.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Chairman Mark Kern, St. Clair County Christine Spargur, Scott Air Force Base

CHAMBER STAFF Wendy J. Pfeil, Executive Director wpfeil@bellevillechamber.org Beth Tucker, Office Manager btucker@bellevillechamber.org Landon Brooks, Marketing and Communications Manager lbrooks@bellevillechamber.org Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/Event Manager pschifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org Alicia Slocomb, Main Street Manager bms@bellevillechamber.org

AMBASSADORS

SPECIAL PARTNERS

Shirley Bertelsmann, Community Member Sarah Biermann, King’s House Retreat Center Rebecca Boyer, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC Justin Chapman, TheBANK of Edwardsville Terri Dambacher, CompuType IT Solutions Bob Dintelmann, Landscape Consultant RoseMarie Fitzgerald, Community Member Mary Jo Foerste, Community Member Cari Frick, Metro Lock and Security, Inc. Mona Friederich, Bank of Belleville Sharon Goff, Self-Employed Patty Gregory, Art on the Square Martha Holloway, St. Paul’s Senior Community Dean Hardt, City of Belleville Dennis F. Korte, Sr., Belleville Township Supervisor Joyce Laux, Community Member Tracy McCollum, Standard Rule Promotions Dorothy Meyer, St. Clair County Mark Mueller, Mueller Furniture Al Orelt, Albert Orelt Allstate Agency Lisa Phillipson, Hospice of Southern Illinois Joy Prigge, Dieterich Bank Mary Reuter, Lindenwood University - Belleville Leslie Schmidt, Abbott EMS Loretta Stammer, Community Member Brandy Steely, BND Anne Thomure, Memorial Hospital Jack Weck, Community Member Sheri Welch, Independent Insurance Agent Susan Wobbe, St. Clair County John Wunderlich, Egyptian Business Furniture Sharon Zika, Scott Credit Union

2016 Advertising Rates Business Card:

$25 per month

1/4 Page:

$50 per month

(3.5 x 2.3)

(3.5 x 4.8)

1/2 Page:

$100 per month

(7.3 x 4.8)

Full Page:

$200 per month

(7.3 x 9.8)

Ads must be received by the 15th of the month, electronically as a pdf. Please call (618) 233-2015 to reserve your ad space.

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

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January 2016

Chamber Events The Chamber Welcomes Peggy Schifferdecker as Membership/Event Manager The Chamber welcomes Peggy Schifferdecker aboard as Membership/Event Manager. Peggy comes to the Chamber with a wealth of experience. She is a business professional with a Marketing degree and 25 years of experience in Business Development, Client Service, and Project Management. Her focus as Membership Manager is retention and growth of Chamber members. In her role as Event Manager she will act as project manager for the major events the Chamber hosts. In addition to her work experience, Peggy is a committee member with the Boy Scouts, chaired fundraising events and trips with the Belleville West Bands, and has served in various roles with the Cathedral Board of Education. Peggy is from Belleville and is very excited to be part of the Greater Belleville Chamber serving the business community. Peggy can be reached at pschifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org or 618.233.2015.

September 2016

Upcoming Chamber Events 10/4 10/4 10/5 10/6 10/7 & 8 10/8 10/10 10/11 10/13 10/13 10/18 10/18 10/19 10/20 10/20 10/20 10/26 10/27

Education Committee Meeting Ribbon Cutting at Centers for Reproductive Health and Wellness SCORE Meeting Ambassador Meeting 33rd Annual Belleville Chili Cook-off Chili Chase 5k Run/Walk & Kids Pepper Dash PR/Marketing Committee Meeting Coffee Cup Connections CSA Committee Meeting Business After Hours Economic Development Committee Meeting INforM Committee Meeting Voters Forum Government Affairs Committee Meeting Healthcare Committee Meeting Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night Out Leadership Belleville Committee Meeting Lunch & Learn

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in learning more about the committees of the Chamber, please visit our website at www.bellevillechamber.org and click on Chamber Committees or call (618) 233-2015.

now!

SWIC classes

that start in September, October and November can meet a variety of needs.

swic.edu Belleville Campus Red Bud Campus Sam Wolf Granite City Campus

The Chamber Connection

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“Advancing Business. Supporting Community.” Join Us for the 33rd Annual Chili Cook-off!

Friday & Saturday October 7 & 8 Live Music. Hot Food.

Cold Beer.

....................................................................

2016 Business After Hours October 13 Four Fountains Convalescent Center November 3 Commerce Bank December 1 Breakthru Beverage

Premier Event Sponsor:

friday daytime Band Sponsor:

chili judging Sponsor:

friday night band Sponsor:

junior idol sponsor:

Saturday night band Sponsor:

Children’s area Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Allsup, Inc - Art on the Square - Bank of Belleville - Breakthru Beverage Commerce Bank - Illinois American Water Company - In Focus Marketing MedStar Ambulance - Precision Practice Management - Scheffel Boyle

Upcoming Coffee Cup Connections Tuesday, October 11 | 8:15am Hosted by: Ambassador Travel 312 E Main St. | Belleville Don’t miss this opportunity to network and learn about other member businesses! Click here to register Page 4

January 2016

“Advancing Business. Supporting Community.”

Welcome AxOx Training info@axoxtraining.com (618) 203-2092 Centers for Reproductive Medicine & Wellness 6 Bronze Pointe N, | Swansea (618) 509-5523

Thank You

The businesses and organizations below joined the Chamber in August... Center Stage Dance Apparel and Costume House 1722 North Belt West | Belleville (618) 235-6032 Helfrich Family Eye Care 3030 Frank Scott Pkwy W #1 | Belleville (618) 744-7555 The businesses and organizations below renewed their investment with the Chamber in August...

Abbot EMS

Hometown Ace Hardware

Ango Kernan Rental & Sales

Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc.

Bank of Belleville

Local Lucy’s

Belleville Community Development Corporation

Signal Hill School District 181

Farmers & Merchant’s National Bank

Turned Treasures Gallery & School of Woodturning

6000 Old Collinsville Rd. Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Missouri: Illinois: Fax: E-Mail:

314-692-7979 618-397-7233 618-398-5887 sales@metrolock.net

www.metrolock.net (800) 422-2782 • www.illinoisamwater.com

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Business After Hours Sponsor: St. Paul United Church of Christ ..............................

115 West B Street | Belleville Belleville, IL 62220 Chamber members enjoyed a beautiful evening at St. Paul United Church of Christ during September’s Business After Hours. Members had the opportunity to meet the organization’s new Interim Pastor, Rev. Robert Koepcke and hear about some of the facilities history and future plans from Mike Cannon, the Church Business Coordinator.

Joyce Cannon, The Weingarten Mike Cannon, St. Paul United Church of Christ

This month’s Business After Hours was truly a group effort. Masterworks Chorale, Marketplace Magazine, The Weingarten and Visiting Angels all coordinated with St. Paul UCC to provide members with a variety of food, beverages and information throughout the evening. While there, members got to see some exciting renovations coming to the century-old church. A new stage is being built in their auditorium, beneath a giant stained glass window that is original to the building. The Church will use this space for live entertainment during various functions. A big thanks to St. Paul United Church of Christ for inviting members to spend an evening in their charming and historical facility! ...................................................................................................................

To learn more about St. Paul United Church of Christ: stpaulucc.org

Laurie Bauer, The Cancer Treatment Center Cheryl Brunsman, PSOP Phil Hickman, Associated Bank

Upcoming Business After Hours Thursday, Oct. 13th | 5 - 7PM Four Fountains Convalescent Center 115 West B Street | Belleville Sponsor: RoseMarie Fitzgerald, Community Member Julia Crunk, Ambassador Travel

Natalie Jablonski, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois RuthAnn & Dick Erdman, Erdman Law Office

Visit facebookcom/GreaterBellevilleChamber for more pictures from the event! Page 6

January 2016

Ribbon Cuttings

Don Rodgerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ltd celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 6th.

Helfrich Eye Care celebrated the Grand Opening of their new Belleville office at with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 13th.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings October 4 Centers for Reproductive Medicine & Wellness 11:00am | 6 Bronze Pointe N, Swansea, IL 62226

Turned Treasures celebrated their 2nd Anniversary with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 15th.

Celebrating a new business opening, anniversary or remodel? Celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting. Contact Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/Event Manager, for more information. .................................................................................. Email pschifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org or call the Chamber Office at (618) 233-2015.

Upcoming Lunch & Learn Thursday, October 27 | 11:45am Speaker: Gieta Beckmann, Regions Bank Topic: Protect Your Small Business From Fraud Location: Crehanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Irish Pub | 5500 N. Belt W. | Belleville Click here to register The Chamber Connection

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Chamber Events Educators Honored at Second Annual Teacher Appreciation Reception

Chamber members joined community educators for the Second Annual Teacher Appreciation Reception at SWIC on Sept. 15th. Adminitrative staff and fellow teachers from Chamber member schools welcomed new teachers aboard and thanked retiring teachers for their years of service. The event took place on the patio at SWIC’s Liberal Arts Complex. The Weingarten served a variety of wines and sangria for guests and Sam’s Club provided desserts. Grey Eagle donated beer and water as well. The event was well attended, with over 150 members and educators coming out to celebrate the local men and women that set the foundation for our community through education. This is a valuable Chamber event and we look forward to continuing it in the future!

Teacher Supporter:

Drink Sponsor: The Weingarten Gold Sponsors: Becker, Hoerner, Thompson & Ysursa PC BTHS Dist 201 Teacher’s Union First Student FKG Oil Company Sam’s Club

BTHS District 201 CompuType It Solutions Don Rodger’s Ltd Erdman Law Office Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap Jack Schmitt Chevrolet Lynn Clapp Martin Glass Company Metro East Gastroenterology, Ltd. Mueller Furniture Scott Credit Union SSM Physical Therapy St. Clair County Regional Office of Education State Farm - Dave Raetz Tom Holbrook

Congratulations on 50 years of business!

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January 2016

Committee Updates Belleville Main Street to Host 6th Annual Art & Wine Walk

Join Belleville Main Street on November 5th for the annual Art & Wine Walk! Stroll downtown Belleville Main Street while sampling wines, viewing artists’ work, and listening to local musicians. Tickets: $20 advance sale or $25 day of the event (Commemorative wine glass included).

ti (limited

Participating Vineyards include: The Weingarten Walker’s Bluff Crown Valley Participating Artists include: Fripptic (Heather Holland-Daly) Sharon Aach of De’Vine Lines Artistry Maribeth Clancy Jeff Hornung Rod Smith Michelle J. Vierk Satchell Nicole Shanks - Ceramics/Pottery LL (Lee) Lieige - Photography Natalie Kelsey - mixed media Marc C. Dethrow - Oil and Graphite

N TRATIO REGIS EARLY5 at the doaoilrable) $2 ckets av

Saturday November 5 5-9PM

20+ participating Merchants Local Art -- Live Music Includes Commemorative Glass

WALK

Online tickets available at www.bellevillemainstreet.net through Nov. 3

For more information, please email bms@bellevillechamber.org. Champagne Sponsor: Bank of Belleville Chardonnay Sponsors: Arsenal Credit Union Archway Cooling & Heating | Cupcakes Too Pour @322

Sponsored by Belleville Main Street

Banking Law Practiced by Real Professionals Real-world experience. That is what distinguishes the banking law practice at Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. from many other law firms. As former bankers and Federal Reserve directors, our attorneys do not just practice banking law; they have hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of banking institutions. From small community-based financial institutions to large multi-state banking organizations, our banking law services include: • • • • •

Bank sales and acquisitions Holding company formations Collection actions Loan workouts Mortgage foreclosures

• • • •

Loan documentation S elections Lender liability litigation Regulatory matters

Shareholders Patrick B. Mathis George E. Marifian Kevin J. Richter Mark J. Stegman Mark S. Schuver Gregory W. Coffey William J. Niehoff Kelli E. Madigan Bradley W. Small Mary E. Lopinot Deanna L. Litzenburg Philip D. Speicher Laura E. Schrick Sandra J. Tatoian Beth K. Flowers Associates Natalie T. Lorenz Rebecca K. Wohltman Colin C. Clark Joseph R. Harvath Melissa C. Meirink Of Counsel Charles M. Lock Barry D. Dix

618.234.9800 | 618.656.2244 | 618.327.4300 | 314.421.2325 BELLEVILLE, IL | EDWARDSVILLE, IL | NASHVILLE, IL | ST. LOUIS, MO WWW.MMRLTD.COM

The Chamber Connection

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Leadership Belleville Leadership Belleville Retreat The Leadership Belleville 2016-2017 Class attended a two-day overnight retreat on September 8th & 9th at Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, Illinois. The retreat focused on team building, leadership and communications skills. Facilitators provided the class with the opportunity to bond and develop significant relationships that will be useful in their professional, civic and personal endeavors. During the retreat, the class explored effective personal leadership skills and aquired powerful tools to meet the day-to-day demans of a leader. The annual Leadership Belleville retreat is an important component of the Leadership Belleville program because it sets the foundation for each monthly session. For more information about the Leadership Belleville Program, visit bellevillechamber.org.

Next Leadership Belleville Day is Oct. 21 History, Culture & Religion Day

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Spotlight on Education Signal Hill School District #181 Signal Hill is starting a new year. We are proud to welcome new staff to the district. Many of the faces in the SHS office have changed as Superintendent Janice Kunz, Principal Brooke Wiemers, and Bookkeeper Whitney Schoenbeck are new to the district and are very excited to be at the helm of a strong and enthusiastic teaching team. We have four new teachers joining the Signal Hill Warrior teaching staff: Art Silvia, Leigh Staley, Sarah Schulte and Grayce Voreis. Their love of learning and team spirit will make the Warrior staff even stronger. Our theme this year, is “Spotlight on Character”. We are focusing on our students and staff doing the right thing even when they think no one is looking. We plan to celebrate those behaviors that exemplify character throughout the year with a shout out on the intercom and quarterly prizes. Signal Hill has a strong sense of family and tradition. This walking school district retains the tradition of parents walking hand in hand with their children each morning and at the end of each day. The PTO and Educational Foundation (SHEF) strongly support teaching and learning at Signal Hill School. The neighborhood school is proud to have increased technology towards 1:1 learning with 2 new computer carts full of chrome books, three additional classroom Smart boards, and 10 additional IPads. In addition to teaching the core subjects to our PK- grade 8 students, we offer Spanish K-8 and leadership and library research classes to our 6-8 graders. The tradition of the 8th grade play remains strong over the last 51 years. Alumni enjoy sharing conversations about what part they had in their 8th grade play. Because of a strong support system, Signal Hill continues to achieve. The collaboration of families, teachers and staff, and the neighborhood district makes Signal Hill strong. The guidance of families and the school community molds our character. The students and staff help us to grow academically and emotionally. Together we will achieve! Signal Hill School is starting an exciting year, and I am proud to be a part of this learning community that loves its school, students, and staff. It’s going to be a great year, Warriors! - Janice Kunz, Superintendent

Your Ad Here contact Landon to advertise: lbrooks@bellevillechamber.org 618.233.2015

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THE MEMORIAL NETWORK STRIVES TO KEEP the communities we serve healthyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including your employees. Through support programs, health screenings, and more, the Memorial Network is committed to promoting healthy communities through our hospitals, centers and services, and Memorial Medical Group. www.MemHosp.com

Page 12 9634_04 mhcn Ad Business Health Ass_7.3x9.8.indd 1

January 2016 2/11/16 11:53 AM

Chamber Member Update HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES BREAKS GROUND ON ADDITION AT OAK HILL Holland Construction Services, Inc. (Holland) joined with staff and residents of Oak Hill, along with members of the Waterloo community, at a ground breaking celebration for Oak Hill’s new transitional care center. The 16,000 square-foot addition, called Evergreen Pointe, will include 7 long-term private rooms in addition to a short-term rehab unit with 14 private rooms. The new addition will also feature a dining room, common area, and courtyard. “The purpose of this addition will be to provide services to those who are just coming to Oak Hill for a short-term rehabilitative stay while recovering from a surgery or illness such as a hip fracture, knee replacement, stroke, etc,” said Kim Keckritz, Administrator at Oak Hill. Oak Hill has been servicing the residents of Monroe County for over 65 years. In addition to their rehabilitation services, they also offer senior living apartments, memory care, and skilled care. Grubbs & Associates out of Hazelwood, Missouri, is the architect on the project. Work on the new addition is scheduled to be complete in May 2017. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

JAMIE FOSTER JOINS HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AS DIRECTOR OF HR Mike Marchal, president of Holland Construction Services (Holland), is pleased to announce that Jamie Foster has joined the Holland team as the new Director of Human Resources. Jamie comes to Holland with nearly 20 years’ experience in Human Resources. In her new role with Holland, she will be responsible for managing all aspects of talent management including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, employee relations, and compensation and benefits. “I am very excited to begin a new challenge with such an amazing organization,” Jamie said. “Holland is a growing company and I look forward to building upon its success in hiring quality people and providing career development opportunities. The company has an outstanding reputation and corporate culture, and I am glad to be joining the team.” Jamie received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration and her master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She is an active member of the Metro-East Illinois Society for Human Resource Management. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

ENYART TO PRESENT AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS Lindenwood University-Belleville Division of Business and Entrepreneurship adjunct instructor Bill Enyart will present a Congress to Campus program September 25-27 at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Enyart, a former Democratic congressman, who represented Southern Illinois’ 12th Congressional District in the 113th Congress, will present with former Republican Congressman Ron Saracin of Connecticut. Congress to Campus brings together former members of Congress and today’s youth to increase civic literacy and participation. A bipartisan pair of former members is sent to college, university and community college campuses for two day visits. During the visit, the former members conduct classes, hold community forums, and meet informally with students and faculty. This setting allows students to discover, on a more personal basis, what participation in a democracy entails. Former congressmen are invited through the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress by host schools interested in providing this valuable opportunity for their students. The former congressmen volunteer their time to provide this educational opportunity. For more information contact, Sharon Wittw, USAFMC at 202-507-4847 or switiw@usafmc.org or Bill Enyart at wenyart@lindenwood.edu. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Share your news with Chamber Members! Send press releases to Landon at: lbrooks@bellevillechamber.org The Chamber Connection

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Chamber Member Update MEMORIAL RECEIVES APPROVAL FROM STATE BOARD TO BUILD MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING IN SHILOH Memorial Regional Health Services, Inc. received unanimous approval from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Planning Review Board (IHFSRB) to build a three-story, 70,500 square-foot medical office building adjacent to Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh. The $25 million Medical Office Building will be located on a southeast a portion of the 94-acre campus where Memorial Hospital East opened in April. The new building will provide office space for physician specialists as well as offer imaging, laboratory and physical/occupational and speech therapy services. “We are very pleased with the board’s decision to approve our application,” said Mark J. Turner, president of Memorial Regional Health Services. “We’re excited to expand and grow our services to serve the needs of the residents of this region. “The community has been very receptive and complimentary of the services provided by Memorial East since we opened in April,” he added. “Constructing a medical office building on this campus has been part of our long-term plan to meeting the community’s needs.” Construction of this building is expected to begin the next few weeks with anticipated completion in late 2017. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

MEMORIAL FOUNDATION RECEIVES CHARITABLE GIFT NAMING BREAST HEALTH CENTER IN MEMORY OF HAROLD AND DIXIE LePERE The Breast Health Center at Memorial has been named the Harold and Dixie Le Pere Breast Health Center at Memorial thanks to a generous $750,000 charitable named gift from Le Pere’s son Lance and Michael Kors. Long-time Le Pere family friend and Memorial Auxiliary volunteer Jan Dorris approached Lance about making a tribute gift in memory of his parents who both served on boards at Memorial Hospital. Lance’s father, Harold, a noted architect who helped design Memorial Hospital and served on its Board of Directors; his mother Dixie was a member of Memorial Foundation’s Board of Directors. Harold passed away in 1996 and Dixie in 2003 after battling breast cancer. “Having been best friends with Hap and Dixie for many years, I knew how special Memorial Hospital was to both of them,” said Dorris. “They were especially happy and pleased with the high quality compassionate care given to Dixie during her 33 year-long breast cancer fight.” Dorris said she immediately knew with the current and future development plans for the Breast Health Center, this was the right fit to memorialize both of them. “I was deeply moved with the great enthusiasm from Lance and Michael when I approached them with the idea,” she continued. “They were very excited, thrilled and honored about the wonderful way to pay tribute to Lance’s parents.” Although Lance moved to New York at age 17 after graduating from Belleville Township High School East, he has not forgotten his roots and two of his three siblings still reside in the area. Lance is very close to his three siblings. His brother Scott resides in O’Fallon and sister Nicole Sinn lives in Belleville. His other sister Michelle Hewer lives in Virginia. Nicole serves on the committee to assist with Memorial Foundation’s fund raiser - Wine, Craft Beer and Chocolate Experience – to support the services provided by the Harold and Dixie Le Pere Breast Health Center. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

DISCOVER NATURE AND YOUR REGION AT SWIC THIS FALL Learn more about your region and the plants and animals you see daily by visiting the Southwestern Illinois College Red Bud Campus, 500 W. South Fourth St., for three information sessions this fall with the Kaskaskia Valley Audubon Society. Oct. 20 and Nov. 17, the group will meet at SWIC at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Room to discuss a variety of topics detailing the many things nature lovers can discover in this part of the country. Mike and JoAnne Fricke and Carolyn Wright will lead the Oct. 20 session, titled “There’s a BIG Kitty in my Woods!” This amazing information session details the re-emergence of the bobcat in Southern Illinois and what that means for the region’s ecological future. The Nov. 17 session is about the state’s flora. Titled, “The Flora of Illinois,” this meeting will discuss the beauty of the natural flora and rare plants that grow in Illinois forests and fields. The session is led by Southern Illinois University Carbondale instructor and Illinois Native Plant Society president Chris Benda. The events is are free and open to the public. For more information, call SWIC Biology Professor Bob Weck at 618-235-2700, ext. 5607.

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January 2016

Chamber Member Update MEMORIAL HOSPITAL TO HOLD WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM Work toward a successful and healthy life by enrolling in Memorial’s comprehensive 8-week lifestyle improvement program, Healthy Lifestyle. The program begins Thursday, September 29, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at Memorial’s Belleville Health and Sports Center, 1001 South 74th Street, Belleville, Illinois. The program will end on Thursday, November 24. The Healthy Lifestyle program is designed to help you find the right balance of diet and exercise to achieve your personal weight loss goals. The program includes body fat analysis testing at the beginning and end of the 8-week program, weekly weigh-ins, diet and nutrition information, an introduction to a variety of exercise programs and a personalized exercise plan designed for each participant. The program, taught by registered dietitians and fitness professionals, is offered for just $95. Class size is limited. Please register online at www.memhosp.com/events. For more information, call Belleville Health and Sports Center at (618) 398-2778. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S AUXILIARY PLANS UNIQUE BOUTIQUE EVENT A variety of unique craft and gift items will be available at Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary Unique Boutique Friday, October 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Health Education Center, 706 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon. Items available at Unique Boutique will include: Monogramed items by NSquared Designs Ashlyn Ahlers will have handmade tutus, bows and bracelets Debbie Doodle Creations will offer unique hand painted and jeweled plates that can be personalized Virginia Witt will have her specialty designed ornaments for personalization Hand-woven specialty baskets by Basket and Bead Chocolates created using the finest all natural ingredients with no artificial flavors, color, preservatives or sweeteners by Kakao Chocolates Lionne Designs will have a collection of jewelry in sterling silver, 14k gold-filled, genuine and natural stones Credit cards will be accepted by most vendors! For more information, contact Memorial’s Auxiliary at (618) 257-5545 or auxiliary@memhosp.com

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618-233-0480 300 W. Main St., Suite 4 Belleville IL 62220

The Chamber Connection

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Chamber Member Update IMPACT STRATEGIES AWARDED CONTRACT TO BUILD NEW PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY FOR THE CITY OF EDWARDSVILLE Construction-management firm IMPACT Strategies announced it has been awarded a $12 million contract to build a 51,000-square-foot public safety facility for the City of Edwardsville. The project officially kicked-off at a groundbreaking event held Saturday at the building’s site located at 333 South Main Street. The new facility will be directly adjacent to the new Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad. IMPACT Strategies is working collaboratively with FGM Architects in O’Fallon, Illinois. Upon completion in late 2017, the new public safety facility will house the fire department and all law enforcement offices, including detention cells and evidence storage. The City’s decision to co-locate police and fire services under one roof was done in an effort to save tax payer dollars while at the same time providing greater convenience for the departments. Mark Hinrichs, president of IMPACT Strategies, said “The fire and police departments work hand-in-hand so having a single location for all things public safety related will be a huge advantage to the City and its residents. The new building will allow the City to support its current needs and future growth for the next 50 to 75 years.” .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

CELLO AND PIANO CONCERT AT SCHMIDT ART CENTER

The Southwestern Illinois College Music department will kick off its Chamber Music Series with the sounds of cellist Stephanie Hunt and pianist Diana Umali. The concert, “Finding Dora” will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Schmidt Art Center on the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The program is free and open to the public. Hunt is a versatile musician, performing on both modern and baroque cello. Hunt teaches cello in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Suzuki program and at SWIC while maintaining a private studio in St. Louis. Umali is an assistant professor of piano at SWIC and as a collaborative pianist, she has accompanied recitals with the St. Louis Flute Society and at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. For more information on events offered by the SWIC Music department, visit swic.edu/music or contact Umali at diana.umali@swic.edu.

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Page 16

Chamber Member Update KYLE STIGLER SIGNS ON AS PROJECT ENGINEER FOR IMPACT STRATEGIES Construction-management firm IMPACT Strategies today announced it has hired Kyle Stigler, a resident of Fairview Heights, Illinois, as a project engineer. Stigler is an experienced construction engineer with proficiency in managing the dayto-day responsibilities of contractors on mid-sized projects to major multi-million dollar developments for both private companies and government agencies. Since 2011, Stigler has worked as a staff engineer and engineering technician for various companies, providing him the opportunity to hone his project management experience and engineering skills. He has completed his OSHA 30 Hour Construction Outreach Training and is certified in storm water erosion control and Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and Public Right of Way Accessible Guidelines (PROWAG). Stigler also completed the New Environment, Inc. – Confined Space Safety Program, IDOT Documentation Class, and he is a Qualified Compliance Inspector of Storm water. Mark Hinrichs, president of IMPACT Strategies, said, “We’re very fortunate to have Kyle join our team. We believe our clients will greatly benefit from his knowledge and experience in engineering and, overall, be an asset to our company.” ........................................................................................................................................................................................................

BARBERMURPHY GROUP WELCOMES BROKER ASSOCIATE JAMES LEOPOLD James Leopold graduated from the University of Missouri with a major in Finance, specializing in Personal Finance. During his time at Mizzou, he worked in numerous professional industries including risk management, real estate, and finance. Immediately following graduation, he continued in the residential real estate market in the Missouri and Illinois areas. Before pursing his interest in commercial real estate, he helped managed a portfolio of properties for a St. Louis investment group and exposed himself to the diverse aspects of the real estate business. As a third generation Realtor he is excited to be pursing his true passion in the commercial real estate industry with BARBERMurphy Group. James’ focus will be on industrial sales, industrial leasing and commercial projects in Southern Illinois. James was born and raised in St. Clair County. He has resided there for the majority of his 24 years.

The Chamber Connection

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Chamber Member Update SWIC GRADUATE KEEPS HIS HEAD COOL WELDING UNDERWATER It may sound unusual, but Thomas Vratney found his calling while holding a 3,400-degree welding torch submerged in 12 feet of seawater. And as he did, he knew he could thank his Southwestern Illinois College education. Vratney, 21, is an underwater welder for J&J Diving Corporation in Belle Chasse, La. Underwater welding is a process that requires skilled professionals to don diving equipment along with their welding masks. These welders then seal metal pipes and joints in saltwater work environments for a variety of projects. J&J Diving Corporation does pipeline and platform repair for offshore oil platforms, plus ship and barge repair. The process can be harrowing for people with fears of enclosed spaces, but for Vratney of Swansea, it’s exciting. “When I saw underwater welding in our [text]book, it seemed really cool and I heard you get paid well,” he said. “I went here and ended up following through with my degree and ended up doing [underwater welding].” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an underwater welder and commercial diver is about $54,000. Welding Program Coordinator Chuck Gulash said that he was proud of Vratney. “He was a great student, very driven and had a great work ethic,” Gulash said. “He had once injured his knee, but still came in to work once he’d had his brace on and did so safely. He had incredible drive and great people skills. He really has his head on correctly.” The SWIC Welding program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates in Welding Technology, Welding Technology Advanced, Welding Technology Specialized, and Advanced Welding Manufacturing. For more information on the SWIC Welding program, call 618-931-0600, ext. 7243 or visit swic.edu/wt. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

HSHS ST. ELIZABETH’S HOSPITAL CELEBRATES NATIONAL REHABILITATION WEEK WITH THREE-YEAR CARF ACCREDITATION

During National Rehabilitation Week, September 18-24, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital was pleased to announce that the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International recently accredited St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for a period of three years. The latest accreditation is the ninth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has awarded to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. “St. Elizabeth’s Rehabilitation Department is privileged to receive this high-level accreditation,” said Tom Dibadj, PT, and Director of Rehabilitative Services at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. “CARF accreditation is not mandatory for rehabilitation units to maintain. Instead, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital leadership chooses to achieve these rigorous, high-quality rehabilitation standards in order to provide the best care possible for our patients.” This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows St. Elizabeth’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. St. Elizabeth’s Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit is one of the few accredited rehab facilities in Southern Illinois and the only one available in St. Clair County. The 33 bed unit, founded in 1986 provides services to adults who have been affected by a varitety of physical ailments. For additional information about Rehabilitation Services at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, visit http://steliz.org/Medical-Services/ Rehabilitation-Unit.aspx or call (618) 234-2120, ext. 1129. Located in Downtown Belleville Since 1970

312 East Main Street | Belleville Call: 618.234.1046

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Chamber Member Update SELSIUS WORKSHOPS REVEAL THE MYSTERIES OF WELDING Don’t Fear The Welding Torch, Grasp It

SelsiusTM Corporate & Career Training at Southwestern Illinois College is bringing back its popular Welding the Next Step—Beyond Average. “It’s extremely empowering for someone to learn how to weld,” instructor Gailyn Cornell said. She’s taught everyone from preteens to those in their seventies.Although people fear the use of fire and electricity, she said, welding can be done safely at home and can clear the way for all sorts of projects. Certified master mechanic Richard Mollison enjoys the Saturday morning shop time. “Being in these classes really taught me a lot of hands-on safety techniques,” he said. Welding the Next Step—Beyond Average builds on those skills, focusing on higher-level techniques, machine setup, metallurgy, oxy-fuel equipment and TIG welding. It will be held Saturdays, Oct. 22 and 29 and Nov. 5. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 14. This workshop will be held at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road, from 8 a.m. to noon. Each workshop is $99, which includes the use of gloves, safety glasses and helmets. This workshop fills up quickly. Register at selsiustraining.com or 618-222-5688. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................

SCOTT CREDIT UNION PLEDGES $250,000 FOR NEW ST. ELIZABETH’S HOSPITAL Outpatient Registration Center Will Be In Local Credit Union’s Name

Scott Credit Union recently pledged $250,000 over the next five years to support the new St. Elizabeth’s Hospital being built on Green Mount Road near Interstate 64 in O’Fallon. Construction of the new $300 million, 144-bed facility is under way and is expected to be completed in 2017. Scott Credit Union President & CEO Frank Padak met with St. Elizabeth’s Hospital representatives recently to present a check and express Scott Credit Union’s support of the new hospital. “As an active member of the community, we realize the importance of quality hospitals and are proud to play a role in helping make a new facility a reality,” Padak said “Scott Credit Union has enjoyed great success in the communities we serve and understand we have a responsibility to give back and support our communities whenever possible. This is another great opportunity for us to give back to the residents of St. Clair County.” The new hospital will incorporate the latest advances in design, function and patient care. The facility will include private rooms, an improved technology infrastructure, electronic health records in each patient room, a nurse call system with smartphone technology, telemetry monitoring systems and provide the ability for the medical staff to monitor patients from throughout the facility. The new St. Elizabeth’s Hospital will offer comprehensive in-patient and out-patient services to meet the health care needs of the region. In-patient services will include general medicine, cardiology, general surgery, emergency pediatrics, a comprehensive acute rehabilitation unit, a mother-child center, wound care, hospitalists and intensivists, and more to serve patients. In addition, the hospital and connected medical office building will offer outpatient services such as lab testing, medical imaging and physical therapy, plus many family and specialty physician offices. “The hospital will be designed to emphasize healing and wellness with a focus on outpatient treatment and therapy, allowing patients to avoid unwanted overnight stays and assist healing at home,” said St. Elizabeth’s Hospital President & CEO Peggy Sebastian. “The construction of our new hospital positions us to meet the healthcare needs of not only today, but tomorrow. The 114 acres of surrounding land offers room for expansion, ensuring we can evolve to meet the needs of the region for decades.” “The project is designed to meet the challenges of the evolving health care environment and to preserve St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s ability to continue the mission of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis for the next 100 years,” Sebastian said. Scott Credit Union has made giving back to its communities a major priority. The local credit union contributed about $370,000 and its employees volunteered over 2,400 hours to a variety of local civic efforts throughout the region in 2015. The credit union has contributed approximately $1.75 million and its employees have volunteered nearly 15,000 hours to a variety of local civic efforts and financial education throughout the region in the past seven years. Scott Credit Union currently has 15 area locations: Scott Air Force Base, East Belleville, Fairview Heights, Collinsville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville, Cahokia, Waterloo, Highland, Caseyville, West Belleville, Millstadt, Mascoutah, Troy and East Alton. For details on opening accounts at Scott Credit Union, visit www.scu.org, call 1-800-888-4728, or stop by any of the credit union’s branches.

The Chamber Connection

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James A. Bock, Jr. Glen Carbon, IL Edward S. Bott, Jr. Belleville, IL Dominique de Vastey Glen Carbon, IL Ann Marie Fitzpatrick Maryville, IL Thomas F. Hennessy, III Swansea, IL

Greensfelder attorneys lead the way

Linda M. Italiano Shiloh, IL Dayna L. Johnson Glen Carbon, IL Cherie K. Macdonald O’Fallon, 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 Megha Shah Fairview Heights, IL Andrew J. Tessman Belleville, IL George A. “Skip” Uhl Belleville, IL Kevin Vick Belleville, IL Donald E. Weihl Belleville, IL Patricia H. Wharton Belleville, IL David W. Ybarra Fairview Heights, 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 Offices in Belleville, IL • St. Louis, MO • Chicago, IL •

What’s Happening in October Saturday & Sunday | Oct. 1 & 2 Knife & Gun Show Belle-Clair Fairgrounds | Belleville 618-235-0666

Friday & Saturday | Oct. 7 & 8 33rd Annual Belleville Chili Cook-off Downtown Belleville | Belleville 618-233-2015

Saturday | Oct. 1 Food Fest Cathedral | Belleville 618-234-1166

Friday | Oct. 7 Free Meal Friday Green Mount Road Church of Christ | Belleville 618. 234-5247

Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois Cleaning Day Violence Prevention Center | Belleville 618-236-2531

Saturday | Oct. 8 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s SWIC | Belleville 314-801-8053

Celebrate Creation and Creatures The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows | Belleville 618-394-6276

Thursday | Oct. 13 Wine Class Eckert’s, Inc. | Belleville 618-233-0513

Belleville Fall Museum House Day Various Locations | Belleville 618-234-0600

Friday | Oct. 14 Ladies Night Out – Art with Allie Bellevue Park Stone Lodge | Belleville 618-277-9785

Wednesday | Oct. 19 Adult Pumpkin Carving Contest Grappa Growlers | Belleville 618-234-9463 Saturday & Sunday | Oct 15 & 16 Belleville Flea Market Belle-Clair Fairgrounds | Belleville 618-235-0666 Saturday | Oct. 15 Cemetery Walk at Historic Messinger Cemetery Messinger Cemetery | Belleville 618-234-0600 Thursday | Oct. 20 Belleville Main Street Ladies’ Night Out Downtown Belleville 618-233-2015

Saturday | Oct. 22 Hospice of Southern Illinois Cirque De La Vie Bellcourt Manor | Belleville 618-310-7047 Tuesday | Oct. 25 PSOP Angels and Demons Tour Various Locations in St. Louis 618-234-4410 Wednesday | Oct. 26 Adam’s Auction Belle-Clair Fairgrounds | Belleville 618-235-0666 Thursday | Oct .27 Yoga & Wine The Weingarten | Belleville 618-257-9463 Saturday | Oct. 29 Living with Cancer: Blessing? Burden? Both? The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows | Belleville 618-394-6276 Every Saturday & Sunday in October Pumpkin Jamboree Eckert’s, Inc. | Belleville 618-233-0513 Every Saturday in October Old Town Market Downtown Belleville 618-233-2015 We are constantly updating our Community Calendar! Visit bellevillechamber.org for an up-to-date list of events!

OCT 7 & 8

The 4th Annual Chili Chase 5K Run/ Walk & the Kid’s Pepper Dash Oct. 8th | 9:00am Register Today!

.BellevilleChili.com

www

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Chili Chase 5k Run/ Walk & Kids Pepper Dash Race Date/Time: Saturday, October 8, 2015 at 9 a.m.; Course Briefing at 8:45 a.m. Location:

Historic Downtown Belleville. Start will be at East Main & Church St.

Awards:

Trophy to overall 1st place finisher, male and female. Medals to the Top 3 finishers male and female in each race: 13 & under, 14-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+. Each child participating in the Pepper Dash will receive a medal.

Registration Fee: Adults $20, Youth $15 (16 & under). Late Registration Fee: $25 after

September 28, 2016; $30 day of race. Kids Pepper Dash $5 (13 &under)

T-Shirts:

"Chili Chase" T-shirts and sizes are guaranteed for 5K registration ONLY and registration must be received by September 23, 2016.

Cash, Check, Credit Card (online)

Race Website:

www.BellevilleChili.com

October 8

2 0 1 6 Benefiting the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class Scholarship Fund

Timing System: Bib Chip Timing by Final Lap Payment:

Satur day