chamber connection
THE GREATER BELLEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SEPTEMBER 2020
ARTICLE NAME
ARTICLE NAME
ARTICLE NAME
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
SPECIAL PARTNERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Edmond Brown, Chairperson ELB Enterprises, Inc.
Platinum:
Memorial Regional Health Services, Inc.
Gold:
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
Kevin Vick, Chairperson Elect Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
Silver:
Illinois American Water Company
Bronze:
Ameren Belleville Boot Company Belleville News-Democrat Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
Friends:
Associated Bank Auffenberg Belleville Busey Bank Commerce Bank Eckert’s Country Store and Farms Four Fountains Nursing and Rehab Gonzalez Companies, LLC Grey Eagle Distributors Homefield Energy Regions Bank Scott Credit Union Southwestern Illinois College TerraSourceGlobal The ROHO Group
Alliance:
Abbott EMS Allsup, Inc Balke Brown Transwestern Bank of Belleville Belleville Area Special Services Cooperative BOS Metro East Banking Center Breakthru Beverage Group Cannon Utility Services, LLC. Casino Queen Chelar Tool and Die CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP Cooling Concepts ELB Enterprises, Inc. Empire Comfort Systems FCB Bank First Bank FKG Oil Company Holland Construction Services Jack Schmitt Chevrolet Korte & Luitjohan Lewis Rice LLC Liberty Bank Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. McDonald’s - Burris Management, Inc. McKendree University National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Nothing Bundt Cakes Print Master Sam’s Club SIHF Healthcare Siteman Cancer Treatment Center Southern Illinois Builders Association The Esquiline of Our Lady of the Snows Walmart Willowcreek Rehab & Nursing Center
Amy Richter, First Vice Chairperson Hospice of Southern Illinois Mary Lamie, Second Vice Chairperson Bi-State Development Mike McManus, Immediate Past Chairperson Memorial Regional Health Services, Inc.
Board of Directors
Lisa Adams, Adams Publications Jeff Bair, Grimm & Gorly Florist and POUR@322 Brett Baltz, Egyptian Workspace Partners Ryan Boike, Belleville School District #118 Mayor Mark Eckert, City of Belleville Jerril Jones, Center for Racial Harmony Dan Lovekamp, Auffenburg Dealer Group of Illinois Tracy McCollum, Standard Rule Promotions Brian Mentzer, Belleville Township High School Dist #201 Kayla Mitchell Paula Nixon, Ameren Illinois David Nosacka, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Jessica Orelt, Baldree Insurance Scott Schanuel, Holland Construction Services Ron Stephens, Bank of Belleville Ben Wanless, Commerce Bank
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Chairman Mark Kern, St. Clair County Christine Spargur, Scott Air Force Base
CHAMBER STAFF Wendy J. Pfeil, President/CEO wpfeil@bellevillechamber.org Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/Event Manager pschifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org Diana Goebel, Marketing & Communications Manager marketing@bellevillechamber.org Alicia Slocomb, Main Street Manager bms@bellevillechamber.org Cathleen Lindauer, Director, Belleville Tourism clindauer@bellevillechamber.org
Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 216 East A Street, Belleville,IL 62220 Phone: (618) 233-2015 Fax: (618) 233-2077 www.bellevillechamber.org
AMBASSADORS Rebecca Boyer, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC Justin Chapman, Busey Bank Lynne Clapp, Vertical Performance Terri Dambacher, CompuType IT Solutions Julie Fetters, Associated Bank Mary Jo Foerste, Community Member Cari Frick, Metro Lock and Security, Inc. Sharon Goff, Self-Employed Patty Gregory, Art on the Square Dean Hardt, City of Belleville Dennis F. Korte, Sr., Community Member Tracy McCollum, Standard Rule Promotions Dorothy Meyer, St. Clair County Al Orelt, Albert Orelt Allstate Agency Lisa Phillipson, Hospice of Southern Illinois Joy Prigge, Dieterich Bank Leslie Schmidt, Abbott EMS Loretta Stammer, Community Member Brandy Steely, Community Member Anne Thomure, Memorial Regional Health Services Jack Weck, Community Member Sheri Welch, Independent Insurance Agent Susan Wobbe, Community Member John Wunderlich, Community Member Sharon Zika, Scott Credit Union
ADVERTISE IN THIS PUBLICATION 2020 Advertising Rates Business Card: (3.5 x 2.5in)
$25 per month
1/4 Page: (3.5 x 5in)
$50 per month
1/2 Page: (7 x 5in)
$100 per month
Full Page: (7 x 10in)
$200 per month
Ads must be received by the 15th of each month, electronically in JPEG or PDF form. Please call 618-233-2015 or email marketing@bellevillechamber.org to reserve your ad space.
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January 2016
COVER STORY the greater belleville chamber of commerce during the pandemic Ever since the pandemic grew in urgency in March, the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce team has been on alert of our members. The Chamber team was quick to build a webpage within 24 hours from the time everything began with resources as they came in, sometimes multiple times daily, and sent detailed e-mails to our members in ways that they could more easily understand what their options were. We have been in constant contact with our State Representatives and local officials to help keep our Chamber members and the community up-to-date on what was happening and the resources available to them. We have hosted many webinars and online meetings that have provided valuable information for our members. We have testified for the recovery task force for the State of Illinois. We also have a direct line to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and trust us, it has been used. In the heaviest time of it all, we also put out calls for help to collect PPE for our area hospitals and were wildly successful. In addition to this, we posted daily “Feel-Good Stories of the Day” on social media and sent out via e-mail of the people and businesses in our community that were doing great things for one another to help bring some happiness to that darkened world. Many hours have also been spent consulting with other chambers around the state, on calls with US Chamber of Commerce, the SBA and wherever else we can to obtain valuable information to pass on to our members. This information has been provided to and available to all of our members at no cost, even to non-chamber members in our community. Our team has answered many of our Chamber members’ questions at all times of the day and weekend, many who have thanked us for all we have done as they would not have been able to navigate thru this pandemic without the support of the Chamber and that their investment has paid off. The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, like many other organizations, has been hit especially hard. The Chamber is a membership-based not-for-profit organization that supports and advances business and community interest, as well as the quality of life in Belleville and surrounding communities. We have over 550 members that count on us for support and communications now more than ever. Like most all organizations, the Chamber has also been forced to cancel various events over the past six months and will continue to only host online events for the remainder of 2020. We have seen great revenue losses due to these restrictions but want you to know that we are still here for you and doing all that we can during these trying times to help you and your business not just survive, but hopefully thrive. As the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, we want to encourage you to help support us so that we can continue our mission of “Advancing Business, Supporting Community.” Ways to support the Chamber: • Continue your membership investment with the Chamber. • Follow our social media pages on Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter. • Engage with and share our posts and messages via social media. • Invite outside business members to online events and/or to become members. • Attend online and in-person events as they allow. • Be a speaker for one of the Chamber webinars, Lunch & Learns or Young Professional events. • Participate in this year’s Virtual Chili Chase 5k. • Make donations to or sponsor a future Chamber event. • Reach out and ask the Chamber what you can do! Thank you to all of our members that have stood beside us through the hard moments and for your continued support. You are appreciated. Do not hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can help you.
The Chamber Connection
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CHAMBER NEWS thank you to all for a successful hygiene kit drive Each year the Healthcare & Community Service Committee collects hygiene items for those less fortunate in our community. This year the response was overwhelming, collecting over 5,000 items including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, snacks, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more. The committee would like to thank the organizations that served as collection sites for the “Emergency Hygiene Kit� drive: AgeSmart Community Services, Belleville Chamber Office, and Programs & Services for Older Persons (PSOP). We would like to also thank our Chamber members that donated: AgeSmart Community Services, Ambassador Travel, Arsenal Credit Union, Circa, CompuType IT Solutions, Home Instead Senior Care, Programs & Services for Older Persons, Raymond James, Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, Super 8 Motel, as well as many individuals. The items were distributed to Call for Help, Project Compassion, Union United Methodist Church, and the Violence Prevention Center. The Chamber was able to collect thousands of hygiene items for area homeless thanks to our members.
Thank you to all again for your generosity. Please stay tuned for the Winter Accessory Drive starting in the next few weeks.
A representative from the Violence Prevention Center poses with Wendy Pfeil and Peggy Schifferdecker of the Chamber while picking up items to deliver to women and children in need.
A representative from Project Compassion picks up items to take to distribute to those in need.
COUNTRY STORE & FARM
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January 2016
CHAMBER NEWS chamber looking to host remote chili cook-off The Chamber is looking to still offer our restaurants the opportunity to take part in a cook-off! If you offer chili on your menu or are willing to offer it during the weekend of October 9-11, 2020, this is your chance to be showcased and gain some business from those who will be missing Chili Cook-off in the streets of Downtown Belleville. We plan to host the contest on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 where restaurants can take part by submitting a sample bowl of chili and having it judged by local culinary professionals. All participating restaurants will be posted on our website at www.bellevillechili.com and across our social media platforms before the event. The public will be encouraged to go out and try your chili at your restaurant. The winners will be announced online on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 1:00pm and a winning ribbon will be placed in your establishment. We hope that you will take part in this 2020 version of Chili Cook-off. The entry fee is $50. You can find the application online at https://bit.ly/3gpKeKa including the rules that will apply. Our hope is to offer the community a way to still enjoy the Chili Cook-off and support our local restaurants. The Chili Cook-off will be back next year, and we look forward to hosting it Downtown and seeing all of you in person on October 8 & 9, 2021.
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
Welcome
Athletico Physical Therapy 1915 Carlyle Ave., Suite D, Belleville, IL (618) 310-0305 belleville@athletico.com www.athletico.com/locations/belleville East Belleville YMCA 2627 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL (618) 236-9983 www.gwrymca.org
Thank you Arsenal Credit Union Associated Bank Beno J Gundlach Company Breeze Hospice, LLC Catholic Urban Programs Chick Fritz Distributing Down the Hall Homebrew Fletchers Kitchen & Tap Heartland Mutual Insurance Company Hicks Bar-B-Que
to the following businesses and organizations who joined the Chamber in July. Julia’s $5 Jewels Belleville, IL (618) 250-9832 julias5jewels@yahoo.com www.Julias5Jewels.com For a complete list of our members, visit www.BellevilleChamber.org. For Membership Information, please contact Peggy at 618-233-2015 or PSchifferdecker@bellevillechamber.org
to the following members for renewing their membership with the Chamber in July. League Lounge My Tutor Learning Center & Driving School Precision Practice Management Skyview Drive-In Southwestern Ilinois College Dist 522 Spectrum Reach St. Clair Service St. Louis Food Ingredients Taylor Roofing, Inc. Vertical Performance, Inc.
RIBBON CUTTING
Catholic Urban Programs - The HUB Monday, August 3 7 Vieux Carre Drive East St Louis, Illinois 62203
Did you know the Chamber has a members-only event calendar? Submit your event online at www.BellevilleChamber.org and click “Calendar” to see the calendar and submit your event! All events will be featured in our Weekly Friday E-blast. Page 6
January 2016
EVENTS AND INFORMATION
September 2020
Upcoming Chamber Events
All events will be held via Zoom and more information can be found on the Chamber’s website. 9/3 9/7 9/8 9/10 9/15 9/16 9/24
Virtual Happy Hour Office closed for Labor Day Coffee Cup Connections Healthcare & CSA Committee Meeting Board of Directors Meeting Young Professionals Lunch & Learn
More information and registration available online at www.bellevillechamber.org.
RSVP for events online at www.BellevilleChamber.org! Just click on the event you wish to attend and log-in. Need help? Email your RSVP to marketing@bellevillechamber.org or call 618-233-2015.
advertise in this publication! NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING CONTRACT OUT NOW
Advertise with us here in our Chamber Connection newsletter! It is distributed the last week of each month (Example: September’s newsletter will be distributed the last week of August) via email to over 1,600 Chamber individuals and posted on our website all month long. Ad Sizes & Ad Rates: Business Card (3.5”w x 2”h) $25.00 1/4 Page (3.5”w x 5”h) $50.00 1/2 Page (7.5” x 5”h) $100.00 Full Page (7.5”w x 10”h) $200.00 Artwork must be received by the 15th of the month. If the ad is not received by this date, it is not guaranteed to make that newsletter. If it is a recurring ad, the previous ad will stay in it’s place . To find out more visit our website at www.bellevillechamber.org, you can email marketing@ bellevillechamber.org, or see the contract insert in this issue.
Advertise your organization’s job opportunities for free! Post your job descriptions with your ChamberMaster log-in or call 618-233-2015 for more information.
Celebrating a new business opening, anniversary or remodel?
Celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting! Contact Peggy Schifferdecker, Membership/Event Manager, for more info. Call the Chamber Office at (618) 233-2015.
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES ECKERT’S INVESTS IN NEW CIDER MILL & LAUNCHES NEW BOXED CIDER Eckert’s Farm, the family farm and country store in Belleville, IL (951 S. Green Mount Rd., Belleville, IL 62220) unveils a new line of fresh-pressed peach and apple ciders. Available in boxes that contain three-liter spouted bags, the allnatural cider is hot-pressed at the farm’s new on-site cider mill, without any preservatives or added sugars. Eckert’s Peach and Apple Cider is available at the Country Store in Belleville, IL. The convenient bag-in-a-box packaging allows for easy, no-mess pouring and ideal portability. In addition to the design, the stay fresh pouch allows the cider to be shelf-stable for up to 6 months and only needs to be refrigerated after opening. The cider will stay fresh for 30 days after opening. Eckert’s estimates that the farm will produce over 30,000 gallons of cider annually. “While we invested in the new mill equipment, it made sense to also invest in the product as well. We perfected our recipe and launched the new packaging so now you can enjoy Eckert’s apple cider longer than just in the fall,” says Vice President of Eckert’s Retail Operations Angie Eckert. In addition to the new packaging and equipment, guests can even watch the cider making process through a new window outside of the cidery room near the packaging facilities. From the crushing of the apples to the final product, the cider making process is another interactive feature attraction at Eckert’s Belleville Farm. Eckert’s Fresh-Pressed Cider is available for $6.99 in 3-liter boxed bags at all the Belleville Country Store, Grafton Farm and Manchester Market. It will also be available at the Millstadt Farm once it opens on September 2. The Country Store in Belleville also has online pick-up available for groceries. Visit the website and submit your online order from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily here. Orders are available for no contact pick-up from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. For recipe inspiration on ways to use Eckert’s Fresh-Pressed Cider, visit the Eckert Family Recipe Blog here. Get a glimpse of the cider making process here. For more information, visit www.eckerts.com. About Eckert’s: Eckert’s Inc. is the largest family-owned and operated pick-your-own orchard in the United States. Originally established as a farm and simple roadside stand in Illinois, the Eckert family now owns and operates farming, entertainment and retail entities in Belleville, Grafton and Millstadt, Illinois as well as most recently, Versailles, Kentucky. For a century, Eckert’s has been a local source for agricultural products including asparagus, beets, zucchini, kale, squash, onions and peppers, strawberries, blackberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins, and more. Guests of Eckert’s farms get to experience the farming practices firsthand with the farms’ pick-your-own produce experiences during growing seasons. Today, Eckert’s offers year-round programming for all at their farms and Country Store. For more information, visit www.eckerts.com Follow on social media @eckertfarms on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Pinterest.
Now open every Saturday 7:30am-noon through November 2nd! They are located on the first block of South Charles, between East Main and East Washington. Page 8
January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES STATE OF ILLINOIS UDPATES SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR RESTAURANTS AND BAR ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROTECT PATRONS AND WORKERS FROM COVID-19 The State of Illinois announced revised guidelines for restaurants and bar establishments statewide to operate safely and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Based on a recent increase in cases, these latest guidelines will require patrons to wear a mask during any interaction with wait staff, food service workers and other employees at bars and restaurants. Face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth when patrons are approached and served by staff, including but not limited to when employees take patrons orders, deliver food and beverages, and service tables. This guidance will also apply to other facilities with food services areas that are currently subject to the Restore Illinois guidance, such as indoor recreational facilities, museums and entertainment venues. New guidelines go into effect Wednesday, August 26th and will require face coverings to be worn both in indoor and outdoor dining settings in all eleven regions in the state. Full guidelines may be found on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website. “Illinois residents continue to take important steps to protect the safety of our loved ones and neighbors. However, due to a recent uptick in cases, we must take additional precautionary steps when we are out in public,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Based on conversations and input from industry and business leaders, the State of Illinois is implementing updated guidelines which will allow restaurants and bars across the state to stay open while helping protect the health and safety of patrons and staff.” “Going out for food and drinks should not be a reason or an excuse to let our guards down in the fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of IDPH. “IDPH and DCEO are updating current guidance to make it clear that face coverings should be worn in any situation where we are interacting with those outside of our immediate circles. We will continue to adapt our guidelines and institute additional precautions to help protect all residents that make up our communities.” Patrons are currently required to wear a mask whenever on premises, except while eating and drinking at the table or bar. The new guidelines ensure that while seated, interactions between business staff and patrons can happen safely to prevent possible spread of the virus. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has worked with industry leaders, who have requested heightened measures to protect the safety of workers in light of the recent increase in cases, and to further reduce the risk of spread that could harm business operations. “From the beginning, DCEO has worked closely with our colleagues at IDPH as well as industry leaders to create guidance that business owners can implement and use to keep employees and customers safe, and that will ultimately help guide the reopening of our economy,” said DCEO Acting Director Michael Negron. “In partnership with industry leadership at IRA and employee protection organizations representing hospitality staff across the state, our latest guidelines will put the health and safety of our hospitality industry employees first and allow consumers to have confidence that Illinois bars and dining establishments are taking all precautions to allow a safer experience.” “On behalf of the thousands of restaurant workers that we serve in Illinois and across the country, we strongly support Gov. JB Pritzker’s initiative to enforce restaurant guidance during this unprecedented public health crisis. This is significantly critical for the safety and health of our restaurant workers and customers—and the gateway for workers to get their jobs back and revive the economy,” said Sekou Siby, president and CEO of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United. “The restaurant industry employs nearly 14 million workers or 10% of the entire U.S. workforce. This updated guidance, which can be a model for other states, underscores the need for a vital policy on how restaurant businesses should reopen safely, equitably and responsibly.” To assist bars and restaurants with implementing new safety measures, DCEO has provided an updated industry toolkit on their website. The toolkit provides revised health guidelines materials, including new signage that may be displayed at restaurants and bars to encourage compliance. Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan is a phased, data-driven approach to reopening the state. Illinois is currently in Phase 4 of the reopening plan, with recent updates made to create 11 public health regions and allow Illinois to introduce additional mitigations to fight against a resurgence in our state. From the beginning, Restore Illinois has contemplated changes to guidance as progress is made, or as public health data suggests increasing rapid spread. DCEO has worked with IDPH to develop extensive public health guidelines since May, providing information and resources to help protect businesses and communities in reopening safely. For more on industry guidelines, visit DCEO’s website at https:// dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois.
The Chamber Connection
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January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES hospice of southern illinois helps spread christmas in july cheer Hospice of Southern Illinois delivered a gift to Mayor Eckert for “Christmas in July” to help raise spirits and show appreciation for everyone’s hard work during this time. Mayor Eckert is happy to wear this shirt as he was one of the organization’s first volunteers back in 1981. We have truly been IN THIS TOGETHER since the beginning.
local businesses and city donate to local food pantry Together with the City of Belleville, Bennie’s Pizza Pub, 618 Big Daddy’s, and Copper Fire Bar and Eatery recently put together a city-wide food drive in support of the Community Interfaith Food Pantry. 844 pounds of food were donated along with $1,597. A $500 donation was given to the food pantry on behalf of Copper Fire, VENUE on Main and Rising Stars Monogram Boutique, which sold BellevilleStrong masks provided by Rising Stars. US Foods also donated several dry and canned goods, close to 50 lbs. Pictured here from left are Scott Schmelzel, owner of Big Daddy’s 618; Bennie Parr, owner of Bennie’s Pizza Pub; Michael Foppe, executive director of the Community Interfaith Food Pantry; Phil Elmore, Ward 7 alderman; and Renee Eichholz, owner of Copper Fire Bar and Eatery. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!
Belleville City Council Extends Outdoor Dining, Street Closures Belleville’s City Council last night approved Resolution 3389-2020, a Resolution Implementing Local Measures Related to the Restore Illinois Guidelines/Mitigation Plan for Business Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. This resolution extends the partial closure of the certain streets to accommodate outdoor dining including S. High St., S. Jackson St., and N. Church St. until Nov. 14, 2020. “We wanted to take proactive measures to ensure our local businesses can operate if the state moves the region back to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Pan,” said Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert. “We’ve seen an increase in numbers of COVID-19 over the past several weeks and the state keeps warning that this region could regress if progress isn’t made.” Those businesses operating with a Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit must be closed no later than 11 p.m. with music ending no later than 10 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, these businesses must close no later than midnight with music ending no later than 11 p.m. Any existing outdoor patio areas approved previously may stay open in accordance with the establishment’s existing liquor license. Live entertainment must be limited to two musicians and all employees providing service are required to wear a mask. “We have to maintain safety and providing festival-like environments for people to congregate is not in the best interest of the publics’ health right now,” said Eckert. “We want all our businesses to thrive and many have adapted to the current environment pretty well, but we have got to maintain safe practices including mask wearing and social distancing until it is safe to return to usual operating practices.”
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES Bank of Belleville Becomes One of the First Businesses in the Region to Go Solar Bank of Belleville is among the first businesses in the Metro East region to adopt solar energy. The bank had a 68 kilowatt solar energy production system installed this month which will provide as much of the bank’s daily energy usage as the rooftop would allow. Bank of Belleville President and Chief Executive Officer, Ron Stephens, said the bank made the decision to install the panels at their flagship location as part of their long-term commitment to not only the local community but the global one. “I think our decision to utilize solar energy not only speaks to our dedication to environmental stewardship, but also our willingness to embrace new and innovative technologies,” said Stephens. “We take a throwback approach to banking. We are a bank that is committed to traditional values about personalized client services, but we also are open to new, beneficial technologies to enhance our business.” Bank of Belleville has also shown itself to be environmental leaders in other areas such as implementing electronic imaging for its record keeping system, producing as many documents as possible electronically rather than paper, migrating its team to mobile devices for client meetings and interaction, offering on-site recycling and encouraging clients to adopt electronic statements. Stephens said the bank was able to utilize several Ameren incentives and federal tax credits to help supplement some of the initial installation cost for the project. EFS Energy was the project coordinator with Weeke Sales and Service serving as the electrical contractor. Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert said Bank of Belleville is one of the few businesses in our city utilizing solar energy, and they are one of the first downtown. “From a long-term sustainability standpoint, I’m happy to see Bank of Belleville proving that going green makes good business sense in addition to being environmentally friendly,” said Mayor Eckert. “Utilizing solar panels can help businesses reduce reliance on an unpredictable expense and plan better for the future, so we’re happy to see businesses considering options that can help them stay viable for a long time.” Bank of Belleville operates from its headquarters at 215 South Illinois Street in Belleville, Illinois and their commitment to client and community service is at the forefront of everything they do. The fifteen-year-old bank, which is approaching a quarter of a billion dollars in assets, serves individual and business clients throughout the Metro East. The bank currently has 49 full and part-time team members. For more information about Bank of Belleville, go to www.bankofbelleville.com.
Rooftop view of Bank of Belleville’s recently installed solar panels.
MEMBER UPDATES City of Belleville to Host Virtual 9/11 Ceremony The City of Belleville, along with the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois Committee, will host its annual September 11 Moment of Remembrance in a virtual format this year. The event will take place Fri., Sept. 11 at 11:30 a.m. Only program participants will be allowed on site for this year’s ceremony, but all are welcome to view the event, which will be streamed live at www.facebook.com/welcometobellevilleil. The September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois, located at 1125 S. Illinois St., Belleville, is dedicated to the victims of the vicious attacks on America’s freedom and ideals on September 11, 2001. It also recognizes the thousands who survived, and the remarkable compassion displayed in the aftermath, and still today. The September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois is registered on the official 9/11 Memorial & Museum website which tracks 9/11 memorials throughout the world, showing the global impact of the events of 9/11/2001. The September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois is a sub-committee of the Belleville Cultural Enrichment Organization, a 501 (c) 3 recognized by the State of Illinois. Donations are tax deductible. Donations can be placed in the locked donation box at the entrance to the Memorial’s walkway or mailed to: September 11 Memorial Walkway, c/o 1125 S. Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220 A video recapping the event will be available to view at www.belleville.net/911memorial. For more information, visit www.belleville.net/911memorial or call 618-235-3060.
thank you to our local public health departments Hospice of Southern Illinois would like to take a moment to thank our local public health departments. As we continue to move through these uncharted times, we thank you for your continued diligence to keep us safe. We can’t imagine the hours being worked during this pandemic as your other responsibilities continue on. Your hard work is truly appreciated. In this photograph, Hospice of Southern Illinois rallies at the St. Clair County Health Dept. for a public THANK YOU and Hydration Station to lift and encourage this hardworking team! #inthistogether
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES Illinois low census response puts federal dollars at risk (BND) A low census response rate in southern Illinois is putting millions of federal dollars for infrastructure improvements, education and social service programs at risk. As of Monday, only about 46% of Carbondale households had responded to the 2020 census survey, The Southern Illinoisan reports. City officials estimate a loss of about $1,600 per year for every person who fails to respond — or $16,000 over a decade. The census count concludes Sept. 30. Most southern Illinois counties’ response rate is significantly below the overall Illinois response rate of 69%. Carbondale Planning Director Chris Wallace said the city’s low response rate is mostly tied to Southern Illinois University students. College students are counted in the community where they attend school, not where their home address is. He says the student population is traditionally hard to reach and the coronavirus pandemic has made it even harder. Students have not returned to campus since spring break due to the pandemic. Jeanine Beasley, media coordinator for the U.S. Census Bureau’s Chicago office, said the agency is working directly with the university to count students who were living both on and off campus during the spring semester. Beasley noted census-takers are currently in the field visiting the homes of people who have not responded to multiple requests for information, while adhering to health guidelines, including wearing masks and maintaining their distance.
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January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES HSHS Medical Group Welcomes Ryan Wood, MD, Family Medicine HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Zachary Berg, MD, pulmonologist, HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Ryan Wood, MD, to their medical team. Specializing in family medicine, Dr. Wood is now accepting patients at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine - Troy, located at 7342 State Rt. 162 in Troy, Illinois. As a primary care provider, Dr. Wood cares for patients of all ages and offers a variety of services, including minor procedures, general wellness care, well-child exams and chronic illness management. Dr. Wood earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He received a Master of Health Services Administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish, Maine. He earned his medical degree at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in the Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Dr. Wood completed a family medicine residency at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. He is board certified in family medicine and certified and qualified in sports medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wood, call 618-343-3722.
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Adams Publications, Inc. phone: 618-410-5308 5343 Belleville Crossing St., PMB 44 john@marketplacemagazineonline.com Belleville,The Ill. 62226 www.marketplacemagazineonline.com
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Adams Publications, Inc. 5343 Belleville Crossing St., PMB 44 Belleville, Ill. 62226
(618) 210-3626 cell; (618) 416-1839 office lisa.adams@marketplacemagazine.biz
www.marketplacemagazineonline.com
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES Two Inducted to City of Belleville’s Walk of Fame The City of Belleville last night inducted two additional individuals to the Belleville Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame honors people who have made significant contributions to the history of the City of Belleville. A new class of honorees is inducted every two years. The 2020 honorees are Theodore Erasmus Hilgard and Ruth A. Sterling. Justice Hilgard, 1790-1873, was an advocate for democracy and developer in West Belleville. For Germans yearning to live in a freer land, Hilgard of the appellate court of Rhenish Bavaria encouraged scouts to immigrate to the United States to locate favorable places to settle. In 1833, they began the Latin Farmer migration, bringing to St. Clair County university-trained professionals with a knowledge of Latin who desired to farm. Hilgard followed them here in 1836, buying 134 acres adjoining Belleville to farm. He subdivided this land and sold it to develop the village of West Belleville. He donated land for a public school that later was incorporated into the Belleville school system. Before he returned permanently to Germany in 1854, Hilgard published both political studies and poetry. Belleville native Sterling, 1905-1994, was a pioneer business executive who graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1922 and worked as a stenographer. By 1925, she was an assistant secretary at the Belleville Casket Company and rose through the ranks to become company president in 1953, serving until 1972. In 1968 she was elected treasurer of the Casket Manufacturers Association of America. During her early years at the company, Sterling played center on the Belleville Turner Society’s all-girls basketball team. She was a founder of the Belleville Chapter of the St. Clair County League of Women Voters in 1943 and a frequent officeholder. She was a member of the Belleville School District 118 Board of Education from 1947-1953 and served as chairman of the finance committee. The Walk of Fame, which began in 2014 in honor of the city’s bicentennial celebration, is located at the northwest quadrant of Belleville’s Public Square. Past inductees include Robert “Bob” Goalby, Christian “Buddy” Ebsen, Lyman Trumbull, Ninian Edwards, George Blair, Julius Liese, Edward Daley, Gus and Sophia Koerner, Les Mueller, and Carrie Alexander Bahrenburg. To learn more about the Belleville Walk of Fame or the Belleville Historical Society, visit: http://bellevillehistoricalsociety. org/projects/belleville-walk-fame/.
HSHS Medical Group Welcomes Zachary Berg, MD, Pulmonologist HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Zachary Berg, MD, pulmonologist, to their medical team. Dr. Berg sees patients at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care - St. Elizabeth’s, which is located at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., Suite 5000, O’Fallon, Illinois. As a pulmonologist, Dr. Berg specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lungs and airways, including COPD, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pleurisy, cancer and pneumonia. Dr. Berg is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association. Dr. Berg earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. He received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Berg performed an internal medicine residency at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, and completed a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Berg, please call 618-641-5803. Learn more about Dr. Berg and other HSHS Medical Group specialists at HSHSMedicalGroup.org.
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January 2016
MEMBER UPDATES City of Belleville’s Infill Redevelopment Program Elevates East ‘D’ Street Neighborhood With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Illinois highly recommending that people help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) by wearing cloth face coverings in public settings and especially when social distancing is difficult to maintain, it is important to wear masks to keep yourself and others safe. For those who have questions about mask cleanliness and how to wear them with eyeglasses, the HSHS Illinois hospitals of HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield; HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur; HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield; HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville; HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham; HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Breese and Highland are offering these mask tips for safety and comfort. Washing Your Cloth Face Covering The CDC recommends that you wash your cloth face covering after each use. Depending on how you intend to wash or dry your face covering, follow these steps to ensure they are as clean as possible. • Wash your face covering in the washing machine with your regular laundry and your regular laundry detergent. • Use the warmest appropriate water setting for the material used to make the face covering. • Use a bleach solution, if washing by hand, according to the CDC: - 5 tablespoons (one-third cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water OR - 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water. • Check the label on your bleach bottle to see if it is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products (for example, those for safe use on colored clothing) may not disinfect. Ensure the bleach product is not expired as well. • NEVER mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. • Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for five minutes and rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water. • Use the highest heat setting, if using a dryer, and leave it in the dryer until completely dry. • Lay flat, if air drying, and let it completely dry. If possible, lay the cloth face covering in direct sunlight as it is drying. Preventing Skin Irritation For those who must wear a mask for an extended period at work, masks can cause irritation to the skin, either under the mask from the moisture and humidity caused by breathing, or behind the ears from the ear loops. Follow these steps to prevent skin irritation. • Wear a mask that fits you well, not too loose and not too tight. • Make sure your cloth mask is made of a gentle fabric and wash it out completely to remove any laundry detergents and fabric softeners residue. • Consider not wearing makeup, perfumes, or anything that has dyes or preservatives underneath the mask if you will be wearing your mask all day. Putting on a gentle face moisturizer on your skin, especially where the mask will rest on your face, could help prevent possible irritation. • Know that a mask with ear loops can irritate the backs of the ears if worn over an extended period. You can get masks that have ties, or you can purchase accessories that the ear loops can attach to rather than resting on the back of your ears. • Watch for irritation on specific places on your skin (such as on the bridge of the nose, on your chin or behind the ears), and try using a zinc oxide cream. • Pay attention to if you continue to have a skin irritation such as rash-like acne or other conditions that are not improving, contact a dermatologist. Wearing a Mask with Glasses It may seem like a small matter, but one of the most common annoyances with wearing masks is how it can fog up glasses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that this is caused when warm breath escapes from the top of your mask and lands on the cooler surface of your lens. The following tips may help prevent your face mask from fogging up your eyewear. • Make sure your mask fits your face. An ill-fitting mask will allow warm air to escape and fog up your lenses. • Make sure to pinch the top of the mask to fit the shape of your nose if you have a mask that included a wire at the top. If you can tighten your mask, tighten the sides for a good fit. • Try using medical or athletic tape or even an adhesive bandage to close the gap between the bridge of your nose and the top of your mask if you have a cloth mask that fits loose enough to allow warm air to escape at the top. • Wipe your lenses with an anti-fogging solution or gently wash your lenses with soap and water before wearing them to help keep water droplets from building up and fogging your lenses. • Push your glasses forward on your nose to allow more air to circulate to keep your breath from fogging up the lenses. • Try pulling your mask up over your nose and rest your glasses on top of it to block the air from escaping and causing fogging. If you try this method, make sure your mask still fits properly over your face to completely cover your nose and mouth. For more information on using cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES IMPACT Strategies Continues String of Developments for St. Clair County Although we are over halfway through the summer, there are a few months where lawns will need mowing. While mowing is a seemingly innocuous activity, the HSHS Illinois hospitals want to remind everyone to remain safety-minded when mowing. Thirteen children, on average, receive emergency medical treatment every day for a lawnmower-related injury in the United States, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. More than 86,000 adults are treated in an ER each year for lacerations, partial amputations and eye damage while cutting the grass. HSHS Illinois Chief Physician Executive Dr. Gurpreet Mander says injuries most commonly happen when people bypass the safety mechanisms on machinery. “Whether it’s a push or riding mower, trimmer or tractor, the safety features are there for a reason,” said Dr. Mander. “People often try to quickly clear out grass near the blade, or rush to get the job done and that’s when accidents happen.” HSHS Illinois experts have five safety recommendations that will help protect you from head to toe this mowing season: 1. Wear eye protection. Debris often kicks up from behind mowers and trimmers - at up to 200 miles per hour, which can damage your eyes. Low hanging tree branches should also be trimmed regularly to prevent eye injuries. Safety goggles are recommended; don’t rely on everyday eyeglasses. 2. Shut off equipment. This should be the first thing you do when you stop to empty the bagger, before you walk away from the machine, when you fill the gas tank - or before you unplug the device if it’s electric – and before you reach toward the blade or engine. 3. Watch out for kids. It’s best to keep children and pets inside while using machinery. It only takes one second for clothing, toys and hair to get caught in moving parts. Riding lawn mowers are designed for one person. Never let kids under 16 run a rider or children younger than 12 operate a push mower. 4. Let the mower cool down before refilling the gas tank. Exhaust from a lawn mower can reach 240 degrees Fahrenheit which can cause severe burns to hands and arms and hot splashes into your eyes from the new gas pouring onto the existing hot gasoline. 5. Wear closed-toe shoes. It is easy for a spinning blade to sever toes. Also, sandals and flip flops are less stable. A trip, slip or stumble could cause you to come into contact with moving or hot parts. Dr. Mander says if you experience a laceration, control the bleeding with pressure and a towel, and get to an emergency room immediately or call 911. If there is an amputation, and any part of the appendage is salvageable, wrap it with a clean cloth or gauze, place it in a bag with ice and bring it with you to the emergency room or give it to the paramedics who respond to your 911 call. Community members should never delay or forgo emergency care, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our communities. At each HSHS Illinois hospital, their emergency departments are well-prepared to deliver high-quality emergency medical care 24/7, in the safest way possible.
HSHS Medical Group Awards provider of the Month to Fadi Siyam, MD HSHS Medical Group is pleased to award Fadi Siyam, MD, with our July Provider of the Month Award. Dr. Siyam serves as an endocrinologist at Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at HSHS Medical Group in O’Fallon, Illinois. The Provider of the Month is chosen from nominations submitted by fellow HSHS Medical Group team members. “I have had numerous excellent comments from patients about their experiences,” Dr. Siyam’s nominator said. “A patient told me that when [Dr. Siyam] saw her, she had no choice but to bring her kids to the appointment, and she said [he] took extra time with her autistic son and did origami with him. I know [he does] these things on a regular basis, but it means the world to my patient and myself knowing that when I refer to [Dr. Siyam] everyone will feel [he has] gone above and beyond.” “I love interacting with my patients and feeling I can help them have a better life,” Dr. Siyam said. “The concepts of the C.A.R.E. Award Standards (Connect, Appreciate, Respond and Express) are the basics of good everyday relationships between a physician and his patients.” When away from work, Dr. Siyam enjoys photography and reading fiction and history.
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January 2016
CARING TOGETHER
CONNECTED
LOCALLY
RENOWNED
NATIONALLY The Memorial Network—with its hospitals and specialized Centers —has the caring employees and exceptional BJC Medical Group physicians you know and trust in the Metro East. And they’re backed by BJC HealthCare’s renowned services and technology. Together, we’re making connections to bring outstanding care to our patients in the communities we serve.
mymemorialnetwork.com The Chamber Connection
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MEMBER UPDATES “WE REMEMBER YOU” CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR THOSE LOST TO SUICIDE The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL, and the St. Clair County Mental Health Board Suicide Prevention Alliance invite you to two in-person programs at the Shrine. Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training** Join us for this free training for anyone who wants to know how to help someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide. Registration is required due to space limitations. This program will take place on Wednesday, September 9, at 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Shrine’s Guild Center (across from the Shrine Church). “We Remember You” Candlelight Vigil** Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Shrine’s Lourdes Grotto. We remember in song and prayer those who have died by suicide and their loved ones, at this annual event. **COVID Guidelines in place: Masks and social distancing are required for both events. Call 618-394-6281for more information or to register. Registration and information can also be found on the Shrine’s website at snows.org/vigil2020.
roy-el catering offering bbq for the badge During this tough time in our country, Roy-el Catering is looking to the public to help spread a little extra love to our men and women in blue. Purchase a meal for one or more of the police officers in our area that have worked to keep the peace and to keep us all safe. Meals will be prepared and delivered to local police departments. Each meal will come with the choice of a smoked thick pork steak or chicken half, two of our fresh made sides. Provide a special note when you check out and we will send your message along with a thank you card with the names of everyone who provided the lunches that day to their department. This meal with dessert and drink is being offered for only $12 per person. Roy-el will contact the various departments in this area to make delivery arrangements. Watch their facebook page to see pictures and updates when the meals are delivered. ***Update: Roy-el Catering has delivered hundreds of meals around St. Clair County since they began this in August. You can help contribute online at www.royel.com.
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January 2016
The Chamber Connection
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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
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January 2016
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The Chamber Connection
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2020-2021 CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING CONTRACT Company Name: Contact Name: Phone:
Email:
Address: City:
State:
Please check below which size ad you would like to run: Ad Sizes:
Ad Rates:
$50.00
1/2 Page (7.5” x 5”h)
$100.00
Full Page (7.5”w x 10”h)
$200.00
The Chamber Connection Newsletter is distributed the last week of each month. Artwork must be received by the 15th of the month. If the ad is not received by this date, it is not guaranteed to make that newsletter. If it is a recurring ad, the previous ad will remain in place. Advertisers have the option of changing their ad monthly as long as new ad is received by the deadline.
Business Card (3.5”w x 2”h) $25.00 1/4 Page (3.5”w x 5”h)
Zip:
All ads must be submitted in JPEG or PDF format. Ads will be full color. Newsletters will be email distributed to more than 1,500 chamber member representatives. Please contact the Marketing & Communications Manager at (618) 233-2015 or marketing@bellevillechamber.org if you have questions regarding your ad.
What months in 2020-2021 would you like to purchase advertising space (check all months that apply): Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Pre-Payment Discount: Purchase 11 months and get the 12th month free if full payment is received with contract submission. (Deadline to receive discount is March 13, 2020) Cash or check enclosed for full amount $
or partial amount of $
Payment by Credit Card (please fill out information below) Name on Card: Billing Zipcode: Card Type: Security Number
Number: Exp Date:
Amount: $
Signature:
Please mail to: Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, 216 East A Street, Belleville, IL 62220, fax to (618) 233-2077 or scan and email to marketing@bellevillechamber.org. Page 24
January 2016