Communicator
August 2011 • Freeport, IL
FOR
3 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 4 MEMBER NEWS
8
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
RELATED ARTICLES SEE
PROSPERITY
13
IN
ILLINOIS
RISE ’N SHINE
ON PAGE
13
Page 2
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 27 W. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032 www.freeportilchamber.com Phone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Grimes kim.grimes@freeportilchamber.com
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR: Tiffany King tiffany.king@freeportilchamber.com
RECEPTIONIST: Julie Huber COMMUNICATION EDITOR: Tony Carton The Chamber of Commerce Communicator is published on a monthly basis with the partnership of The Journal-Standard paper. We thank them for their continual effort to keep this publication in print!
DATES TO REMEMBER... AUGUST 18 Business after Hours Fairway Ford Lincoln Freeport 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. AUGUST 25 Ambassador Meeting Steph. Co. Farm Bureau 7:30 a.m. SEPTEMBER 6 Executive Board Meeting Chamber Conference Room #1 7:30 a.m. SEPTEMBER 7 Rise ‘n Shine Breakfast hosted by Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. SEPTEMBER 20 Chamber Board Meeting Chamber Conference Room #1 7:30 a.m.
Kim’s Korner W
here has the summer gone? The good news is football season is just around the corner. Have you seen the spectacular new turf at Pretzel Stadium? Wow it is cool! Just another new thing to brag about in our community. Congratulations to Dave Steenrod and Bob Dahms and their committee for helping to raise the funds and also the Freeport School District for allowing such a tremendous asset to our community and for Freeport High School. We can not wait to see the first game played on the new turf. The “Prospering Together” Community Vision is continuing it’s listening sessions and meetings with the public as they get closer to form a vision for Stephenson County. Your Chamber is playing a very active role in this process among several other organizations and individuals. As many of the people have said “If we can work better together” we can get our local communities headed in a more positive direction. The response thus far has been very positive!
We thank Congressmen Don Manzullo for stopping by Freeport last week for a town-hall meeting. There were several good questions for the Congressmen and it is always good to have our political officials available to hear from the public. We look forward to our upcoming seminars in our “Small Business You” Series. We hope to offer our members and general public some great opportunities to hear and learn from a host of experts. We want to thank Lena Living Center for hosting last month’s Business after Hours and look forward to tonight’s at Fairway Ford-Lincoln. Also want to thank Shoe Sensation for hosting this month’s Rise ’n Shine Breakfast.
www.freeportilchamber.com SHOP
Freeport FIRST
Allen’s Menswear Auto Repair Specialists • Bocker Group Book World • Brown’s Shoes Captured Memories Photography Cellular Connection • Cimino’s Little Italy Culligan Water Conditioning • Deininger’s Floral Shop Diamond Dave’s Mexican Restaurant • Eilert’s • Fitness Nutrition Flachtemeier Monuments • Flack Sewing • Floor to Ceiling Store Four Seasons/Freeport Lanes, Inc. • Freeport Shopping News Furst McNess Co. • Freeport Glass Co. • Freeport Lawn & Leisure Happy Joe’s Café • Higher Grounds Coffee • Hillside Studio Imperial Palace • Iron-T Junction • Jiffy Lube • Joe’s Pizza • Kent Bank Kurt Koester Studio • L.P. Scientific • Lindo Theater/Classic Cinemas Loescher Heating & A/C • Luecke Jewelers • Maurices Merle Norman Cosmetics • Ross Auto Glass Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance • Sanitary Cleaners • Skate Station Slumberland Furniture • Soundwerks Plus • State Bank Stone’s Hallmark • The Bargain Box • Town House Motel Wagner Business • Whole Body Studio
Page 3
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports implemented at FHS “Over the course of the 20102011 year an actual female Freeport High School 12th grade student with a long history of inappropriate behavior, out of school suspensions, and a poor overall attitude made a huge turn around! She responded to a variety of early interventions, has not been suspended in over 7 months, and is now an A and B student! She now intends to attend college and study political science.” How do we celebrate students with stories like the one above as well as those who attend school every day and consistently exhibit positive behaviors in the classroom, in the hallways, and in other environments? How do we positively reinforce our expectations for appropriate behavior and commitment to studying rather than focus on
after H BUSINESS
students’ negative behaviors? In an effort to accomplish this, Freeport High School is launching a new program called “Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports” (PBIS). This program is designed to systematically address behavioral and academic issues through positive interventions for all students. Through PBIS, our students will be taught to exhibit Freeport P.R.I.D.E. This means this means they are to be Positive, Respectful, Impressive, Disciplined, and Educated. One component of our program will be the establishment of our P.R.I.D.E. Store at which students will be able to exchange coupons they have received for positive behaviors for various items of interest to them. Some of these items may include: pencils pens, backpacks, gift cards, clothing, video games, computer games,
URS
company/organization) to join as we work to create more stories like the one that began this letter. Any items your company might be willing to donate to the
P.R.I.D.E. Store will be greatly appreciated. We are also honored to receive any monetary donation which we will then specifically use to purchase needed items. It is our hope that you will partner with us as we aim to fully stock the store on a regular basis with a variety of items that will encourage our students to remain committed academically and behave appropriately in all social settings. Please consider making a donation today! Help us teach the youth of our community to show the Freeport P.R.I.D.E.! Thank you so much for your consideration, please contact us with any questions you many have. Sincerely, Patrick Hardy, Principal Freeport High School Sarah Swords, Internal PBIS Coach Roger Fegan, PBIS Committee Chair
S U R G I C A L E X P E RT I S E
MEMBERnews
healthy edible items (sugarless gum, etc.) and other fun things each of which will be worth a different amount of coupons. The Freeport School District would like to invite you (your
Behind the mask, we’re ahead of the curve. When you need surgery, you want experts. The FHN general surgery team is trained in the latest techniques, and our surgical suite is state-of-the art. And while our capabilities are at the forefront of surgical high tech, our surgeons also offer something that can be hard to find in metropolitan mega-hospitals: the comfort of unparalleled personalized care. Whether you’re undergoing an outpatient laser treatment for varicose veins or require their skill to repair a hernia, remove an infected appendix, or biopsy and remove a tumor, Dr. Castro, Dr. Barnes and Dr. Zappia are here, close to home, for you. For more information, call 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0246) ext. 929 or visit us online at www.fhn.org.
Business after Hours was hosted by Lena Living Center. A great group of people attended to network and enjoy some great food! Our thanks to Lena Living Center for sharing their time and building with us!
Rafael Castro, MD, FACS, WCC; Barry Barnes, MD, FACS; Anthony Zappia, MD, FACS
Page 4
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERnews FHN FHN will award $1,000 scholarships to three area students pursuing healthcare careers. Applications will be accepted from any student currently enrolled in an undergraduate program of study involving the following healthcare careers: Medical technology/CLS; pharmacy; nursing (RN/BSN); respiratory therapy; and rehabilitation services (PT, OT, PTA, COTA, SP). Benefit-eligible FHN employees may not apply. To apply, eligible students must: • Complete an application form, providing evidence of a current GPA of 3.0 or better. • Submit a typed, approximately 500word essay responding to both of the following questions: “Why did you choose your career path, what have you done to support it?”
and”How do your strengths and personal goals support the healthcare needs of FHN’s service area?” All entries will become the property of FHN and will not be returned. • Participate in an interview, if selected as a finalist. The submissions must be postmarked by Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2011. Finalists will be interviewed through October and November and winners will be announced in December. The funds will be dispersed to the winners’ colleges or universities to be applied toward the winter term in 2011. To obtain an application you may go to the FHN website at www.fhn.org/scholarship.asp.
If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, call the FHN Learning Center at 815599-6234 or e-mail kkryder1@fhn.org.
A Cancer Survivor Seminar Series “Journey Beyond Cancer” is a series of interesting and helpful programs for cancer survivors, their friends and family. The programs will be on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the FHN Family Healthcare Center Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive in Freeport. Refreshments will be provided. The first program “Fighting Cancer with Beans, Broccoli, and Chocolate Too!” will be Thursday, September 22, and will feature Donna Weihofen, RD, MS, and Senior Nutritionist at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center. Donna will provide up-to-date, reliable nutrition information on ways to increase the ability to fight cancer as well as to lower cancer risk. She will include tips, practical suggestions and even recipes. The second program “Handling Financial and Insurance Concerns” on Thursday, October 6, will feature a panel of experts including; Carolyn Sluiter, RCP, CFM of Freeport Home Medical Equipment, Ce Faulkner, Healthcare Benefits Specialist of the Crum Halstead Agency and
Beth McWhirter, FHN Medical Social Worker. Questions from the audience will be welcomed by the panel. The final program “Coping with Fear of Recurrence and Check-up Anxiety” on Thursday, October 20 features Carolyn Perry, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the American Cancer Society, Illinois Division and Mia McDermott, RN, BSN, OCN, staff nurse at the FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center. Carolyn supervises professional navigators of the ACS Patient Navigation Services and has much insight into the concerns faced by cancer patients. Mia works daily with cancer patients and their families and understands the fears and challenges that they face. The programs are sponsored by a local Cancer Survivor Educational Outreach Coalition, with members from the American Cancer Society, FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center, Well Woman Program of Northwest Illinois and Freeport Home Medical Equipment. To register, you may call the American Cancer Society at 1800-892-9296 or 1-815-2291287 any time and press 3 for immediate attention or by e-mail to nicole.killion@cancer.org.
➷ CONTINUED
ON PAGE
6
SERVICE SELECTION SATISFACTION Carpets, Vinyl, Tile, Hardwoods, & Laminates 1308 South Armstrong Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032 Phone: (815) 232-9060 Fax: (815) 232-9084
Page 5
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 PREFERRED MEMBERS We would like to give special recognition to the following businesses that provide extra support to the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce.
GOLD MEMBERS
Law Offices of Ralph E. Elliott Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Rock River Valley Blood Center Reid Enterprises Berner Food & Beverage Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTD John H. Vogt Freeport Community Foundation Fehr-Graham & Associates Bomar Heating & Cooling Country Insurance & Financial Stout Insurance Agency Services - Rick Wilson Freidag Associates CPAs Spherion Staffing Group Altman Automotive Inc. Freeport Insurance Center Integrity Investments Alwayz Cookies Swift Hospitality Group, Inc. Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Jack Myers Consulting
SILVER MEMBERS Iron-T Junction Brown’s Shoes Family Affair Café
Columbia College Winter & Associates Ultrasonic Power Corp. Freeport Park District Eagles Club Pinewood Buffet & Grill Monroe Clinic Downing Remodeling General Contractors, Inc Flachtemeier Monuments LeBaron & Miller Interiors Winter Construction Inc.
BRONZE MEMBERS Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency Freeport Flite Center Twice As Nice Consignments Floor Covering Plus Hulsebus-Gehlsen Chiropractic Maybe You Need Help... Culligan Water Conditioning Union Savings Bank
Bill George Plumbing & Heating AquaLand Baymont Inn and Suites Dental Connections Family Health Quest Newby Design Works Citizens State Bank Farmers Insurance Group-Lynn Kempel QBE Regional Insurance
Schofield Plumbing State Farm Insurance – Jon Spachman C. J. Vitner Co., Inc. Saxer Accounting Services, LLC Tender Loving Care State Farm Insurance – Steve Johnson Skate Station Sanitary Cleaners
Page 6
RAMP RAMP is proud to announce the promotion of Becky Maggio, Independent Living Advocate, to the position of Boone County Manager. Becky joined RAMP in 2004 as an Office Assistant. In 2005, she was promoted to Independent Living Advocate and now has transitioned into the manager of the Boone Office. RAMP is proud to announce the promotion of Heather Foulker, Services Analyst, to the position of DeKalb County Manager. Heather joined RAMP in 2000 as a Personal Assistant Coordinator for our Winnebago County Office. In 2001, she was transferred to the Stephenson County Office as a Youth Education Advocate. She has since held this position with additional responsibilities and now has transitioned into the DeKalb County Manager. In promoting Becky Maggio to Boone County Manager, RAMP has an available For a complete
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE job description and to apply, please visit RAMP’s website www.rampcil.org under Employment.
Freeport Community Foundation
501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in Freeport and in the surrounding northwest Illinois communities may apply to the Freeport Community Foundation. Grant awards will be announced by November 1, 2011. The Freeport Community Foundation is particularly interested in funding initiatives that are collaborative, inclusive, and responsive to major needs of the community.
Community College and has completed numerous banking classes to enhance her career. Active in the community, Kornfeind is a board member and ambassador for the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce, board member for the Freeport Area Church Cooperative, and is a member of Freeport Noon Rotary.
Wipfli UNION Savings BANK
The Freeport Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for their second 2011 grant cycle. Application and guidelines are available on the website at www.freeportcommunityfoundati on.org ,by calling the Foundation at 815-801-3035, or emailing to fcf@aeroinc.net . Applications must be received at the Freeport Community Foundation office, 524 W. Stephenson St., Suite 101, Freeport, IL, by 4:00 pm. Friday September 30, 2011. Any
UNION Savings BANK is pleased to announce the promotion of Sherri Kornfeind to Vice President. “Sherri has been a real asset during her thirty five year tenure at the bank. Her performance and leadership is outstanding and this promotion is well deserved.” stated Tom Huber, president of UNION Savings BANK. Kornfeind has held many positions at the bank and currently manages the loan operations department. She graduated from Highland
FREE DELIVERY & HAUL AWAY
P L U S FREE BED FRAME! on all mattress set purchases over $600!
In a recent survey of CPA firms offering financial planning and investment advisory services, Wipfli LLP ranked fifth nationwide in total assets under management. The survey was conducted by
Top Firms by AUM, a supplement to the industry magazine, Accounting Today, and was based on information collected from 186 participating CPA firms. Wipfli’s fifth-place ranking reflects assets under management through the firm’s affiliated company of Wipfli Hewins Investment Advisors LLC/Hewins Financial Advisors. The survey and its rankings were featured in an article entitled, “Wealth Magnets.” The article reported that the top 14 firms, of which Wipfli is included, manage $35 billion of the $55 billion represented by the total firms in the survey. To view the survey, visit www.webcpa.com.
STOUT
s not h i ng to d rea m . . . t s o It c .. .& ever y t h i n g no t t o .
INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC BUSINESS • HOME • AUTO • LIFE • HEALTH • BONDS Professional • Progressive • Personal
Jim Stout, CPCU, AAI, AIS
9 West Main, Freeport, IL • 815-232-6213 Mon. - Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-4 Email: lmi52@comcast.net
Serving Freeport & All Surrounding Areas Since 1971
1108 S. West Ave., Freeport, IL
815-233-0213 VISIT US ON THE WEB. www.stoutins.com
Call today for your FREE No Obligation
Business Insurance Quote
Think IP Phone Systems Aren’t For Your Business? Think Again.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Aero is the area’s leading provider of Business-Class Digital IP Phone systems and service. Call us and see why so many businesses are switching to Aero’s Business-Class IP Phone Service We’ll install a Polycom IP phone in your office FREE for 30 days before you decide. Aero has installed hundreds of phones throughout our service region, saving our customers hundreds of dollars per month on their phone bills while making them even more efficient, and better able to communicate with their customers.
Aero Group (815) 801-3387 1866 S. West Ave. Freeport, IL
Page 8
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERspotlights Crystal Image Cleaning Inc Crystal Image Cleaning Inc. has centered on attention to detail since its beginning in 2002 and today, 8 years later; Crystal Image Cleaning still provides detail-focused cleaning solutions for every facet of the home or business. Crystal Image owner Neil LeFevre said he has built the business from the ground up, and remains involved with every aspect of the company. “I went to Freeport High School and started this company back then as something I thought I could do on the side,” said LeFevre. “But, I found that I love what I do and I like cleaning. Clientele kept coming on board, the company got larger and now, this is what I do full-time.” Crystal Image and LeFevre currently have 10 employees,
but he said that no matter how big the company grows he will always take a hands-on approach. “By always being involved, I listened and learned about every client and their individual needs,” said LeFevre. “I soon realized there was a need for
more than just office cleaning. I want Crystal Image Cleaning Inc. to have the ability to service all situations that our clients may deal with.” He said his answer is to build
GM CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED ALL featuring... OWNERCARE NEW
Our exclusive owner benefit package
New Exclusive 2 yr/30,000 miles
DeGrote Television and Appliance
Standard CPO Maintenance Plan • 12 mo/12,000 mi Bumper to Bumper Warranty • 5 yr/100,000 mi Powertrain Limited Warranty • OnStar and SiriusXM Satellite Radio Trial Offer • 24/7 Roadside Assistance • Courtesy Transportation
MARVIN ALLEN BRANDON BUSKER
TOM BURKE
ED MULLIGAN
DEAN OBERT
JOHN WOLLNY
RICK FREESE
STEPHENSON COUNTY’S ONLY GM Certified Used Vehicle Dealer
CURT BAUMAN
GARY SHORTER
SEE OUR SALES STAFF FOR DETAILS
Call
815. AUTO GROUP 235. 2121 www.BockerAutoGroup.com 2011
a fully bonded and insured crew while staying consistent to his high level of detail. “I’m very proud to say that we will exceed your expectations,” LeFevre said. “Whether Office Cleaning, Window Cleaning, Power Washing or Floor Maintenance, Crystal Image Cleaning Inc. has your needs covered.” He said Crystal Image Cleaning has just recently expanded to include carpet cleaning services. “We do a lot of office cleaning and I’m hoping that carpet cleaning will eventually grow to become one of our larger services,” LeFevre said. “We also do power washing and we can provide any of our cleaning services to residential or commercial customers.” He said honesty is the key to success for Crystal Image Cleaning. “I’ve always been an honest hard worker,” said LeFevre. “My prices are affordable and competitive. We work hard at what we do and we love what we do. We’ll do whatever it takes to make our customers happy.” Learn more about the services available through Crystal Image Cleaning by visiting them on the web at www.crystalimagecleaning.net or call Neil at 815.218.6615.
DeGrote Television and Appliance is Freeport’s “go to” shop for a large selection of kitchen appliances, home and laundry appliances and electronics including refrigerators, ovens, and flat panel TV. DeGrote Television and Appliance is part of the Brandsdirect network of independent dealers offering their customers the best prices for the best names in brand appliances and electronics while maintaining the highest level of professionalism through the nation’s single largest network of independent stores.
DeGrote Television and Appliance Inc. is the right choice for the discriminating Freeport area shopper. “We sell as well as repair the electronics, appliances and televisions that we vend,” said DeGrote Television and Appliance partner Tom Moth. Moth and Robert Hunter share managing responsibilities at the facility. Moth said DeGrote Television and Appliance opened in 1953 in Pecatonica and moved to its Freeport home in 1980 to better serve their customers. He said the electronics and appliances industry is constantly changing and their priority is simply to keep up with the new technologies. “There are a lot of electronics involved now with appliances that didn’t used to be there,” Moth said. “We’ve seen a lot of innovations especially in energy efficient appliances. Everyone is looking to save the environment and our brands have stepped up to meet those needs and at the same time, become more efficient to save our customers money.” He said taking care of their clientele is what has kept the doors open and customers coming back for more than 50 years. “Taking care of our customers and just answering their questions when they need help has always been at the top of our list here at DeGrote Television and Appliance,” Moth said. DeGrote Television and Appliances Inc is located in the Lincoln Mall at 1221 West Galena Av in Freeport. Before visiting their showroom, be sure to check out DeGrote Television and Appliance Inc.’s special offers including discounts, rebates, and financing specials
on top brand merchandise at www.DeGrote.homeappliances.c om or call Tom or Robert at 815.235.8960.
Page 9
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Family Affair Café Family Affair Cafe has been owned and operated by the Ugalde family for more than 17 years. Consistency is their goal. The folks at Family Affair Cafe constantly strive to make every dining with them an escape from the same old humdrum. They continually aim to enhance service, serve tasty quality meals with plentiful portions at affordable prices. “We offer dine-in and carry-out for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Rebecca Ugalde who is currently operating the restaurant with her husband Venancio who also serves as the restaurant’s lead chef, and is the latest member of the Ugalde family to take
ownership of the restaurant. His brother, Efrain, owned the restaurant prior to September 2010. She said they like the Freeport community and her husband enjoys working as a chef. “Venancio started cooking at Family Affair when he was about 16 and over the years has built a clientele of his own,” Ugalde said. “He’s been here for so many years that folks now know his hours and when he will be cooking and they’ve come to expect the flair and quality that he brings to the menu.” Ugalde said they are adding new items to the menu and are slowly freshening the atmosphere at Family Affair Café. “We are keeping the old favorites so we don’t want folks
thinking we are changing everything,” she said. “We’ve expanded the menu by adding about a dozen new items and we are working to re-format our menus to make them easier to read and order from.” She said their goal is to keep the traditional Family Affair Cafe meals while adding new tastes to the selection. “We love our current clientele and we are working to bring in new customers,” Ugalde said. “We have a lot of regulars who have been with us for years and we want to add things they enjoy to our menu while at the same time, adding some new clientele as well.” She said the consistency and friendliness found at Family Affair Cafe keeps folks coming back. “Just knowing that we are a part of the Freeport community and that we have the opportunity to continue giving back to this community keeps us going,” she said. Check out the daily specials and events at Family Affair Cafe on Facebook and follow them on Twitter at @FACafeBeck Visit them on the web at
www.familyaffaircafe.com for more information. Family Affair Cafe, located at 2061 W, Galena Ave, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
Katie Lynn Photography Katie Lynn Photography is a growing Northwest Illinois photography business that specializes in children and family photography. Managing photographer Katie Lynn Rupnow says she loves capturing folks just being themselves and in addition to her specialty, she has experience shooting everything from weddings to maternity to senior pictures and more. “I’m just kind of more relaxed and family friendly and I like to let people do what they want to
Page 10 do so I capture them being themselves,” said Rupnow. She added that she works both in and out of her studio. “Weather permitting, I do a lot of photography outside,” Rupnow said. “I do travel to people’s homes because kids and families usually make better photos outside or in a familiar setting. They might suggest that rather than sitting in a studio they would go play in a park or run around searching for the most perfect flower for mommy. I just like to catch them doing what they love to do.” She said the normal sitting involves going for a walk. “They might go chase mommy and daddy or see who can tickle who,” Rupnow said. “I try to keep it relaxed and we always try to do a couple shots where the family or child might sit or pose. I just go for a mixture of what a parent wants to see and what the kids will tolerate.” She said she takes the same path when she photographs a senior. “I ask if they normally wear a suit and tell them to follow that pattern,” she explained. “If they don’t normally dress formal then
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE why have a photo in formal wear. They aren’t being themselves and that will come through in the picture.” Rupnow said she attributes much of her skills with youngsters to her experience as a pediatric nurse. “I started doing photography about five years ago as a side line,” she said. “I still work occasionally at the hospital and I still spend a lot of time with children. It all seems to work together.” She said she enjoys working in Freeport because of the diversity of scenery and locale available. “I live out toward Dakota, but do a lot of my photography in Freeport,” Rupnow said. “There are some great parks and the downtown lends itself to good lighting and great background. There are some wonderful neighborhoods for just walking on the sidewalks and catching folks being themselves. Freeport works very well for photography.” She added that she has a lot of clients in the Mt Carroll and Lanark areas as well as Rockford.
“Sometimes with people coming to town for a family photo they want to be relaxed and Freeport’s central location makes accommodating my clients easy,” Rupnow said. Katie Lynn Photography can capture that special moment in your life. Contact her on Facebook at Katie Lynn Photography or by email at katielynnphotography@gmail.com View her work and learn more about the services available through Katie Lynn Photography on the web at www.katielynnphotography.com
Nature’s Way For more than 30 years, folks in Freeport have made Nature’s Way Nutritional Center a prime source for alternative medicines, herbal supplements, and organic products. Randy Stearns, the store’s current owner, purchased the store from his father in 1999, noting that during the years he worked in the family business he personally used a number of the store’s products and had become convinced of their effectiveness. “When I first started working for my father in the store, I started using some of the natural products, and that’s really what got me interested in
the business,” Stearns said. Today, Stearns says he just enjoys sharing his experiences with his customers and listening to their thoughts on the uses for his products. “It’s kind of nice to relate to folks in a retail environment,” he said. “We offer a lot of wheat-free and gluten-free products. We’ve found there are a lot of people with various intolerances so we try to meet with them, listen to their needs and stock those products that will help.” He said they also carry a line of top quality supplements including herbs and bodybuilding supplements as well as cosmetics and books. “We have the largest selection of those type products that I’ve
seen in northern Illinois,” he said. “We also have raw nuts, juices, healthy oils and more.” Stearns says that while he tries to offer his customers products not easily found in other retail outlets, quality and purity are his priorities, and providing his clientele with products that are free of chemicals and common
BACK-to-SCHOOL!
Computer Desks Futons STARTING STARTING AT $10995 AT $27995 Our student-friendly prices make us a smart shopping choice!
Twin Matts 4 Drawer Chest Lamps STARTING STARTING STARTING $ 95 $ 95 AT $8995 AT 99 AT 49
-
Refrigerators STARTING AT $16995
Furnish your dorm room, apartment or your student’s bedroom!
2011
20 E. Stephenson St. • Historic Downtown
Freeport
Northern Illinois’ Largest Furniture & Appliance Dealer Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6; Sat. 9-4 • 815-235-4911 • www.rite-way.info
Page 11
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE allergens is an important step in building the confidence that keeps his patrons coming back. “That’s really what folks come in here for,” he explained. “They’re looking for high-quality products that are going to give them benefits, and I try to offer them alternative and healthier versions of all those products.” Stearns said Nature’s Way is currently undergoing an expansion. “We have a little room in what was our storage area in the back of the store so we are clearing that and adding products,” he explained. “This is an everchanging business and we have to keep up with what our customers are looking for.” Stearns says sales at his store, located at 1212 West Galena are strong, and he enjoys operating a business in Freeport. “I grew up here,” he said. “I think there is a lot of room for growth in this community. The people are always friendly, and this city has a lot to offer.” Learn more about what the products from Nature’s Way can do for you. Stop by the shop at
1212 West Galena, Freeport or call Randy at 815.232.4532.
Star Ambulance and Assisted Mobility Solutions Star Ambulance and Assisted Mobility Solutions was established in 1990 as a privately owned ambulance service and
Assisted Mobility Solutions is a medi-car service that provides nonemergency transport that includes service to and from doctor’s appointments, hospital discharge and more. “We specialize in emergency and non-emergency transport, critical care transport and provide medical care stand-by support to various special events
throughout the Freeport and Stephenson County area,” said Star Ambulance owner Tom Kempel. Kempel and wife Gretchen own and operate the company. He said Assisted Mobility Solutions serves those folks that may have disabilities, but do not have a vehicle or need
transportation. “We can also help people with the occasional family event if they need transportation to a family birthday party or special occasion,” Kempel said. “We also do transportation for those folks that need a ride home for holiday events.” He said he hopes to see
continuing growth in the Freeport area for both Star Ambulance and Assisted Mobility Solutions. “We are adding staff and additional ambulances to our fleet,” Kempel said. “We are looking for ways to expand and provide a wider variety of services for the folks in Freeport and Stephenson County.” He said a caring and dedicated staff is the key that will carry Star Ambulance and Assisted Mobility Solutions to future prosperity. “We have well over 100-years of combined experience in our staff,” Kempel said. “Everyone here at Star Ambulance and Assisted Mobility Solutions is very caring and we go the extra mile for our patients making sure that they are well taken care of.” Star Ambulance and Assisted Mobility Solutions maintains a state-of-the-art communication center that provides immediate access to crews who immediately respond. The facility is located at 3155 Business 20 West. For the business offices call
No matter what time, no matter where you are... Your local news & shopping is at your fingertips!
at office
at home
Catch the daily up-to-date news online...
... is your local online news source!
at local coffee shop
Make us your Home Page online, and check your local news source throughout your day. Updating news headlines as they happen! 527 S. State Ave, Downtown Freeport • 815-232-1171
check us out online at www.journalstandard.com
Page 12 815.235.0912 and for emergency service, call 815.235.0911. Contact Assisted Mobility Solutions at 815.232.2273.
Werntz Painting When hiring a paint contractor for the home the owner has to learn how much surface preparation is needed and whether the contractor will take the time to do it right. What primer is to be used and will the contractor use it on all the surfaces that require priming? What about protection for landscaping on exterior jobs and furnishings when the job is interior? How about cleanup when the job is finished, and most important, is the contractor courteous and business-like, professional and interested in doing business? Those questions can make all the difference and in Freeport, the time tested right answer is Werntz Painting where services are quality driven. Ric Werntz said he got his start when he painted with his brother Terry for Hansey Painting some 30 years ago. “As the youngest one on the
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE crew I was the tag along,” said Werntz. “I stuck with it and everybody else either moved or moved on and I was the only one left.” He said he just kept painting until he could figure out what he wanted to do in life and eventually realized that painting is his calling. “I’ve done a lot of the houses out in Cherokee Hills,” Werntz said. “I’ve worked for practically every realtor in Freeport and I do a lot of insurance work. I was also the lead painter at Freeport Memorial Hospital from 2005 to 2007.” He said Werntz Painting does a lot of residential painting, but also tackles commercial work. “These days you’ve got to do
it all,” he said. “I do interiors and exteriors, power washing and a lot of decks.” He said trust is a big factor when folks are choosing a paint contractor. “The key thing especially in a small community is the quality of work,” Werntz said. “The quality of work has to be exceptional because if it isn’t, word will get out quick and you will be out of business.” He said Werntz Painting is looking to the future and has become lead certified in Illinois. “Anymore, a lot of contractors stay away from lead jobs,” Werntz said. “The federal government has mandated a certain procedure that has to be used on a house that is pre-1978. If a contractor does not follow those guidelines
something as simple as distributing a pamphlet can result in a big fine.” He added that regulation of the lead removal process is a good thing, but the average homeowner does not realize that that regulation results in considerable costs when repainting. He said he stays very busy because of his repeat customers, his work with several local contractors and because he is able to offer sound advice on paint quality, colors and finishes. “A lot of people are looking for professional advice and I’m happy to be in a position to help,” Werntz said. “I enjoy working with seniors and don’t mind those little extra things that always seem to pop up. It’s just part of offering a complete job.” Learn more about the services offered by Werntz Painting. Call Rick at 815.275.6380 or contact him by email at rwerntz@comcast.net
Areas largest lawn care application company • Landscape Design & Installation • New Lawn Installation • Fertilization • Core Aeration • Brick Patio Installation • Bark & Rock Installation • Weed Eradication • Grub Control
• Japanese Beetle Control • Water Feature Installation • Retaining Wall Installation • Hydro Seeding • Perimeter Pest Control (Kills Asian Beetles)
GUARANTEED ERADICATION OF CREEPING CHARLIE Environmentally friendly products for your lawn Organic lawn fertilizer programs available
Expert Consultation with FREE ESTIMATE!
2007 2008
RELIABLE SERVICE
2009
2010
2011
COMMERICAL • RESIDENTIAL INSURED • LICENSED
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Ask for Dave!
CALL TODAY!
815.235.3100
Area’s ONLY Illinois Certified Nursery Professional! • Expert Lawn Care and Service You Deserve • Member IL Green Industry Association • Degree in Horticulture
www.DaveDeMeesterLandscaping.com • OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Page 13
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Prosperity in Illinois Economic Development and Job Creation Illinois is the fifth-largest industrial state and we are home to numerous dynamic, successful businesses and institutions that comprise a diverse economy. But our record on job creation has been poor, even long before the economic recession settled in. State unemployment rates now averages 9.4 percent with some areas suffering much higher percentages. In a 2010 report by the American Legislative Exchange Council, Illinois ranked 48th in the nation in terms of job creation. Our state has shed over 52,000 manufacturing jobs alone over the past year as more than 700 manufacturing firms have shut their doors. The health or demise of the Illinois economy relies on lawmakers and employers working together to pursue progrowth policies that restore jobs and economic growth to this state. Employers need
confidence their business can grow and prosper in Illinois, which means drastically reversing the anti-business rhetoric that has plagued Illinois politics for too long. The Illinois Chamber has fought and will continue to fight to support improvements in the state’s business environment, including removing potential barriers facing new business development and the growth of existing businesses in our state. Over the past year, the Chamber has vigorously fought efforts to impose prevailing wage in Enterprise Zones - one of the most important economic development tools in this state. The Chamber has also pursued and supported initiatives that reform other important economic development tools, such as the EDGE tax credit program, which most recently allowed the Ford Motor Company to bring 1,200 new jobs into this state.
Rise’n’Shine
The Chamber gathered at Shoe Sensation for their Rise ’n Shine breakfast in August. This event is a great networking chance to get your name out there if you are a smaller business! Our thanks to Shoe Sensation for their hospitality.
The Illinois Chamber, however, knows that much more work is to be done before Illinois reverses past trends and becomes open to supporting the
entrepreneurial spirit and fostering a growth agenda. The Chamber believes Illinois government can help create conditions for economic growth by: • Assuring employers the public’s investments in education yield qualified and productive workers. • Making timely and adequate investment in maintaining and modernizing the state’s transportation, water and telecommunications infrastructure. • Streamlining and expediting government agency decision making and permitting. • Paying vendors on time. • Reducing the cost of doing business in Illinois by realigning taxes, fees, workers’ compensation costs and employer mandates. • Getting out of the business of helping unions organize. • Aggressively assisting Illinois businesses and institutions in becoming global leaders in research and development, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. • Providing opportunities for small business to successfully compete.
Education and Workforce Development The Illinois Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the strength of the state’s economy and ability of its workforce to compete on a global scale rests on the quality of the state’s education system. The state and the business community fail when students are not challenged to succeed. The Illinois Chamber believes we should build a stronger compact between employers and educators so we are preparing our children for the jobs of today and tomorrow - whether that job demands a college education, a graduate degree, skills training in community or technical colleges, high school degree or union apprenticeships. Workforce capability is a critical component of Illinois’s future. As our state pursues stronger job creation activities, it is critical that these activities ensure that our future workforce is adequately educated, adequately skilled, and adequately trained in order to secure Illinois’ position as a global competitor. Environment and Energy The United States is facing the worst economic challenges since the Great Depression and Illinois is faring worse than most. A new report from the American Legislative Exchange Council ranks our economic performance among the ten worst states in the country and our unemployment rate typically exceeds the national average. In order for this state to get its economy moving again, we must capitalize on our strengths and ensure that regulatory actions balance sound environmental practice with good economic practice. With an energy base that includes one of the largest coal reserves in the world, farmland for biofuels, more nuclear power generation than any state, ample wind for electrical generation, a convergence of natural gas and crude oil pipelines, five area oil refineries, a robust electricity transmission system and much more, Illinois is well positioned CONTINUED
ON PAGE
14
Page 14 as an energy research and production center. To realize our full potential and not lose projects to neighboring states - we must create a business and regulatory environment that encourages new energy investment. The Illinois Chamber has pursued and will continue to pursue an Illinois Energy to Jobs Initiative that represents a comprehensive strategy our state needs in order to ensure our existing energy infrastructure continues to thrive and new energy projects move from the drawing board to reality. By advocating for new state incentives to build and improve energy production and manufacturing facilities of all kinds - from wind farms to nuclear power plants and from biofuel facilities to clean coal plants - while improving the state’s efficiency and timeliness of the permitting process, the Illinois Chamber continues to champion initiatives that promise to pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the Illinois economy, create thousands of jobs, and create a reliable, secure energy supply for Illinois consumers. Infrastructure Illinois’ transportation system plays a pivotal role in the nation’s ability to move goods and people because of its geographic location and extensive road, rail, airport and waterway network. It also serves as a critical factor in maintaining the current and future economic vitality of the state. Illinois is not only home to the nation’s third largest interstate highway network, but it also ranks 7th in U.S. waterborne traffic, houses the world’s third busiest airport and has the only city in the U.S. that is served by the six largest North American railroads. Maintaining our state’s role as the transportation hub of the nation is a vital economic strategy for Illinois, but challenges to the quality and capacity of Illinois’ transportation system are extensive and rising. The state’s demand for infrastructure needs is not being met by the necessary investments and although years
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE of persistent advocacy for more investment on the behalf of the Illinois Chamber finally paid off last year, the critical needs still greatly outweigh the resources available. The Illinois Chamber continues to advocate on the behalf of these needs, which include reducing traffic and rail congestion in the northeastern regions of the state and modernizing the state’s waterway system. Protecting and advancing our transportation system is not an option - it is essential to the future growth and prosperity of our state. Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation in Illinois is in dire need of reform. Illinois’ workers compensation costs are the 3rd highest in the nation, up from 21st in the nation just 5 years ago. Furthermore, the state’s workers’ compensation costs are far higher than surrounding states, which means Illinois is growing more susceptible to losing jobs to border states where companies can find relief from these increasing costs. The Illinois Chamber continues to champion efforts to reduce the cost of workers’ compensation. This year the Illinois Chamber sponsored ground breaking legislation to bring meaningful reform to the broken and out of control system. The Illinois Chamber will continue to push for reforms such as requiring the place of employment to be the primary cause of the inquiry, the use of AMA guidelines to determine impairment, deny claims as a result of drug and or alcohol intoxication, reduction in the medical fee schedule, utilization review, employer choice of physician and or establishment of a preferred medical provider network, and increase fraud provisions to deter abuse of the system. The Illinois Chamber believes that without much needed reforms to its workers’ compensation system, the state’s ability to attract and retain businesses and build a job-creating agenda will be severely hampered.
New and Renewed
MEMBERS NEW: • Charwood Smoke Haus & Grill • DeGrote Television & Appliance • Global Energy Partners • Outdoor Elegance • Bowen Oil Co. • Pleasant Valley Construction • Crystal Image Cleaning, Inc. • Fisher of Men Productions • Werntz Painting • Kenneke Chiropractic • Star Ambulance/Assisted Mobility Solutions • Katie Lynn Photography • CountryWide Text, LLC • David M. Olson Law Offices • Altman Automotive • Family Affair Café • Nature’s Way Nutrition Center RENEWED: • R Squared Construction • Anytime Fitness • LeBaron & Miller Interiors • Quizno’s • Witte Architects • Woodridge Estates • Task Trainers • Freeport Glass Company, Inc. • Quality Electric & Communications • WIFR-23 • Hulsebus-Gehlsen Chiropractic • Freidag Associates • Amity Society • Smith Insurance & Financial • Country Inn & Suites • VOICES Domestic Violence • Auto Repair Specialists • Skate Station • Quality Transport • Holman/Dahms Insurance • Senior Resource Center • Comcast • Frank Jeweler’s • Freeport Flite Center • Staples, Inc • Baymont Inn & Suites • Wall of Yarn • Spigot Networks • Children’s Dyslexia Center - NW IL • KC Erickson Dental Lab • Dental Connections • First Northern Credit Union • 9 East Coffee • Mowry, Schindler & Associates, LTD. • Sunrise Rotary Club of Freeport • Mary’s License Service • Northwest Eyecare • Freeport Lincoln Douglas Kiwanis Club • US Bank • Meadow Ridge/Prairie Ridge Apartments • Honeywell Sensing and Control • Cleanpro Cleaning Services • Tri-County Christian School • Quality Electric & Communications, Inc.
CLEAN
B U L L E T I N B OA R D
Auto Detailin g
MACHINE Auto Detailing
1530 Burckhardt Ln. Freeport, IL 61032
By Appointment Only
(815)238-3434 RV & Truck Wash
SALES & RENTALS Hwy 75 East of Freeport Across from Casey’s DAKOTA, IL 61018 (815) 449-2653 Specialized Financing Professional Sales Staff Rentals:
15 & 8 Passenger Vans Midsize Autos Owner: Mike Beggin www.carsrussales.com 9-13-11
D.I.Y. Hand y-man •Home Repairs •Lawns Unlimited •For Outdoor Needs Call Bob, 815-232-5379
Da ycare
OPEN HOUSE Lamm's DAYCARE
Sat., Aug. 27th 9am-3pm
1267 W. Logan Freeport, IL 61032 Home Preschool 2- 6 yrs
9-1-11
Han dym an
815-233-5627
John’s Handyman Service
9-19-12
1-29-12
Concret e/Loade r Aut o Rep air
CARS-R-US SERVICE CENTER 515 N TURNER ST DAVIS, IL 61019 (815) 865-5292 ASE Certified Mechanics Jeff Kaderly, Jeff Doescher
Customer Service Lori Hille Major to Minor Repairs New & Used Tires Most Brands
•Concrete: walls & flat work •Fence Row Cleanup •Tiling •Backhoe Work •Skidloader Work •Crawler Loader •All Types of Quarry Products Hauled SHANE TOWNSEND, STOCKTON
815-821-2360 815-947-2289
Constru ction
Dotson Construction Remodeling, Building & Repair
815-235-1667
815-232-2171
Black Dirt, Ag Lime, Road Stone 1266 E Montague Baileyville, IL
815-938-2787
FREEPORT, IL Licensed/Insured Lead Certified
CO M P U T ER T U TO R A
FFORDABLE PC REPAIR IN-HOME SERVICE (815)275-7155 9-16-11
FALL Hot in your TUNE home? UP Avoid mid-winter equipment failure!
Call us, we can help! $
72
Call now to schedule your appointment (815) 232-6166
HANDYMAN SERVICE Handym an
26 Yrs Experience Hauling Lawn Mowing
815-238-8884 1-8-12
YOU CALL! WE HAUL! •Yard Waste
•Brush •Trash •Cleanouts •Gravel •Dirt •YOU TELL US!
CITY HAUL
Helping Hand
DO YOU NEED A HAND WITH HOUSE CLEANING? Reasonable rates & references Freeport Area
C ALL PAM M YERS AT 815-27 5-7383 8-31-11
your addition or remodel. Also will do patch work, texturing & painting. Insured.
Heating & AC
Quality & Value Since 1991
815-493-632 8 9-18-11
OJ, 1 yr neutered male white/tan pitbull Mason, 3 yr male pitbull Coco, 8 yr male mastiff mix Samantha, 2 yr female lab/husky Tamika, 3 yr female lab/husky Kyra, 7 yr female lab/husky Gretta, 2.5 yr female American bulldog Rigly, 8 mo male pit mix Jazzy, 3 mo female pit mix Jasper 10 mo male pit LOTS OF CATS & KITTENS
815-233-1726 FAMILY OWNED FOR 40 YEARS. 4-25-12
Pain ting
LORI’S PAINTING
Interior, Exterior, Wallpaper Services. Specializing in wall & ceiling repair with texture spray. Free Estimates & Insured!
815-297-5406 5-20-12
S TU MP BU ST E R Most Stumps $10 - $30
815-369-2169 4-15-12
Wat er Trea tme nt SOFTENER SERVICE
Over 25 yrs. exp.
815-543-0791 4-13-12
B&K
Yard & Brush Needs
SERVICES
FREEPORT 815.232.4916 www.petfinders.com/shelter/il235.html
Lawn Mowing Yard Cleanup Trash Hauling Tree&Brush Removal 815-990-1184 815-541-1448
8-12-12
10-19-11
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
815-232-4519
~ Senior Citizen Discounts ~
Service Call Special $19.95 All makes & models. No charge if we can't fix it!
233-GONE (4663)
Pets
WILL DRYWALL
• Kitchen and Bath Remode ls • Water Softeners • Water Heaters • Drain Cleaning
Stum p Rem oval
2-29-12
Dr ywall
PLUM BING
5-27-12
9-13-11
Hau ling
9-27-11
Co m pu te r Se rv ice s
CA LL JO HN 815 -23 5-2 240
STEV E GRAY IL Lic. #058-09309 7
9-04-11
10-13-11
9-13-11
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE HERE!!! CALL :
KAMPEN FARMS Dirt/Ro ck
•Lawn Mowing & Edging •Roof Repair •Clean & Repair Gutters •PowerWash Siding & Decks •Painting & Staining & MORE!
Heating & AC
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
Since 1993 MARK BAKER
Aut o Sale s
CARS-R-US
Plumbin g
Handym an
12-28-11
Advertise your service here and be seen in The Journal-Standard, The Scene and on www.jou rnalstan dard.com . CALL 815-232-2171.
NICE RECOVERY with da Vinci® surgery
Now major surgery can feel pretty minor. Having a prostatectomy doesn’t have to disrupt your life. In fact, you could feel better than ever in a matter of days. As a miniature extension of a surgeon’s hands, the da Vinci provides incredible vision, precision and control. That means less pain and a faster recovery. Want to learn more? See the da Vinci in action and get the facts online or call 608-324-2300. Sponsored by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes
monroeclinic.org/davinci