Communicator
MARCH 2011 • Freeport, IL
The Masonic Temple serves Freeport Tony Carton Communicator Editor
The Masonic Temple in Freeport has long served the community as a center for civic pride, ingenuity and entrepreneurial enterprise, but surprisingly few folks really know the background of the facility. Masonic Temple Building Manager Dean White said that the first temple was built in 1904, but was eventually torn down. “They laid the cornerstone for the current building in 1927,” White said. “Its original cost was $750,000 and estimated replacement cost on the building right now is about twelve million. It was a pretty good investment.” He said the first performance in the auditorium was by John Phillip Sousa. “He was a Mason and did the first program in the new building,” White noted. He said that over the years, the Masonic Temple became a cultural center hosting numerous musical and theatrical events. “Our auditorium on the west side of the building seats a little over 1200 people and has a stage large
enough to allow for backdrops and scenery,” White said. “We do a lot of musical performances and plays in the auditorium.” White said the current calendar for the Masonic Temple includes a concert in April by the Oak Ridge Boys. “The Oak Ridge Boys will be coming in April 29,” he said. “Seats are all reserved and are $45 on the main floor and $35 for everything up in the balcony. Tickets are available from www.freeportmasonictemple. org or by phone at 815.233.0513. He said the Masonic Temple works in partnership with Big Radio sponsoring the concerts. “They handle the marketing and we have the facility and we sell the tickets,” White explained. “We’ve had four concerts in the series so far and it’s going very well. Our goal is to bring quality entertainment to Freeport. It generates business for the area and it’s nice to be able to stay in town.” White said the Masonic Temple has an agreement with the nearby Hampton Inn in downtown Freeport
for those event participants interested in staying the night. Call the Inn for room availability. White also noted that the Masonic Temple offers meeting rooms for day or night time gatherings. “We can provide
most of our wedding receptions and dinners,” White said. “We’ve just finishing repainting downstairs and properly arraigned, we could probably seat 650 to 700 people there. There is a small stage on that level
projectors and have wireless Internet throughout the building and if folks need equipment we usually can help locate most of what they might need,” he said. In addition to the meeting rooms, the Masonic Temple features a 70x20 ballroom on the lower level. “That’s where we have
and there is a bar.” He said that on the main floor, there is another banquet room called the Crystal Room that allows us to accommodate another 165 people for a reception or a dinner. He added that there is a SEE FREEPORT
Inside...
Workforce Development Coalition MEMBER 4 GOLD SPOTLIGHT
6 MEMBER NEWS
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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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
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: 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...
Kim’s Korner W
ow! Are we excited about our Annual Chamber Dinner next week! We are going to have a record breaking crowd of over 400 chamber members in attendance. We look forward to a great dinner, video of the past years events, our annual awards, and an inspiring message from our speaker Dr. Patrick Hardy. We really appreciate the support of everyone and especially all of our sponsors including our Platinum Sponsors Berner Foods, FHN, Fairway Ford and Lincoln Mercury, and The Journal Standard. We look forward to seeing over 400 of you next Thursday at the beautiful Masonic Temple. We also look forward to hosting the State of the Schools Luncheon April 21 at the Freeport Country Club. It is very exciting to have Dr. Chris Koch, the Illinois State Superintendent of Schools as our keynote speaker as he will discuss the current state of the schools and the impact of the current state government problems. This is a rare opportunity to have Dr. Koch in Freeport and we look forward to seeing many of you there. Later this spring we look forward to hosting our second Leadercast on
May 6. This is will be a great opportunity for you to hear from some of the countries leading motivational speakers. We want to thank Highland College and Highland College Foundation for hosting this months Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast at the WindTech Building and we also want to thank the Hampton Inn for hosting tonight’s Business after Hours. Special thank you our newest members F.A. Read Center, Steve’s Catering, One Stop Wireless/Verizon Wireless, The Cheese Market, Downing’s Remodeling Contractors, Inc., and Heilman Properties. If you are ever wondering what is going on with the Chamber remember to check our website www.freeportilchamber.com for the most updated information.
MARCH 17 Business after Hours Hampton Inn 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. MARCH 24 Chamber Ambassador Meeting Steph. Co. Farm Bureau 7:30 a.m. MARCH 24 Chamber Annual Dinner Masonic Temple 5:00 p.m. APRIL 6 Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast Walker Mortuary 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. APRIL 7 Executive Board Meeting Chamber Conference Room # 2 7:30 a.m.
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
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
after H BUSINESS
URS
Photos by Michael Gunderson
Business after Hours was hosted by Highland Community College’s Ray & Betty Stamm of the Health Science Nursing Wing. A great group of people attended to network, enjoy some food, and look around the wing. Our thanks to Highland for their hospitality and sharing this wonderful addition to their campus with us!
Photos by Michael Gunderson
Rise’n’Shine
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main kitchen down with the ballroom and another small kitchen up on the second floor. “We have Jeff Krogull as our in-house caterer,” White said. “He holds the liquor license for this address and Joe Geider of Tower Sound handles the lighting and sound for the auditorium.” White said that one of the biggest ongoing projects at the Masonic Temple is a thirty-second degree Masonic Learning Center up on the third floor. “It is one of our charities,” he explained. “It is an afterschool tutoring program for children with dyslexia. It operates Wednesday and Thursday from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. and is free to the
families.” H said there are somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty children in the tutoring program right now. “It is a one-on-one tutoring program,” White said. “It is not a classroom setting. We have a director and a number of tutors that use the Orton-Gillingham method of tutoring. It is all free to the families. Their only responsibility is to get the children here and then back home. It generally takes about two years to bring a child up to his grade level in reading. Sometimes they stay for a third year, but usually we can get them in and out in two. It is one of our biggest programs, and we would like more people to know it is here.”
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The Chamber gathered at Highland Community College’s Wind Turbine Tech. Center for their Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast in March. It was great getting to see how this one of a kind program is developing at Highland. Great job!
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GoldMEMBER
spotlight
Alwayz Cookies By Leslie Manthei Alwayz Homemade, Alwayz Gone! A motto that perfectly sums up Alwayz Cookies mailorder and delivery service for homemade treats! This summer will mark the 10th Anniversary for the Freeport business. One can only imagine the number of cookies Owner, Leslie Manthei has made since she first started her business. Since opening the homebased business in 2001, Leslie has baked and shipped cookies from coast to coast, as well as, to many service men and women overseas. Hundreds of dozens of cookies and other treats have been
delivered to Freeport area businesses and residents. Leslie is thrilled by the amount of repeat business she receives from her customers in Freeport. “It means they enjoy getting the cookies just as much as I enjoy making them.” For the fifth year in a row, Alwayz Cookies is providing the dessert trays for the Annual Chamber Dinner, coming up on March 24. This year’s dessert trays are going to offer a sampling of the many different kinds of treats that Alwayz Cookies makes. In addition to 24 different cookie flavors, Always Cookies also offers many other items for her Freeport customers. Various Dessert Bars, Chocolate Chip Pies, Cheesecakes, Coffeecakes, Chocolate Truffles, Muffins, and a family recipe Carrot Cake, are just a few of the
growing list of treats that can be special ordered from Alwayz Cookies. Whether ordering cookies for yourself, a gift box for a loved one, or a platter of homemade treats for a gathering, Alwayz Cookies is happy to help. Although you
may want to order extra, these treats will be gone before you know it. For more information about Alwayz Cookies give Leslie a call at: 815-599-0305 or visit: www.alwayzcookies.com to read more about this business or place an online order.
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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.
Law Offices of Ralph E. Elliott Rock River Valley Blood Center Berner Food & Beverage John H. Vogt Fehr-Graham & Associates Country Insurance & Financial Services Rick Wilson Spherion Staffing Group Freeport Insurance Center Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Jack Myers Consulting
GOLD MEMBERS
Alwayz Cookies Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Reid Enterprises Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTD Freeport Community Foundation Bomar Heating & Air Conditioning Stout Insurance Agency Freidag Associates CPAs
SILVER MEMBERS Iron-T Junction Captured Memories Photography Brown’s Shoes
Integrity Investments Swift Hospitality Group, Inc. Columbia College Winter & Associates Ultrasonic Power Corp. Freeport Park District Eagles Club Pinewood Buffet & Grill Monroe Clinic Downing’s Remodeling Contractors,Inc. 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 Dental Connections Family Health Quest
General Casualty Schofield Plumbing State Farm – Jon Spachman C. J. Vitner Co., Inc. Saxer Accounting Services, LLC Tender Loving Care
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERnews Workforce Development Coalition provides Keys to the Future Workforce Development Coalition (WDC) is a group of dedicated volunteers from Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties whose mission is to help our area communities develop a skilled workforce. The WDC is working to have businesses select northern Illinois for their employment base by building a skilled workforce that will help this area become increasingly attractive to new commerce while nurturing growth in existing businesses. Certificate of Employability A Certificate of Employability (COE) is an outgrowth from NIDA’s Workforce Development Committee whose survey revealed that attendance, accountability, and attitude
are major issues for our local employers. These three aspects have been coupled with academics within a certificate that high school juniors and seniors may earn at their respective schools.
Workforce Development Coalition All schools in Stephenson County are endorsing this Certificate of Employability, and the enthusiasm for this program is spreading quickly to schools in neighboring counties. Not only do students perceive value in the COE, but so do an increasing number of employers.
WorkKeys® WorkKeys® is the process whereby individuals of all ages assess those skills that employers consider important. The three basic skill areas are: Applied Math, Reading for Information and Locating Information. Any individual is able to be tested locally in these three skill areas for $25 at Highland Community College (HCC). Within 3 hours, not only is the testing completed, but if the individual wishes, they are also able to immediately receive and compare their scores with the score profiles of up to 400 different jobs categorized by American College Testing (ACT) on an ACT web site. By doing this, the individual is able to get an indication as to the type of job they may be best suited. KeyTrain After taking the WorkKeys® skills assessment tests, one may find that certain skill sets need improvement. To address this, one can access an online tutorial training
Be someone’s HERO. Donate today.
program called KeyTrain®. With the PIN supplied through HCC, these tutorials are available through a PC at no cost. NCRC® ACT issues the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC®). Based upon WorkKeys® scores, an aspiring employee may earn a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certificate. This certificate is recognized nationwide. You may use KeyTrain® and retake WorkKeys® tests in order to upgrade your certificate designation. For a list of WDC members, school counselors, and area businesses currently supporting COE, WorkKeys®, and KeyTrain®, or email: info@scworkforce.org. To schedule your testing appointment, please contact Amy Johnson at HCC, 815599-3678. And, for more information, you may search: www.act.org and www.keytrain.com.
Mon. & Tues. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thurs. & Fri. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Second Saturday of each month 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
461 E. South Street • Freeport • 815-23BLOOD • www.rrvbc.org
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FHN Burchard Hills Providers Offer Extended Hours Most people’s schedules are so jam-packed these days that sometimes it’s hard to fit in a healthcare appointment. FHN is pleased to announce expanded hours for three family practice and pediatric healthcare providers at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills in Freeport.
Pediatrician Adam Angelilli, MD, is available for appointments through 7 p.m. each Monday. Family Practice Physician Donald Hay, DO, offers appointments beginning at 7 a.m. each Tuesday and through 7 p.m. each Wednesday. Dr. Hay cares for patients of all ages and also offers women’s healthcare. Family Practice Nurse Practitioner Tracy DySard, APN/CNP is available to see patients beginning at 7 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, including through the lunch hour on Mondays through Wednesdays. She also is available for appointments through 6 p.m. on Mondays. Tracy DySard, a certified nurse practitioner, cares for patients of all ages and offers women’s healthcare. For more information on FHN’s healthcare providers, locations and services, visit www.fhn.org. Call toll-free 1-
877-6000-FHN (1-877-6000346) ext. 988 to book an appointment time with Dr. Angelilli, Dr. Hay or Tracy DySard. March is Girl Scout Month! Freeport business can now help Girl Scouts in Freeport by purchasing cases of cookies. Cases include 12 boxes of cookies and can be the perfect way to thank employees, clients, and vendors-all while helping local girls build courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place! If you’d like to purchase cookies by the case, please call Madelon at 815962-5591, Ext. 7120 or email mkoerner@girlscoutsni.org. All proceeds from the Girl
Scout Cookie Program directly benefit girls in northern Illinois, supporting Girl Scout programs, camp scholarships, volunteer training, membership assistance, and outreach programs. Each troop receives a portion of the proceeds as discretionary funds for troop activities. In fact, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is one of the few youth-oriented programs in the country providing its participants the ability to decide how to direct the proceeds generated through their business activity. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsni.org.
SERVICE SELECTION SATISFACTION Carpets, Vinyl, Tile, Hardwoods, & Laminates 1308 South Armstrong Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032 Phone: (815) 232-9060 Fax: (815) 232-9084
Licensed Architect Scott Winter Joins Winter Construction Winter Construction of Freeport is pleased to announce the recent addition of licensed architect Scott Winter to their construction management team. Scott’s new position as Vice President of Design/Build Services will further enhance the company’s abilities to provide professional design and construction management services to their clients in northern Illinois. He is also the President and Principal Architect for Winter Design, Inc., an architectural planning and design firm and wholly owned subsidiary of Winter Construction. “Our clients can now come to us with their initial ideas of a building need, and we can take them from site selection and concept design through working drawings and final occupancy,” said Winter Construction President Mark Winter. “Scott
becomes involved right from the beginning to help develop initial concepts and budgeting. When necessary, he will also facilitate and coordinate the involvement of other architects and engineers in the area, with whom we have long-standing relationships, to provide our clients with the best consulting services available.”
A graduate of Freeport High School, Winter earned first his bachelor’s degree then his master’s degrees in both architecture and civil engineering construction management from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. “My role doesn’t end once construction starts,” Winter said. “I work directly with the customer and the CONTINUED
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The Cheese Market The time is always right for good specialty cheeses and with the opening of The Cheese Market quality cheese became a little easier to find in Freeport. “Right now we carry about 80 different styles of cheese,” said Cory Engle who owns and operates the business in partnership with Barb Davis. “We stock specialty sausages and beef jerky, and we have Amish apple butters, salsas, mayo and mustards.” Engle said they are also stocking a full line of specialty popcorn from The Blarney Stone as well as some gifting items. The Cheese Market opened the first week of March, but the idea was actually born more than a year ago. “My partner Barb and her husband have a real grasp of the cheese business and once we realized our combined passion for quality cheeses we decided to open a real cheese shop in Freeport,” Engle said. “Once her husband shared his extensive knowledge of the cheese making process and the
products that are available we began working to open the shop.” He said they’ve only been open a week, but they are already seeing positive response. “Everybody’s been really excited about our line of products and we’re glad to be able to offer these specialty cheeses into the Freeport community,” Engle said. He added that for now, retail of specialty cheeses and sausage is their focus but that they expect to begin offering snack trays in the near future. “Right now we are doing cheese trays on a very limited basis, but we know that will change quickly,” Engle said. “Once we have our ducks in a row with our staffing we will start to increase the tray side of the business. He added that customer service is very important to The Cheese Market. “We are working hard to be sure we are stocking a wide variety of fine products and customer service will always be our first priority,” Engle
said. “All our products are made locally. We know that locally produced products are increasing in popularity and those items will continue to be one of our strong points. Stop in and pick up your favorite cheeses at The Cheese Market located in the old Freeport Advertiser building at 1342 South Harlem Avenue. Hours are 10 to 6 Tues through Fri, 8-6 Saturday and Sunday 11-4, closed Mondays.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERspotlights Shear Design Team A good hairdresser is not impossible to find. You may have to search a bit, but locating a hair professional you trust and admire is as easy as stopping in Shear Design Team Salon at 928 West Galena Ave., Freeport. “We are a salon that specializes in custom color and cut, eyebrow waxing, pedicures and manicures,” said Shear Design Team owner/operator Tarah Manthei. She said custom hair coloring is a hot item right now. “I think that since the beginning of this year folks have begun to spend a little more money on themselves,” Manthei said. “Folks were really tied up with Christmas at the end of last year, but now they aren’t as busy and things are returning to normal.”
Manthei said Shear Design Team opened almost a year ago and now after a year of renovation they are hosting a grand opening March 19. “I’m from Pearl City and I live in Freeport now,” she said. “I’ve always worked for other people, but I wanted to try going into business for myself. I’m seeing signs of
economic recovery in Freeport and I really feel this is a great time to start my business.” Manthei has begun an incentive program for the young people that drop by the salon. “If a young person brings in their report card I will give them a $1 discount for an A,” she said. “I know a lot of kids are really appearance conscious and I’m thinking that if they are willing to work hard and get a decent grade then the least I can do is find some way to reward them.” She said she is just beginning her school work incentives program and word is just beginning to get around, but already a number of youngsters are dropping by and collecting their reward. “I’m really gearing this incentive toward the junior high and high school kids
because that seems to be an age where they are becoming aware and want to look their best,” Manthei said. “It’s tough enough when you’re growing up and trying to be your own person. I can help a little and I’m willing to do it.” She added that including tanning facilities is probably in the future.
Manthei said providing her clients with an experience to remember is what will carry her to success in cosmetology. “If you come in my salon you can always count on a good haircut, she explained. “I’m willing to take the time to give my clients the best service I can and the folks I work with count on that.” For more information or to make an appointment with Shear Design Team contact them at , 815.821.1466, or stop by the salon at 928 West Galena Av, Freeport, 10-5 or by appointment Tues through Fri and Sat 10 to 3. Steve’s Catering, where passion meets the grill Make a special event even more special with a call to Steve’s Catering. Steve’s is a full service caterer featuring hand-cut meats grilled to perfection. “I do a lot of mobile grilling,” said owner Stephen Tenley. “I do the outings for Famous Fossil Winery and other cookouts.” Tenley said he performs his grilling magic on just about anything, but his specialty is steak. “I cook for weddings, corporate events and other special occasions,” he said. “I also recently catered the Thanksgiving event for Malcom Eaton Enterprises at Lincoln Mall in Freeport. That was a large indoor event. I love to cook and am a full service caterer.” He said he took the buyout from the Chrysler Plant in Belvedere two years ago and decided to do something he enjoys. “I’ve been in and out of the restaurant business for years so I decided to cook,” Tenley said. “I started catering last June. I’m picking up new clients and business is getting better and better. Now, I’m doing something I really love.” He said he has always been a people person. “I’ve always liked working
with people,” he said. “I’ve always been around the Freeport area and I know there is an untapped market for my catering style. I cook on-site.” He listed several upcoming events he would be serving. “I will be out at Lake Somerset Lodge on Memorial Weekend grilling steaks,” Tenley said. “I will be doing a wedding reception right there at the lodge and with my mobile grill I will be cutting the steaks right there by hand and cooking them to order.” Tenley also said that he would be hosting an open house at Davis Hall in Davis April 9 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. “I will be cooking samples from my entire menu so that folks can see what I serve and it will all be free,” he said.
He said that his ultimate goal is a restaurant. “I’ve always loved steak and my goal is to open a steak house,” Tenley said. “I hand cut everything. I do my soups from scratch and I use grain fed beef. Catering is different from opening a restaurant. It takes a large initial outlay to open a restaurant, so I’m dependent on catering right now, but eventually I want to have my own steak house.” He said his customers always come first. “I cater to people,” he said. “I’m there for my customers and I fix what they want not what I want. Cooking is a CONTINUED
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passion for me. It’s not a job. I love it and I love knowing that when they go home they are satisfied with what I do.” For more information about Steve’s Catering contact Stephen Tenley at 815.821.1554 or Email him at stevescatering@live.com and be sure to visit and friend Steve’s Catering on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pa ges/StevesCatering/134407889914118 Baymont Inn & Suites® Listening to guests and treating them like neighbors is what they do best at Baymont Inn & Suites. They call it hometown hospitality and it comes complete with all the comforts of home and more. Whether traveling for a leisure getaway, a family vacation or on business, Baymont has the right hotel accommodations for every need. “We offer 63 rooms, a meeting room with overhead
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
projector and screen, whiteboard and the entire hotel is Wi-Fi,” said Freeport Baymont Inn & Suites General Manager Dee Kuhlemeier. “We have a computer and printer in the lobby for our guests. We also have an outside grill and patio. Our pool is open 24hours a day and we offer a hot tub and fitness center.” She said the rooms are
standard doubles and kings, with 11 suites and the facility was remodeled in 2009 with new mattresses, bedding and carpeting. All the rooms have micro-waves and minirefrigerators and the Baymont is a pet friendly property. “We offer continental breakfasts every morning from 6 to 10 a.m., Kuhlemeier said.” And, for
meetings or other gatherings, folks can cater in or we can help make arrangements for catering.” In addition to discounting accommodations for business affairs, Baymont Inn & Suites in Freeport offers discount rates for group blocks including weddings, reunions, and for bereavement, and medical emergencies. “Our priorities are comfort and convenience,” Kuhlemeier said. “We’ve been
open 11 years at Highways 20 and 26 North of Freeport, and we know folks expect a certain level of quality from a Baymont hotel. We work hard to see that their every expectation is met.” She said that over the last couple years Baymont Inn & Suites in Freeport has been working to promote the Jane Addams Bike Trail. “We are working with the various trailheads particularly Madison, Monroe and Pecatonica to make our Baymont Inn & Suites a destination for bikers and snowmobilers,” she explained. “We are experiencing an increasing number of folks that ride the trail and stay over to enjoy our Baymont and the amenities available in Freeport before they head back home.” Kuhlemeier said that Baymont Inn & Suites in Freeport is working with Chicago-Rockford International Airport offering discounted rates to certain air traveling guests. She added that they are always targeting new corporate businesses and contractors. “We are a Corporate Lodging Property and can handle direct billing situations so that when folks call us for corporate rates we can vary our pricing structure based on how much their activity uses our facility,” Kuhlemeir said. Kuhlemeier said that their strongest point is a friendly CONTINUED
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staff that works constantly to provide a homey atmosphere. “Customer satisfaction is number one with us,” she said. For more information, room rates, reservations and meeting room availability call the Baymont Inn & Suites Freeport at (815) 599-8510 or stop in at 1060 Riverside Dr Freeport for a free tour of the lodging or meeting facilities. Remember, next time you are planning a trip; you are always welcome at Baymont Inn & Suites. CDM Business Machines “We are a full-service computer shop,” said CDM Business Machines owner Brad Huber. “We do everything from networking to point of sale equipment. We fix computers, build web sites, write programs and menus and we get into the printing thing a little bit.” Huber explained that the bulk of their printing work is performed professionally by Eastrich Printing in Freeport
and added that repairs and office networking are their strong points. He said he chose to open his business in Forreston 14 years ago because he liked the small town atmosphere. “I’ve always been a small town type of guy,” Huber said. “Forreston is more than just a small town to me, it’s more like a big family.” He said his newest project is working with Bill Rosenberg producing video and stills for the area fire
departments. “Bill and I are working to provide tighter coverage of the work firefighters and other emergency crews do around this area,” Huber said. “In addition, I operate the site, Forreston.com and the web site for the River Demons.” The River Demons are a roller derby sister-team with the Rockford Rage, and are on a winning streak. Huber and Rosenberg do the photography, video and web site work associated with the team. “They skate four nights a month as a sanctioned team, Huber explained. “The derby thing has gotten pretty hot here lately. The River Demons skate at the Lear River Complex on a flat track. They filled the gym for their last match and folks just love it.” To learn more about the River Demons and find a
game schedule, visit www.riverdemons.com Huber said his competitive pricing keeps folks coming back. “One of the reasons I got into this business is that I used to run a 65-unit apartment complex and my computer was always at the shop,” he said. “It was costing me an arm and a leg just to keep it running so I started taking classes to learn how to do the work myself.” He said he can do most repairs within 24 hours and at prices folks can afford. “I’m quick and I’m thorough,” Huber said. “This is a tough field because everybody hates the computer guy, but I’m dependable and find work all through the area.” Huber said customer service is the key to his success. “It’s important to me to know that my customers are satisfied,” he said. “There is so much technology available
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Page 13
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Fenwick said Newfen’s specialties include gyros, Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, sausages, salads and chicken sandwiches. “We will be hosting a
Rubin’s special for St Patrick’s Day later this month,� he said and for a daily dessert treat, we offer our signature fried Twinkie or the fried Oreo. They are a little different, but they are really good.� Fenwick said they coat a Twinkie or an Oreo with their special pancake batter and deep fry them for a most unusual treat. “They are a little rich, but they really are great,� he said adding that Newfen’s offers free delivery for downtown Freeport. Newberry said that Mondays are chilidog days at Newfen’s, but the rest of the week they add new items to the menu and see what works. “We are pushing our page on Facebook because it gives people a chance to see what we have for specials every day,� he explained. He credits friendship and trust as their key to a successful operation. “We are always looking for something new to put on the menu,� he said. “But more important is that everyone that works with us is friends. We’ve all gone to high school together and grown up together and it’s really nice knowing that we are surrounded by people we can trust.� Newberry said that growth is in their future and with time they hope to build to another outlet and more dining space.
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“We have good people on staff and we are thinking that we will be ready for a bigger building and a fuller menu in the future,� he said. “We’re just building slowly so that we learn to do things properly and then we will expand.� Be sure to log on to Facebook and friend Newfen’s to get information on their daily specials. Stop by Newfen’s at the corner of Galena Avenue and Douglas Street in downtown Freeport open Monday through Friday at 10:30am. Or, too busy to get out for lunch at work today well, Newfen’s delivers!!! (815) 235.8811 and Newfen’s is available for take-out from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
2 3 ( 1 ( $ 5 /< $ 1 ' / $7 (
now and so many people are doing things that require maintenance. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad to be able to help folks out with their computer issues.â&#x20AC;? For more information about the services available through CDM Business Machines contact Brad Huber at 815.938.2068 or stop by the shop at 205 West Green St., Forreston. Newfenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The approach to food at Newfenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Freeport is just a little different from other places. Everything is madeto-order, so you will always get a hot, fresh selection from their expanding menu. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Danny Newberry and I opened Newfenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in November 2010,â&#x20AC;? said co-owner Nolan Fenwick. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We went to high school together and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve kind of grown up together over the years. We both worked at Cannovaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where we got a lot of good restaurant experience so when the opportunity to open our own restaurant presented itself we decided to give it a try.â&#x20AC;?
continued from page 7
construction team to make sure that the client gets exactly what they are expecting. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m focused on ensuring high-quality craftsmanship, reduced project costs and quicker completion.â&#x20AC;? Winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional experiences range from health care, commercial office and retail to religious buildings. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional, a member of the American Institute of Architects, and the American Society for Health Care Engineering. He worked for architectural firms in both Champaign, Illinois and Portland, Oregon before moving back to Freeport with his wife and children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great community to be a part of and we look forward to getting more involved and doing our part to help it prosper,â&#x20AC;? Winter said.
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Page 14
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
New and Renewed
MEMBERS NEW: • The Cheese Market • Steve’s Catering • Downing’s Remodeling Contractors, Inc. • Heilman Properties • One Stop Wireless/Verizon Wireless • State Farm Agency Field Office-Rockford • Shear Design Team • F.A. Read Center RENEWED: • Heavy Equipment • Freeport Soft Water • Jansen Heating & Air Conditioning • Wendy’s • Stephen Schmelze, Attorney at Law • Hampton Inn Freeport • Reed’s Auto Repair • Precision Drive & Control • March of Dimes Northern Illinois Division • Freeport Park District • Carlson Canine Camp • Sweet Home Rentals/Sally A. Brashaw • Law Offices of Ralph E. Elliott • Dave DeMeester Landscaping • Bocker Group • Rock River Valley Blood Center • Malcolm Eaton Enterprises • Duke Herrling • Window Whys, LLC • Freeport Area Church Cooperative • Stone’s Hallmark • Freeport Lincoln Mall • Freeport School District #145 • Preferred Real Estate of Illinois • ABC Advertising • Freeport Public Library • John H. Vogt
• Wal-Mart • Stephenson County Antique Engine Club • Friends Forever Humane Society • Fishburn Whiton Thruman, LTD • Rooter Man • Jet Beauty Mart • Oak Brook Trail Condominium Association • Blain’s Farm & Fleet • Uinta, LLC • Wipfli LLP • Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency • Laurel A. Rudolph, CPA • Advanced Technologies • Park Plaza Associates, LLC • United Way of Northwest Illinois • State Farm Insurance Ted Frits • WREX • Modern Plating • Savant Capital Management • State Farm Insurance - John Spachman • EcoEnergy LLC • Timber Hill Kennel • Security First Title Company • Highland Community College Foundation • Tim’s Auto Care • Monroe Clinic • Stateline Dairy Products • Liberty Mutual Insurance • Toni’s Plumbing • FHN • Stephenson County Historical Society • Butitta Brothers Automotive Service • Country Insurance & Financial Services Rick Wilson • American Cancer Society • Faith for Miracle Deliverance & Worship Center • Lena Living Center • ComEd • Shockey & Cox LLC • Kent Bank
• Knollwood Estates • Borwn’s Shoes • Twice as Nice Consignments • Inertia Machine • Tom Ferguson • Open Bible Child Care • MetLife Home & Auto • US Cellular • Freeport Terrace • Wagner Business Products • ABWA Jane Addams Chapter • State Farm Insurance - Alan Holder • Soundwerks Plus • Eilert’s • Allstate Insurance - Jim Medendorp • Fifth Third Bank • Freeport Arts Museum • Alwayz Cookies • Comfort Keepers • Lindo Theater/Classic Cinemas • H&R Block • Civil Constructors • American Red Cross • Ultrasonic Power Corporation • Devansoy, Inc. • Walker Orthodontics • J.H. Barkau & Sons • Integrity Investments • Freeport Public Library • Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens • All American Cleaning • Bomar Heating & Air Conditioning • Subway • Saxer Accounting Services, LLC • Farmers Insurance Group Lynn Kempel Agency • Titan Tire Corporation of Freeport • Wells Fargo Advisors • Ferguson Financial Group • Salvation Army
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