January 2017 Limited Magazine

Limited

Bloomington-Normal’s Premier Lifestyle and Business Magazine - January 2017

End of an

Era

Plus coverage of 15 local events

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LIMITED BUSINESS

Business Index

January 2017

H

Features & Galleries

appy New Year!

This month’s issue is full of wonderful events and fundraisers, everything from the annual Boys and Girls Club breakfast to photos from Bill Flick’s Italy trip. A special welcome to the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB). Be sure to check out Crystal Howard’s article on page 12 of Limited. The CVB has a goal of creating a common place where folks can go to see what is happening in our community. This will be a huge resource for groups and organizations as they plan their events. We all try to avoid conflicting with other events, and this calendar will certainly help. So be sure to send the CVB information on any upcoming events.

This magazine was in production the week of Dec. 5, so all the fun-filled Christmas parties that Limited staff is attending will be in our next issue. And speaking of our February magazine, that will be our annual Bridal issue, so be sure to watch for some fabulous photos of local brides.

Thanks for reading!

Entrepreneur of the Year................................Page 4 By the numbers..............................................Page 5 REALTOR® Trivia Night & RPAC Auction......Page 7 Business Achievements..................................Page 8 Employee Spotlight......................................Page 11 Business Before Hours.................................Page 14 End of an Era........................................ Pages 16-18 Business Barometer.....................................Page 19

Limited

301 W. Washington St. • Bloomington, IL 61701 • 309-829-9000

Limited Editor

Editor — Jonell Kehias | jkehias@pantagraph.com | 309-820-3350 Creative Director — Rick Milewski | rmilewski@pantagraph.com | 309-820-3319 Advertising Sales Director — Michelle Wojcik | mwojcik@pantagraph.com | 309-820-3362

jkehias@pantagraph.com

Limited Magazine welcomes your submissions of photographs and feature ideas. Organizations must notify us of upcoming events at least six weeks in advance. All submissions will be considered for publication. We reserve the right to edit submit­ted material. Views expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect our publishing policies. No part of the magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying for any purpose without the express written consent of Limited Magazine, 301 W. Washington St., Bloomington, IL.

CommerCial real estate serviCes retail • office • apartments • industrial land • buildings • investments • lease space • business

Happy New Year

Mike Flynn

Michael O’Neal

Meghan O’Neal-Rogozinski

Laura Pritts

Bob Swords

Gary Trembley

Greg Yount

309-662-3377 • 304 N. Hershey, Bloomington, IL • www.cbhoacommercial.com Limited — January 2017

3

LIMITED BUSINESS

Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Recognition Dinner Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Bloomington Thursday, Nov. 10 Photos by Thom Rakestraw

More photos at pantagraph.com/limited

C

onsistent with its continuing spirit of supporting and recognizing entrepreneurship in both the university and community environments, the George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Illinois State University held its Inaugural Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Recognition Dinner, in partnership with the Kingston Wealth Management Group.

Recognized this year was Jack Snyder of The Snyder Companies. Snyder has been an entrepreneurial powerhouse in Bloomington/Normal for decades.

Snyder was the first recipient of the Kingston Wealth Management Group Entrepreneur of the Year Award for longterm contributions to entrepreneurship in the local community.

Joe Reynolds of Red Frog Events, received the CommuterAds Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award. This award recognizes a graduate of Illinois State University who has achieved outstanding entrepreneurial success since graduating.

4

John and Andrea Ruedi

Steve, Chrissy and Nancy Snyder

Mark Hoelscher, State Rep. Dan Brady

Kevin and Jennifer Kingston, Morgan and Vicki Buechele

The Snyder Family

Julie and Bob Dobski

John Ruedi, Chris Ruedi, Scott Black

Shobhit Bhaskar, Kelvin Evans, Daniel Bevan, Derrick Griffin, Jon Choi

January 2017 — Limited

Brad and Heidi Briney, Krista Marshall, Mike Flaherty

By the numbers 2016 YTD* Single Family Home Sales Stats New Construction 2016 2015 Units Units 145 153 $ Vol $Vol $43,678,795 $44,283,638 Avg. Price Avg. Price $301,233 $289,436 Resale 2016 Units 2,330 $ Vol $378,864,280 Avg. Price $162,603

2015 Units 2,246 $Vol $367,925,801 Avg. Price $163,814

LIMITED BUSINESS

Make your home in the world.

When you’re ready to make the move to buy a house or to refinance, Commerce Bank is here to help. Together, we can find the mortgage with the right terms and payment schedule to fit your budget. We will work with you to lock in a competitive rate before you unlock the front door.

Apply with us today.

Call, click or come by.

Cheryl Jones | 309.823.7266 cheryl.jones@commercebank.com

*compiled as of Nov. 9, 2016 Bloomington-Normal Association of REALTORS

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Limited — January 2017

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LIMITED BUSINESS

CONTACT ONE OF THESE REALTORS FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! ®

DEB CONNOR, BROKER #1 Agent @ The #1 Company

Get Results!

Team TheHHutusotsn oJenan HutsoDen signer

Michael

Interior GRI Broker/ Broker/ABR/ 9) 825-5707 6894 (30 582 9) (30

eam.com HutsoynT chisee of BHH Affiliates, wwwAffil.Tiatehe owned and operated franHomeServices symbol are s,LLC.An independentl Hathaway

Berkshire ® ©2016 BHH sing Opportunity y HomeServices and the LLC. Berkshire Hathawaks of HomeServices ofAmerica,Inc. Equal Hou mar ice serv ed ster regi

Choice

(309) 531-1912 Cell (309) 664-3604 Office (309) 663-4707 Fax dconnor@cbhoa.com 304 N. Hershey Rd. Bloomington, IL. 61704 www.cbhoa.com

Dena Swigart Broker

Snyder Real Estate #1 Brickyard Drive Bloomington, IL 61701 Mobile: 309-825-2194 Fax 309-663-1380 www.denaswigart.com ©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Belinda Trunell 309.287.6105 belindatrunell@remax.net

www.belindatrunell.remaxagent.com

BRUCE DILLMAN Crowne Realty LLC Broker/REALTOR® [m] 309.838.8390 [f] 309.863.5016

[e] brucedillman@hotmail.com [w] www.CrowneRealty.com

Sandy Schroeder Broker and Sales Associate

Direct: 309-846-1766

Email: SandySchroeder@remax.net Website: www.SandySchroeder.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

Tom Krieger Broker

Snyder Real Estate #1 Brickyard Drive Bloomington, IL 61701 Mobile: 309-275-0659 kriegcrew@aol.com ©2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

6

January 2017 — Limited

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

2002 Fox Creek Rd., Bloomington IL 61704

Take advanTage of The IncredIble InTeresT raTes!

LIMITED BUSINESS

REALTOR® Trivia Night & RPAC Auction BNAR Young Professionals Network Lakeside Country Club, Bloomington Thursday, Nov. 17 Photos by Thom Rakestraw

More photos at pantagraph.com/limited

Adrianne Cornejo, Dyllan Miller, Diane Cote, Chet Boyle, Casey Kearfott, Andy Mitchell

Amanda Wycoff, Ed Neaves, Julie Duncan

Dyllan Miller, Ashley Gentes, Jacqui Miller, Susie Norton

John Armstrong, Derek Mead, Paul Pless

Cindy Eckols, Greg Lee

Dan Slagell, Camill Tedrick

Kim Buscher, DeeAnna Campbell, Diane Cote

Crystal Rossman, Amanda Willette, Carrie Stevenson, Chet Boyle

Joyce Mason, Jacob Jones

Camill Tedrick, Nan Craig

Limited — January 2017

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LIMITED BUSINESS

Business Achievements Heartland Bank expands mortgage team

BLOOMINGTON — Heartland Bank and Trust Company, already a trusted home loan leader in the Bloomington-Normal community, adds Mike Curran and promotes Megan Smitley to the local mortgage lending team. Curran has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois and completed Wharton School Executive Education at the University of Pennsylvania. He has served on the boards of the United Way of McLean County and the American Red Cross of the Heartland. Curran is a native of Joliet.

Smitley, a six-year Heartland Bank employee, has been promoted to mortgage banker. Smitley has served as a retail banker and, most recently, as a mortgage loan assistant. Joining the established team of Doug Koonce, Tina Marlett, Samantha Brown and Belinda Landry, Curran and Smitley are located at the bank’s 405 N. Hershey Road location in Bloomington.

Meadows Communities awards associates

the Normal campus. Mariah Morris of Bloomington was recognized as recipient of the Gene Sutton Award of Excellence for Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa. Mariah serves in accounts payable. Brenda Blair of Colfax was recognized as recipient of the Peggy Carmack Leader Award of Excellence. Brenda serves as human resources director.

Mike Curran

12 honored at Shoop Shift Leadership event

Megan

NORMAL — Meadows Communities recently Smitley announced its 2016 Leader of the Year and Associate of the Year. Krista DeHaai of Bloomington was recognized as recipient of the Gene Sutton Award of Excellence for Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal. Krista serves as resident-culinary liaison for

HEYWORTH — Twelve people were honored at the Shoop Shift Leadership awards luncheon. Award recipients are: Leadership Clarity, Kevin Richardson of PATH Crisis 211 and Nick Moran of Commerce Bank; Leadership Connection, Robert Bosquez of West Bloomington Revitalization Project and Tara Desmond of IPI Wealth Management; Leadership Communication, Ruben West of Ruben West Speaks and Toni Tucker of Illinois State University; Leadership Coaching, Mark DeKeersgieter of CIRBN and Kristi Zimmerman of Country Financial; Leadership Conflict, Amanda Gillum of Fort Jesse Imaging Center and Melissa Martinez of State Farm; and Leadership Culture, Mary Bennett Henrichs of Integrity Technology Solutions and Dana Vogelmeier of State Farm.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Retail, Office, Land, Lease Space, Investment & Multi-Family

7 Currency Dr, BL

1304 Morrissey Dr, BL NEW PRICE! $1,950,000 Completely renovated building. Two separate million dollar+ renovations in past 10 years. New inside and out. Updated with the latest top of the line finishes. Currently a church that had grown out of space. Over 20 classrooms, 12 offices, a large kitchen, multipurpose room, atrium, reception room, and worship center seats over 400 people.

Parking lot recently recovered. Membrane roof replaced 4 years ago.

2708 E. Lincoln, BL $549,000 • 7,960 sq. ft.

• Lot Size: 200’ x 250’ – 1.15 Acres • Office / Retail • 1 Block East of Veterans Parkway • 40,000 vehicles per day traffic count • Zoned: B-1 • Former Daycare Center • Across from State Farm Corporate South • Easy access just off Veterans Parkway

RECENTLY REDUCED TO $699,900

Great opportunity! Great location! Great price!

Daniel Carcasson

Managing Broker-Owner, SFR (309) 310-5949 danny@crownerealty.com

NEW PRICE!

January 2017 — Limited

2011 S. Main, BL

Cindy Eckols

BROKER, Developer, ABR, GRI, CNE 309-532-1616 cindy@cindyeckols.com www.CindyEckols.com

ENTIRE BUILDING!

For Lease • 10,000 sq. ft. (finish to suit) • $11.00/sq. ft., Modified Gross • Minimum 5-year lease – entire building Mike Flynn Broker-Lawyer-REALTOR® 309-662-2124 mflynn@cbhoa.com

2016 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate. Some offices Independently Owned and Operated.

8

Perfect space and location for a restaurant, bar, or night club. Great kitchen with many high-grade commercial appliances that remain! 70+ Parking spaces. Tremendous amount of space for the money.

Tons of natural light throughout. Walls of windows with very nice window privacy sliders to block sunlight.

Basement has a huge banquet room area with patio doors that lead to the outside and tons of natural light.

Basement level also has several office spaces and good amount of storage space. Next to Longhorn Smokehouse. Call for your own private tour today!

• All brick office building • Located across from State Farm Park • 40 parking spaces

Mike Flynn Broker-Lawyer-Realtor® 309-662-2124 mflynn@cbhoa.com

• Local Owner/Manager Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

LIMITED BUSINESS

Greg Yount Laura Pritts COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL HEARt OF AMERICA REALtORS®

(309) 664-3527

gyount@cbhoa.com

(309) 662-3370

lpritts@cbhoa.com

304 N. HERSHEY ROAD BLOOMINGtON, IL 61704

PENDING

1710 E. Empire, BL Class “A” Ofc Space for Lease 2,293 sq. ft.

115 Susan Dr., Units D/E 2,516 sq. ft.

Office/Retail - Lease

808 Eldorado #202, BL 1,350 sq. ft. for Lease Zoned B-1

2409 E. Washington, Unit 1 For Sale 2,332 sq. ft. Zoned B-2

2703 McGraw, BL Suite 4A 400 sq. ft.

buildings

PENDING

1501 N. Main, NL Restaurant ‐ For Sale 2,650 sq. ft.

PENDING

1701 E. Empire, BL 810 IAA Drive, BL Retail ‐ Lease Office/Warehouse/Development 1,160, 3,054, & 3,623 sq. ft.

37,458 sq. ft., 5.45 Acres

5 Westport Ct., BL 2405 GE Road, Suite 1, BL Salon/Retail/Office 2,286 Office Building for sq. ft.

Lease 3,042 sq. ft.

PENDING

2710 E. Lincoln, BL Office Bldg. for Sale 5,768 sq. ft.

2442 S. Main, BL Multi-Use Investment 4.73 Acres

421 Detroit, BL Office – Sale/Lease 13,840 sq. ft.

LEASED

SOLD

1717 Ft. Jesse, NL Retail – For Sale/Lease 9,048 sq. ft.

603-607 Hannah, BL Lease or Sale 2 buildings, 3 parcels

PENDING 2444 S. Main, BL Near Interstate 3,000 sq. ft.

228 Greenwood, BL 715-755 W. Raab Rd., NL 1 Yount Drive, Unit C, BL 2031 Warehouse Road, NL Warehouse – For Sale Commercial or Residential Use Multi Bldg. Facility Retail/Office Space for 99,255 sq. ft.

3.3 acre lot w/ house 9.1 Acres Lease 1,670 sq. ft.

SOLD

SOLD

land

413 E. Washington .76 acre commercial lot with 972 sq. ft. bldg.

802 S. Eldorado 10,000 sf Office - Lease 15,000 sf Bldg. - Sale

1316 E. Empire, BL E 425 North, Heyworth 705 W. Washington, BL 15,250 sq. ft. Office Bldg.

Mobile Home Park Four Units-Fully Remodeled Fully Leased 29 pads/2 mobile homes Near Coliseum-Downtown BL Crossroads Center, NL Two Lots Totaling 7 acres; Zoned B-1 – Access to Hwys. I-55, I-74, & I-39 2016 S. Main, BL 1.4 Acres ‐ Lighted intersection at Main and Hamilton, across from McDonalds.

Downs Crossing 0.79-4.72 acre lots; Corner of Hwy. 150 & Towanda-Barnes Rd.

420 Kays Drive, NL 1.15 Acres ‐ Great corner lot at Towanda and Kays. Good traffic counts.

4013 Pamela Drive, BL 23,381 sq. ft. ‐ Corner lot in growing area, near many new developments.

210 Greenwood, BL 4.15 Acres ‐ Zoned M1. Excellent commercial or apartment development.

www.cbhoacommercial.com

Crossroads Mall – Wylie Dr. Village Green Place, Champaign; Office/Retail Space for Lease/Sale For Sale; 1,210-28,783 sq. ft.

2,400-5,163 sq. ft.

land

investments

1537 Ft. Jesse, NL Office – For Sale 3,526 sq. ft.

Lot 1, Highpoint Hill, Lexington 1.16 Acres ‐ Prime commercial lot, off I‐55 Interchange.

S. Elm & E. South, McLean Five 71’ x 132’ lots available. Great Multi-Family Development Opportunity LeRoy Plaza Sub, LeRoy 1‐3 Acres ‐ at I‐74 Interchange Outlot 4, Route 116, Pontiac 4.98 acres near I-55 Frontage on Highway 116

419 Bronco Drive, BL PENDING 1.83 Acres ‐ Corner lot in developing area. Easy access to I‐55/I‐74 1271 Airport Rd, BL 1.1 Acres ‐ High residential growth area.

Fully developed lot.

Empire Business Park, BL Various sizes available ‐ Located in the Enterprise Zone, across from CIRA.

Rt. 9 West, BL 41+/‐ Acres near I‐55/I‐74 Interchange.

Zoned M1 (can be rezoned to B1) 1008 Wylie Dr. BL 1.57 Acres (Behind Farm & Fleet) At I -74 & Market St./ Rt. 9 Interchange 1404 Ft. Jesse Road, NL .91 acre lot, Zoned B-1 Near Towanda Ave

Coldwell Banker Commercial and the Coldwell Banker Commercial Logo are registered service marks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Limited — January 2017

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LIMITED BUSINESS

“Due Diligence” and the Commercial Real Estate Broker

D

“

ue Diligence” can take on different meanings, depending on context, in commercial real estate.

For our purposes here, applying it to seller and buyer brokers, it is Mike Flynn the investigation of as many facts as possible to determine the value of a commercial property and the likelihood of a successful transaction for the respective clients.

The importance of the foregoing relates to the fact that commercial property transactions can consume extended periods of time, effort and money in marketing, crafting agreements, inspections, contingencies, extensions, etc., to ultimately arrive at closing.

A very unfortunate situation presents itself when a serious impediment to closing pops up late in the process when it could have been discovered and dealt with early on.

Though rare, there are situations where a commercial property owner does not own all of what is believed to be owned. Utilities are not always as believed to be. Owners do not receive notice of floodplains imposed on their properties by the government. These are just a few examples of factors affecting value and potential impediments to closing if discovered late. Obviously, the point is to avoid surprises.

Some considerations, not all-inclusive, for the commercial broker are as follows: • Personal inspection of property • Zoning • Access to public streets • Parking • Utilities • Easements • Covenants • Liens • Environmental conditions • Real estate taxes • Assessments • ADA conditions • Floodplain and flood way conditions • Encroachments onto property or from property onto another • Neighborhood conditions • Future development in area of subject property • Traffic counts In order to accomplish the foregoing as well as any additional appropriate inquiries, the commercial real estate broker has many resources available to accomplish the due diligence inquiry. Again, the listing below is not necessarily all-inclusive: • Thorough review of the property with the owner • Obtain pertinent documents in the owner’s possession • Prior appraisals • Existing surveys • Zoning maps • Tax assessor’s records

• Recorder’s records • Prior inspections of the property • Site and construction plans • Maintenance records The local municipal and governmental offices have a wealth of this information available to them and readily accessible to the commercial broker.

Another very important consideration for the commercial broker is to have knowledge of and a good working relationship with all of the municipal and governmental authorities involved in decision-making processes related to commercial property within their jurisdiction. These officials are very willing to help and being able to contact them on a personal basis by phone, email, text or inperson visit can expedite the due diligence process.

For our purpose, it is important to note that residential properties have certain consumer protection laws applicable to them, while commercial real estate has very few such protections – do the research!

In summary, leave no available stone unturned – surprises can be messy, and are the last thing that owners, buyers, and professional commercial real estate brokers care to have happen.

Mike Flynn is a Broker-Lawyer-Realtor®, of Coldwell Banker Commercial Heart of America REALTORS in Bloomington.

For more information on commercial real estate contact Mike at (309) 662-2124 or mflynn@cbhoa.com

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January 2017 — Limited

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A

s our photographer packs up his equipment following the employee of the month photo shoot, an embarrassed Kate Morris confesses, “I’m not a big fan of all this... (attention), “It’s just a little uncomfortable.”

But after 26 years of service at O’Brien Mitsubishi, her employer Ryan Gremore thinks the attention is not only long overdue, but very well-deserved.

“Let me tell you a story,” Gremore begins. “I was 18 years old, and I had just been hired at the Champaign dealership. I remember coming here for training, and meeting people, and we were shown these sales performance charts. In every category there was this one individual’s chart that was double, even triple the numbers of the other staff members, and I thought to myself, I really need to meet this person. They must be amazing! That person was Kate.”

“Well, It’s a blessing every day to get up and come to work,” Kate adds, with a blush. “I don’t do anything for the recognition, I just want to get in, and do what I have to do.”

Kate began her career almost by accident. She had no prior sales experience, but she needed a job, and she replied to a “Help Wanted” ad that Dan and Joe O’Brien had placed. At the time, she thought she might be a secretary or receptionist. It hadn’t rally occurred to her that she would end up on the sales team.

“I was very excited when Dan and Joe hired me. I really had no idea that sales would be the right fit for me. But everyone here is really supportive. We’re a family. We all work hard, and when we do, we all benefit. I want to do my best, for the team.”

“Kate holds us all together,” adds Gremore.

“She handles our most important accounts. She has developed great relationships throughout the community. You just know it’s gonna get done when Kate’s involved.”

“Well, we all help each other,” Kate adds, again, trying to dim the spotlight just a little.

“Look,” Gremore emphasizes. “Kate is one of the biggest reasons I can do what I do in the community. If you don’t have a person like Kate on your team, you simply don’t have the luxury to grow or expand or create new opportunities

Turbocharged Salesperson Kate Morris O’Brien Mitsubishi

Employee Spotlight By Tricia Stiller Photos by Thom Rakestraw for others. She makes it possible because I know that she is taking care of things. Because of her leadership and example, we are once again the No. 1 selling name plate in McLean County. She is the absolute model of our team creed.”

The team creed that Kate exemplifies is framed and displayed in a prominent location in the dealership showroom. It has 14 points.

Those are: • We have a will to succeed, and we commit to doing our best every day • We adhere to honest and integrity. We will earn our customers’ trust and commit to keeping it for a lifetime.

• We keep a clean work environment not only for our fellow teammates, but for our customers as well.

• We are good communicators, not only with our customers, but with each other.

• We take time daily to be professionally presentable to our customers. They should expect nothing less from us.

Ryan Gremore, O’Brien Mitsubishi GM/Operating Partner with Kate Morris

• We train every day so we can provide good information to our customers.

• We service our customers’ vehicles right the first time and understand the value of their time.

• We are believers in process. We know that process prevents mistakes and gets results.

• We work at improving ourselves because we realize when the person is right, the world is right • We focus on learning and growth. We are open minded to learn and are willing to help others learn, too.

• We know that attitude is a choice. We not only choose a positive attitude, but we look for ways to change our day and the day of others for the better.

• We celebrate the successes of our teammates, and we recognize them for their efforts.

• We make plans and are not reactive because we know that planning is an important part of our success • We believe that if we help enough people change their lives, we will get every reward we want in our lives.

“Really, it is a joy to be a part of this team,” Kate shares, “I don’t ever want to stop.”

“That’s good!” Gremore adds, “because the dealership would never be the same without you.”

Employee Spotlight is a new Limited feature. If you have an employee you would like to recognize, please contact Limited Editor Jonell Kehias at jkehias@pantagraph.com

Limited — January 2017

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LIMITED BUSINESS

Events Make a Difference in Bloomington-Normal!

W

ere you in attendance at the Sweet Corn Blues Festival or the Glorious Garden Festival this past summer?

Or Crystal maybe you noticed Howard the groups of cheerleaders at the mall, softball teams in the restaurants, the State Farm shuttle picking up guests from hotels or maybe the religious groups gathering outside of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum? Our community should feel a sense of accomplishment when we see groups of visitors in our community attending these events. The BloomingtonNormal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually with these groups. These visitors create economic activity for our communities. The Illinois Office of Tourism and the U.S. Travel Association have identified the top five visitor expenditures as travel, lodging, dining, retail and entertainment. Visitors are infusing new dollars into our community, strengthening our local businesses, and through paid sales taxes, assisting the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal budgets. These new

dollars enhance the quality of life which we are privileged to have here. McLean County visitors spent over $366 million dollars in 2015, ranking us the 8th out of 102 counties in the state for visitor expenditures.

These visitors don’t just happen to be in Bloomington-Normal by chance. There are many destination drivers along with an intensive effort by the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Town of Normal, the City of Bloomington, local hotels, our corporations, universities and local event organizers to bring visitors to town. Our communities have a lot to offer visitors. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is the promotion agency for our communities, an information center and the liaison between visitors and the facilities that host them.

Our local organizers deserve credit for hosting events in our community.

In this New Year we hope to achieve a more comprehensive Calendar of Events on our website. We aspire to be the site where you can find out what events are happening in town so that you don’t plan an event at the same time. We hope this might increase attendance with events.

We also announce events on our weekly radio spots and include them on our

ad listing in this magazine. It is easy to submit events on our website just go to the submit your event tab on the Home Page of www.visitbn.org.

The City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal recognize that visitors create economic activity. Accordingly, they have allocated a percentage of the visitor paid hotel tax to support the Convention and Visitors Bureau. In 2015 the Convention and Visitors Bureau returned more than $11 for every dollar allocated by the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal.

The economic results of those cheerleaders, the festivals, the State Farm visitors and the religious groups at the Coliseum all add to the great quality of life we enjoy in Bloomington-Normal.

Let’s give a good impression and welcome these very important visitors!

Together we can Make a Difference!

Crystal Howard, Director of the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), encourages groups to use the CVB as your one-stop shop for organizing your next event. We can help you coordinate the details of your next meeting, from site selection to post-convention follow up. Please contact the CVB event team at 309-665-0033 or via email at info@visitbn.org

DISCOVER THE NEW BUICK VETERANS & BRICKYARD DRIVE (309) 663-4391 • www.ShopBarker.com 12

January 2017 — Limited

LIMITED BUSINESS

Distinguished Property Gallery 8 Worthington, BL $999,999 All brick home in Hawthorne Acres. Over 7800 finished Sq. Ft. Resort like back yard w/50 x 20 inground pool, slate surround fire pit and tile patio. 2 story entrance (17 x 14). 2 story Family Room w/ travertine tile floors, floor to ceiling mantel and wall of windows.

Incredible trim pkg throughout. Gourmet Kitchen w/ double ovens, stainless appliances, walk in pantry, eating bar and desk area. Dining Room w/ travertine floors & triple crown molding. 1st floor office w/coffered ceiling. 1st floor Master Suite w/vaulted ceiling and wonderful bath and huge walk in closet.

NEW PRICE!

Deb Connor

(309) 531-1912 Heart of America REALTORS® , LTD

2104 Crimson, BL $585,000 Outstanding home with upgrades galore.

Crown molding, marble floors, abundance of windows, newer carpet, newer interior doors, newer garage doors and opener, newer GE profile appliances,newer deck and beautiful pavered patio. 5 Bedrooms w/walk in closets, 4 1/2 Baths. First floor Hearth Room w/Wet Bar, Living Room, Dining Room and Family Room. Kitchen w/ many cabinets, center island, double oven and cooktop w/grill.

3637 N 1600 East Rd, Heyworth • $820,400 • NEW PRICE!

UniqUe OppOrtUnity - One Of a Kind prOperty!

• Known as Red Oak Tree Farm • 46+ acres, and more available, if desired!

• 1600 x 70 grass runway airstrip and hangar • 9-hole golf course roughed out on property!

• Rolling hills with lots and lots of pine & other trees • Paradise that is perfect for hunting, 4-wheelers, snowmobiles & more!

• 3+ acre lake plus 2 other small ponds • Home on property (sold as is) Contact Cindy Eckols for more information!

Cindy Eckols

BROKER, Developer, ABR, GRI, CNE 309-532-1616 cindy@cindyeckols.com www.CindyEckols.com

23 Pebblebrook, BL NEW PRICE! $349,900

Deb Connor

(309) 531-1912 Heart of America REALTORS® , LTD

One of a kind! A spectacular house with amazing floor plan, a fully finished walk out basement, fenced yard, on the golf course (5th hole) and lake view! First floor gorgeous master suite with master bathroom featuring his and hers vanities, walk in closet and newer carpet in ‘15. Large eat-in kitchen with granite transformation counter tops opens up to a nice size deck and screened in porch to enjoy the gorgeous view of the golf course, lake and the sunset. A magnificent two story family room and foyer, formal living room with french doors.

Liliana Taimoorazi (309) 826-5559

Heart of America REALTORS® , LTD

20357 N 1960 East Road, Towanda $339,900 Fabulous & Rare opportunity to own this stunning 1-owner custom built authentic Swedish Cope Design log home. Inviting from the moment you approach this log home situated on 2.43 acres of beautifully landscaped perennials, varieties of evergreens/trees & bordered at the rear of property by Money Creek.

Enjoy seasonal views/wildlife relaxing/entertaining on the 38x12 Pergola deck or roasting hot dogs at the stone fire pit. The beauty & spectacular views continue inside boasting solid Maple hardwood floors, solid Knotty Pine doors, vaulted ceilings as well as solid Hickory kitchen cabinets & MORE!

Lee Ann Waugh (309) 531-1980

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE INCREDIBLE INTEREST RATES! ©2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

2016 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

Some offices Independently Owned and Operated.

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

Limited — January 2017

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LIMITED BUSINESS

Business Before Hours McLean County Chamber of Commerce Jack Lewis Jewelers, Bloomington Wednesday, Nov. 23 Photos by: Thom Rakestraw

Bernie Anderson, Brad Glenn

Charlie Moore looking on as John Carter draws a winner for the necklace door prize

Kathleen Lorenz, Charlie Moore, Heather Young

Kyle Myers, Justin Boyd

Leanna Bordner, Leni Kuntz, Catherine Porter

Dr. Omar Khokar, Marc Poirier, Paul Leahey

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January 2017 — Limited

Patrick Gavin, Amanda Cushing

Jerry Martin, Steve Parker

Paul Leahey, John Carter, Nick Houska, Nick Moran

Tracy Patkunas, Laura Ewan

Matt Geske, Colleen Fitzgerald

LIMITED BUSINESS

Limited — January 2017

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