Sauk Valley IL Community Profile

High-Speed Internet Phone Service PC Repair DIRECTV www.T6B.com 855-862-6006 2 E. Third St. Sterling, IL 61081 www.saukvalleyareachamber.com

1 Welcome 2 History 3 Location & Transportation 4 Shopping 6 Dining 7 Education 8 Business & Industry 10 Healthcare 12 Worship 13 Index of Advertisers Showplace Antiques & Treasures We invite you to stop by and enjoy our multi-level shopping experience!

307 First Avenue • Sterling (815) 564-9376 Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-6:00pm • Sat. 9:00am-5:00pm Sun. 10:00am-4:00pm

T

he Sauk Valley Area is located 100 miles west of Chicago, in northwestern Illinois. The three major communities of Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls, as well as numerous smaller communities, make up this scenic area, while the larger metro markets of Rockford and the Quad Cities are less than 60 miles away.

With this close proximity to major metro markets, the Sauk Valley area has become primarily an agricultural and

This is a Village Profile® Publication created and produced for the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce 211 Locust Street • Sterling, IL 61081 Phone: (815) 625-2400 • Fax: (815) 625-9361 Website: www.saukvalleyareachamber.com Email: chamber@essexl.com Copyright© 2013 VillageProfile.com, inc.® 33 N. Geneva St., Elgin, IL 60120 • 800-600-0134 www.villageprofile.com® Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and VillageProfile.com® assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and VillageProfile.com® is prohibited.

This publication is printed with eco-friendly criteria including use of 30% post consumer recycled content paper and soy based inks.

manufacturing region. This prime location has made the Sauk Valley Area a desirable market for commerce, retail trade, tourism and housing. Along with a thriving industry, the Sauk Valley Area offers an abundance of recreational opportunities along the scenic Rock River. The area is home to the Ronald Regan Boyhood Home and offers more camping sites per capita than any other county in the state. The area is fast growing and is often a destination retreat for Chicago residents.

CEO/President Daniel M. Nugara Executive Vice President Joseph C. Nugara, Sr. Director of Business Operations Michael D. Nugara Vice President Gordy Swinehart Acquisition Manager John Dussman Project Sales Manager Barry Kenis Project Coordinator Stefanie Mikutis Director of Production Joseph C. Nugara, Jr. Production Manager Nick Olah Graphic Designer Kirsten Riedl Graphic Production Stacey R. Cordero Directories Coordinator Michael Sumrak Ad Design Coordinator Kerri Reaves Photos courtesy of Linnea Koch, CGH Medical Center & KSB Hospital

Follow us on

www.saukvalleyareachamber.com e

1

T

he woodlands and prairies of the Rock River Valley and Elkhorn and Sugar Creeks have been home to generations for more than 4,000 years.

Members of the Hopewell Indian nation left evidence of their culture in the burial mounds and village remnants along the riverbanks and bluffs. The prairies and plains also brought the Sac and Fox Indians. In fact, the northwestern corner of Illinois, now home to Sterling and Rock Falls, was one of the last areas to be settled by Europeans – with the first settlers arriving around 1832.

The histories of the Sterling and Rock Falls communities have many similarities. As the Native American tribes moved from the area, the two cities benefited from developments on both sides of the Rock River. Following is a brief historical description of both towns’ development, which shows how they have grown together to benefit each other, local residents and visitors.

STERLING’S BEGINNINGS…In June 1834, two years after the Black Hawk War, Hezekiah Brink staked a claim on the northern bank of the Rock River. In 1835, William Kirkpatrick claimed land adjacent to Brink’s and laid out the village of Chatham. The following year, Brink and Capitan D.S. Harris founded Harrisburg, named for Harris, who had brought supplies by steamboat on the Rock River to Brink. In spite of a bitter rivalry between the towns, they agreed to unite to improve chances of becoming the county seat. By means of a coin toss, the name Sterling was chosen.

Although the Rock River never became the navigational route original settlers had hoped, it did become an important source of waterpower and fueled new industries on both sides of the river.

Wyatt Cantrell became the first to harness the river by building a wing dam and mill house. Cantrell’s sawmill and gristmill operated until 1855 when a new dam and millrace, combined with the

2

e www.saukvalleyareachamber.com

addition of the railroad, provided the power and means for developing business to market their products beyond the immediate area. A few years later, Washington M. Dillon founded Northwestern Barb Wire Company. As the focus of the company changed from barbed wire, the name was changed to Northwestern Steel and Wire and became the area’s largest employer.

Although the facility closed in 2001, its contributions to the development of Sterling is evident through the investments Washington Dillon made to the community and through the buildings that are still a part of the familiar landscape along the city’s banks on the Rock River.

ROCK FALL’S BEGINNINGS…About 10 years after Sterling was created, resident Augustus P. Smith founded Rock Falls on the southern bank of the Rock River. Smith purchased Sterling Hydraulic Company’s water plant to use the dam’s power to run his mitten factory. He promoted the use of waterpower to other businessmen, motivating them to use it as well.

Because of the additional employment source, a viable work force moved to the area around the factory. Rock Falls incorporated and formed a town government in 1869.

One of the assets the city of Rock Falls had was the Hennepin Canal, which was completed in 1895 and enabled area businesses to transport goods from the Illinois River. In 1907, further work was done on the canal, and a feeder canal was finished. While the feeder kept the level of the canal suitable for commercial freight, the canal’s life was a short one due to the development of rail lines, highways and trucks. Although the Rock River and the Hennepin Canal were valuable tools to help area businesses get products to market, the arrival of the railroad caused rapid growth, encouraging new factories and industry to open their doors.

& TRANSPORTATION

S

terling and Rock Falls are located along the 299-mile Rock River in picturesque northwestern Illinois. Sterling is approximately 100 miles west of Chicago, 55 miles southwest of Rockford, 55 miles northeast of the Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities and 70 miles north of Peoria. The area is also approximately 35 miles east of the Mississippi River, which forms the western border of Whiteside County.

Sterling and Rock Falls provide powerful cost and operational advantages for agriculture and industry. Direct access to rail, highway, airport, intermodal infrastructure and other locations, utilities, and employment help make these cities ideal for businesses. Another advantage is the easy access to major metropolitan centers such as the Quad Cities, Peoria, Rockford and Chicago, which make for easy day trips for Sauk Valley area residents.

Highway. Sterling and Rock Falls also have access to local, regional and international airports. The Quad Cities Municipal Airport in Moline and Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare International Airports are the primary airports with major air carriers servicing the area. Chicago, Rockford and General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airports support regional carriers. The Whiteside County Airport in Rock Falls remains an important transportation hub as private and charter flights continue to frequent the facility.

Both Sterling and Rock Falls are home to freight line terminals for commercial and transport – making the Sauk Valley area a great location for business.

Visitors to the area also have access to local taxi and limousine services as well.

The area is a prime location with access to major highways and interstates, including the Ronald Reagan Memorial

www.saukvalleyareachamber.com e

3

S

terling, Rock Falls and the surrounding Sauk Valley Area offer shops for everyone’s needs and desires.

Downtown areas offer a selection of stores ranging from hardware and furniture to computers, office supplies, home-baked doggie treats, fresh baked pastries, women’s apparel, accessories and more! Books, movies, flowers, antiques and food are all available within walking distance of any parking spot. Most businesses are locally owned and operated, offering superb customer service to all.

Visit the Northland Mall for all your shopping needs.

2900 East Lincolnway Sterling, Illinois 61081 815-626-5390 • 815-626-9335 (Fax) www.shopsatnorthland.com J. Herzog & Sons, Inc. Real Estate Investment and Management

4

e www.saukvalleyareachamber.com

Several large retailers are available throughout the region to fulfill any shopper’s need. Walmart Supercenter, Kmart, Kohl’s, Menards, and Farm and Fleet are just a few in the area. Many of these large retailers are just minutes away from the Northland Mall in Sterling. This mall offers the best shopping in the area, serving as a regional shopping destination. There are more than 20 specialty stores and

Wednesday and Saturday from June till October offering great locally grown produce and products.

services as well as large department stores like JC Penney and Bergner’s, sporting good stores, candle shops, and even a pet supply store, all located within Northland Mall.

For the shopper looking for the freshest and homemade offerings there are two local farmers’ markets in the Sauk Valley area that offer local vendors a place to showcase and sell their goods. The Rock Falls Farmers’ Market takes place every

The other farmers’ market takes place in Sterling year-round.

The Twin City Farmers’ Market is located indoors and offers locally grown meats and eggs as well as homegrown produced herbs, honey, jams, jellies, sauces, baked goods, homemade blankets, home décor and much more. This one-of-a-kind market exists to produce a source of freshly grown produce and locally raised meats while educating the community on the advantages and benefits of local agriculture. The market also helps foster an economic environment that contributes to the financial success of the local business entities that provide the community with their locally grown, raised or crafted products.

www.saukvalleyareachamber.com e

5

T

he communities of the Sauk Valley area offer an abundance of casual to fine dining establishments suitable to satisfy anyone’s taste buds. From national fast food chains like McDonald’s, Culvers, and Dairy Queen, to locally owned favorites like Kelly’s Restaurant, Main Street Wine Cellar, and Martin’s Steaks and Spirits, there is certainly something for everyone’s taste buds.

Sandwiches, classic bar and grill food, pizza, seafood, steaks, and pasta can all be found in the Sauk Valley area. Visit www.saukvalleyareachamber.com for recommendations.

Kelly’s “The Friendly Place To Eat & Drink” Featuring Fine Mexican Food and American Favorites

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER Mon-Thu 11am-9pm • Fri 11am-10pm Sat 10am-10pm

218 Locust • Sterling For Carry Out Call 625-9720 or 625-7969

6

e www.saukvalleyareachamber.com

B

oth public and private schools in the Sauk Valley area and neighboring communities are second to none. High standards of education start at the elementary level here and continue all the way through to the community colleges in the area.

Schools here are large enough to offer students a wide variety of educational opportunities in technologically advanced learning environments but small enough to provide a nurturing environment with numerous after school activities and programs.

Another educational opportunity for residents of the Sauk Valley area is the Whiteside Area Career Center. It was organized in 1986-87 to coordinate and provide regional career and technical programming. Currently 16 local public school districts and three private schools are members of this cooperative joint agreement. The center provides career and technical programming at the center and member high schools. Occupational clusters include agricultural occupations, businesses and related occupations, family and consumer sciences, health occupations and industrial/technical occupations.

Area public schools include East Coloma School District #12 and Montmorency School District #145, both serving K-8, Rock Falls Township High School District #301 and Sterling Public Schools, serving K-12.

Area private schools include Christ Lutheran School, Newman Central Catholic High School, St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School, St. Mary’s Grade School and Community Catholic Middle School. The area also has Woodlawn Arts Academy, a public-arts school where the arts are for everyone.

For higher educational opportunities the Sauk Valley area boasts the Sauk Valley Community College; and multiple other two- and four-year institutions include Ashford University, St. Ambrose University, and Blackhawk College.

Hours Monday-Thursday Friday Saturday

9am - 8pm 9am - 5pm 8am - 5pm

102 West 3rd Street • Sterling, IL 61081

815-625-1370 www.sterlingpubliclibrary.org www.saukvalleyareachamber.com e

7

& INDUSTRY

T

he Sauk Valley area is central to Chicago, Rockford and the Quad Cities, located directly along Interstate 88, the region’s key east-west corridor. It’s also within 35 miles of the Union Pacific Railroads intermodal hub Global III and Interstate 39, the area’s north-south corridor. The combinations of these major routes provide industry and business operations with key connectivity to major metropolitan markets both regionally and nationally.

2303 N. Locust Sterling, Il 61081 Phone: 815-625-1860

a

1609 1st Ave Rock Falls, Il 61071 Phone: 815-626-5626

O

www.bankatfreedom.com 8

e www.saukvalleyareachamber.com

The area has strong roots in steel and metal fabrication, primarily hardware for industrial and home use; however Sauk Valley Community College has created programming to help prepare the workforce for new opportunities.

Through innovative ventures like the manufacturing assistant and logistics certifications and welding lab program in progress, Sauk Valley Community College is responding to the training needs of industry.

New in 2012 is a rent-by-the-hour commercial kitchen to aid in the development of food-related businesses.

Capitalizing on the area’s agricultural heritage and abundance of locally grown, fresh foods, the kitchen incubator provides a resource for those wanting to start food-related businesses. Located at the Greater Sterling Development Corporation’s Small Business Incubator, the Kitchen Incubator of Northwest Illinois is a certified kitchen that can be rented by the hour and is open 24-7.

Several business parks are located in and around Sterling. Meadowland Business Park has more than 100 acres, subdivided into lots that are shovel-ready and zoned for industrial or business use. The Meadowlands Industrial Park hosts business that include a global manufacturer of radiators for power transformers, custom vintage auto restoration, ambulance dealership and body shop, and a global manufacturer of hydraulic hose assemblies. Nearby, Westwood Industrial Park is home to the Westwood Fitness and Sports Complex as well as global and regional manufacturers. Eastwood Industrial Park houses a variety of manufacturers, suppliers and service industries. This park is also home to Sterling’s Small Business and Technology Center, where a group of small businesses operates independently within one location.

Lastly, there are over 55 acres at Airport Industrial Park and Rock River Industrial Park is in close proximity to Union Pacific railroad tracks.

Another large business and industry site in the Sauk Valley area is the Riverfront Redevelopment Plans in both Sterling and Rock Falls. The cities plan to redevelop former industrial sites located along the Rock River.

The Riverfront Redevelopment Plans seek to establish the riverfront as an amenity and destination, while providing future opportunities. This plan sets forth goals, analyzes existing conditions and trends and illustrates a long-range vision for the physical, social and economic characteristics of the riverfront for both communities.

The Rock Falls Community Development Corporation (RFCDC) is a nonprofit, public-private partnership organized to foster economic growth and development in order to enhance the quality of life for Rock Falls and its citizens. The organization accomplishes these tasks through site inventory and development, relationship building, new enterprise recruitment, entrepreneurial assistance, and assistance for existing business with retention and expansion concerns.

The RFCDC works with elected state and local officials, developers and community members to enhance the area’s quality of life. Its goal is to transform the area into a more vibrant community by fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.

The Greater Sterling Development Corporation (GSDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose principle objective is to coordinate various development activities to increase the economic base and thereby the wellbeing of citizens of the city of Sterling, Whiteside County and surrounding areas to create employment opportunities. The GSDC works closely with the city of Sterling, Sterling Township, the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and all levels of elected officials and governmental agencies to best assist business in retail, commercial and industrial development in Sterling.

The GSDC team can provide assistance with transportation studies, site selection, business relocation, utility cost analysis, business start-up, workforce analysis and training/development resources, grant and incentive programs, and quality of life data.

REPUBLIC SERVICES ROCK RIVER VALLEY

SELF HELP ENTERPRISES We are a sheltered workshop for persons with disabilities

WWW.SELFHELP-STERLING.COM PHONE: 815-626-3115

Self Help Enterprises is a company specializing in a full range of contract production services. Our flexible workforce and creative engineering can respond to your production needs with efficiency, quality and timeliness.

RECYCLING SERVICES: Document Shredding • Electronics • Cardboard Books • Magazines • Newspapers • Office Papers

www.saukvalleyareachamber.com e

9

O

ne of the greatest strengths of the Sauk Valley area is the quality healthcare network created by CGH Medical Center, KSB Hospital and many other support and service agencies.

CGH Medical Center is a progressive acute care facility located in the Sauk Valley area and has been open since 1909. Since opening it has consistently received high ratings for positive public awareness and patient satisfaction by being committed to meeting the expanding patient needs and providing leadership in the field of healthcare.

The center benefits from a long history of well-managed growth; it currently employs more than 1,300 people with a medical staff consisting of 140 physicians specializing in 35 areas of medicine.

Inpatient services include a 36-bed medical unit, a 29-bed surgical unit, 10 birthing center suites, six pediatric beds and 18 CCU/ICU/Biotelemetry beds.

Outpatient services include a state-ofthe-art Cath lab and a CAP accredited laboratory. Diagnostic Imaging services include a CT scanner, ultrasound, mammography, and an in-house, high field MRI. Other departments and services include a neurology laboratory, a GI laboratory, nutritional support, pain management, a pharmacy,

10

e www.saukvalleyareachamber.com

respiratory therapy as well as an ambulatory surgical center, a digestive disease center, physical and occupational therapy, a diabetic education department, a wound-care center, pre-hospital paramedic level EMS, and a 24-hour trauma ready emergency department.

A major expansion was completed in 2008, allowing for important advancements at CGH Medical Center.

A new suite of surgical rooms now accommodates more advanced procedures while a new Obstetrics Department and Birthing Center offers innovative technology, advanced security and private rooms. A new Critical Care Unit also expanded the space for Diagnostic Imaging and physician services. A new helicopter pad was also added to enhance the level and quality of patient care.

The CGH Main Clinic (formerly known as the Sterling Rock Falls Clinic) is owned by CGH Medical Center and has been providing health care to Sauk Valley area residents since 1953. The clinic is one of the largest physician groups in northern Illinois and provides a broad range of medical services to patients.

Providing 30 specialties at 14 clinics; CGH Main Clinic is located in Sterling with other sites in Dixon, Milledgeville, Morrison, Polo, Prophetstown, Tampico and Walnut.

In addition to the CGH Medical Center is Dixon’s KSB Hospital. This 80-bed acute care facility has a mission to “restore, maintain and enhance health by providing superior care now and in the future.” In 2010 the hospital leveled off and built a new parking lot for the emergency department, which holds 360 parking spots for patients, visitors and

garage. Also in 2011, KSB Hospital received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades, scoring in the top 5 percent of more than 3,700 U.S. hospitals surveyed. In 2012, the hospital was again given the same award, for two consecutive years.

For older residents, the Sauk Valley area offers perfect carefree homes nearby.

There are “cottages” or apartment-style buildings for those that wish to live as independently as possible. Retirement centers and assisted-living complexes with skilled nursing are all available.

There are also agencies that offer assistance for the elderly and their families.

employees. In addition to new parking spaces the Sleep Lab was renovated and expanded while a new Emergency Department was completed and opened.

This $16 million expansion of outpatient surgery and the Emergency Department included two new surgical suites, recovery rooms, registration and reception areas, new emergency department rooms and trauma bays as well as a new three-stall ambulance

Day Training Program Open to the Community

2601 Woodlawn Road Sterling, IL 61081 815-626-5820 www.exceptional-care.org Providing Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care and Day Training Services for people who are developmentally disabled, since 1980

www.saukvalleyareachamber.com e

11

702 W. Lynn Blvd. • Sterling, IL 61081 815-499-6552 Traditional Worship: 8:30am Contemporary Worship: 10:45am Christian Education: 9:45am (Sept.-May)

Pastor William Sullivan

www.nllutheran.com 12

e www.saukvalleyareachamber.com

T

he Sauk Valley area offers more than 20 different denominations at more than 60 churches for area residents and visitors to attend. The variety of religious entities has helped our community share numerous faiths with friends, families and visitors.

All are welcome who wish to join any service for worship within the community.

OF ADVERTISERS Accents .................................................................... 5

Sauk Valley Bank ................................ Pull-Out Map

Allied Waste Services of Dixon .............................. 9

SBM ..................................................... Pull-Out Map

Allstate Insurance - Tina Rajnowski .. Pull-Out Map

Self Help Enterprises .............................................. 9

CGH Medical Center..................... 11, Pull-Out Map City of Sterling, Illinois....................... Pull-Out Map

Showplace Antiques & Treasures ................................. Inside Front Cover

Community State Bank .......................................... 9

State Farm - Jack Spencer .................. Pull-Out Map

Days Inn .................................................. Back Cover

State Farm - Roy W. Dern .................. Pull-Out Map

Deer Valley Golf Club......................... Pull-Out Map

Sterling Public Library ............................................ 7

Exceptional Care & Training Center .................... 11

Sterling Township .............................. Pull-Out Map

Freedom Bank......................................................... 8

T6 Broadband............................. Inside Front Cover

Hawkins-Cassens Insurance ............... Pull-Out Map

The Emporium Thrift Center ............ Pull-Out Map

Kelly's ...................................................................... 6

The Kitchen Incubator of N.W. Illinois .................................... Pull-Out Map

KSB ...................................................... Pull-Out Map Lutheran Social Services of Illinois .... Pull-Out Map New Life Lutheran Church........... 12, Pull-Out Map Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center............................... Pull-Out Map Northland Mall ....................................................... 4

Toby's .................................................. Pull-Out Map Whiteside County Genealogists ........ Pull-Out Map Whiteside County Public Transportation......................... Pull-Out Map Whiteside County Senior Center....... Pull-Out Map

River Ridge Animal Hospital.............. Pull-Out Map

Village Profile’s Exclusive New Online Member-to-Member Email Marketing System

Introducing

The ConvergenceBusinessNetwork.com provides all participating advertisers an exclusive (member-only) email marketing system to drive new online revenue to your business. Our member-only, email marketing system is a dynamic business-to-business, member-to-member online marketing service that allows you to promote your products to other businesses individually, by business category or to the entire chamber membership in text, audio, video and coupon formats. w Exclusively available to Chamber members w Multi-media dynamic messaging includes Text, Audio, Video and COUPON for only 5¢ per email w Our Pay-Per-Email System places no demands on monthly minimum use plans w An R.F.P. response is programmed into the system for more immediate Return On Investment between Chamber members ®

A Village Profile company

www.villageprofile.com

PRINT

ONLINE

®

w Upon converting your chamber’s online publications, all advertisers will be emailed a login and password to use the email marketing system

MOBILE

IPHONE

ANDROID

DIGITAL ®

For more information about our Convergence Publishing Programs call 800-600-0134 x220 or e-mail jcn@villageprofilemail.com

www.saukvalleyareachamber.com e

13