|
JUNE MEMBER OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAY MEMBER OF THE MONTH, W.S. BROOM & CO.
• A family - owned business for 125 years.
• Donates furniture and bedding to organizations and
individuals in need.
• Through recycling, Brooms has reduced waste by over 50%.
• Showroom has grown to over 40,000 square feet
• Active in area churches and schools
• Featured in Furniture World Magazine March/April 2010 issue -
History of the Furniture Industry.
• Supports several charities such as Catholic Charities,
Special Olympics, FISH, and Girl Scouts.
CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Chamber Community Scholarship Program is in its 15th year! The Chamber has been able to award 79 students nearly $120,000 in scholarship funds thanks to the many Chamber members who contribute so generously to this program. Each recipient receives a $1,500 scholarship to be used towards tuition, books, and fees.
Following are the for 2010 recipients:
Adult Recipients
• Beth Poynter of Effingham is attending the University of
Illinois seeking her Master’s Degree in Social Work.
• David Thompson of Altamont is attending Greenville
College studying Organizational Leadership.
• Traci Walk of Dieterich is attending Maryville University
studying Physical Therapy.
High School Recipients
• Amanda Hoelscher, a graduate of Teutopolis High School,
will be attending Eastern Illinois University seeking a degree
in Communication Disorders/Speech Pathology.
• Jennifer Niebrugge, a graduate of Effingham High School,
will be attending Lake Land College seeking a transfer
degree in Elementary Education.
• Brooke Ozenkoski, a graduate of Teutopolis High School,
will be attending Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
seeking a degree in Nursing.
We sincerely appreciate all of the members of the Chamber Scholarship Committee taking time out of their busy schedules to judge over 100 adult and high school scholarship applications and a sincere thank you to those companies who shared the scholarship information with their employees and families. The Chamber Community Scholarship Program continues to be one of the Chamber’s greatest benefits!
back to top
COLORS OF FREEDOM - CELEBRATE AMERICA
The Effingham Central Business Group is sponsoring the annual Colors of Freedom project which began May 24th and runs through July 4th. This small gesture is a great way for our community to show its patriotism and support of our troops and our country.
The group invites all businesses, churches, organizations, and residents to show their patriotism by decorating in RED, WHITE, and BLUE for the next six weeks. Fly the flag, hang banners, post signs, and plant flowers - be creative and lets blanket Effingham County in RED, WHITE, and BLUE.
SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS!
back to top
“COME GROW WITH US & REAP THE REWARDS” – MEMBER REFERRAL PROGRAM
Attention Chamber members: Be a valuable source in growing the Chamber by participating in the NEW Member Referral Program.
Why did we choose the Member Referral Program? The Membership Development Committee and the Chamber Board of Directors felt this program would be an effective, progressive and member-involved effort to increase the Chamber membership and reach our goal. A growing membership strengthens the Chamber’s impact on advocating important issues to our members. By actively participating in the program, your company will help with the continued growth of the Chamber and branch out to new member businesses providing them with more networking opportunities. With your involvement, you are showing support for the Chamber and the belief in our continued efforts to meet the needs of our members and provide more member benefits.
How does the Member Referral Program work? Identify businesses you feel would benefit from a Chamber membership, download, fill out the form and send to the Chamber. Referred businesses will be contacted by a member of our specially trained SWAT Team Members for membership recruitment. Your company will be mentioned as the referring company at the time of recruitment.
Meet the SWAT Team Members: Eric Zeller, Effingham Ophthalmology Associates; Patty Greene, Thelma Keller Convention Center; Jeff Speer, RE/MAX Key Advantage and Jim Hecht, Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota and Chuck Deters, First National Bank of Dieterich. With these dedicated team members assisting Membership Coordinator Becky Brown, more quality time can be given to each of the member prospects which will create a long-term working relationship between the business and the Chamber. Each SWAT Team Member will make contact with the referred business within 48 hours of receipt of the referral.
Benefits You Receive: Each time a referred business becomes a Chamber member, the referring individual will be entered in a drawing for $500 Community Cash Gift Checks that can be used at participating member businesses. The drawing will be held at the Annual Business Recognition Gala on January 15, 2011. Your company will receive recognition in the member referral section on the Chamber website and in the monthly Take 5 newsletter each time a referral is made.
It’s that easy! Let’s start planting the seeds and submit your referrals today. For more information, contact Becky Brown, Membership Coordinator at 217/342.4147.
back to top
CHAMBER GOLF OUTING
The Chamber is hosting the 43rd Annual Golf Outing on Monday, August 23 at the Effingham Country Club. The best ball team scramble will begin promptly at 12: 30 p.m. Join us for a fun filled day of golf while networking with other Chamber member businesses and area leaders.
Sponsorship opportunities are going FAST! Presenting sponsors are sold out to Consolidated Communications, Midland States Bank, and Cromwell Radio Group and Effingham Builders Supply is sponsoring the Hole - In - One. Over 140 golfers will see your company’s name and the event guarantees maximum exposure for your company to local businesses.
In addition, each golfer will receive a Goodie Bag at registration. If your company wishes to provide items for the bags such as golf towels, golf balls or tees, bottled water, etc., please contact the Chamber.
The Outing is limited to 36 foursomes, so sign up early as spaces will fill up fast. Download the flyer for outing and lunch registration. For more information or to become a sponsor, please call the Chamber at 217/342.4147.
back to top
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
CAMP WALTER SCOTT
15290 E. 300TH Avenue
Dieterich, IL 62424
217/739.2332
Website
Rebecca Lewis, Camp Manager
(Youth Center / Conference Center)
EFFINGHAM PERFORMANCE CENTER
1325 Outer Belt West
Effingham, IL 62401
217/540.2788
Website
Janie Oldfield, Executive Director
(Theatre / Entertainment)
RUBY TUESDAY
1300 Avenue of Mid America
Effingham, IL 62401
217/342.6904
Lisa Foster, General Manager
(Restaurant / Catering)
SANDRA WALK, ARCHITECT
203 East Harrison Street
Sigel, IL 62462
217/821.3276
Sandra Walk, Architect
(Architects, Engineers)
back to top
MAKING CONNECTIONS IN EFFINGHAM COUNTY
A business card display rack in the Chamber lobby provides a another great way for our members to connect with consumers. The card holder can accommodate 48 cards and slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring in your business cards and promote your business to our many visitors.
CHAMBER CONGRATULATIONS:
*Bahrns Equipment, Inc. earned the 2009 Parts Excellence Award for their Toyota Lift division from Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., Inc.
*Jody Puckett and Alyssa Eller of St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital have been promoted to Director of Facilities and Support Services and Department Manager of Women and Children’s Care, respectively.
*Washington Savings Bank elected Todd A. Kabbes to the Board of Directors.
*Data Management Shredding received Triple A Certification from the National Association for Information Destruction, which is the highest level of certification available.
*Joyce Flood of The First National Bank of Dieterich received The Commitment to Excellence Award for 2010, voted on by her co-workers.
*Henk Van Dongen of Mid America Motorworks was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
*Century 21 Realty Concepts received the 2009 Century 21 Quality Service Office award for its commitment to providing quality customer service to its clients.
*Effingham High School was named to US News & World Report’s 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools.
*Hank Stephens of Four Scoops - Dairy Queen, received the Lifetime Achievement Award by East Central Illinois Development Corporation.
*Rick Goeckner, Steve Miller, and Kelsey Hamilton of the City of Effingham have been named interim Director of Administrative Services, Director of Public Works, and acting City Clerk, respectively.
*Sally Gaca, of the Effingham Performance Center, has been appointed to Director of Development and Sales.
MEMBER WELCOME:
*Grunloh Building Inc. welcomes Susan Schakmann, Interior Designer.
*Angela Brown joined The First National Bank of Dieterich as Director of Marketing.
*Taryn Birch joined Farm Credit Services of Illinois as a Financial Services Representative.
MEMBER MILESTONES:
*IC Enterprises - celebrates 20 years in business.
*Jansen Cable Construction - celebrates 20 years in business.
*Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation / Effingham Health Center - celebrates 25 years in business.
*Y-Yard Auto and Truck Inc. - celebrates 40 years in business.
*First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust - celebrates 145 years in business.
MEMBER CHANGES AND NOTES:
*Regional Foot Center, Ltd relocated to 1301 Deerpath Road, Charleston, IL 61920.
*Helen Matthes Library is offering a 6 - week summer reading program for all ages. For more information or to register, please call 217/342.2464 ext. 2 or email the library.
*SNC JJ Holdings LLC has relocated to 2701 S. Banker Street, Suite 102 in Effingham.
(If your company has received an industry award, is celebrating a milestone anniversary, adding new staff members, expanding its facilities or opening a new division, please forward your news to email Tracy at the Chamber. Please include a contact name and phone number.)
back to top
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
EFFINGHAM COUNTY IS ON THE “GROW”
Effingham County got some good news last week – while many surrounding counties are losing population, our county is growing!
While the 2010 Census is still being completed, the Census Bureau has released the latest population estimates showing Effingham County’s growth jumping from 34,274 July 1, 2008 to 34,424 July 1, 2009. That’s a net increase of 160 people choosing to call Effingham County home.
The county shares the plus side of population growth along with much larger counties like Sangamon, Champaign, McLean and Peoria. Neighboring counties have not fared as well, with Coles, Fayette, Macon, Douglas and Christian counties losing population.
When we look at the successes of our existing businesses who continue to grow and add employment, the new businesses that have moved into our communities and the outstanding health care, education and recreational facilities we have, it is not surprising that Effingham County continues to be a leader in central Illinois.
back to top
Don’t forget to sign up for the “Bed & Breakfast” program providing private housing for Corvette Funfest guests in September. Visit their website and register your home or rooms in your home TODAY!
Rental registration runs through July 31. Individuals without computer access or just looking for more information, please contact Tracy at the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
back to top
The 5th annual CHOICES program completed another successful year for Effingham County eighth grade students. This was a great opportunity for the 427 students that participated in this program to learn about the importance of staying in school, time management, and money management. The students were very receptive to the facilitators and learned great life lessons in a fun and interactive atmosphere. Participating schools this year were: Altamont Grade School, Beecher City Junior High, Dieterich Junior High, Effingham Junior High, Sacred Heart Grade School, St. Anthony Grade School, and Teutopolis Junior High.
This program wouldn’t be successful without the fantastic facilitators that donate time out of their busy schedules to participate in this program. Thanks goes to : Tabitha Bailey, Stacia Falconberg, Rosie Gibbons, Chris Kabbes, Lisa Kingery, Deana Nuxoll, Shaelyn Royce, Annette Schnabel, Courtney Tegeler, and Julie Vahling.
The Chamber has renewed its license to offer this 2-day class again next spring. This is a great way for businesses to support the educational efforts in Effingham County. For more information about being a CHOICES facilitator or sponsor, call Tracy at the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
Congratulations to the students and facilitators on a job well done!
back to top
MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM – DISCOUNTS NEEDED!
The Member to Member Discount Program is being offered to ALL Chamber members and is a great way to utilize services and products of Chamber members but also to get employees from Chamber member businesses involved. And there’s no cost to participate.
By providing a discount, your business can reach over 500 Chamber members and their employees and increase your business recognition and repeat use. By obtaining discount cards for your employees, you are providing them with a great employee benefit at no additional cost. Your business will receive exposure by being promoted in the Member to Member Discount Program brochure, on the Chamber website, newsletter, and emails.
The following companies have already signed up to offer discounts: ADT Security Services Inc., Air Evac Lifeteam, Back & Body Works Chiropractic & Massage Therapy, Balda Dental Office, Curves, Dimond Bros. Insurance Agency Inc., Howard Johnson Express Inn Motel, Jansen’s Heating & Air, Kyle’s Water Center, Leisure Times Pools & Spas, The Thomas Shop, Wabash Tire & Auto and Wayne’s Stripe-A-Lot.
Don’t see your company on the list? Call now to find out how you can offer a discount and participate in this great new program. Contact Becky Brown, Membership Coordinator at 217/342.4147. Deadline to be included in promotional materials is Wednesday, June 30, 2010.
back to top
Effingham, Illinois -
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
MARCH |
|
2010
|
2009
|
|
CITY BUILDING PERMITS:
|
|
Month, Commercial
Month, Residential
Year To Date, Total
|
6/$ 824,910
12/$ 736,854
28/$ 2,056,019
|
3/$ 831,000
2/$ 334,835
23/$ 4,245,489
|
|
LABOR MARKET - COUNTY:
|
|
Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
IL Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
|
18,257
16,375
1,882
10.3%
11.7%
10.2%
|
17,880
16,419
1,461
7.6%
9.6%
9.0%
|
|
ANNUAL AVERAGE:
|
2009
|
2008
|
|
Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
Illinois Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
|
18,183
16,736
1,447
8.0%
10.1%
9.3%
|
18,580
17,505
1,075
5.8%
6.4%
5.8%
|
|
CITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
|
|
Total Assets - 1ST Qtr.
|
$851,390,481
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
|
$799,902,061
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
|
|
RETAIL SALES:
|
|
|
|
City - (4th Qrt. '09)
|
$155,528,784
|
$152,168,328
|
|
County - (4th Qrt. '09)
|
$173,874,485
|
$170,186,173
|
|
Total Sales-City (CY 09/08)
|
$579,144,437
|
$634,077,560
|
|
Total Sales-Cou.(CY 09/08)
|
$651,341,734
|
$709,070,900
|
|
Total Sales-City (FY 09/08)
|
$593,138,675
|
$641,242,712
|
|
Total Sales-Cou. (FY 09/08)
|
$666,607,206
|
$742,839,163
|
SOURCE: Illinois Department of Revenue: www.revenue.state.il.
NOTE: We are able to obtain more up-to-date retail sales data than in the past. If you wish to obtain historical data that has not been published, call Tracy at 217/342-4147.
back to top |
|
