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JANUARY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JANUARY MEMBER OF THE MONTH, MYER OIL COMPANY.
• Serves on the Chamber Board of Directors
• Participates in the Cooperative Energy Buying Program
• Serving our community for over 30 years
• Active in area churches
• Contributor to the Effingham Community County Foundation
• Supporter of Catholic Charities and Teutopolis Knights
of Columbus
• Attends Business After Hours, Fall Social, and the
Annual Business Recognition Gala
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WORKSHOP
The Illinois Department of Employment Security will be conducting an Unemployment Insurance “Meeting Business Needs” workshop at the Effingham Knights of Columbus Hall on Thursday, January 21 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Some of the topics include:
*Work Opportunity Tax Credit*
*Illinois Labor Market Information*
*Role Play of Actual Cases*
*Illinois Skills Match*
Chamber members can attend for the low price of $25. Registration forms are available at the Chamber office and online at www.effinghamchamber.org . For more information, please contact Becky at the Chamber at 217/342.4147.
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CITY MANAGER PUBLIC MEETINGS
Election Day is coming up and the City Manager referendum is on the ballot. Public meetings are scheduled to help you get better informed before you head to the polls.
*January 11, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Unit #40 Office, South Banker
*January 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
New Hope Church
*January 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Effingham City Hall
All meetings are FREE of charge
Open to the public
No registration necessary
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“The Chamber and Effingham County
will Shine again in 2010!”
The Chamber Ambassadors will have great prizes to give away at the Chamber’s Annual Business Recognition Gala on Saturday, January 16.
Your contribution of prizes will help the Ambassadors reach their goal and support the Chamber and its activities. Past package themes have included Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl, Beach Party and more… Be creative with your donations!
5:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception
6:30 p.m. - Program, Dinner, Entertainment, Dance
$55 per person
It’s Not Too Late… Call The Chamber Now!
217/342.4147
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NEW CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS/DIRECTORS
Bob Bray, Owner of Bray Title Services, has been elected 2010 Chairman of the Board of the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Serving along with Bray on the Executive Committee are Chair-Elect and Vice President Community Development Dr. Dan Clasby, Superintendent, EFFINGHAM COMMUNITY UNIT #40; Vice President Business Development Paul Koerner, President, KOERNER DISTRIBUTOR INC.; Vice President Membership Development Jean Bohnhoff, Executive Director, EFFINGHAM COUNTY COMMITTEE ON AGING; Vice President Resource Development Kevin Gouchenouer, Broker/Owner, CENTURY 21 REALTY CONCEPTS; Vice President Workforce Development Chad Armstrong, Project Manager/Estimator, AKRA BUILDERS INC.; and Treasurer Dean Kremer, CFO, BONUTTI ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES.
The new Directors elected by the membership and serving from 2010-2012 include:
Lee Beckman: Partner, MILANO & GRUNLOH ENGINEERS
Rob Bradshaw: Sales & Operations Manager,
SUPPORT PRODUCTS
Shawn Mohundro: Regional Director of Distribution,
THE SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO.
Jayme Schultheis: Director of Human Resources,
HEARTLAND DENTAL CARE
Bill Teichmiller: CEO, EJ WATER CORPORATION
Retiring from the Board are Patty Greene, Keller Convention Center, Jeff Mefford, Midland States Bank, Laura Stephens, Hitachi Metals Automotive Components USA, LLC, and Bob Ferguson, RE/MAX Key Advantage.
2009 Board Chairman Ray Rieck, Vice President Business Services at Lake Land College, will remain on the Board as Immediate Past Chairman.
The remainder of the Chamber Board of Directors includes Jeff Bloemker, Heartland Human Services; Paul Gutman, Legacy Harley Davidson; Dr. Ryan Jennings, Marshall Clinic; Terry Meyer, Meyer Oil Company; and Mike Schabbing, Global Technical Systems Inc.
Together these talented individuals will work to make your Chamber fit your needs and help make Effingham County a great place to live and work!
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
203 E. Grove Avenue
Effingham, IL 62401
217/342.2030
Web Site
Joe Scheets, Directing Pastor
(Church/non-profit)
TIM’S QUALITY TIRES
5486 N. US Hwy 45
Watson, IL 62473
217/240.0306
Web Site
Tim Chrappa, Owner
(Tire Sales/Service)
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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:
*Dale Carnegie Training has honored Steve Garland for being a world-class trainer receiving a Trainer Quality Index (TQI) score that places him in the top 10 of approximately 2500 trainers across the nation.
*First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust was recently recognized as one of the state’s top lenders in utilizing guaranteed home loans.
*Bill Fritcher, principal of Teutopolis Junior High, has been hired as the new superintendent for Teutopolis Unit #50.
*John Boos & Co. has been named a finalist for the 2010 Housewares Design Awards for its new Newton Prep Master cutting board.
* Jeff Speer and Terry Youngblood of RE/MAX Key Advantage in Effingham recently earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation.
*Ray Rieck, Vice President for Business Services at Lake Land College, received the Outstanding Chief Business Officer award.
MEMBER MILESTONE:
*Dr. James Graham celebrates 20 years in business.
*W.S. Broom & Company celebrates 125 years in business.
MEMBER WELCOME:
*Amanda Heath joined Effingham Rehabilitation and Health Care Center as the Community Relations Coordinator.
*Marshall Clinic’s Dermatology Department announces the addition of Karilyn Crook, P.A.
*Tammy Probst was named manager of St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Wound Healing Center.
*Joseph Fearday joined Wells Fargo as a financial advisor.
MEMBER CHANGES AND NOTES:
*The First National Bank of Dieterich, Lake Sara new location at 10911 E. State Highway 33, is open for business.
*Drs. Sehy and Jones have moved to their new location at 303 North Keller Drive.
*Charlotte Hendryx, Personnel Supervisor, is the new contact for Select Remedy.
*Eric Bandy, Owner, is the new contact for Bandy’s Medical.
*The Effingham County Humane Society has relocated to the old Funkhouser School west of Effingham.
*St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center will begin seeing patients January 13th at their location in the Effingham Medical Center, Suite 203.
(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.)
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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
PROMOTE – SUPPORT – ATTRACT
The Chamber Board has re-affirmed the Chamber’s mission statement:
To Promote and Sustain a Diversified Business Community
To Support Member Business Growth & Prosperity
To Attract the Investment of Commerce & Consumers
As we look ahead into 2010 we know that we have a responsibility to our members and the business community to make sure Effingham County continues to be a place where existing businesses can prosper and grow and new businesses want to make an investment.
How will the Chamber accomplish its mission?
One way is by listening to our members and designing programs and services based on our members’ needs and interests. Monthly Breakfast with Bob sessions will continue on the second Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Chamber office. Please feel free to stop by and share your ideas and recommendations.
Another is to evaluate existing programs and investigate new programs and services. We are currently going through that process and will have more information to share in the coming months.
One idea that is already taking root is a relocation and redesign of Employee Fitness Day into a value-added company wellness event that businesses won’t want to miss.
An expanded educational and training program schedule is also being planned that will help businesses improve their management, leadership and operational skills and provide their current and future employees with a full range of development opportunities.
Leading our agenda for supporting business growth and prosperity is the Chamber’s Business Essentials Support & Technology, or B.E.S.T. Center. You can read more about services that are available through the BEST Center in another article in this newsletter.
You can be assured in these challenging times that your Chamber Board of Directors and staff are hard at work looking for the best ways to help you with your business needs. The programs and services we provide are a direct result of YOUR involvement.
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SAVE! WITH THE FIRST FRIDAY CLUB
Attending the First Friday Luncheon is made easier with a First Friday Club membership. As a member of the “Club” …
Any company associate can attend 12 monthly First Friday Luncheons for the price of 10.
Club cards will be punched at every luncheon and entered into a drawing in December for a FREE 2011 Club Card.
The cards are transferable.
One payment...no worrying about bringing cash or check to the luncheon.
New this year! - “Featured Business Sponsor”
Take advantage of this great promotional opportunity for the low price of $75. Your business will receive 2 free lunches, a 2 minute presentation from the podium to talk about your business, a table top display to showcase your business, provide the gift for the featured speaker, and your company will be promoted in the Take 5 Newsletter and email blasts.
HURRY! This special offer won’t be available for long. For more information, contact Becky at the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
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NEW PEER NETWORKING GROUP BEING FORMED
The Business Solutions Center (BSC) in conjunction with SCORE is creating a new Consultant Connections Peer Networking group. Many unemployed, new retirees or graduates without jobs, and professionals who would like to consult on a part-time basis are exploring the life of consulting.
The formation meeting of the group will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27th at Cody's Roadhouse Restaurant in Mattoon. Those attending will learn how to get started, network to collaborate on larger projects and share best practices with each other. Cost is $8 for lunch.
Please reserve your seat by January 22nd
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CHOICES - FACILITATORS AND SPONSORS NEEDED!
Facilitators and sponsors are needed for the 5th annual CHOICES program that will be offered to more than 450 Effingham County 8th grade students this spring. This volunteer-led program offered by the Chamber and the CHOICES organization will give students a first-hand look at how the academic decisions they make today will have a lasting impact on their future.
A minimum of 10 local business people are needed to serve as the instructors. A training video that outlines how the program is taught is available for anyone interested.
Sponsorships are needed to fund this project. The cost to offer this important and beneficial program is $5 per student. For $150, your company can enable 30 students, the equivalent to an entire classroom, to take part in the program. It is a great opportunity for your business to support educational efforts in Effingham County.
For more information about being a CHOICES sponsor or to volunteer to be an instructor, call Tracy at the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
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February 2
The Chamber Office is now a polling place but will be open for business on Election Day.
Effingham, Illinois -
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
OCTOBER |
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2009
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2008
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CITY BUILDING PERMITS:
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Month, Commercial
Month, Residential
Year To Date, Total
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6/$ 245,820
/$ 173,854
113 /$12,336,717
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1/$ 668,258
6/$ 508,316
144/$ 31,655,821
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LABOR MARKET - COUNTY:
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Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
Illinois Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
|
17,988
16,432
1,556
8.7%
10.5%
9.4%
|
18,339
17,175
1,224
6.2%
6.7%
6.5%
|
|
ANNUAL AVERAGE:
|
2008
|
2007
|
|
Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
Illinois Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
|
18,580
17,505
1,075
5.8%
6.5%
5.8%
|
18,920
18,120
800
4.2%
5.0%
4.6%
|
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CITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
|
|
Total Assets - 3rd Qtr.
|
$832,204,403
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
|
$761,968,659
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
|
|
RETAIL SALES:
|
|
|
|
City - (3rd Qrt. '09)
|
$146,176,222
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$163,530,916
|
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County - (3rd Qrt. '09)
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$166,037,078
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$197,955,120
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Total Sales-City (CY 08/07)
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$634,077,560
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$632,348,084
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Total Sales-Cou.(CY 08/07)
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$709,070,900
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$707,303,938
|
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Total Sales-City (FY 08/07)
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$641,242,712
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$632,252,828
|
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Total Sales-Cou.(FY 08/07)
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$742,839,163
|
$730,579,295
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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.
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