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MARCH OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MARCH MEMBER OF THE MONTH, HODGSON MILL, INC.
• Company has grown from 5 employees to 50
• Expansion of product lines has led to expansion of facility.
• Expansion planned for customer service center and milling museum with working water wheel on Avenue of Mid America
• Nationwide exposure through features on CBS Early News Show and Fitness Magazine.
• Selected best wheat pasta by Fitness Magazine
• Actively supports Gleanings for the Hungry and provides products and displays for community events and organizations such as Mid America Funfest and health fairs by local healthcare providers
Hodgson Mill, Inc... Quality, Healthy FoodProfessional Advantage Inc., Realtors...Your Hometown Advantage.
CHOICES PROGRAM ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY
Nearly 450 eighth grade students in Effingham County, including Altamont, Altamont Lutheran Interparish, Beecher City, Dieterich, Effingham, Sacred Heart and St. Anthony schools, participated in a two class period interactive workshop designed to help students with time and money management and instill personal motivation for teens to complete their education. Students learn how decisions they make now will shape their future and realize how they can take charge of their lives.
The CHOICES Program was made possible through a grant from the Effingham County Community Foundation and the following sponsors: Balda Dental Office; Family Care Associates of Effingham, S.C.; First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust; Linders Limited LLC/McDonald’s; Martin’s IGA Plus; Mid America Motorworks; Midland States Bank; Siemer Milling Company; Southeastern Container; and the Effingham Business and Professional Women’s Club.
The program could not have been possible without the local volunteers to facilitate the classroom workshop. We would like to extend a very sincere thanks to 13 terrific individuals who took the time and effort to make this a great program for the teens. Carol Hourigan, Chamber Ambassador, served as scheduling coordinator and facilitator. Also serving as Choices teachers were Tabitha Bailey, Pyramid Marble & Granite; Pamette Balda, Balda Dental Office; Jeff Bloemker, Mid America Motorworks; Jean Bohnhoff, Effingham County Committeee on Aging; Stacia Falconberg, The Thomas Shop; Wendy Faulkner, Oneighty; Rosie Gibbons; U of I Extension-Effingham County; Leigh Hammer, Effingham County Coroner; Sharon Schaubert, Midland States Bank; Courtney Tegeler, Novatek Medical; Joan Thies, Stevens Industries; and Karen Luchtefeld.
The teamwork involved in the CHOICES Program is very impressive and we feel it makes a big difference to many of the students. We look forward to presenting the program again in 2009.
If you have an interest in supporting this project, please contact pat Copple at the Chamber office.
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COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
Lights...camera...action! That is what you will get at the next Community Celebration of Excellence Breakfast hosted by Effingham County Vision 2020. The event is set for Wednesday, March 26 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the beautiful Rosebud Theatre in Effingham.
The program will feature Craig Lindvahl, nationally recognized filmmaker and educator, who will encourage and inspire you to stop limiting yourselves and pursue your dreams...no matter your age, background or location. Lindvahl is the recipient of the Studs Terkel Award for contributions to humanities and nine Mid-America Emmy Awards for producing, writing, camera work and composing.
Breakfast, tours of the theatre and displays representing the theme, “That’s Entertainment” will be held between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. The program will start promptly at 8:00 a.m. in the theatre. In addition, those in attendance will be treated to a skit by F.A.C.E. that will provide an entertaining look at Effingham County Vision 2020 and how it is making a difference in Effingham County.
Cost to attend the breakfast is $15 per person and tickets are now available. See the enclosed flyer for ticket information. Please join us in this celebration of excellence in Effingham County...you will be entertained, well educated and well fed!
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YBNext KICKOFF PARTY WAS A SUCCESS!
“Last night’s turnout was great! I believe this is going to be a great group and will do some wonderful things for our community”.
These are just a few of the comments received following the YBNext Kickoff Party March 6. At least 70 young professionals crowded into the Banker Street Brewery and enjoyed socializing and learning more about the Chamber’s new
initiative to engage Effingham County’s future leadership group.
The group is off to a rousing start and plans are underway for monthly informal social events and a May educational program. The April social will be held Thursday, April 3, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Banker Street Brewery. Come and get acquainted.
To learn more about YBNext, click here.
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CHAMBER CITY/COUNTY MAP PROJECT COMING
The Chamber will again be working with Phelps Map Company of Charleston, Illinois to produce a new local map that includes the City of Effingham, Effingham County 911 locations, Lake Sara and a quick reference map of the city.
The Phelps map is the only one endorsed and distributed by the Chamber. Jim Phelps will begin contacting businesses regarding advertising opportunities in May.
We have become aware of phone calls being made to local businesses from individuals identifying themselves as representing the Chamber. Please be cautious when dealing with companies who are selling advertising products and try to utilize the Chamber’s name as a selling point. We would appreciate knowing about these type of sales calls, so please feel free to contact us whenever you have questions.
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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
What is important to our members?
This is the question that the Chamber Board asks and tries to answer as it considers new products to add to an already very full menu of benefits and services available to Chamber members.They look at the relevance and importance of existing programs and at how new ideas will benefit our members.
Chamber members will see the results of the Chamber Board’s very thoughtful process in what will be offered as Chamber member benefits in 2008.
The Business Development Division will be focusing in on increasing business’ knowledge of the many beneficial resources available in the region. By partnering with various agencies to provide workshops, events and informational materials, as well as allocating space in the Chamber office for a Business Center, we will be able to effectively strengthen the area business community.The division will also continue to engage and support young professionals in the county through YBNext, our next generation of community leaders.
Quality of life, with a strong focus on education, is the goal of the Community Development Division.Through leadership support for community initiatives such as Effingham County Vision 2020, programs that promote Effingham County as an excellent place in which to live, work and do business, and educational support for youth and adults, the Chamber will positively affect the quality of life in Effingham County.Advocating for business interests at the local, state and federal level through an active Legislative Committee will help create a favorable economic environment where businesses can succeed.
Workforce issues in Effingham County will be addressed by the Workforce Development Division through career development activities that expose our young people to current and future job opportunities in Effingham County; through a full calendar of educational programs and training seminars that will keep our businesses on top of the latest business trends, government regulations, technology and other management tools; and through cost-saving programs such as the Illinois Chamber Drug Testing Initiative and the Chamber’s on-line resume service.
The Resource Development Division (formerly Special Projects) is charged with developing new ways to fund Chamber operations and address the capital improvement needs of the Chamber.They oversee existing projects such as the Annual Business Recognition Gala, Golf Outing, Fall Social and Effingham Day at Busch Stadium, and investigate the feasibility of new projects and products.While these projects have a more social aspect, they are important in connecting members with the resources they need and the opportunities they seek.
Finally, the Membership Development Division will work to increase the membership and ensure that returning members are receiving the benefits and services they need and want.A broader outreach to employees within member businesses and more opportunities for interaction between members will be emphasized. When businesses join the Chamber, they are obtaining a business partner that will help them do what they can’t do by themselves.
More information about these products, services, programs and events will be available through the Chamber’s web site: www.effinghamchamber.org; in our monthly Chamber newsletter and other Chamber mailings, and through periodic emails and fax broadcasts.
Stay tuned, sign up and speak out. Use your Chamber membership to its fullest this year.That is how you will gain the best return on your investment in the Chamber.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
THE AUTOMALL OF EFFINGHAM
313 Miracle Avenue
Effingham, IL 62401
Shannon McClurg, Manager
217/536-5364
(Auto Dealer)
CASHLAND FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
209 N Henrietta St.
Effingham, IL 62401
Kara Ferguson, Market Manager
217/342-1090
(Loan Company)
TURNKEY COMPUTER SYSTEMS
9810 Bloomfield Drive
Effingham, IL 62401
Dave Dorris, Owner
217/868-9977
(Computer Equipment/Product/Services, Internet Services)
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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
CHAMBER CONGRATULATIONS:
*LAND OF LINCOLN has reached $100 million in assets in 2007. (Correction from last month.)
*LOUDON MACHINE, INC. celebrated its 1,000th project in February.
*K WOHLTMAN CONSTRUCTION was awarded the Hall of Fame Award by VP Buildings for three structures built by the company. The awards recognized outstanding integration of building systems, products and designs.
*FIRST MID-ILLINOIS BANK & TRUST was recognized as one of the top ten lenders by the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The Million Dollar Lender Award recognizes the bank for excelling in using its guaranteed loan program for purchasing affordable housing.
*EVERGREEN NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER opened its new rehabilitation therapy unit recently.
MEMBER WELCOME:
*Deana Nuxoll is the new Marketing Director at THE ROSEBUD THEATRE.
*James Griebe has joined the management team of ADT SECURITY SERVICES.
MEMBER MILESTONES:
*LOUDON MACHINE INC. - 25 Years
MEMBER CHANGES AND NOTES:
*Healthsouth is now DIAGNOSTIC HEALTH.
*The UNTIED WAY OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY is accepting requests for grant applications for funding support for the 2008-2009 campaign. For more information, contact Linda Hemmen at 217/342-3824. Applications must be postmarked by April 10, 2008.
(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 Pat at the Chamber. Please include a contact name and phone number.)
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2008 CHAMBER SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Mark your calendars for these special Chamber projects:
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
Friday, May 2, 11:30 - 1:30, Keller Convention Center
Bosses, take your support staff to lunch...prizes...fun! Nominations will be accepted for Employee of the Year.
EMPLOYEE FITNESS DAY
Thursday, May 29, 11:30 - 2:00, Hendelmeyer Recreation Center
Health exhibits, walk course, t-shirts, healthy meal. Everything is free!
CHAMBER RADIO DAY AT WCRC
Friday, July 18. Be a radio announcer for an hour. Ad packages available. Lots of fun!
CHAMBER GOLF OUTING
Friday, August 8, Effingham Country Club. Shotgun start at 1:00. Sponsorship packages available. Contest awards
FALL SOCIAL
Friday, September 5, Lake Sara Community Building. Tailgate theme party. Food...beverages...Bonfire...Raffles
EFFINGHAM DAY AT BUSCH STADIUM
Thursday, September 11, Cardinals vs Cubs!! 400 tickets will be sold, first-come, first-served basis. Tickets not available at this time. Bus trip packages available. Food...fun...prizes!
CHAMBER RADIO DAY AT WXEF
Tuesday, October 7. Be a radio announcer for an hour. Ad packages available. Lots of fun!
FUTURE FAIR
Thursday, November 6. Career fair for Effingham County students. Over 75 career representatives for students to talk to and learn about the various careers. Free. Attendance Prizes.
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TREASURER APPOINTED TO CHAMBER BOARD
Dean Kremer, CFO at BONUTTI ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES, has been appointed to serve as Treasurer of the Chamber Board of Directors. Kremer brings to the Board longtime experience as a certified public accountant. Before going to work at Bonutti, Kremer was employed at Agracel, Inc. in Effingham and Doehring, Winders & Company in Mattoon.
Kremer and wife Cindy reside in Teutopolis and have two children.
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Effingham, Illinois -
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
MARCH 2008 |
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JANUARY
2008
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JANUARY
2007
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CITY BUILDING PERMITS:
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Month, Commercial
Month, Residential
Year To Date, Total
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5/$12,241,000
1/$ 5,600
6/$12,246,600
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5/$ 839,104
1/$ 750,000
6/$ 1,589,174
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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
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18,624
17,486
1,138
6.1%
6.2%
5.4%
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18,943
18,027
916
4.8%
5.2%
5.0%
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ANNUAL AVERAGE:
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2006
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2005
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Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
Illinois Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
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19,319
18,490
829
5.4%
4.7%
4.6%
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17,967
16,962
1,005
4.7%
4.8%
5.1%
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CITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
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Total Assets - 4th Qtr. 07/06
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$713,831,092
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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$676,255,411
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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RETAIL SALES:
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2007
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2006
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City - (2nd Qtr. 07/06)
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$165,698,831
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$147,856,582
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County - (2nd Qtr. 07/06)
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$192,771,773
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$173,567,298
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Total Sales-City (FY 07/06)
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$632,252,828
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$640,059,399
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Total Sales-Cou.(FY 07/06)
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$730,579,295
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$738,111,687
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Total Sales-City (CY 06/05)
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$637,203,441
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$614,981,194
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Total Sales-Cou.(CY 06/05)
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$736,155,035
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$711,699,526
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