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APRIL OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MARCH MEMBER OF THE MONTH, MILANO & GRUNLOH ENGINEERS
• 9 years serving the Effingham area and surrounding areas reaching from Champaign to Marion.
• Company services benefit a large number of community residents with basic infrastructure needs.
• Through technology, the company can communicate with other professionals throughout US and utilize global positioning in their survey work.
• Active involvement in local projects such as the Holland Regional Water System and the Lake Sara and EJ Water Cooperatives.
• Supporters of community events and projects such as the Sculpture on the Avenues and the Artisan Fair.
• Chamber Access Level member, Job Shadowing mentor site and company associates are charter members of the YBNext organization.
Milano & Grunloh Engineers...Professional Engineers and Surveyors
CHAMBER ENERGY COOP
The Chamber is currently forming a new Cooperative Energy Buying group designed to provide financial savings to commercial electric customers on their monthly utility bills. The Chamber’s first purchasing group, formed last fall, had nearly 75 businesses sign up. These businesses are enjoying the benefits of lower utility bills during the recent weather extremes.
By partnering with other chambers in central Illinois, we are able to pool our buying power with businesses in Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur and Peoria to procure energy at the best available competitive market price.
In addition to taking advantage of the combined buying power, companies will save time and expense in choosing a supplier on their own and will achieve budget stability in the fluctuating energy market during the contract period.
The program is available only to Effingham Chamber members and applies to businesses who use electricity supplied by Ameren or ComEd and whose power bills are more than $200 a month.Members of rural and municipal cooperatives are not eligible for this program.
The move to electric deregulation in Illinois in January 2007 allows business customers to choose their power supplier. Delivery of the power and handling of power service needs will still be handled by Ameren and customers will continue to be billed by Ameren for this service.
Businesses interested in taking advantage of this cooperative buying program must do so prior to Friday, April 25, the enrollment deadline.
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EMPLOYEE FITNESS DAY SCHEDULED
Now is the time to make good on your resolution to start living a healthier lifestyle. The Chamber’s annual 2008 Employee Fitness Day will be held Thursday, May 29 at the Hendelmeyer Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In its eighth year, Employee Fitness Day promotes a healthy lifestyle in a fun, non-competitive and informative atmosphere. Exhibitors will offer blood pressure checks, glucose testing, bone density testing, skin care, spinal stress screenings, information about cancer prevention, alternative health solutions & acupuncture and exercise equipment. A Community Fitness Bulletin Board will display information about area fitness organizations, running and cycling events and information on local health support groups such as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Arthritis and more.
Participants can attend at any time during the hours of the event and visit the displays with handouts, demonstrations and screenings. Fitness Day attendees can take advantage of the 1-mile outdoor marked course available during the event. After completing the walk course, you will be able to submit your name for a drawing for a participation prize. In addition, each participant will be provided with a free light lunch and beverage and free t-shirts will be available to the first 500 registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.
A limited number of t-shirt sponsorships are being accepted. The cost of the sponsorship is $225, which will place your company’s logo and name on the back of the 500 shirts being made available to those who attend the Employee Fitness Day.
In addition, exhibitors are being sought. There is no cost to participate and the only requirement is that the exhibit must be health and fitness related and all items or services are free to attendees.
See the enclosed flyer to register as a t-shirt sponsor, as an exhibitor or to attend the event.
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SAFETY CONFERENCE SCHEDULED
An OSHA Workplace Awareness and Workers Compensation Seminar is scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at the Keller Convention Center from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Chamber, the Illinois Safety Council and OSHA.
Topics to be covered include “How To Handle an OSHA Inspection” and “OSHA Top Ten Violations” presented by OSHA and the Department of Labor and “Workers Compensation” presented by Eugene Keefe, Attorney with Keefe, Campbell and Associates LLC.
Illinois Safety Council & Health Awards will also be awarded to companies who can compete against their own safety record. The deadline has been extended to April 14. More information.
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LUCHTEFELD A JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENT
Karen Luchtefeld of Effingham was recently named one of five East Central Illinois recipients of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service for 2008. In his nomination letter, Bob Schultz, J. M. SCHULTZ INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC, cited Luchtefeld for her innumerable volunteer hours given to a variety of local organizations, including FISH, Meals On Wheels, TREC and Rotary.
Congratulations Karen on this well-deserved recognition!
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FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
“If you want to attract people to your community, you need to have an attractive community.”
This is a very important statement that each of us who live and work in Effingham County needs to think about and consider as we work to attract new investment in our community, loyal customers and good employees to our businesses, and develop projects that improve our quality of life.
What does it mean to have an attractive community?Good schools, safe neighborhoods, excellent medical care, various entertainment and recreational opportunities, ample shopping and dining experiences, strong values and a caring spirit are an important part of what makes a community appealing.
But it is more than that.
It is about taking pride in the way our communities look.Do we give a great first impression when people enter our town? Are our streets and buildings well maintained and attractive?Do we make people feel welcome when they enter our businesses, attend Sunday morning worship services, participate in local events?
Do we provide jobs that pay well and offer career advancement? there an environment that allows people to pursue their dreams with a supportive network that provides opportunities for growth?
Do we support new ideas and new community projects?Are we willing to take risks with short term investments for long term rewards?
I hope you’ll take the time to ask yourselves these questions.If we want to make sure that Effingham County remains a great place to live, work, grow, play, visit, prosper and raise a family, it is up to us to do more than just ask and answer questions.
With summer tourist season coming up, Effingham County will be hosting many events that will bring thousands of people to our town. We have a great opportunity to showcase Effingham County as not only a great place to visit, but a great place to live, work, grow, prosper and raise a family.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
MIDAS AUTO SERVICE EXPERTS
1401 W Evergreen Avenue
Effingham, IL 62401
Jim Phillips, Owner/Manager
217/342-2900
www.midas.com
(Full-line Automotive Repair & Maintenance)
HUMAN RESOURCE ASSOCIATION OF EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS (HRA-ECI)
P O Box 372
Mattoon, IL 61938
Glen Howell, Vice President Membership
217/347-6296
www.hraeci.org
(Human Resource Membership Organization)
ANGUS LINKS GOLF COURSE
Rt. 1, Box 310B
Windsor, IL 61957
Rod Maxwell, General Manager
217/459-2805
www.anguslinks.com
(Public 18-Hole Golf Course)
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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
CHAMBER CONGRATULATIONS:
*Dr. Karl Rudert, BONUTTI CLINIC, received Eastern Illinois University’s Glen Hesler Award, the prestigious honor given to an individual for outstanding support of EIU athletes and athletics.
*R & R POWERSPORTS INC received the Midwestern Service Region Cutting Edge Award for high customer service scores.
*COUNTRY FINANCIAL received the A+ Superior rating for its property & casualty, primary life and health companies by the A. M. Best Company, an independent insurance rating agency. In addition, COUNTRY Financial agent Scott Mosher was named a 2008 Master Agent for the organization.
*THE EFFINGHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT was inducted into the Illinois HomeCare Council honoring that agency for its dedication and commitment to home care.
*Amy Storm, Insurance Coordinator for BUSHUE HUMAN RESOURCES, has recently obtained her Illinois insurance license for property and casualty for both commercial and personal lines.
MEMBER WELCOME:
*Richard Motch, District Manager, and Brian Hagler, Branch Manager, at CLEAN THE UNIFORM COMPANY.
*Shannon Hoppes, manager of STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY.
*Cathy Scott, manager of DENNY’S RESTAURANT.
*EFFINGHAM UROLOGY ASSOCIATES, S.C. welcomes Dr. Melanie Waller to its professional staff.
*JOB MATCH PERSONNEL SERVICES announced the addition of Charla Stortzum to its sales staff.
*Michelle Schaefer has joined the sales staff of COLDWELL BANKER /FIRST REALTY.
*MIDLAND STATES BANK has announced the addition of Bruce Cannon as Vice President of Single Family Mortgage and Vicki Brumleve as a Mortgage Coordinator.
MEMBER MILESTONES:
*HAMPTON INN BY HILTON - 15 Years
MEMBER CHANGES AND NOTES:
*A. G. EDWARDS is now known as Wachovia Securities.
*EXPRESS PERSONNEL SERVICES is now Express Employment Professionals.
(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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LAKE LAND COLLEGE JOB FAIR
Lake Land College is seeking vendors to participate in its annual job fair on Wednesday, April 16 in the Field House on the Mattoon campus. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Employers who take part in this job fair have the opportunity to meet a pool of candidates from the college and the community. There is no cost to employers to take part in the event, which is free and open to students and community members. There are more than 50 employers registered to attend, however space is still available for additional companies. Visit website for a list of participating employers. For more information, contact Career Services at 217/234-5288.
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YBNEXT CHARITY EVENT TO BENEFIT SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM
YBNext will host its first charity event during the Citywide Garage Sale on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to noon. The group will hold a yard sale at Compass Benefit Group offices at 105 S Maple in Effingham. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM, coordinated by Catholic Charities and Effingham Community Unit 40. This program provides nutrition to area children of low income families during the vacation and summer months when school lunch programs are not available.
The newly formed YBNext organization encourages everyone to support this project by:
Donating household and small furniture items; lawn & garden items; sporting goods and toys; and electronics. (Please no clothing items or perishables).
Donated items can be dropped off at Compass Benefits Group the week of April 21st. For more information, call Kurt at 217/347-9697 or the Chamber office at 217/342-4147.
There will also be a live remote with WCRC Radio and those stopping by can sign up for prize drawings.
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Effingham, Illinois -
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
APRIL 2008 |
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FEBRUARY
2008
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FEBRUARY
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/$ 1,435,323
10/$ 706,744
21/$14,388,667
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6/$ 9,782,572
0/$ 0
12/$ 11,371,746
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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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18,790
17,688
1,102
5.9%
6.0%
5.2%
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18,696
17,730
966
5.2%
5.2%
4.9%
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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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18,920
18,120
800
4.2%
5.0%
4.6%
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18,260
17,490
770
4.2%
4.5%
4.6%
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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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