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MAY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAY MEMBER OF THE MONTH, BASEBALL CARD CONNECTION.
• Established in 1984.
• Awarded Top Power Seller Status by Ebay.com.
• Sponsors the Youth Mentoring Program.
• Jon and Lisa both recognized in Top 20 Under 40 in
Effingham County in 2009.
• Jon is a Board member of the Effingham Youth Baseball
Association.
• Sponsors of the Chamber’s Effingham Day at Busch Stadium.
• Jon coaches for the Effingham Park District Youth Baseball.
• Lisa is a Catholic School Board member and volunteer.
• Store profile was published in Michael Miller’s book “Tricks
of the Ebay Business Masters”.
EMPLOYEE FITNESS DAY 2010
Summer is just around the corner… It’s time to jump into action on that New Year’s resolution and start living that healthier lifestyle! The Chamber’s annual Employee Fitness Day is on Thursday, May 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The committee is very excited about the changes planned this year beginning with the new location, Effingham Performance Center - just walking distance from the TREC trail.
Participants can attend any time during the hours of the event and visit the displays for handouts, demonstrations, and various screenings. Speakers are lined up to talk about nutrition, the popular Mediterranean Diet, and the 8 Colors of Fitness. Two organized walks on the TREC trail will be available for those interested, weather permitting. You will also be able to take part in some entertaining and exhilarating fitness activities that will be setup in the Platinum Lobby. Each participant will be provided with a FREE lite lunch and beverage and will also be eligible for prizes that will be given away throughout the event.
Employers are encouraged to allow your employees additional time over their lunch hours to come out and participate in this great event. Healthy and happy employees = efficient and productive employees! Please call Tracy at the Chamber office at 217/342.4147 to make your reservation to spend your lunch hour with us!
Move It, Lose It, Live Healthy!
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EFFINGHAM DAY AT BUSCH STADIUM
“Take me out to the ball game…” Exclusive ticket sales to Chamber members for the 2010 Effingham Day at Busch Stadium go on sale Monday, May 17 and will continue through Monday, June 21, at which point tickets will go on sale to the general public.
Single tickets for the Friday, August 13 Cardinals vs. Cubs game will be available for $34 each. The Home Run package, which includes the game ticket, transportation by chartered bus, a meal and beverages will be available for $60 each.
Each ticket holder will be entered into a drawing and 4 lucky fans will win a pre-game field visit on August 13.
Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office at 903 N. Keller Drive or at Washington Savings Bank at 200 S. Banker in Effingham.
Make plans now to see the Cardinals take on the Cubs!
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NEW INDIVIDUAL CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
The Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to present a new membership investment level for “Community Supporters.” This new membership category offers a great opportunity for qualified individuals who desire to support the Chamber and the community and increase individual recognition.
Community Supporters could include individuals who are employed by a Chamber member business, but would like increased personal and professional recognition, local residents who are employed by businesses located outside the area, or an employee of a business that is not currently a Chamber member. A Community Supporter member could also be a local resident who has an interest in the Chamber’s mission to support business growth & prosperity; attract the investment of commerce & consumers and promote & sustain a diversified business community.
Another great membership level offered is the Emeritus membership. Emeritus members include CEO’s, owners, managers and professionals who are retired business persons 55 years of age or older and desire to stay active in the Chamber and continue to take advantage of the benefits offered.
Promote Community Supporter and Emeritus memberships to your friends or business acquaintances who would like to become a part of the Chamber and take advantage of the many benefits we offer. For more information, contact Becky Brown, Membership Coordinator at 217/342.4147 or email her. The Chamber membership application is available for download on the Chamber’s website.
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FUNFEST HOUSING PROGRAM
Don’t forget to sign up for the “Bed & Breakfast” program providing private housing for Corvette Funfest guests in September. Logon to www.funfesthousing.com 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.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
BECCUE BUILDERS, INC
2513 E. 600th Avenue
Mason, IL 62443
618/483.5883
Steve Beccue, President
(Concrete Contractor)
EFFINGHAM PRINTING COMPANY
209 N. Fourth Street
Effingham, IL 62401
217/342.9841
Phil Coats, Owner
(Printer / Professional Services)
PROBST AUTO BODY, INC.
101 Norb Avenue
Dieterich, IL 62424
217/925.5331
Website
Mark Probst, Owner
(Auto Body Repair / Tire Sales / Service)
TEUTOPOLIS AUTO REPAIR INC.
802 W. Main
Teutopolis, IL 62467
217/857.6096
John Buening, President
(Auto Repair / Tire Sales / Service)
WAYNE’S STRIPE - A - LOT
2746 N. 1325th Street
Mason, IL 62443
217/254.9403
Wayne Saunders, Owner
(Parking Lot Striping)
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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:
*First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust ranks 8th in the nation for ARC loan originations.
*B&B Homes received the 2009 Top Retailer Award from Commodore Homes of Indiana.
*Mary Finley and Kelly Sager of St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital were promoted to Director of Medical Staff and Quality Services and Director of Patient Services, respectively.
*Norris Electric Cooperative received 2 safety honors, “Best Accident/Illness” and “Best Lost Time” for 2009 from the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives.
*Paula Rae Johnson of the Village of Strasburg has been elected Vice-President of the Economic Development Council of Shelby County.
*Carole Mitchell has been named the new HR Manager at Bonutti Clinic .
*Good Neighbor Care Centers, LLC, Brookstone Estates, was listed at number 17 on the list of top 70 largest assisted living providers of 2010 by The Assisted Living Federation of America.
*Dr. Ruben Boyajian has successfully completed the Recertification Examination by the American Board of Surgery.
*Brandy Holmes’ Allstate Agency was designated a Premier Service Agency for 2010 and the office has relocated to 603 W. Jefferson in Effingham.
*Century 21 Realty Concepts agents received several awards at the Heartland Region Annual Awards banquet in St. Louis. Sallie Trier - Emerald Level award, Jerry Jansen and Paula McGee - Ruby Level award, Debby Frailey and Janet Bullard - Award of Excellence, and Donna Smith - The Million Dollar Club award.
*Farley Insurance has been named one of Society’s Best for 2009 by Society Insurance.
*Ron Niebrugge returns to St. Anthony High School as principal at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.
*Don Tate and Doug Feldhake of Crossroads Bank were promoted to Executive Senior Vice President and Senior Vice President, respectively.
*Terry Youngblood of RE/Max Key Advantage, was named number 14 Top Individual in the St. Louis Region for January.
MEMBER WELCOME:
*JoBeth Geier joined St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital as the new executive director of Friends of St. Anthony’s.
*Days Inn welcomes John Patel as new manager.
MEMBER MILESTONES:
*W.S. Broom Inc. - celebrates 125 years in business.
*Heartland Human Services - celebrates 40 years in business.
*Kathy Schroeder/Mary Kay - celebrates 25 years in business.
*Over the Moon - celebrates 5 years in business.
*R.C. Buildings Inc. - celebrates 35 years in business..
MEMBER CHANGES AND NOTES:
*Arab Termite & Pest Control relocated to 1015 S. Willow in Effingham due to expansion of the company.
*Steve DeBruyn is the new contact for Clifton Gunderson LLP.
*Regional Foot Center, Ltd relocated to 1301 Deerpath Road, Charleston, IL 61938.
(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
IMPROVING YOUR CHAMBER – INSIDE & OUT
If you’ve driven by the Chamber office in the past few weeks, you’ve probably noticed that we have cut down a few trees and taken out a portion of the fence on the north side of the building and yard. The work was done by Board volunteers in preparation for some needed improvements at the office.
We are not just working on improving the exterior “face” of the chamber, but also making some improvements on the inside – changes that will have a positive impact on our members.
The exterior work is a necessary part of any building owner’s investment in their property and for the Chamber will also result in improved parking for our members and out of town guests as well as accommodate our committee meetings and member companies who utilize our conference room for small offsite meetings.
You will see those exterior improvements take shape over the next few months as we seek assistance from our member contractors in getting the work done.
The interior improvements will be much less visible, but equally important to the Chamber – and especially to our members. From a staffing standpoint, we will be welcoming a summer intern who will assist the professional staff with planning and implementation of several upcoming events as well as working on several special projects for the BEST Center and other Chamber initiatives.
We will be installing updated computers with newer technology so that our staff can improve their productivity, putting the finishing touches on a new Chamber logo that will be unveiled to the members in coming months presenting a more progressive, modern and innovative identity and working toward improvements to the Chamber website to expand and extend our online influence.
We are updating our policies and procedures to ensure we are in compliance with current law, developing a social media plan for the Chamber and planning a member referral program that will extend our reach and strengthen our impact as advocates for issues of importance to the business community.
The Chamber is the public face of the area business community. These improvements are an essential part of making sure that prospective companies and residents see Effingham County as the very best place to live, work, grow, play, visit, prosper and raise a family.
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2010 CEO CLASS REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
The Effingham County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) Class will host its second annual Showcase of Businesses on Monday, May 10 at the Effingham Performance Center (formerly The Rosebud Theatre).
Beginning at 6:15 pm, the Report to the Community will be held in the theatre and will include a presentation highlighting the impact the CEO Class has had on the students and our community.
Following the presentation, the Student Trade Show will be held from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Each of the CEO students has created a business and will be showcasing a display about their company and its products and services in a trade show format and will be available to answer questions. These companies are a culmination of a year long effort and countless hours that have taught the students the facets of creating and managing a business.
The CEO class is a program designed to foster the growth of new and existing local businesses by teaching youth the basic understanding and skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs. Students are selected from all six Effingham County high schools to participate in the program.
This event is open to the public.
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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!
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SUMMER INTERN AT THE CHAMBER
We want to extend a welcome to Becky Roedl as she begins her summer internship this year. Her first day on the job is May 5.
Becky is a 2008 graduate of Teutopolis High School and is currently a student at Blackburn College studying public relations. She will be assisting the Chamber staff in organizing special events, performing a few secretarial duties, and working with the Business Development Division on numerous Business Essentials Support & Technology (B.E.S.T.) Center projects.
Please extend a warm welcome to Becky when you
see or speak with her.
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Effingham, Illinois -
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
FEBRUARY |
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2010
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2009
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CITY BUILDING PERMITS:
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Month, Commercial
Month, Residential
Year To Date, Total
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1/$ 29,500
2/$ 121,0007/
10/$ 494,255
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1/$ 432,470
9/$ 341,771
18/$ 3,079,654
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LABOR MARKET - COUNTY:
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Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
IL Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
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17,948
15,858
2,090
11.6%
12.0%
10.4%
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17,880
16,419
1,461
8.2%
9.3%
8.9%
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ANNUAL AVERAGE:
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2009
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2008
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Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
Illinois Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
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18,183
16,736
1,447
8.0%
10.1%
9.3%
|
18,580
17,505
1,075
5.8%
6.4%
5.8%
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CITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
|
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Total Assets - 4th Qtr.
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$831,623,627
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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$840,119,774
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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RETAIL SALES:
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|
|
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City - (4th Qrt. '09)
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$155,528,784
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$152,168,328
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County - (4th Qrt. '09)
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$173,874,485
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$170,186,173
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Total Sales-City (CY 09/08)
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$579,144,437
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$634,077,560
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Total Sales-Cou.(CY 09/08)
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$651,341,734
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$709,070,900
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Total Sales-City (FY 09/08)
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$593,138,675
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$641,242,712
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Total Sales-Cou. (FY 09/08)
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$666,607,206
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$742,839,163
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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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