More than 420 Effingham County 8th grade students will have the opportunity to get a first-hand look at how the academic decisions they make today will have a lasting impact on their future. This knowledge will be gained through a volunteer-led program offered by the Chamber and partially funded by a grant from the Effingham County Community Foundation.

Being offered for the third year in Effingham County, the CHOICES Program is a 2-day program that focuses on real-life topics such as employment and housing needs, time and money management, goal setting and decision making.

One class exercise considers the impact of quitting school early only to discover that entry-level jobs will not support minimal monthly rent, utilities, food and taxes. Students are given “play money” and must actually pay for these requirements. Many times they discover there is not enough money to get through the month. This is compared to a student who completes his/her education and how their income differs from the first student. Another class exercise analyzes the demands and the students’ use of their 24 hour day.

CHOICES is a hands-on program that urges students to take charge of their lives for the best possible tomorrows. In 2007, over 650 students participated in 9 county schools. In surveys completed by both the students and the classroom teachers, the CHOICES program was given high marks for having made an impression on the students and for being well-presented.

Local business people present CHOICES in two 50 minute sessions on consecutive days. Teachers remain in the classroom and subsequently teach the follow-up CHOICES Action Plan, a one-day goal setting activity. Because of the number of students participating, a minimum of 10 instructors are needed. It is very rewarding to see the students respond to the CHOICES Program and you can be a part of it. A training video is available for anyone interested that outlines how the program is taught. The target date for offering the program is February 2008.

WILL YOU BE A CHOICES SPONSOR OR PRESENTER? In order to make the local effort possible, the Chamber is seeking sponsors to fund the program and local business persons to be presenters. Call Pat at the Chamber, 217/342-4147, for information on how to help make a difference in the future of Effingham County students’ lives.


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The Chamber will partner with Effingham County high schools to offer job shadowing opportunities for juniors during the week of February 11.

Job shadowing is an opportunity for a student to spend time in a business during a typical day. Students are paired with one or more employees while he/she observes, participates in and discusses the daily activities of the business. Employers can provide a firsthand look at how the skills students learn in school are relevant to the real world.

It is simple for your business to get involved. Employers and business people who wish to host a student in their workplace should call the Chamber office. We are asking that you host the student for at least 3-4 hours.

We are working with the high schools to determine career choices for which we need mentors and can provide more information in January.

You can provide an opportunity for a student to find out if the career path he/she has chosen is the right one. Call the Chamber office, 217/342-4147, to indicate your interest in hosting a student.


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THE GIFT OF CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

As we rush into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is time to think about those holiday gift-giving occasions and make lists of those we need to buy for and decide what would make the perfect gifts for the special people in our lives.I would like to suggest one gift that will keep on giving long after the holidays are over.

How about the gift of Chamber membership?It would be a great way to give a boost to someone who owns or manages a business and could use the connections that the Chamber provides to give them and their business a better chance of success.

What would the gift of Chamber membership include?
A membership plaque to display in the business – letting customers and clients know that the business is an involved and vital member of the community.

New business contacts - with over 500 business managers and owners, professionals, community and social agency executives, government leaders, and other supporters of community and economic growth through the membership directory, website and Chamber events.

Exposure and Visibility - through publicity in local media and the Chamber newsletter announcing the business’ investment in the community through Chamber membership.

A voice at the local, state and federal level on regulations and legislation that affect business interests through activities such as legislative briefings, candidate forums and Legislative Alerts.

Access to cost-saving programs such as the Energy Buying Consortium, Illinois Drug-Testing Initiative, Effingham County Compensation & Benefits Survey and Community Ca$h Gift Check program.

Tax Deductibility - membership in the Chamber is 100% tax deductible as “a necessary business expense”, not as a charitable donation.

Educational opportunities – through the Chamber Community Scholarship Program for members’ employees and family members to have access to $1,500 scholarships to further their formal education; through seminars and workshops providing the latest business regulations and trends.

At an average investment of about 75 cents a day, membership in the Chamber is certainly an affordable gift that offers benefits long after the holidays are over.

For more information on how you can give the gift of Chamber membership, please contact Becky Brown here at the Chamber office, 217/ 342-4147. She’ll be happy to assist you.


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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS