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DECEMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DECEMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH, LEGACY HARLEY-DAVIDSON, THE HARLEY BARN.
• Member of the Chamber Board of Directors
• Received Harley Davidson’s “New Retail Environment” Award
for 2006
• Member of the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association
• Sponsors “Learn to Ride” classes
• Received “Building of the Year” in 2006
• Supports area organizations such as the American Cancer • Society, Humane Society, and MDA.
• Hosted state H.O.G. Rally
• Celebrity Bartender at the Fall Social
ANNUAL BUSINESS RECOGNITION GALA
Make plans to join Chamber members and guests for the 2010 Chamber Business Recognition Gala on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at the Keller Convention Center.
“Bright Future Ahead” is the theme for this exciting event. The committee designed the evening to bring together the business community to celebrate the beginning of a new Chamber year.
The evening begins with a Cocktail Reception from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., with wine and spirits tasting sponsored by Koerner Distributor and ends with a new feature - Dessert Stations. Desserts to be sampled include tortes, cobblers, fresh fruit, fondue, a variety of cheesecakes, and an ice cream bar. Along with having the opportunity to win GREAT prizes provided by Anderson’s Jewelry, guests will enjoy dancing to musical entertainment provided by Terry Hopper & Anatime Entertainment. Announcement of the EFFINGHAM DAILY NEWS’ 2010 Citizen of the Year will cap the evening’s program.
Thanks to Vantage Outsourcing - our Shining Star Sponsor - for helping to focus our sights on the bright future ahead for Effingham County. Company representatives will participate in the Champagne Toast and Sponsor’s First Dance.
Come join in the fun of this glamorous evening! Invitations have been mailed. If you haven’t received one, please contact the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
This entertaining and fun-filled event is $55 per person and tables of 6 or more can be reserved. This entertaining is a MUST, so make your reservations now for the 2010 Chamber Annual Business Recognition Gala!
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SAVE! WITH THE FIRST FRIDAY CLUB
Attending the First Friday Luncheon is made easier with a First Friday Club membership. It is a convenient, money-saving, and worry-free solution for those who regularly attend the luncheons.
As a member of the “Club” any associate of a company can attend 12 monthly First Friday Luncheons for the price of 10…a savings of $30 per person per company. Club cards will be punched at every luncheon. At the December 2010 luncheon, completed cards will be entered into a drawing for a free Club card for the following year. The cards are transferable, so if one person can’t attend the luncheon, someone else can. 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 opportunity 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 so take advantage of it now. See the enclosed flyer for the 2010 request form and for details about upcoming luncheon topics. For more information, contact Becky at the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
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CHOICES PROGRAM
Facilitators and sponsors are needed for the 5th annual CHOICES program that will be offered to more than 450 Effingham County 8th grade students in the Spring. This program provides students with 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 the CHOICES organization.
CHOICES is a two class period interactive seminar designed to help students with time and money management and to instill personal motivation for teens to complete their education. Students will learn how choices they make now will shape their future.
A minimum of 10 local business people to serve as the instructors are needed. 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 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. (See enclosed flyer)
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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CHAMBER RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION
The Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry participated in the first annual Illinois ssociation Chamber of Commerce Executives Communication Awards and received honorable mention for both entries submitted.
The Chamber entered the Effingham Business Report in the newsletter/newspaper category and received a score of 93 out of 100 with perfect scores in the “content” and the “submitted sample of entry” sections. Also entered was the Chamber calendar, produced by Patton Printing for 2009, receiving a perfect score in the “submitted sample of entry” section.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
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:
*The Village of Strasburg received first place in the Governor’s Hometown Award in their category. They are also home to an Abraham Lincoln wayside exhibit.
*The City of Effingham was awarded the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association (IMLRMA) Loss Prevention Safety Award for an outstanding accident prevention record.
*Irwin Telescopic Seating received a Workforce Development Award from Lake Land College’s Center for Business and Industry.
*Effingham County Supervisor of Assessments, Jeff Simpson, was named Illinois County Official of the Year.
*Jeff Bloemker was named Executive Director of Heartland Human Services.
*Kelly Roepke of the Y-Yard Auto & Truck was named one of the top “25 Most Influential Auto Recyclers of 2008” by Locator Upfront magazine.
MEMBER MILESTONE:
*Effingham Railroad Company - 10 years in business
MEMBER WELCOME:
*Stanfield Chiropractic welcomes Maranda Rohr as an X-ray Tech and Jennifer Wright as a Chiropractic Assistant.
*Midland States Bank welcomes several new employees - Richard Kantor as Director of Special Assets, Carol Woodward as Director of Credit Administration, Jeffrey Lorenz as Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Debbie Brown as Executive Administrative Assistant, Sara Wendling as Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager, and Peter Del Real as Special Assets Officer.
MEMBER CHANGES AND NOTES:
*Effingham County Humane Society has moved to 12073 N. 1000th Rd. in Effingham. New phone number is 217/536.9001.
*Girl Scouts of River Bluffs Council is now Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The main contact is Villie Appoo.
*Dietzen Brakes & Mufflers is now Effingham Autocare & Tire Inc. The new co-owners are Brad Denton and Mike Baker.
*Premier Fire & Security Inc. has a new address and contact - P.O. Box 1037, Paducah, KY 42002 - Contact is Justus Bayles.
*Hodgson Mill Inc. has announced a significant new company “green initiative” that will bring renewable energy to the company headquarters and food manufacturing facility.
*The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new St. Anthony Grade School was held on November 22, 2009.
(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
IT PAYS TO PAY ATTENTION! Congratulations to Bev Awalt, general manager at Curves, who received a free 2010 Chamber membership by responding to three simple questions about her business’ relationship with the chamber and how the chamber can assist her business and other businesses in the community to continue to prosper and grow.
Bev’s comments, plus those by other Chamber members obtained over the past year, help direct the Chamber’s efforts to be your resource and business partner in promoting and sustaining a diversified business community, supporting member business growth and prosperity and attracting the investment of commerce and consumers to Effingham County.
But, we cannot succeed without the support of the business community through your investment of time, money and resources in the Chamber. It is membership renewal time at the Chamber and your 2010 investment statement will arrive soon.
As a Chamber member, your financial investment represents 70% of our revenue annually, so you can see how important it is for the Chamber to be responsive to your needs and provide programs and services that help you operate your business successfully.
Your investment of time, either by serving as an event volunteer or on a chamber committee, provides your business with more direct input into the Chamber’s future direction. And, by putting your resources to work for the chamber, everyone benefits - as the Chamber can accomplish collectively what no one business can accomplish on their own.
2010 will continue to bring challenges to our businesses and our community and the Chamber Board of Directors is committed to using our best resources to make Effingham County an even greater place to live and work in the New Year.
On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, Becky, Tracy and myself, please accept our good wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
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CHAMBER TO SPONSOR UNEMPLOYMENT 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 January 21, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Some of the topics to be presented include:
Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Learn how to reduce the cost of doing business, while helping those most in need gain valuable work experience.
Illinois Labor Market Information: IDES can provide you with information such as statewide or local wages paid for particular jobs, industry projections, or the condition of the labor force.
Role Play of Actual Cases: This is a fun and interactive way to better understand the complicated cases involving unemployment. This method also helps employers better prepare for unemployment hearings and provides an awareness of the hearing process.
Illinois Skills Match: IDES can help you enhance your ability to find qualified candidates for employment through an internet database designed for both the employers and employees to find candidates/jobs to meet their criteria.
Chamber members can attend for the low price of $25. Registration forms are available at the office and online. For more information, contact Becky at the Chamber at 217/342.4147.
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NEED ILLINOIS EMPLOYMENT HANDBOOKS?
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has several new and improved employment publications available. The Chamber has assembled more than 169 forms for employers to use in managing their human resources, including everything from interviewing prospective employees to terminating departing employees. Commentary on issues as ADA, COBRA, FMLA, and FSLA are also included. At $139 this Illinois Employment Forms book is a valuable tool for small business owners, general managers, human resource professionals, supervisors, and benefits personnel. (CD-ROM is included for downloading forms)
Worker’s Compensation Handbook, for $95, is another essential tool for human resource departments. This comprehensive guide includes topics such as managed care, accident compensability, employer penalties, and disability and death benefits, just to name a few.
The Employment Law Handbook, for $189, is newly updated and provides a user friendly guide for employers who must comply with every state and federal employment law. This guide includes samples of an employee application, an email and internet usage policy , an employee handbook, and a performance appraisal and many more. (These forms are also included on a CD-ROM)
**All publications include expert legal advice from a team of attorneys and workers’ compensation specialists.
Every Illinois workplace is required by law to display current employment law posters. The Illinois Chamber offers these poster sets for employers to stay in compliance for $45 per set of 2.
The Effingham Chamber will receive 25% of gross sales generated by our chamber. When ordering, please note the promotional code: EFF09. To get your copies today, please contact Julie Brennan at 217/522.5512 ext. 226 or by email.
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SHOP SMART, SHOP LOCAL…...
SHOP EFFINGHAM
The Journal Gazette and Times-Courier is partnering with the Chamber to promote a dedicated Shop Local, Shop Effingham Campaign every Sunday in December and January. As a Chamber member, you can take advantage of “Shop Local Sunday” discount rates.
What a great way to promote your business and local shopping.
Reserve Your Space Today!
Call John at 217/238.6838
5% of all revenue will be returned to the Chamber
Need last minute gifts?
Don’t forget Hometown Holiday Gifts available at the Chamber - Christmas ornaments featuring local scenes and activities are boxed and ready for gifting. Stadium blankets are also available in royal blue, black, and gray. Both of these gifts are great hometown collectibles for your loved ones and a great reminder of the grand community in which we live.
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ONLINE SHOPPING TIPS FROM THE BBB
Before donating, ask for written information about a charity’s program and finances.
Be wary of charities that use names similar to well-known organizations. Often, they choose names donors may confuse with more reputable charities.
Download the BBB’s Wise Giving Report from www.bbb.org
Check a charity’s Form 990 IRS report at www.guidestar.org
Check out any charity, local or national, with the BBB at or at 314/645.3300
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“My wife and I have been in Effingham now for over a year but I wanted to tell you how valuable the Chambers’ website was to us as we considered a career opportunity here. We first accessed the site via the City’s site then later we went direct to the chamber’s own site. Interactive, current, full of good stuff that newcomers to a community want to know…, healthcare, church life, business vitality, school, etc. Perhaps even more important, the community lives up to the sales pitch!”
Leon Holschbach, Corporate President, Midland States Bank
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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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2/$ 110,625
6/$ 669,300
97/$ 11,556,792
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6/$ 668,258
5/$ 508,316
137/$ 31,655,82
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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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18,147
16,620
1,527
8.4%
10.5%
9.5%
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18,675
17,443
1,232
6.4%
6.5%
6.1%
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ANNUAL AVERAGE:
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2008
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2007
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Total Labor Force
Employed
Unemployed
Eff. Co. Unemploy. Rate
Illinois Unemployment Rate
US Unemployment Rate
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18,580
17,505
1,075
5.8%
6.5%
5.8%
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18,920
18,120
800
4.2%
5.0%
4.6%
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CITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
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Total Assets - 3rd Qtr.
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$832,204,403
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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$761,968,659
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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RETAIL SALES:
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City - (2nd Qrt. '09)
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$148,954,028
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$161,298,663
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County - (2nd Qrt. '09)
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$166,959,097
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$188,534,387
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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
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$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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