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AUGUST MEMBER OF THE MONTH
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AUGUST MEMBER OF THE MONTH, BB & K DEVELOPMENT.
• Richard Beatty developed his first hotel in Effingham and has
developed 22 hotels in the last 35 years.
• 15 Year member of the Effingham Tourism Advisory Board.
• Active in Relay for Life and the Mentoring Program for Big
Brothers/Big Sisters.
• Employees volunteer at the Chamber Golf Outing and
Fall Social.
• Best Western Governor for Southern Illinois for the past
9 years.
• The Hampton Inn in Effingham has received 6 consecutive
“outstanding” evaluations from Hilton Corporation.
• The Fairfield Inn & Suites received “Hotel of the Year” award.
• Comfort Suites has won the Gold Award 11 consecutive years.
2010 “TOP 20 UNDER 40” AWARDS
The Effingham Daily News is partnering with the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry and YBNext to recognize the “Top 20 Under 40” individuals in the area at an awards dinner on Monday, September 27th at the Keller Convention Center.
The event will kickoff with a social hour from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. followed by the dinner and program from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The public is invited and tickets are $25 each.
By definition, a leader is someone who rules, guides or inspires others. The most notable of their leadership qualities is a passion to improve the quality of life and make a difference in the communities where they live and work. From nations to athletic teams, no group is complete without strong leaders. The same can be said for a community.
This is a great opportunity to recognize the young men and women in our community who work tirelessly to make Effingham County a better place for all.
Do you know one of these people? Be sure to watch the Effingham Daily News for more information and a nomination form.
Thank you to Heartland Dental Care and Washington Savings Bank for being dinner sponsors!
2009 - 20 Under 40 recipients were: Diane Aherin, Jason Fox, Christy Hakman, Tracie Higgs, Matt Hirtzel, Chris Kabbes, Beth Knierim, Todd Martin, Emily Miller, Tony & Aleyda Munoz, Don Niehart, Deana Nuxoll, Elizabeth Price, Kelly Roepke, Jon & Lisa Schafer, Dr. Michael Schultheis, Dan Starwalt, Chad Thompson, Kelly Willenborg, and Sarah Wright.
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LAST CALL FOR CHAMBER GOLF OUTING
The Chamber is hosting the 43rd Annual Golf Outing on Monday, August 23 at the Effingham Country Club. A limited number of foursomes remain for this fun filled day! The best ball team scramble will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and will conclude with hors d’ oeuvres and announcement of golf prizes in the clubhouse.
Sponsorship opportunities are going FAST! Presenting sponsors are sold out to Consolidated Communications, Midland States Bank, and Cromwell Radio Group. Effingham Builders Supply is sponsoring the Hole - In - One for $10,000 worth of Marvin Windows & Doors, Bonutti Clinic is sponsoring lunch and beverages, and the Effingham New Car Dealers Association is sponsoring the special event “Grea$e the Wheel$ Tee-Ki Bar” at the 9th hole. Exclusive hole and sign sponsorships are still available - sport your company’s name and logo and get the maximum exposure for your company to local businesses and area leaders.
You will want to be sure to participate in the silent auction, skills contests, and the 50/50 drawing. Donations are currently being accepted for the silent auction.
See the enclosed flyer for outing and lunch registrations. For more information, to donate prizes or to become a sponsor, please call the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
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MADE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Southern Illinois University is hosting its annual “Made in Southern Illinois” marketplace at the DuQoin State Fair from August 28 - September 6. This event will be located in the air-conditioned Expo Hall where selected vendors will be able to showcase their locally produce goods at NO COST.
Each vendor will receive a 6 - foot table space for 5 days and must have someone to staff the booth from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You are encouraged to craft your display anyway you want with signage to identify your company and products.
For more information regarding this great opportunity, please contact Robyn Russell before August 13 at 618/453.3805 or by email.
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FALL SOCIAL
You are invited to attend the Chamber’s Annual Fall Social on Friday, September 10 at the Lake Sara Community Building. This fun-filled evening will be packed with great food and exciting prizes for the minimal price of $12 per person.
The “Taste of Effingham” is returning this year highlighting area restaurants and caterers that will provide delightful samples of your favorite foods! Any restaurant/caterer interested in showcasing their specialties, contact Becky at 217/342.4147.
Shaken not stirred, dirty, or on the rocks… No matter how you take your drink, please be kind to your bartenders! The 4th annual CELEBRITY BARTENDER TIPS CHALLENGE will begin at 5:30 p.m. challenging teams of local celebrities to see who gets the most tips for pouring your favorite beverage. All proceeds will go toward the Chamber’s exterior maintenance needs.
SPORTS LOVERS RAFFLE! Raffle tickets will be available for $1 each or 6 for $5. You will be able to designate which raffle items you want to enter to win and you can purchase as many tickets as you wish. Prizes include: tickets to St. Louis Rams, St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois basketball and football, gift certificates at local golf courses, and many non-sports related items. (You don't have to be present to win.)
Invitations have been mailed soon for the best tailgate party you’ve ever experienced. Throw on your favorite team apparel and join us for the party you won’t want to miss!
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
FEDEX GROUND / HOME DELIVERY
1700 Heartland Blvd.
Effingham, IL 62401
217/342.6560
Website
Donald Daley, Senior Manager
(Trucking/Freight and Delivery Service/Transportation)
TRIPOWER TOWING & RECOVERY
900 S. Oak Street
Effingham, IL 62401
217/342.6135
Mike Depoister, President
(Truck Dealers & Repair/Auto Repair & Service)
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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:
*Lake Land College will receive the largest single competitive grant award it it’s 44 year history from the U.S. Department of Labor Community Based Job Training grant for $2,542,762 for a three year project, which will help continue to develop the educational component of the college’s “Envision. Educate. Engage” for a sustainable future initiative.
*Christine Slifer and Lisa Helton of Prairie National Bank were promoted to Vice President and Douglas Rincker to Assistant Vice President.
MEMBER WELCOME:
*Rev. Kurt Simon and Dr. Manny Bearelly joined Heartland Human Services as Outpatient Director and Psychiatrist, respectively.
*Shaun Murray joined Farm Credit Services as Vice President of Agricultural Financial Services.
*Sally Gaca joined the Effingham Performance Center as Director of Development and Sales.
*Dr. Sean Morgan joined Effingham Health Center as a dentist.
*Eric Calhoun joined Mid America Motorworks as Chief Financial Officer.
MEMBER MILESTONES:
*
MEMBER CHANGES AND NOTES:
*
(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
YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE CHAMBER MEMBERS, TOO
Patterson Technology invited me to speak to about 40 of their company managers recently so they could learn more about the Chamber and how their employees could become more actively involved in the organization that is working to make Effingham County a great place to live, work, grow, play, visit, prosper and raise a family.
We’ve already gotten several of their team members signed on to chamber committees and as volunteers at chamber events.
It was a good reminder to me to let all Chamber members know that when your business is a Chamber member, every employee of your organization is a member too. Think of your Chamber membership as an additional benefit to your employees. It offers them the chance to get involved in the community, to develop leadership skills by working on committees and task forces, and to develop personal relationships with others in the business community.
By becoming involved in the Chamber, your employees help to shape the future of the Chamber and of the business community. They help represent the opinions and concerns of your company. Their involvement will promote your business while providing excellent leadership training and experience for your staff.
It takes involvement to truly gain the greatest return on your business investment in the Chamber. That involvement can, and should, extend beyond the primary contact person who is the first line of contact with the chamber.
So, the next time you attend a Chamber function why not bring an employee or two with you? Or, if you can’t attend, send an employee in your place. Getting your employees involved will pay dividends on your membership investment and we would welcome their participation.
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COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
Altamont is the featured community at the 10th Community Celebration of Excellence Breakfast hosted by Effingham County Vision 2020. The event is set for Thursday, September 9th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Altamont Grade School.
The program will feature Kurt Becker, who is an Altamont native and a professional racing announcer. Mr. Becker’s announcing career spans over 20 years, including stints on the horse racing circuit at Churchill Downs, Arlington Race Track, and Keeneland Racecourse and on Nascar’s MRN Radio and Barrett Jackson Collector Car events. Becker remains actively involved in the Altamont Community, serving as president of the Altamont Library Board of Trustees and secretary of Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s 2011 Sesquicentennial Committee.
This Community Celebration Breakfast will continue the Effingham County Promise program’s goals of providing scholarships for every high school graduate in the county by donating $5 of every ticket sold to the Altamont High School Scholarship Fund. Also featured at the breakfast will be displays of the Effingham County Vision 2020 Spokes.
Effingham County Vision 2020 provides an opportunity for everyone to be involved in creating a better and more positive future for Effingham County and its communities.
Please join us as Kurt Becker shares his thoughts on how lessons learned from the world of racing can help maximize potential in the local community. The cost to attend the breakfast is $15 per person and tickets are now available. Contact Tracy at the Chamber at 217/342-4147 or by email and get your tickets TODAY!
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“Please read the attached front page headline of the Flora Newspaper recognizing the grand opening of our new Mach 1 Food Shop in Flora. Thanks immensely for your help and thinking of us when you were approached by Dan Sulsberger (from the City of Flora). We certainly appreciate everything you do for our company.”
Randy Meyer, Meyer Oil Company.
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Time is Running Out 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!
Funfest runs from September 17-19. For more information, please contact Tracy at the Chamber office at 217/342.4147.
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Eastern Illinois University is offering the new Entrepreneurship Minor program. This new program offers a core of courses focused on hands-on learning directed by experienced faculty.
The Entrepreneurship Minor program also goes outside the classroom and provides activities designed to enhance students’ experience and exposure to successful entrepreneurs and the process of creating a new venture.
For more information, contact the School of Business at Eastern Illinois University at 217/581.2627.
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Members can view submitted resumes online at the Chamber’s website, www.effinghamchamber.org, in the Members Only section. A password and user name are required to enter the Members Only section. Contact Becky Brown for assistance at or 217/342.4147.
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This exciting opportunity for area businesses, lending institutions, and economic development professionals will be held at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, IL from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17th.
As the leader of the U.S. government’s official export credit agency, Mr. Fred P. Hochberg (Chairman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank), will discuss how the Export-Import Bank can work with our local businesses to increase their capacity to sell U.S. made products in the global marketplace.
For more information or to register, contact Robert Stephan.
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Effingham, Illinois -
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
MARCH |
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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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10/$ 2,189,325
7/$ 175,000
61/$ 10,344,204
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10/$2,035,517
9/$ 572,956
54/$7,066,863
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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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18,178
16,852
1,326
7.3%
10.0%
9.3%
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18,061
16,827
1,234
6.8%
9.9%
9.1%
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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%
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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 - 1ST Qtr.
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$851,390,481
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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$799,902,061
(Total 10 Banks Reporting)
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RETAIL SALES:
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City - (1st Qtr. 10)
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$137,505,463
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$128,485,403
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County - (1st Qtr. 10)
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$153,272,665
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$144,471,074
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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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