chamber members: welcome new the chamber …3a712a47-3d50-49b4-9e78... · can benefit from a look...

TheProfit,anewTVshowdesignedtoappealtothewatchersofbusinessshowslikeSharkTankandKitchenNightmares,centersaroundthreePs:

PeopleProduct

Procedures The TV show features a billionaire who rescues failingbusinesseswithahealthyinfusionofcashandadvice.MarcusLemoisputshisownmoneyintoeachbusinessheworkswith,takesovertheoperations for aweek, builds factories and revitalizes retail spaces,andgenerallybehaveslikeafairygodfatherforstrugglingcompanies. Youmight not be able to getMarcusLemonis to visit yourbusiness(andwriteyouacheckforhalfamilliondollars),butyoucanusehisthreePstohelppinpointthethingsaboutyourbusinessthatareworking—andthethingsthatneedwork.

PeopleLemonishasworkedwith—ortriedtoworkwith—somedifficultpeopleontheshow,providingusallwithremindersthatshoutingatworkersordissingclientsisn’tagoodidea,butevenhappycompaniescanbenefitfromalookatthehumanassetsattheircompany.Herearesomequestionstoask: -Doyouhaveenoughpeopletocompletethework? -Doyouhavetherightpeopleintherightplaces?Workingtothestrengthsofteammemberscanmakeabigdifference—andstartupsoftenneedtoreevaluateatsomepoint.Ifyoubeganaschiefcookandbottlewasher(andaccountant,janitor,daycaremanager,andVPofmarketing),itcanbehardtoidentifythethingsyoushouldgiveup.

THE

October 2014

The monthly business publication for the Canton AreaDATES TO REMEMBER

October 3American Legion Fish Fry5:00p.m.-6:30p.m.

October 4-5Spoon River Scenic DriveJones Park

October 9Dog Walker Watch TrainingCity Building Basement6:30p.m.-7:30p.m.

October 11American Legion Breakfast7:00a.m.-10:00a.m.

October 11-12Spoon River Scenic DriveJones Park

October 21Big Creek Park Spook Trail 6-7pm non-scary walk (children up to age 8) 7-8:30 scary walk

October 29th Munchkin Masquerade5-7pm Jones Park

45 East Side Square, Suite 303 ~ Canton, IL 61520 ~ (309) 647-2677

COURIERCHAMBER

Check out the full Calendar of Eventson www.cantonillinois.org

for more details and other events!

Welcome NewChamber Members:

Dawn M. Tarter, Attorney at Law & Mediator

Dawn Tarter CoachingTracy’s Supper Club, Inc.

Peoria International Airport Dennis & Paula Crawford

“The Profit’s Three Ps”By Rebecca Haden

Continued on page 2

EXECUTIVE BOARDPresident - Kara Johnson, Ipava State Bank

Vice President - Harriett Williams, Red Oak EstatesTreasurer - Aaron Thum, Crawford’s Home Furnishings

Secretary - Dr. Tyson Klinedinst, Klinedinst Chiropractic

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSJon Johnson, Canton Park District

Mayor Jeff Fritz, City of CantonPresident Curt Oldfield, Spoon River CollegeRoy Webb, Canton Union School District #66

STAFFExecutive Director - Amanda Atchley

Assistant Director- Maggie PedigoOffice Manager - Dana Smith

45 East Side Square, Suite 303Canton, IL 61520

(309) [email protected]

THE CHAMBER COURIER October 2014 -

www.cantonillinois.org

Government Affairs Doug Hensley, Gorsuch-Hensley Real Estate

Business & Community DevelopmentGreg White, Canton Assembly of God

Member & Public RelationsKiley Davis, Davis Ford, Buick, GMC

Nicole Friend, Heartland HealthcareAndrea Harris, MidAmerica National Bank

Zack Krulac, Bank of FarmingtonWendy Martin, Fulton Democrat

Rusty Melhouse, Edward Jones InvestmentsLance Moring, Canton Park District

BJ StoneNick Tinsman, Barnhart Law Office, Ltd.

-Are you able to separate the personal from the business? Lemonis worked with a company that made cleaning products. They named their products things like “Emma” and “Phil” rather than “Toilet Cleaner” and “Dog Shampoo.” Instead of testing this idea or even accepting that it was a bad idea after testing, they held onto it for sentimental reasons.

Product

-Is your product good? Nothing can make up for a poor product. This is an area where testing and tweaking makes a lot of sense. -Does your product meet a felt need among your target consumers? Can you help develop a need if they don’t currently feel it? -Do you have the right mix of products? If your customers like your product, can they try another flavor? Are the sizes, the packaging, and the name suited to your target customer?

Process

-Do you have clear, consistent processes all along your supply chain? A lack of systems in the office can affect the company as a whole, and start-ups often let their processes grow organically. Maybe this is a good time to examine your processes and make sure they’re scalable. -Are you missing any chances to reduce costs and increase profits? For both the cleaning product company and the ice cream company, Lemonis was able to streamline their production process to make their operations far more profitable. You might not have an angel in the wings with a checkbook, but running the numbers could show practical investments you might need to make. -Do your processes take into account security, financial fitness, and overall strategy? Sometimes a start-up can be so focused on getting the product out the door and increasing revenue that business basics get overlooked.

Giving your company a check up can be eye opening. The Three Ps are a good framework . . . and a good way to increase that other P: profit.

THE CHAMBER COURIER


October 2014 -

Business SPOTLIGHT

Fulton-Mason Crisis Service 309-647-8311 or 309-543-6706 (FMCS 24-hour hotline)

The Fulton-Mason Crisis Service (FMCS) is celebrating 35 years of services in Fulton County!! We began as a grassroots volunteer organization in 1979 to meet the needs of victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and/or Child Abuse and their at risk family members. A 24-hour Telephone Hotline, rent-free office space (literally a maintenance closet at the Canton Police Department), and a volunteer board of directors was established. Within a year and a half, the first full-time employee was hired to provide and document direct services for victims, coordinate volunteers, provide community education/outreach, and oversee the daily operations of the agency. In the first 5 years of services, FMCS staff and volunteers provided an average of 670 hours of direct services per year. Today, we provide approximately 7,000 hours of direct services and receive an average of 8,700 calls to our hotline each year. We now have 8 full-time and 1 part-time employees. We continue to utilize our very loyal volunteers and depend on grant funding and local donations to continue the services here in our community. Services include: 24-hour crisis intervention (emergency food, shelter, & transportation), individual and group counseling (safety planning, education & support), advocacy (legal, medical & other), child and family services, and public education and awareness. FMCS holds 3 distinct activities every year:

1.) The month of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month 2.) FMCS’ Annual Dinner/Auction Fundraiser the last Friday in April

3.) The month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month The FMCS staff, board of directors, volunteers, and clients ask each of you to take a stand with us against violence in our community. If you know (or suspect) that someone is being abused, speak up, ask for help. We are only a phone call away. You can help by donating (your time, gently used items, laundry soap, shampoo/conditioner (etc.), cell phones (for 911 use or if broken for our give back program), cash donations are always welcomed, attending the above mentioned events, and supporting our efforts to stop the abuse in our community.

October Domestic Awareness Month: FMCS Open House - Wednesday October 8, 2014 Canton Office - 1330 E. Ash Street 5:00 - 6:30pm


www.facebook.com/CACC61520

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN FARMINGTON If you drive through Farmington’s downtown right now you will see a lot of activity. Joe Higgs, President of the Bank of Farmington and President of the Farmington Betterment Association (FBA), as well as Tony Rolando, member of the Farmington Betterment Association and North Central Region Account Manager for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity sat down with me over lunch to discuss these economic development efforts. Through the years, Farmington has always looked for ways to experience growth. Economic development was brought front and center to the attention of the FBA when they invited Anthony Rubano, an architect on the Illinois Historic Preservation Authority (IHPA) staff, to visit Farmington’s downtown. Tony Rolando shared that Mr. Rubano’s comment to them was, “this is one of the most complete original downtowns in Illinois, but if you don’t do something about the condition of these buildings, in another six years they will be gone.” Rolando said before that visit Joe Higgs and others had been talking about small improvements with sidewalks and streetlamps, but after the visit from the IHPA they knew they had to commit to more if they were going to preserve the downtown. The Farmington Betterment Association with the assistance of the bank of Farmington started by purchasing the worst two buildings in the downtown. It was community collaboration with the Farmington Fire Department and other volunteers to undertake the monumental job of cleaning out of the buildings. After that, the Melgreen’s Building became available and longtime business owners John & Ralph Higgs offered the 5 buildings to the group at a reduced price. That is where the “Farmington Five” consisting of Joe Higgs, Tony Rolando, Diane Toohill, Dave Giagnoni and Dan Kiesewetter stepped in and purchased the Melgreen’s five buildings. “These development efforts have been contagious,” stated Joe. “Other property owners are cleaning up their properties and working on their facades without being asked to do so.” Both Joe and Tony gave credit to Dave Giagnoni for taking it upon himself to lead the restoration process for both of the buildings and for doing the painting. Tony Rolando commented, “a lot of local contractors have gone above and beyond to help with this project.” New business “MTZ Fitness” is housed in three of the rehabilitated former Melgreen’s buildings. The owner of the business wanted to return home after being in the corporate sports equipment world. Longtime business “Snips” is moving into the other two former Melgreen’s buildings. The former Snip’s building will be home to a new antique store. The restaurant “CRAVE” that will occupy the two buildings purchased Farmington Betterment Buildings that were once considered a total loss. The boutique restaurant is expected to open September 26th.. The group gives much of the credit for the restoration of the CRAVE building to FBA member Dave Giagnoni.” Dave donated hundreds of hours of work to this project, and we will always be grateful for that”. I asked Joe how he thought they were able to be successful in their development efforts, and Joe replied, “Business owners, community groups, the city and individuals have positive relationships. The city wrote codes for vacant buildings and signage city wide. We worked on creating a Tax Increment Financing District and though our initial focus was in the downtown area, we also knew we had to look at other areas. There is the Wasson Ridge Subdivision that has continued to grow and we have identified other areas of possible housing development.” When asked if there have been any challenges, Joe admits that there has been a few. “Probably the biggest challenge has been organizational skills and communicating clearly between groups and the city what the expectations are of each.” The Bank of Farmington has played a pivotal role in these economic development efforts. They are providing low interest (1.99 %) loans for up to $1 million dollars. When asked why the Bank of Farmington was willing to do this Joe pointed out, “We have been the business anchor in Farmington for a long time and we knew that we would have to take the lead. This is about a big picture of creating growth and making Farmington a great place to raise a family, we are doing this because it is the right thing to do.” Information provided by Missy Towery, PCEDExecutive Director



NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS Dawn M. Tarter

Attorney at Law & MediatorFactories, hospitals, grain elevators, construction, trucking, hotels and restaurants are some of the Illinois businesses I have defended for over 20 years at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. For the past several years, I have dedicated my representation to the needs of employers here in Central Illinois.

I highly value meaningful relationships in my business, and I have chosen a solo practice so that I can ensure the integrity and quality of those relationships as well as the integrity and quality of the legal representation I provide for my clients. With a focus on my clients’ needs for expediency, cost efficiency and long-term solutions to problems, I value the role of mediation as an essential tool for resolving legal disputes. Too often, problems linger because one or both parties are stuck in their positions and become unmotivated to resolve them. I have found that by bringing all of the

participants together to the same location for mediation, we are able to bring the case to an end, often within a few hours. Because I see facilitated mediation of conflicts as an extremely efficient and effective tool for resolving cases, I provide mediation for Illinois workplaces. You may find my skills as a mediator useful to your company. In my experience, mediation has been wildly successful in resolving cases. You may also find my skills as a certified family mediator useful to help separating parents achieve agreement regarding the best interests of their children.

With my commitment to preventing conflicts, I provide values-based business coaching, strategies and training to strengthen your company’s values and mission among everyone who works there. My coaching strategies and trainings are designed specifically for the unique needs of your business to strengthen leadership and create enthusiastic teamwork to reach your business goals. You will see improvements in many aspects of your organization, such as highly effective team management, cost containment, and litigation control. You will see results in even better relationships with your customers.

Please visit my website, www.DawnTarterLaw.com. I welcome the opportunity to provide these services for your business so that your organization thrives and provides growth for Fulton County.



Spoon River College will hold their Annual Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction on Saturday, October 11, in Lower Centers on the Canton Campus. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a pasta dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6 p.m.

This year’s recipients of the Alumni Achievement award—given to alumni as they progress in their careers—are Jane Nimmo Myers, Kevin Metzger, Ken Long, Steve Moore, and Dr. Ruben Gayon.

The Distinguished Retiree Award is based upon an individual’s significant contributions to Spoon River College, its students, and the community. This year’s recipient is Ed Georgieff, fondly referred to as the “Godfather of SRC Athletics” by BJ McCullum. Marion Guyton, long-time communication and education instructor, will be honored posthumously.

The Outstanding Leadership award is chosen by the Spoon River College Foundation Board of Directors and will be presented to Mike Martin, veteran Canton Ingersoll coach and 2014 inductee to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Athletic Hall of Fame inductees this year are William “BJ” McCullum (student athlete, coach, and athletic director) and Dr. Randy Klinedinst (cross country, baseball, indoor/outdoor track and field) for their outstanding contribution to a sport along with their sportsmanship, character, and integrity, and the distinction they brought to Spoon River College.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Lori Murphy at (309) 647-6260 or at [email protected] by Friday, October 3.


www.cantonillinois.org

COMMITTEE NEWSBusiness & Community Development

Chairman: Greg White, Canton Assembly of God

Member & Public RelationsChairman: Kiley Davis, Davis Ford, Inc.

We are accepting applications for Chamber Champions! If you feel that a business should be recognized for their outstanding management, employee support, commitment to the community, or for other reasons that make them exceptional, please take the time to nominate them for this award. You can email your recommendation to [email protected].

Lunch & Learn- Becoming a Person of InfluencePositvely Impacting the Lives of Others

Presented by Canton Area Chamber of Commerce

This four part event will be $80/chamber member and $40 for each additional person which will include all four sessions and lunch. The nonmember fee will be $100/person and $50 for each additional. Space is limited so please RSVP ASAP to Amanda Atchley at 1.309.647.2677 or [email protected].

Government AffairsChairman: Doug Hensley,

Gorsuch-Hensley Real estate



Karen Johnson, Heartland Health Care CenterDr. Randy Klinedinst, Klinedinst Chiropractic

Dave Lewis, Dave Lewis Studio, Ltd.Taryn Martin, Spoon River ElectricChad Mayall, Bank of Farmington

Mark PirtleLewis Pigg, Ipava State Bank

Justin Nelson, Perkins Seed HouseSherri Rader, Spoon River College

Chastity Swope, Graham Medical GroupHarry Thakkar, Canton Inn

Brian Yontz, State Farm Insurance

Jean Arndt, YWCATom Benoit, Hy-Vee Food StoresScott Brown, TimbukTech, Inc.Stephen Clark, Town and CountryJennifer Daniel-Price, Chiropractic Wellness ConnectionSandy EdsallLaura Fidler, Renaissance Care CenterTodd Fletcher, Shelter InsuranceCurtis Gorsuch, Gorsuch Auction CompanyTrevor Hiel, Ipava State BankShaun Joachim, G-M Mechanical of Canton, Inc.Ben Johnson, MidAmerica National Bank

Canton Union School District #66 The board has decided to delay further implementation of the 1:1 conversion. They will implement this at the high school and delay the other schools until finances become available. We still have a fund balance, so we can still plan cuts through attrition and over time, but some cuts have been made and there are more coming. Your input

is important. One positive financial aspect is in our building and grounds. We do have the facility usage tax which will help repair and renovate our buildings. We have already made some progress, like the new science lab. The next big project is Ingersoll Middle School roof. We have a building plan and a priority list, but more input is welcome.

This is your school district. We want your input, guidance, and we want to use your expertise.

Sincerely,

Roy WebbTEAM CANTON, STUDENT READY

Communication with our parents, our community and centers of influence in the community are very important to the district. We feel it will have an impact on our future success. In the near future, we will have many very important decisions, that will need community input. We will be making financial decisions, building decisions, and education decisions. Your input in each of these is important.

We use several media to try to communicate. We are represented on several committees and organizations throughout the city. We take pride in these affiliations, but they are also a key avenue for information flow. We have a very good website, Facebook Page, Twitter account. And we have a monthly podcast we deliver on our website (www.cantonusd.org). We still send newsletters and do press releases on key topics that are generally covered in the Ledger, Democrat, and on WBYS. I think we make ourselves very accessible at the school and district level. We want to invite people in to our schools.

Much like all schools in the area, we too are facing some decisions on areas to cut. We have had a deficit budget for three years. We have already made several staff cuts to teachers, support staff, and administration.



Tuesday, October 21, 20145:30-7:00 p.m.

“Business Succession and Transition Planning”

The workshop is open free to business owners, but registration is required. To make a reservation, contact Amanda Atchley or Missy Towery by October 17 at (309) 647-2677, or email either [email protected] or [email protected].

This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Cooperative Development Center and MAPPING the Future of Your

Community programs at the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), along with USDA Rural Development and the Illinois

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Please share this information with your colleagues, clients, listservs and anyone you think would benefit from attending this workshop. For more information about this workshop, contact: Jolene Willis at 800/526-9943 or email [email protected]. Visit www.iira.org to learn more about other IIRA programs and services.

Who should attend? Do you want to leave your business to your children, a key employee, or multiple employees? Perhaps you are thinking of selling it prior to retirement. Any business owner interested in developing a succession component as part of a long term strategic plan will find this event valuable. Please invite any key people involved in your plan to join you. There will be a 45 minute presentation followed with a 45 minute Q & A session.

Donaldson Community Center250 South Ave. D, Canton, IL.

This event will be conducted by Steve Barnhart, a technical specialist from the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC). His presentation will address succession and transition-planning issues encountered by all types of family and closely held businesses, regardless of whether they are in the manufacturing sector. With more than 25 years of organizational development and operations leadership experience, Barnhart provides training and business improvement services to Illinois companies, drawing upon IMEC’s state and national resources to help companies increase productivity and remain competitive. The session will also highlight opportunities to convert existing businesses to cooperatives as a business succession strategy. Staff from IIRA’s Illinois Cooperative Development Center (ICDC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will also be available to answer questions.



ILLINOIS CONSUMERS ENCOURAGED TO “SHOP LOCAL SATURDAY” OCT. 4, 2014 IN CANTON SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Main Street and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) are challenging residents to “Shop Local Saturday” on Oct. 4, 2014 by devoting a portion of their budget to purchasing Illinois-made products.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is expanding its current Illinois Products Program by partnering with six Illinois Main Street Communities, including Alton, Canton, Carbondale, Genoa, Pontiac, and Springfield, to promote its Buy Illinois Challenge.

The Buy Illinois Challenge is an effort to boost Illinois’ economy and generate consumer and business awareness of Illinois-made products. The challenge encourages every Illinois household to take a pledge to dedicate $10 of their existing, weekly budget to the purchase of Illinois products. Although the department typically works specifically with Illinois food companies and agribusinesses, this promotion will allow Main Street community directors the opportunity to recruit other types of locally-owned businesses to get involved.

Participating Illinois businesses will be listed on a new website, www.buyillinoischallenge.com. Consumers who “Shop Local Saturday” at any of these participating locations will qualify to receive special discounts. Canton’s participating businesses are Bistro 101, Black Crow Candle Company, Blessman’s Boutique, Bloom Box, One East Boutique, Snowman’s Studios Gallery, and The Sweet Shoppe.

“The goal is to drive consumers to the new web page so they can learn about local businesses and take advantage of the special deals on Illinois-made products offered in each of the six Main Street communities,” says Cheryl Bielema, Canton Main Street President. “We are excited to be part of this unique promotion and are planning a couple attractions to coincide with this Illinois Department of Agriculture-sponsored Buy Illinois Challenge!”

If every Illinois household dedicated just $10 of its existing, weekly grocery budget towards the purchase of Illinois food products, the department concludes more than $2.4 billion a year would be re-invested in the Illinois economy, helping to revitalize both rural and urban communities.

Accepting the challenge is simple and would support thousands of jobs in the farming and food industries. Residents just need to go online to www.buyillinoischallenge.com and take the “Buy Illinois Pledge.”



150% CLUB MEMBERS

Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine American Family InsuranceAmerican Pest ControlArt Hossler Auto PlazaAshland Place, LLCBarnhart, Tinsman, & Lane, Ltd.Big Racks Steak HouseCamille’s of CantonCanton Assembly of GodCanton Courtyard EstatesCanton Family RestaurantCanton Family YMCACanton Harvester InnCanton VFW Post 1984CEFCU Canton Member CenterCentral Illinois Promotions - TEAM StoreCFC PropertiesCOOK MedicalMr. John Clark, Fulton Co. State’s AttorneyCuBBull, Inc.Davis Sand & GravelDennis CrawfordMr. Slick DeRenzyDi’s BridalEdward Jones & Company - David MayFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Christian ChurchFoulk Electric, Inc.Froehling, Weber & Schell, LLPFriends of Dave KoehlerFulton County Housing AuthorityFulton DemocratG-M Mechanical of Canton, Inc.Heartland Health Care CenterHolthaus Companies, Inc.Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.Innovations Design AcademyIpava State Bank

It’s All About Me SalonJoe’s Place

Johnson & Johnson, PCJoshua S. Richardson, CPA, P.C.

Mr. Harold JumpJustil Parcel Delivery Service

KB Auto Sales & ServiceKemper Banquet Hall

Klinedinst ChiropracticMr. Gordon Linn

Kathleen A. LukerMaurer-Stutz, Inc.

Mr. John McCarthy, Attorney at LawMcDonald’s

Mr. Kevin MeadeMetLife Financial Services

MidAmerica National BankMonical’s Pizza

Morning Star Lodge #734Jim Nelson, Fulton Co. Clerk & Recorder

Oaks-Hines Funeral HomeOfficial Time Out

Perkins Seed HouseProgressive Vision Center

Sherwin WilliamsSnowman Studios Galleries, Inc.

So Via HomeSpoon River Optical

Spoon River SpeedwayState Farm Insurance-Chuck Taylor

SubwayMr. Otto Stephenitch

SubwayTimbuk Tech, Inc.

TRAC Equipment Company, Inc.Walmart

Alma Lee WertmanWest Central IL Bldg Trades Council

150% CLUB

THE CHAMBER COURIER October 2014 - Page 11


The 150% Club is an optional membership upgrade that provides added exposure for your business. By paying 50% over regular membership dues at the time of your dues investment renewal or new

membership, your business can join the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce’s 150% Club.

New!

chamber members: welcome new the chamber …3a712a47-3d50-49b4-9e78... · can benefit from a look...

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