champaign county's 2009 communitylink

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 2

CommunityLink.com 1 800-455-5600

production

production manager MATT PRICE

director of publication design AMAndA WhITE

managing editor LAuRA WILCoxEn copywriting KELLEy young

proofreader ChRIsTInA REEsE

director of photography LIsA LEhR

photography KAThERInE FoRTunE

lead design AMAndA WhITE

web site creation & support Josh ChAndLER

director of media purchasing dIAnA VAughn

business development

director of business development gEoRgE PRudhoMME

director of outside sales dEbbIE Moss

marketing specialist shAWnA MoyERs

business development manager bonnIE EbERs

customer service director KAThy RIsLEy

advertising

director of ad development KACEy WoLTERs

ad research MARy KoPshEVER

AMy sChWARTzKoPF

ad traffic CARoL sMITh

ad design Josh MuELLER

administrative support

administrative support KAThy hAgEnE

CARoL sMITh

account support TERRI AhnER

TRICIA CAnnEdy

human resources assistant TEREsA CRAIg

mailroom technician MELIndA boWLIn

information technology

publishing systems specialist ChRIsToPhER MILLER

executive leadership

chairman and founder CRAIg WILLIAMs

chief financial officer RhondA hARsy

ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and

distributed through the Champaign County Chamber of

Commerce. For advertising information or questions or

comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at

800-455-5600 or by e-mail at [email protected].

FOR INFORMATION Champaign County Chamber of

Commerce, 1817 S. Neil St., Ste. 201, Champaign, IL

61820 Telephone 217-359-1791, Fax 217-359-1809,

www.champaigncounty.org

© 2009 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie

Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306,

618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book

may be reproduced without the expressed written consent

of the publisher.

1-800-527-1133

Enjoy all the amenities of home and experience consistency, quality and comfort when you stay with Hawthorn Suites. Our hotel features spacious suites, full or efficiency kitchens, exercise facilities, video-cassette players, and on-site guest laundry and valet service. Wake up to our daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning, and in the evening, enjoy our social hour. Business travel-ers will enjoy our in-room business services, featuring an oversized work area complete with dual phone lines and data port, personal voice mail, high-speed Internet access, and daily complimentary newspaper.

101 Trade Centre Dr.Champaign, IL 61820

Phone: 217-398-3400

TDD: 800-824-2116

Meeting Facilities - 11 RoomsFood & Beverage Catering Available

Room Amenities• Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet • Coffee Maker, Microwave & Refrigerator • Iron & Ironing Board • Non-Smoking Rooms Available • AM/FM Alarm Clock • In-Room Safe• Hairdryer• Complimentary High-Speed Internet• Full Cable TV & Pay-Per-View Movies

Special Features• Indoor Pool and Hot Tub• VIP Rooms and Services • Guest Laundry and Valet Service • Handicap-Accessible Rooms • Complimentary Airport Shuttle • Free Weekday USA Today Newspaper • Free Parking & RV/Truck Parking • ATM • 24-Hour Front Desk • Express Checkout

www.champaigncounty.org 3

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Welcome to Champaign County .........4

RELoCATIon & dEVELoPMEnT

Bolstering the Downtown Core ..........7

Building an Urban Skyline ...................7

Now Open! .........................................8

Expanding Selections for Students.......8

Housing Options in Champaign County ...........................9

New Arts & Entertainment Magnet ...11

Personal Finance ................................12

EduCATIon

Unlimited Access ...............................14

Growing & Green .............................16

Parkland College Rises to Meet Growth, Community Needs ...17

Those Who Excel ...............................18

Creativity in Curricula ........................20

Choices in Religious Education ..........23

hEALTh CARE

Hope and Healing .............................24

Easy Access ........................................26

Centralized Services ...........................27

What’s Inside2009 Champaign County Community Profile

AgRIbusInEss

The Commerce of Chemistry ............28

WoRKFoRCE & busInEss sERVICEs

Innovation Inspiration .......................30

Chamber Champions Job Seekers ......31

A Welcome Jolt ..................................34

busInEss VIgnETTEs

Bobcat of Champaign .......................36

Triad Shredding .................................37

Farm Credit Services ..........................37

Herff Jones .........................................38

Coffee News ......................................39

Swanson Roofing ...............................40

Carter’s Furniture ...............................41

TEChnoLogy

Tracking Elemental Fingerprints .........42

Supercomputing Central ...................43

What Happens Here Changes the World .........................44

RECREATIon

International Athletes ........................46

“Play Ball!” ........................................48

Kids Get Their Kicks ...........................49

Gridiron Upgrades .............................50

Realizing Recreation for All ................52

Award-Winning Parks Systems ...........53

CuLTuRE & EnTERTAInMEnT

Feasts for the Eyes, Ears and Soul ......54

Arts Advocates ...................................55

REsTAuRAnT & LodgIng guIdE

Dining Delights .................................56

Be Our Guest .....................................60

AdVERTIsERs

Index of Advertisers ...........................62

Dear Reader:Our rich sense of history, which influences Champaign County today, ensures that, as a

community, we have always been destined for success. Since 1833, when Champaign County was founded, it has been a welcoming guidepost on the Illinois prairie. In the 1850s, it was a stopping point for a young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln, who frequently visited friends in Champaign and Urbana as he traveled the circuit from Springfield for the Eighth Judicial District.

Throughout the years, Champaign County has continued to be both a destination and a stopping point. As home to the world-renowned University of Illinois, our community has attracted scientists and senators, teachers and tradespeople, Nobel Prize winners and many other notables. Many stay for a lifetime, enriching the community; some receive or contribute to world-class teaching before moving on to influence different communities. Regardless of the amount of time people spend here, they help develop a unique relationship between this region and the rest of the world. While many of our residents will not receive world accolades, they are the fiber of our community and the primary reason Champaign County is a great place to call home.

What is it that draws and keeps people in Champaign County? In a phrase, it’s “quality of life.” The 998 square miles of the county include the communities of Champaign, Urbana and Savoy, which make up the commercial hub of the county and its largest population center, with over 100,000 residents. In these tri-cities, homes for every family size, income level and lifestyle are available.

Building on Ample Resources


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Welcome to Champaign CountyMany stay for a lifetime,

enriching the community;

some receive or contribute to

world-class teaching before

moving on to influence

different communities.

Bolstered by outlying areas that claim some of the world’s richest farmland, the county offers unique opportunities in agriculture and related businesses. The rural communities have attracted specialty businesses and sole proprietorships, as well as significant new residential growth.

A vibrant business community encourages new commerce and industry. As the home of the University of Illinois National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), Champaign County is recognized as a center for computing and technology, attracting and retaining a diverse group of traditional and high-tech companies and becoming a leader in building the national and global information superhighway.

An assortment of cultural resources and facilities abounds. From museums and performing arts centers to a planetarium and botanical gar-dens, the offerings are matched only by those in the nation’s largest metropolitan centers.

Choices continue in education. Public, private and parochial schools strive for excellence in every aspect of staff, facilities, technology and curricula. Nationally and internationally recognized city and county park systems provide recreation for all ages. The spires of more than 100 churches rise above the Champaign County skyline, reflecting a variety of religious beliefs.

Much of the area’s business growth is attributable to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Several high-tech firms are spin-offs of university research efforts. Even the area’s agricultural potential substantially benefits from the school’s ongoing crop experimentation, which includes cultivation of disease-resistant crop strains and development of precision farming methods and information systems. Recent building projects include the university’s South Research Park, the One Main building in downtown Champaign, the redevelopment of Lincoln Square Village in Urbana, the schools built by the Village of Tolono, the aquatic center in Urbana, and the new pork processing plant in Rantoul. These are all concrete examples of people and government working together to build for our future.

The blending of these facets produces Champaign County’s unique qualities. The history of visitors and residents adding their substance to the area is evident in the many cultures present here, from turn-of-the-century German immigrants to more recent arrivals, including the large number of students, faculty and researchers from other parts of the globe.

Champaign County has built on ample resources and, true to its history, it continues to be warm and welcoming, a comfortable mix of tech-nology and tradition.

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

5www.champaigncounty.org

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In 2002, the completion of the One Main building in downtown Champaign was a turning point in the area’s historic

rebirth. The mixed-use building was a great success, bringing stylish urban living to downtown and spurring continued growth in the area. What could regional developer One Main Development do to follow it up? The company decided to embark on another project with an enormous impact on downtown living, and the result was M2.

M2 is a nine-story building featuring commercial and residential space, as well as ground-floor retail, located on Neil Street, just across the street from One Main. M2 has nine floors, the top four of which are residential condos with open floor plans and impressive views. The building also has four floors of office space and the Enclave, a suite of executive offices where small busi-ness tenants share ame-nities like conference rooms, office equip-ment and a kitchen. Major retailers on

the ground floor include BankChampaign and a new micro-brew restaurant.

As the rebirth of downtown Champaign continues to attract shoppers, residents and businesses, M2 provides a place for them all to come together.

“When you bring people together, you start to see exciting things happen — more jobs, high recruitment/retention rates for employers, nightlife and an overall increase in economic activity,” said Jon “Cody” Sokolski, chief executive officer of One Main Development. “Building a strong downtown core encourages a sense of com-munity, improves and enhances quality of life, and creates new growth and energy for the entire city. It’s a key component to the

city’s future growth and success.”

The Campustown area, a neighborhood of shops and restaurants centered around Green Street, is where students meet friends for lunch, grab a cup of coffee or pick up Illinois gear on their way to the game. With the com-mercial boom, Campustown is coming to life with an influx of new residents.

309 GreenAt 24 stories, 309 Green is the city’s tall-

est building and one of the newest and most attractive housing options for U of I students. It has 110 fully furnished units, with both two- and four-bedroom options, plus deck parking on seven levels below the apartments. 309 Green is just three blocks from campus at the corner of Green and Third streets in the heart of Campustown. The project also offers an open-air swimming pool, a fitness center and a café lounge, flat-screen televisions and high-speed Internet.

Gregory Place East Completed in 2008, Gregory Place East

sits just down the street from its twin, Gregory Place West. Located near the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, the building houses three floors of luxury one- and two-bedroom apart-ments. Gregory Place East is the home of the University of Illinois’ School of Social Work, a Provena Medical Group clinic and Sandella's Flatbread Café.

Burnham 310On the northern edge of campus, Burnham

310 is the centerpiece of the new Burnham District, which spreads across four city blocks. One of the highlights of the development is the brand-new County Market grocery store at the corner of Fourth Street and Springfield Avenue. In addition to the store, the apart-ment building and retail shops, planning is in the works for townhouses and condos.

Burnham 310 has 18 stories and 259 loft-apartment units. Designed in a Chicago loft style, the units have 10-foot ceilings, designer kitchens and large windows for plenty of natu-ral light. Amenities include a movie theater, free Wi-Fi lounges, complimentary weekday breakfast and a tanning bed. Each unit is fully furnished and includes a washer and dryer. The best part of living in Burnham 310 may be easy access to County Market, which focuses on organic foods and easy carry-out meals.

Bolstering the Downtown Core M2 Building Blends Commerce and Housing

Building an Urban SkylineNew Choices in Apartment Living

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JSM Development

Campus-area developer JSM Development recently restored a building near the intersection of Sixth and Green streets. The project began as a vacant building and now houses Flat Top Grill, a make-your-own stir-fry restaurant, and Penn Station Subs. JSM Development also recently built the seven-story Urban Outfitters build-ing at 507 E. Green Street. The international retailer takes up 12,000 square feet on the first two floors. The remaining five floors are leased to University of Illinois offices.

Campustown Living

Lofts 54:• A new five-story apartment building located at 54 E. Chalmers, this unique building offers conveniently located lofts with an urban feel. Presby Hall:• U of I’s newest residence hall is located at the corner of John and Daniel streets in the heart of Campustown. The certified “green” building has amenities that students won’t find at other schools, including in-room washers and dryers, all-inclusive utilities, and fully equipped kitchens.St. John’s Catholic Newman Center• , on campus, recently underwent a $40 million expansion. Last year the center’s residence hall, Newman Hall, was renovated to enlarge bathrooms and add central air conditioning. It also received a brand-new seven-story addition, doubling occupancy to 600 students. The project added meeting rooms, a small market/gift shop and a food-court-style dining hall. There’s an expanded laundry room, and the building’s old cafeteria was converted to a 175-seat auditorium. St. John’s Catholic Newman Center also serves over 9,000 Catholic students on campus by offering programs and retreats.

“Now Open!” Just a few years ago, that phrase was almost unheard of on the streets of southeast Urbana. Filled with corn, beans and open fields, the acreage around the intersection of Windsor and Philo roads was anything but bustling. But business is booming, and new openings are growing frequent as recent development makes this area one of the newest hot spots for retail and dining.

The Atkins Group, a local developer of residen-tial neighborhoods and commercial space, got things brewing in 2000 with Stone Creek Commons, a small office park with room to grow at the southeast corner of Windsor and Philo roads. The develop-ment is home base for the Atkins Group, and tenants include Edward Jones, the American Oil Chemists’ Society and Coldwell Banker Devonshire Realty.

Although tenants slowly continued to move in to the Commons, little else changed until 2008, when several projects popped up that encouraged rapid growth in the area. A new 208,000-square-foot Meijer store recently opened on the northeast cor-ner, offering groceries, lawn and garden products, housewares, and a gas station. To the southeast of the Meijer store, two medical offices have opened on Windsor Road: the 8,000-square-foot Christie Clinic and the 68,000-square-foot Carle Clinic. Adjacent to the clinics, a day care center, built in 2004, completed a 14,209-square-foot expansion in 2007, adding classrooms, parking space and a new playground.

With businesses moving into the area, the Atkins Group decided to add a retail component to its busi-ness park. The Pines at Stone Creek Commons is a neighborhood retail center with several standalone buildings in an open-air plaza, in which several ten-ants show local artwork and offer waterfront views for their customers.

As a result of this sudden growth, bus lines have been extended so residents from across town can better access both shopping and medical facilities. Traffic lights have been installed to assist the flow of increased traffic, and it’s expected that all of Windsor Road will be widened to four lanes within the next few years. As local residents and commuters drive past, they eagerly crane their necks to see what else is “Now Open!”

Southeast Urbana Becomes Hot Spot

Expanding Selections for StudentsGreen Street/Campustown Development

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8 Champaign County Chamber of Commerce


As the nation faces a slowdown in housing, Champaign County contin-ues to power ahead with strong sales

and even stronger home values. Local sellers are pleased that home prices continue to increase, while buyers find affordable housing in a healthy market insulated from national trends by the presence of financially healthy employers and the University of Illinois.

ChampaignLegends of Champaign:• Zero-lot-line, single-family homes in a community adjacent to a nine-hole golf course in southwest Champaign.

Trails at Abbey Fields:• Large home sites border a 5-acre lake in this luxury subdivision.Trails at Chestnut Grove:• 145 large single-family home sites in a park-like setting with walking trails and two large lakes.Will’s Trace:• Upscale single-family homes in southwest Champaign.

MahometConway Farm:• Single-family homes and condo lots with plenty of trees, lake views and landscaped common areas. Adjacent to a 17-acre park and shopping.

Fox Run II:• A 16-lot development close to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve and Golf Course. Prairie Ridge:• Extra-large lots in a peaceful rural setting. Thornewood:• Mature-tree-lined lots were designed with the development’s rolling hills in mind. Close to Lake of the Woods.

OgdenFranzen:• This brand-new subdivision offers large lots for single-family homes.

Housing Options in Champaign CountySubdivisions Offer Charming Choices

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Kurt LenschowCLU, CPCU, Agent

2309 Village Green Place, Suite CChampaign, IL 61822-7668

Ph: 217.352.1411Fax: 217.352.1445

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.kurtlenschow.com


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SavoyFieldstone: • Host of the 2008 East Central Illinois Homebuilders’ Association Showcase of Homes. Liberty on the Lake:• This luxury subdivision that spans both Savoy and Champaign is home to 20 acres of open water, a 7-acre park and walking trails.Wilshire:• 42 homes sites for single-family homes, including some lake views.

UrbanaBrickhouses Road Subdivision:• This “green-built” neighborhood offers single-family brick homes amid preserved prairie land and wildlife habitat.Cobble Creek:• Luxury zero-lot-line community with duplexes and single-family homes. South Ridge:• Residential and paired ranch lots near shopping and bus lines.


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In 2008, several local businesses came together with staff from the Krannert Center for Performing Arts to brainstorm a way to market

all their eclectic offerings together. The result was the Krannert Center District, a neighborhood encom-passing several blocks surrounding the Krannert Center. With help from the City of Urbana, these businesses are bringing visitors to their part of town to shop, dine and take in some culture.

Participants include Blues BBQ and the residents of Gregory Place West and Gregory Place East, includ-ing Heartland Bank & Trust, Rosati’s Pizza, Sandella's Flatbread Café and other restaurants. Business owners and employees meet periodically to devise better ways to market the neighborhood and attract visitors.

Participants hope the Krannert Center District (KCD) will be a unique place for local artists to showcase their talents. Last fall, the group developed Krannert Center District Fridays, which pairs a differ-ent artist, performing or visual, and a different busi-ness each month. When visitors come to enjoy a KCD Friday, the hope is that they will shop, dine or take in another performance while in the neighborhood.

The 2008 Pygmalion Music Festival was centered in the Krannert Center District, and audience mem-bers found themselves within walking distance of dozens of concerts. Ongoing events in the Krannert Center District include special meal pricing on Mondays and cultural performances in conjunction with international groups on the U of I campus.

new Arts & Entertainment MagnetKrannert Center District

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Our experiencemakes thedifference

There is a difference.

Steve Tock

Jim Welch

Maurice Bouslog

www.hickorypointbank.com

BBankChampaign, N.A.2101 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 351-28705 Convenience Center Rd., Champaign .... 351-2876

Busey Bank100 W. University Ave., Champaign........... 351-6500314 S. Randolph St., Champaign .............. 351-2700614 S. Sixth St., Champaign ..................... 365-4552909 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign .................. 384-3400907 W. Marketview Dr., Ste. 1, Champaign ................................. 355-15802011 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ....... 351-28543002 W. Windsor Rd., Champaign ............. 351-2820312 E. Main St., Mahomet ........................ 586-4981200 E. Sangamon Ave., Rantoul ................ 892-21811231 Grove St., Rantoul ........................... 892-4121108 Arbours Dr., Savoy ............................. 384-3424104 N. Main St., St. Joseph ...................... 469-7631101 N. Main St., Thomasboro ................... 892-2181128 E. Holden St., Tolono .......................... 485-6021201 W. Main St., Urbana ........................... 365-45002710 S. Philo Rd., Urbana......................... 365-4930

CCentral Illinois Credit Union2106 W. John St., Champaign .................. 356-97212611 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana ................... 367-0257

Commerce Bank1015 W. Windsor Rd., Champaign ............. 359-9790

Community Plus Federal Credit Union1005 Bloomington Rd., Champaign .......... 693-3440526 E. Champaign Ave., Rantoul ............... 893-8201

FFirst Bank of Savoy1251 Woodfield Dr., Savoy ........................ 351-3526

First Busey Corp.201 W. Main St., Urbana ........................... 365-4556

First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust2229 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 359-9837601 S. Vine St., Urbana ............................. 367-8451

First Midwest Bank812 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ......... 378-76292004 Fox Dr., Ste. K, Champaign .............. 378-7634

First State BankWindsor Rd. & Neil St., Champaign........... 239-3000

FREESTAR Bank631 E. Green St., Champaign ................... 351-6688

1205 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 352-67001611 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign ........... 351-6620806D Eastwood Dr., Mahomet .................. 586-5322410 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana ................. 351-27011819 S. Philo Rd., Ste. A, Urbana .............. 351-2867

HHeartland Bank & Trust Co.1101 W. Windsor Rd., Champaign ............. 359-55552101 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ....... 359-5555602 S. Vine St., Urbana ............................. 359-55551103 W. Oregon St., Urbana ..................... 359-5555

Hickory Point Bank & Trust, FSB701 Devonshire Dr., Champaign ............... 351-7100

JJPMorgan Chase201 W. University Ave., Champaign........... 353-4470303 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign................. 353-4428405 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana ................. 351-3271

MMarine Bank2434 Village Green Pl., Champaign .......... 239-0100

NNational City Bank, now a part of PNC30 E. Main St., Champaign ....................... 351-05001771 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign ................ 363-4070505 E. Green St., Ste. 5, Champaign ........ 363-4080507 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana ................. 255-6959

PPrairie State Bank & Trust1902 Fox Dr., Champaign ......................... 239-7617

Prospect Bank1601 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign ........... 352-0077

TTCF Bank809 S. Wright St., Champaign................... 265-6500

UU of I Employees Credit Union206 E. University Ave., Champaign ........... 278-77002201 S. First St., Champaign .................... 278-77001401 W. Green St., Urbana ....................... 278-7700

Personal Finance Chamber Member BanksWhether you’re looking for a bank as a newcomer to Champaign County or a current resident refinancing your home, find the right place to take care of your personal banking needs in Champaign County at any of these Chamber member banks. Area code, unless specified, is 217.

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n The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the top-ranked educational institutions in the country

for students with disabilities. It was the first higher education institution to give these stu-dents unlimited access to all facilities, services and academic courses, and it continues to be a leader in equal access for all.

The Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES), a unit of the College of Applied Health Studies, serves roughly 1,000 students a year, and every year that number increases by an average of 100. Seventy-five percent of students registered with the division have cognitive or psychologi-cal disabilities. As the need for these resources continues to grow annually, the services at the University of Illinois are expanding.

Academics

When students with disabilities enter U of I as freshmen or transfers, they must first contact DRES. Each student is assigned to a resource facilitator who assists the student in contacting every one of his or her professors to make arrangements for appropriate accom-modations based on the student’s disability. The resource facilitator can recommend DRES services that may be helpful and can also assist professors in accommodating their students.

At the start of every semester, DRES spon-sors a book run during which the Illini Union

bookstore closes to the public for private shopping by students with disabilities. This allows DRES students to avoid the massive crowds that usually pack the bookstore dur-ing the first week of school. DRES buses pick students up at their dorms to make the trip smoother. Throughout the school year, the office also provides parking passes, note-tak-ing assistance and testing accommodations.

DRES assists students with a wide vari-ety of disabilities, including cognitive and psychological disabilities, learning disabili-ties, mobility disabilities, and sensory dis-abilities in vision and hearing. Areas with specially trained staff members include sign language and oral interpreting, testing accom-modations, assistive technology training and

support, document conversion (into formats like Braille, large text or video captioning), and accessibility and transportation issues. The office offers a fully accessible gym as well as physical therapists who can develop strengthening and training programs. Physical

therapists are assisted by student volunteers from academic programs like sports training and pre-occupational therapy.

The University of Illinois has programs for students with disabilities that few schools, if any, can offer. U of I has a national reputation as a leader in accessibility, and it’s that reputa-tion that draws prospective students here.

“They go to visit other disability services offices,” said Kim Collins, assistant director of DRES, “but they see we have all these services that can’t be matched. It makes a difference.”

Housing

Many students with disabilities graduate from high school lacking the ability to live independently. Because the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, U of I offers Beckwith Residence Hall, a build-ing operated by DRES that offers independent living with resources like 24-hour emergency assistance, a specially equipped computer lab and housekeeping. Personal assistants can help with activities from showering and dressing to navigating the dining hall. One of the most important things about living in Beckwith is students’ involvement in their transition to independent living. Residents help to hire, train and schedule personal assistants.

“For incoming freshmen, the staff starts with the initial hiring and training. But over

unlimited AccessU of I’s Disability Resources and Educational Services

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time, the students take on more responsibility and learn independence,” said Collins.

Beckwith residents learn to manage their needs while creating a plan to transition to mainstream housing later on. As demand for this program increases, DRES is working with university housing to build a new Beckwith Hall and to renovate existing residence halls to increase their accessibility. The new resi-dence hall, to be completed in 2010, will have features like keyless entry, a fully accessible kitchen and all ground-floor living units.

Athletics

For decades, the Fighting Illini have been leaders in wheelchair basketball, winning games, sweeping tournaments and spurring development of new wheelchair technology and design. The Fighting Illini men’s wheel-chair basketball team has won seven national

collegiate titles and has gone to the postsea-son every year. The women’s team has won eight national championships. With its annual dominance and the offering of summer camps for high school students, Illinois’ wheelchair basketball teams attract the strongest and fast-est players from around the country.

U of I also offers a wheelchair track and field team. Current and former students have trained for and raced in national, interna-tional and Olympic events. The Fighting Illini wheelchair track and field team is the only one in the nation. Coaches and students act as leaders in the development of the sport and of wheelchair technology. Alumni include Jean Driscoll, eight-time winner of the Boston Marathon’s Wheelchair Division.

The U of I’s wheelchair athletics program has a national reputation, and Fighting Illini Wheelchair Athletics is proud of its strong history and tradition of winning.

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What’s orange, blue and green all over? It’s the University of Illinois’ Business Instructional

Facility, the brand-new home of the College of Business and the first “green” building in the university’s 141-year history.

The Business Instructional Facility opened in September 2008 and houses state-of-the-art classrooms, a 300-seat auditorium, fac-ulty and administration offices, and a career center. The building, located at the corner of Sixth and Gregory streets, was designed b y Cesar Pelli, a world-renowned architect and University of Illinois graduate.

With energy costs skyrocketing, the College of Business wanted a building that would reduce its consumption of campus resources like power and water and would also save money. The design called both for materials that save energy, like triple-pane windows and zinc roofing, and materials that reuse resources, like plantings on the roof that reduce rain

run-off and solar panels that convert sunlight into energy. Automatic dimmers help regulate the amount of energy used for lighting and also turn off lights in empty rooms. The HVAC system has been designed to run more effectively than traditional sys-tems, and it improves air quality.

There are even bike racks and showering facilities to encourage the use of bicycles.

With plenty of open-air commons space, the Business Instructional Facility serves as a home base for current students and alumni. Its green design sets a new standard at the University of Illinois, and future buildings on campus are likely to integrate its building and design practices.

New U of I College of Business Facility

Growing & Green

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With annual enrollment 7.4 times greater today than when it opened in 1967, Parkland College is fac-

ing evolving community needs, campus space challenges and decreased state funding head on, with bold, innovative steps to address them.

Increasing numbers of community mem-bers are realizing the benefits of Parkland. More than 20,000 residents from Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities enroll at the college each year, with about 250,000 credit students served since 1967. Residents take advantage of the college’s 100-plus career and transfer degree/certificate programs, its impressive selection of online courses, and its popular community workshops and classes.

More and more Parkland graduates are also choosing to stay in Illinois to live and work. According to a 2007 study by the Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) at Northern Illinois University, 95 percent of Parkland graduates are employed in-state — 74 percent of them within the college district. The study also shows Parkland’s positive eco-nomic impact on its district, as “nine out of 10

employers hired a Parkland College student at some point over the past 10 years.” Parkland students who completed their education in fiscal year 2005 and worked year-round saw a 15.1 percent average increase in earnings over pre-enrollment wages.

While a third of Parkland students enroll in professional programs that allow them to obtain jobs right after graduating (nurses, paramedics, graphic artists, police officers, mechanics, Web designers and the like), another third come to Parkland intending to transfer to a university. They enroll in general education courses that lead to Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees and, with proper advising, enjoy 100 percent transfer-ability of their coursework. More Parkland College students transfer to Illinois than any other school. Parkland and Illinois recently teamed to create the “Parkland Pathway to Illinois,” an initiative that guarantees dual admission to a variety of majors in many col-leges at Illinois.

Parkland College faces challenges aris-ing from uncertain economic times, includ-ing increased staffing needs, a decade-long

decrease in state fiscal support, and increas-ing competition. Many of the facilities at its 36-year-old campus require more time, atten-tion and a growing share of fiscal resources for vital upgrade and expansion. In response, Parkland recently revised its 1996 Master Campus Development Plan (by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) and Paulien & Associates, Inc). The original plan assessed Parkland’s campus as having a deficit of 127,000 square feet of space for existing and contemplated new programs, as well as space deficits for student lounge and service space, food facili-ties space and administrative services space. Since Parkland’s campus space deficits must be addressed now despite decreasing state funding, the college has remodeled newly purchased additional space, Parkland College on Mattis at 1309 Mattis Ave., for its Health Professions programs. The college also antici-pates breaking ground for a new facility for technical programs in engineering and auto-motive technology in summer 2009.

Parkland College Rises to Meet Growth, Community Needs

They’re very different: a community volunteer, a math teacher and a group of eight bilingual educators. But while they specialize in different areas of education, they all have one thing in common:

nomination for the Illinois State Board of Educators’ “Those Who Excel” awards. These individuals have devoted their time, talents and energy to improving education for students in Champaign schools.

Brian Minsker, Community Volunteer

When Brian Minsker began his PTA (Parent Teacher Association) involvement at Robeson Elementary School, he noticed the shortage of men attending meetings and was disappointed in how few faculty members were involved. He came up with big ideas, including incen-tive drawings, teacher recognition and membership discounts for cou-

ples. In just two years, he more than doubled the PTA’s membership to 210 members, with 100 percent faculty participation and more men in attendance at meetings.

Moving on from Robeson Elementary, Minsker became president of the Champaign PTA Council, where he was the primary channel of communication between 16 separate PTAs and district administra-tion. Brian completed three terms as president of the PTA Council and is now director of PTA District 10, a regional PTA made up of members from eight counties. Minsker also holds a spot on the Vision Committee, a group that did long-range planning for the next two decades of growth in Champaign schools. He’s also a member of the Illinois PTA State Board of Managers, and he volunteers in the com-munity as a Cub Scout pack leader and a youth soccer coach.

Years after his departure, the Robeson Elementary PTA remains a testament to Minsker’s hard work, with one of the largest memberships in the district and a record-high level of faculty involvement.

Tracey Jones, Math Teacher at Franklin Middle School

Math teacher Tracey Jones has been a sta-ple at Franklin Middle School for more than 22 years, and her suc-

cess earned her recognition as one of nine finalists for the 2008–2009 Illinois Teacher of the Year award.

Her unique teaching tools include a math café, where special-needs students learn addition and subtraction in a realistic setting. Her classroom has a “word wall” filled with only positive adjectives, and at the end of every class she selects one person to choose a word that describes how the class acted that day. Jones started a dessert club, bringing homemade cupcakes for students who have earned A’s and B’s, and for her breakfast club she buys an early-morning meal in the cafeteria for students who have shown great improvement.

A proponent of integrating special-needs students in mainstream classrooms, Jones worked hard at Franklin Middle School when it transitioned from a magnet school to a regular middle school. She continues to encourage students to achieve at higher levels, scheduling underrepresented students into honors classes and helping them with their work after school. She also pushed for the implementation of an all-girls math class, the first in the Champaign School District.

Those Who

ExcelChampaign Residents Devote Time, Talent and Energy to Improving Education.

hey’re very different: a community volunteer, a math teacher and a group of eight bilingual educators. But while they specialize in different areas of education, they all have one thing in common:

nomination for the Illinois State Board of Educators’ “Those Who Excel” awards. These individuals have devoted their time, talents and energy to improving education for students in Champaign schools.

Community VolunteerWhen Brian Minsker began his

PTA (Parent Teacher Association) involvement at Robeson Elementary School, he noticed the shortage of

Tracey Jones, Math Teacher at Franklin Middle School

Those Who

ExcelChampaign Residents Devote Time, Talent and Energy to

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The Bilingual Teaching Team at Booker T. Washington Elementary

They are eight women of varying ages and backgrounds, but they share a belief in the power of bilingual education. This group, com-prised of Sherry Alimi, Mary Borgeson, Lorena Rodriguez, Marisanta Adams, Claudia Fradkin, Lauren Heckelman, Guadalupe Ricconi and Olga Halpern, includes teachers from various specialties and grade levels. These women make up the Bilingual Teaching Team at Booker T. Washington Elementary School.

Along with a special emphasis on performing arts, the school has a strong English as a Second Language (ESL) program. B.T. Washington has a significant Spanish-speaking popula-tion, and it’s the Bilingual Teaching Team’s belief that students educated in their native language will make greater strides in English proficiency and other academic subjects. The Teaching Team also firmly believes in the importance of Spanish-speaking parents’ involvement in their children’s education, so they send home notes and report cards in Spanish, do parent/teacher conferences in Spanish, and volunteer to translate at PTA meetings.

The teachers’ care for these students helps to foster a sense of community in the school. It is not uncommon for the members of the Bilingual Teaching Team to transport students to doctors’ appointments, arrange for donations of food and clothing, or attend family celebrations.

The teachers’ care

for these students

helps to foster a

sense of community

in the school.

Creativity in CurriculaProjects in Urbana Public Schools

Performing arts at Urbana High School have taken off. Bands are winning awards, choirs are in high demand and the drama program hasn’t done the same show in 30 years. With all that’s

going on, the performing arts faculty at Urbana High are pleased to be working with students in a town that is supportive of creativity and the arts.

Vocal MusicThere are three different choirs at Urbana High School, including

an entry-level choir for freshmen and an honors choir. The school also has an a capella group, “Vocal Chords Required,” which traveled to Los Angeles for a performance tour in 2007. In recent years, the school’s choirs have performed at such wide-ranging venues as Carnegie Hall and Cedar Point Amusement Park. And vocal music at Urbana High is gaining in popularity.

“This year we’ve got the most advanced freshmen,” said Angi Franklin, vocal music director. “In terms of readers, it’s a really strong group.”

Franklin sees more students every year auditioning for the Illinois Music Educators Association’s all-district and all-state choirs. Roughly 10 percent of all Urbana High School students participate in vocal music, and Franklin, along with assistant Todd Taylor, has seen more students seek vocal coaching as they work on new material for com-munity theater and college entrance auditions.

DramaEvery year, Urbana High School’s drama club presents several

productions. When it comes time for the fall play or spring musical, Drama Club advisor Greg Chew schedules a minimum of five perfor-mances spread out over two weeks, saying it allows “the productions

to benefit and grow from the interaction with the audiences.” Students also put on a children’s show that draws 1,000 students from Urbana’s elementary and middle schools. The drama program is strongly sup-ported by the community.

“Our houses get larger with each performance based on word of mouth,” said Chew. “Usually we can expect between 1,000 and 2,000 people to attend during the run of the show.”

Many Urbana High School alums have continued to study the per-forming arts, but their interests don’t stop at theater. Chew can rattle off the names of successful graduates, but he hates to single people out when Urbana alums have explored so many different avenues.

“We have former students running dance troupes, performing in opera overseas, working in television as successful writers and produc-ers. We also have playwrights,” he said.

Instrumental MusicUrbana High’s instrumental program offers groups with widely

varying performance styles. There’s a marching band with about 50 students and a symphonic band with roughly 40. Students must audition to be part of the school’s wind symphony, and all musi-cians who participate in symphonic band or wind symphony are also members of the school’s pep band, which performs for boys’ home basketball games.

Despite the fact that he just started in 2008, new Marching Band Director Leif Hall has already seen great things happening in the music program. He credits the community for students’ success in the arts.

“I feel fortunate to teach in a community that is rich with resources, such as highly qualified private music teachers and volunteers from the university, that help make this growth possible,” he stated. “I plan to do everything that I can to maximize these resources.”

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Call us at 217.359.3131Located on the corner of Duncan Rd. and Windsor Rd.

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The High School of St. Thomas More3901 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign 217-352-7210 :: www.hs-stm.org

The High School of St. Thomas More (STM) opened in 2000 with just 70 students. Enrollment for 2008–2009 was 377 students. There are 34 teachers on staff, including Fr. Joseph Dondanville, the school’s chaplain.

Located in northwest Champaign, St. Thomas More offers 17 different sports and competes in the Sangamon Valley Athletic Conference. The recently completed Henneman field, a football and track field, features an eight-lane all-weather track and a grandstand with a press box.

Popular activities at STM include the Fall Follies, a Battle of the Bands competition and the school’s spring musical. Community vol-unteering is an important part of education at St. Thomas More, and last year’s seniors com-pleted over 15,000 hours of service. STM’s Campus Ministry offers daily Mass, weekly confession and periodic retreats.

Holy Cross School410 W. White St., Champaign 217-356-9521 :: www.holycrosselem.org

Holy Cross School, located west of down-town Champaign, has been educating stu-dents for more than 95 years. Serving kin-dergarten through eighth grade, Holy Cross has an annual enrollment of about 360, with 15 percent being non-Catholic students.

This Catholic, faith-centered school’s com-prehensive curriculum includes morning prayer, schoolwide religious celebrations and community service. The challenging tradi-tional curriculum includes project-oriented science courses that feature a simulation of a NASA space mission.

Computer literacy is an important part of education at Holy Cross, and every grade level has weekly computer instruction. The school’s computer lab has 28 eMacs, and individual classrooms have Internet access. Holy Cross offers extracurricular sports, music education, an aftercare program and a full library with over 9,000 volumes.

Arts education rounds out the educational experience with music, theater and visual arts. Sports include cross country, track, boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, boys’ base-ball, and cheerleading.

St. Matthew School1307 Lincolnshire Dr., Champaign 217-359-4114 :: www.stmatt.net

St. Matthew, located in Champaign, opened in 1962. Enrollment in 2008–09 was 457 students in kindergarten through eighth grade with just under 30 faculty, includ-ing three sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George.

The school has grown at a healthy pace, and in 2006 added a performing arts/gymna-sium facility. Students use this facility for band and swing choir concerts as well as an Advent program every December and an annual spring musical. Students can participate in handbell choir, which performs at weekly all-school Masses. The new building is also used for student athletics, which include cross-country, basketball, track, baseball, softball and girls’ volleyball. The eighth-grade girls’ basketball team celebrated a state champion-ship in 2008.

A traditional academic curriculum includes English, math, science and social studies, as well as a full technology program, art, music, band and physical education. Student activities

include learning programs like Scholastic Bowl, Science Olympiad and Geography Bee. The school’s religious education program includes weekly Mass, catechism, and Sacrament and Confirmation preparation.

Judah Christian Elementary and High School908 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-359-1701 :: www.judah.org

The largest private school in the county, Judah Christian School opened in 1983 offer-ing seventh through 10th grades, adding an additional grade every year. By 1986, Judah offered kindergarten through 12th grade, and in 1991, Judah added a preschool. The school’s 2008–09 enrollment was 590, with 25 teachers in the elementary school and 20 in the high school.

Elementary students can participate in basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and cross country, competing in the IESA/IHSA divi-sion. The elementary school also has concert band and jazz band, Grandparents Day every spring, speech competitions, Math Olympics and annual spelling bees. One of the highlights of the school year is Missions International Week, when students learn about missionar-ies from different parts of the world.

The high school offers eight sports and competes in the IHSA ECIC conference. Judah high school students can participate in band, choir, art, drama, community service, retreats and mission trips.

Judah Christian is planning to build a new high school, with the goal of eventually moving the elementary grades to the same campus. This new campus will have enough land for both academic buildings and athletic facilities.

Private Schools in Champaign County

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The numbers are devastating. In 2008, there were an estimated 59,000 new cases of can-cer in Illinois. Men have a less than one in

two lifetime risk of developing cancer, while women have a more than one in three risk. In 2007, cancer treatments cost the country over $219 billion.

But the numbers can also be encouraging. Cancer mortality rates are going down, and cancer incidence rates have steadily declined since the early 1990s. With a brand-new, $60 million facility for treatment and research, Carle Cancer Center is on a mission to come up with more of the good numbers.

The new Carle Cancer Center, a collaboration of the Carle Clinic Association and Carle Foundation Hospital, is a 100,000-square-foot building that unites medical staff from all specialties to treat patients in one central location. It houses clinics dedicated specifically to prostate cancer and head and neck cancer, as well as the Mills Breast Cancer Institute. Warm and inviting, Carle Cancer Center was designed to offer a comforting atmosphere conducive to patients’ healing. The building hosts researchers from the University of Illinois who could hold the key to the future of cancer treatment and prevention.

HealtH Care

Carle Cancer Center Houses Research, Technology, Treatment

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Doug and Linda Mills, an active couple known for their success in local business, were no strangers to cancer. Linda first fought off breast cancer in 1991. After 10 years in remission, her cancer returned, and she once again started her fight. It was her will to battle cancer that led the couple to donate $10 million to fund the Mills Breast Cancer Institute. Sadly, Linda Mills lost her life to breast cancer in 2006. But her battle con-tinues, as the new facility funded through her generosity brings treatment and comfort to patients and hope for a cure.

Mills Breast Cancer Institute treats patients with advanced technology in a calming environment. The Institute offers digital mammography as well as two fellowship-trained radiographers with expertise and experience in mammography. Upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, every patient is immediately put in touch with Mills Institute’s nurse navigator, who helps patients through their diagnosis and treatment with education and support.

Research

Carle Cancer Center has devoted the entire top floor of its three-story building to research and is a participant in more than 100 research studies focusing on a wide range of cancers as well as cancer prevention. Carle Cancer Center is an active research facility linked with the National Cancer Institute; its primary research affiliation is with a research group from world-renowned Mayo Clinic.

Cancer survivors and family mem-bers are Carle’s patient advocates, offer-ing emotional support and helping to explain the ins and outs of participating in clinical trials. Patients who participate in clinical trials have access to drugs and therapies they may not otherwise receive under the care of a regular oncologist. Any member of the community can participate in a clinical trial, and many healthy residents of Champaign County are currently in trials that focus on cancer prevention.

Support System

Every patient who receives a diagnosis or treatment at Carle Cancer Center sees a licensed social worker who can supply information on available services, research, financial aid and community resources. Two full-time, oncology-specific social workers are trained in helping patients deal with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Genetic counselors and nutrition coun-selors are also available to patients, and volunteers from the community provide transportation to and from appointments. Carle Cancer Center’s shop features wigs and prosthetics as well as items helpful to those undergoing cancer treatment.

Mills Breast Cancer Institute

Mills Breast Cancer Institute treats patients with advanced technology in a calming

Research

and prosthetics as well as items helpful to those undergoing cancer treatment.


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If it seems like Christie Clinic Convenient Care loca-tions are popping up all over the place, it’s probably because they are.

Since November 2005, Christie Clinic has opened three Convenient Care offices in Champaign: one at Christie on Windsor and two at County Market grocery stores on Kirby Avenue and Glenn Park Drive. In late 2008, Christie in Urbana began offering Convenient Care, and a new Convenient Care at the County Market in the Burnham 310 building on campus opened in 2009.

What Is Convenient Care?Christie Clinic Convenient

Care is the place to go for aller-gies and infections, abrasions and bruises, colds and flu, and sprains and pains. Convenient Care pro-vides health care for non-emer-gency conditions, making it ideal for anyone with kids, people who work the same hours as their doc-tor and anyone who needs medi-cal attention on a weekend or in the evenings.

Christie Clinic Convenient Care offers extended hours, including weekends. Patients don’t need an appointment; they can just walk right in. Convenient Care at Christie Clinic is open to non- Christie patients as well. Led by Dr. Vicki Browder, Christie Clinic Convenient Care is fully staffed with certified physician assistants, family nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses.

Convenient Care at County MarketChristie Clinic was the first health care provider in central Illinois to bring a

Convenient Care to a non-medical retail establishment. “To truly provide medicine for your life, we need to be as accessible as possible

to our patients,” said Alan Gleghorn, Christie Clinic’s CEO. “Partnering with County Market not only makes us more accessible to current patients, but also lets us bring our world-class medical services to even more people in the community.”

With the success of the first Convenient Care at County Market on Kirby and the recent openings of the Glenn Park and Burnham 310 locations, Christie Clinic is preparing to open more Convenient Care offices, with additional County Market locations in the works.

easy AccessChristie Clinic Convenient Care

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Convenient Care at County Market

Convenient Care to a non-medical retail establishment.

to our patients,” said Alan Gleghorn, Christie Clinic’s CEO. “Partnering with County Market not only makes us more accessible to current patients, but also lets us bring our world-class medical services to even more people in the community.”

the recent openings of the Glenn Park and Burnham 310 locations, Christie Clinic is preparing to open more Convenient Care offices, with additional County Market locations in the works.

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It’s hard to recover from injury and illness when under stress, and traveling all over town for doctors’ appointments can make for a rough road to recovery. Provena Covenant recently launched two new programs that aim to treat patients more efficiently, making health care

more convenient and recovery a little easier.

Campus Clinic

In the past, University of Illinois students were forced to either see health care providers at the university’s health center or travel off-campus for doctor’s appointments. But that changed last fall when Provena Medical Group opened a new Campus Clinic at the corner of Oregon and Gregory streets, adjacent to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The Provena Medical Group Campus Clinic is home to Dr. Lenley Jackson, M.D., a family practice doctor who offers holistic options as well as traditional medical care. Dr. Jackson is himself a U of I graduate. The office has free wireless Internet for patients who want to work while they wait.

While Dr. Jackson’s office is open during traditional hours on weekdays, Provena recently opened a clinic in the same location. Students who need to see a doctor for illness or injury now have another option in choosing their medical care during evening and weekend hours.

Human Motion Institute

As technology rapidly advances, health care providers constantly add new orthopedic ser-vices, whether it’s joint replacement or reconstruction, sports medicine, spine care or rehabilita-tion. The increase in orthopedic treatments, coupled with the aging baby-boomer population, means doctors are seeing more patients at a higher frequency and sending them off for a variety of appointments with therapists, surgeons and other clinical staff. For a patient dealing with a musculoskeletal disease like osteoporosis or arthritis, this can mean traveling all over town to receive treatment, slowing down recovery and frustrating patients and their families.

In 2008 Provena Covenant partnered with Human Motion Institute, a company that helps hospitals develop musculoskeletal care programs. The idea is to locate all services that patients need in just two buildings on Provena’s Urbana campus: one area for doctor’s offices and rehabili-tation and a floor of the hospital dedicated solely to patients recovering from joint replacement surgery. Provena Covenant also feels that education is an important part of orthopedic care, espe-cially when some patients may be able to use techniques to delay or avoid surgery altogether.

Provena Covenant Medical Center is easing the demands of accessing care for its patients. This is especially helpful for the elderly, who may have trouble getting around, and for families who transport them.

“The Human Motion Institute is a team of physicians who are dedicated to quality, and the best way we feel to exercise quality of care is to have all disciplines in one facility,” said Skip Pickering, director of the institute. “Pre-op education, surgery, post-op education and physical therapy for orthopedic care — they’re all in one place.”

Centralized ServicesProvena Covenant Opens Community Centers

Most 100-year-olds have given up on new technology and traveling the world. But the American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS), which

turns 100 in 2009, remains strong and healthy as it works to bring together scientists from around the globe.

An international organization with over 4,000 mem-bers, the AOCS is a professional association for indi-viduals and groups with interest in the fields of fats, oils, surfactants (materials that reduce the surface tension of water), detergents and other related materials. AOCS members include governments, academic professionals and industry representatives who work with products like prescription drugs, infant formula, personal care products, edible oils, nutritional supplement oils and a variety of food products. Members from all over the world join AOCS to exchange ideas, get access to training and stay up-to-date in their fields. These members have been involved in the recent development of products like biodiesel engine fuel, omega-3 fatty acids and McDonald’s new trans-fat-free french fry oil.

AOCS employs 38 staff members at its office in Urbana’s Stone Creek Commons. While all of the employ-ees serve the group’s membership, only four are scientists, while others have backgrounds in fields like marketing or education. Formerly based in Chicago, AOCS relocated in 1970, choosing Champaign-Urbana because of its central location and the rich pool of highly skilled employees in the area.

One of the most important things that AOCS has always done is the development of measuring methods for fats, oils and related materials. These methods are used in the creation of many products we consume on a daily basis, from product development, manufacturing and shipping all the way down to the nutritional informa-tion on food packaging.

Aside from access to the latest news on methods and standards, benefits of AOCS membership include the opportunity to participate in industry-specific conven-tions and training seminars around the world. At the AOCS annual North American convention and expo, roughly 600 papers are presented. The organization also presents an international convention every four years that focuses solely on detergents, and prestigious industry leaders like Procter & Gamble present the latest informa-tion on issues such as washing machine technology and environmental friendliness. Another member benefit is access to AOCS’ technical offerings, including three scien-tific journals and two annual magazines, as well as books and other reference materials.

The organization’s most recent membership offering is AOCS Connect, an online network similar to MySpace that allows members to connect across fields. The goal of AOCS Connect is to make it easy for professionals in different fields to share problem-solving methods that can be used across many disciplines. As it grows in popularity, the staff is continuing to expand AOCS Connect to be as interactive and informative as possible.

The Commerce of ChemistryAmerican Oil Chemists Society’s Efforts Reach Consumers Around the World

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Champaign County Chamber of Commerce30 Champaign County Chamber of Commerce30

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The Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Illinois is full of offerings for students, profes-

sors and the community. The academy’s goal is to increase appreciation and understand-ing of entrepreneurship, not just in terms of startup companies, but also by creating value in communities, whether through new busi-nesses or artistic or social ventures.

Programs

Entrepreneurship CourseworkEach year the Academy accepts proposals

from U of I professors who want to create new courses highlighting entrepreneurship or to revise current courses to include study on the topic. Professors whose proposals are accepted receive grants to help them develop their courses.

Research GrantsThese funds are available for professors

researching entrepreneurship in their fields. Grants are also awarded to graduate stu-dents studying entrepreneurship, whether they are developing materials for courses or conducting entrepreneurial research in their fields.

Co-Curricular ActivitiesFive active student organizations allow

participants to explore entrepreneurship with-out committing to coursework or research. These groups include Entrepreneurs Without Borders, an international group founded at the U of I. This group focuses on encouraging students to take what they’ve learned about entrepreneurship and use that knowledge to solve social issues.

Global Entrepreneurship WeekThis international event, hosted in 70

countries around the world, aims to inspire students to think creatively and take action in bringing their ideas to reality. On a local level, activities of the week link students with business leaders to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs. Past events at U of I have included film project competitions, wine-tasting events and a showcase of posters, as well as lectures and high school outreach.

Community Resource“We function as a center of opportunity

for the University of Illinois,” says Academy Executive Director Anthony Mendes, Ph.D., “and we are now supporting people in the community as well.”

The Academy gives $150,000 a year in grants to local entrepreneurs trying to launch or grow a business. And in conjunction with Parkland College, U of I hosts a local weekly television show, Outside the Box, to educate the community on local entrepreneurs and the issues they face.

Education and TrainingThe Academy hosts seminars aimed at

students new to the study of entrepreneur-ship. Topics include subjects like marketing techniques, financing options and writing a business plan. In addition to formal educa-tion, advisors at the Academy work with students informally on a daily basis, giving them the professional advice they need to grow and succeed.

During the 2007–08 academic year, almost 10,000 students were enrolled in a course dealing with issues of entrepreneurship, mak-ing U of I one of the top colleges in the nation for entrepreneurial studies.

Innovation inspirationThe Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership

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Chamber Champions Job seekersWorkforce Solutions: Trailing Partners/Intern Connect

Shelly Hooker moved to Champaign County when her husband took a job with a video game developer. She found herself in a new

town with no friends or family, few contacts and no job. It wasn’t until she found the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s Trailing Partners program that her career search picked up speed.

“I had two job interviews thanks to their help,” Hooker said. “I think this program not only helps the spouses, but also helps the families behind them. I am really grateful for this program.”

It wasn’t long until Hooker herself was hired by her husband's business and resumed her career.

In addition to Trailing Partners, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce also has an Intern Connect program, linking local companies with student interns.

Intern ConnectBetween Parkland College and the

University of Illinois, there are many outlets for students and employers to connect. But if a company wants to network with potential interns from a wide variety of these orga-nizations, the Workforce Solutions: Intern Connect program is the way to go. Intern Connect functions as one central point of contact between more than 20 career services offices from both schools.

When a company wants a high-quality intern, whether it’s to help with a special project or to test out a potential employee, Intern Connect can help find students with the right skills. The program is beneficial for career services staff at the schools as well.

“We have been able to reach out to companies who may not have known who to contact to recruit Illinois talent for intern-ships or short-term projects,” said Amy Fruehling of the University of Illinois’ Business Career Services.

In addition to intern-matching services, companies get help setting up and maintaining their intern programs. Workforce Solutions holds quarterly seminars on topics like starting an intern program or hiring interns. There’s also a best practices seminar, in which panel members from companies with outstanding intern programs share their experiences and insight.

Local companies are finding this program to be of great value, as an aging workforce and competitive market calls for the infusion of young, fresh talent.

When an individual relocates to Champaign County due to a spouse or partner’s job, it can be hard to find

new employment. But for those whose spouses or partners work for a participating member of the Trailing Partners program, help is just a phone call away.

After submitting a résumé, participants receive a consultation so the program director is familiar with their skills and experiences. The Workforce Solutions staff then develops a networking process to put the individual in touch with local employ-ers. Participants are given information on local employers’ Web sites, community job boards and networking groups in their fields. Workforce Solutions staff sends potential employees’ résumés to appropriate companies and can touch base with local contacts to highlight a potential hire.

The program began in early 2008. The Chamber realized it was hearing the same concerns from local employers over and over: Valuable employ-ees were taking positions here only to have their spouses unable to find work. Laura Weis, presi-dent and CEO of the Chamber, came up with the

idea without a model, and staff members sorted out the details as they developed the program. The Chamber has received national attention for this valuable program, and local employers are eager to participate. Every company that has been approached has wanted to join the Trailing Partners program, and there are roughly 200 local employers involved.

Just knowing there’s someone to help newcom-ers to the community has eased the minds of those relocating to Champaign County.

“Knowing there is someone willing to help with the job search and transition process took a huge weight off my shoulders,” said Joe Evans, a trailing partner from San Antonio, Tex.

The program offers participating employers another benefit in recruiting talented employees from around the nation. Every employer who par-ticipates in referring trailing partners also agrees to review the résumés of qualified trailing partners from other businesses. In its first year, Workforce Solutions helped over 50 trailing partners with their local job searches.

Trailing Partners

“I think this program not only

helps the spouses, but also

helps the families behind them.”

31www.champaigncounty.org


While $25 million is an impressive amount of money, it might be more impressive when it’s money

saved instead of spent. By saving $25 million as members of the Chamber of Commerce’s Electricity Co-op, local businesses have spared consumers the effects of increased energy costs, keeping the prices of their goods and services low and keeping life in central Illinois incredibly affordable.

In 2006, the Illinois energy market was deregulated, and prices from traditional sup-pliers skyrocketed. Suddenly there was more than one energy supplier — and businesses were left to decide between a number of retail electricity suppliers with varying rates. Many business owners were overwhelmed by this task and disheartened by the drastic increase in expenses. They knew that increased energy costs would mean raising prices and passing on the expense to valuable customers.

But the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce started to think big. What if all these concerned businesses joined together? By increasing their buying power, a united group of commercial customers was likely to get better rates than members would as indi-viduals. So the Chamber’s Electricity Co-op was born. Chamber members pay an initial fee of $300 per property; large corporations

can include all their locations as long as at least one is located in Champaign County. New rates are negotiated every 12 to 48 months, based on the current mar-ket, and when the new rate is announced, members of the co-op can either accept it or stick with their current provider. When the negotiated contract is up, rates are rene-gotiated and the process starts again. New members can join throughout the year since the Chamber starts a new co-op group

every time there’s interest from at least 25 local businesses.

Collectively this group of close to 500 businesses has saved over $25 million on elec-tricity bills, and that figure continues to grow. But how have individual businesses done?

“We have saved an average of 15 to 20 percent,” said Jim and Tanya Gould, owners of popular downtown Champaign restaurant

Jim Gould. “The change was ‘invisible’ to us as it only results in us receiving a bill from a different company.”

On average, small businesses have saved between 8 and 10 percent a year, while mid-sized businesses have saved about 10 to 14 percent a year. Large companies are seeing savings of about 20 percent a year.

Part of the Electricity Co-op program has been educating business owners on how the energy market works. Just before members receive a bid, the Chamber holds meetings to educate members on current trends in the energy market and the prices they can expect to see.

“We have heard from countless businesses how thankful they are for this program,” said Chamber President and CEO Laura Weis. “Our members continue to save money and have avoided raising prices to keep up with the nationwide jump in energy costs. These businesses are keeping the cost of living in east central Illinois affordable, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the co-op.”

can include all their locations as long as at least one is located in Champaign County. New rates are negotiated every 12 to 48 months, based on the current mar-

Jim Gould. “The change was ‘invisible’ to us as it only results in us receiving a bill from a different

Collectively this group of

close to 500 businesses has

saved over $25 million on

electricity bills, and that

figure continues to grow.

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2005 Jones Ct., Mahomet 217-586-7595 :: www.bobcatofchampaign.com

Bobcat of Champaign is a business with a lot going on, with small and large products for everyone from families to large contracting companies. Since 2005, the company

has been selling Bobcat industrial and construction equipment like loaders, tractors and excavators. It is an authorized dealer of Hustler turf equipment, like riding mowers and compact tractors for large acreages, and a Stihl handheld power equipment dealer, with products for homeowners like hedge trimmers, weed eaters, blowers and chainsaws.

In addition to selling new equipment, Bobcat of Champaign sells used Bobcat equipment and rents construction machinery. Homeowners can rent the tools they need for large projects like spreading mulch or gravel, digging a swimming pool or building a fence. The staff at Bobcat of Champaign can help customers track down parts that are hard to find, whether attachments for loaders and excavators or replacement parts for older equip-ment. In addition to selling and renting equipment, Bobcat of Champaign services customers’ equipment, and its technicians have over 90 years of combined experience.

Bobcat of ChampaignFind the Tools You Need

P.O. Box 423, Rantoul 61866217-893-4113 :: www.triadshredding.com

The growing problem of identity theft has brought about the development of privacy legislation, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which impacts financial institutions, and the Health Insurance

Portability and Accountability Act (or HIPAA) for the nation’s health care industry. So many businesses are affected by this legislation that there is now a great demand for companies that can properly destroy sensitive material. Triad Shredding can destroy everything from financial records and person-nel files to credit cards, invoices and cancelled checks.

“Potentially every business could use us,” said owner Lisa Feig. “Every business has employee files, tax documents and other records. We have a wide variety of customers with a wide variety of needs.”

Triad Shredding began in 2002 and is a joint venture of co-owners and siblings Lisa Feig and Jim Finger. Triad Shredding works with both commercial and residential customers and offers a variety of services, from weekly pick-ups to annual service. In addition to paper, Triad

Shredding can also destroy electronic media, including tape back-ups, CD-ROMs, diskettes, microfilm and microfiche.

Since business has grown since the company’s inception, the facility has as well.

“We upgrade our shredders periodically to handle more volume as business grows,” Feig said.

The business is environmentally friendly, too. When shredding is complete, 1,000-pound paper bales are hauled directly to a paper mill for recycling.

Keeping Businesses SafeTriad Shredding

Farm Credit servicesFinancing Farms and Futures

They can’t make it rain, but Farm Credit Services (FCS) in Mahomet does everything in its power to

help farmers in east central Illinois. This farmer-owned cooperative offers its cus-tomers financial and credit services as well as crop insurance.

FCS offers loans for real estate, machinery and livestock, and operat-ing costs. It finances leases of farm

vehicles or machinery and agribusiness companies like grain elevators and food processors. FCS offers life and disability services and has an investment program with higher returns than traditional sav-ings accounts. FCS also has a loan pro-gram for those just starting out, includ-ing farmers 35 or younger, farmers who gross $250,000 or less and farmers with fewer than 10 years’ experience.

Farm Credit Services’ slogan, “We Understand,” references staff members’ experience in farming, whether they were raised or worked on a farm.

“Our people have backgrounds in farming,” said Rick Swearingen, regional vice president. “We know agriculture better than any other agricultural lender out there.”

Triad Shredding can

destroy everything from

financial records and

personnel files to credit

cards, invoices and

cancelled checks.

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1100 S. Farm Credit Dr., Mahomet217-892-6000 :: www.fcsillinois.com


1000 N. Market St., Champaign 217-351-9500 :: www.herffjones.com

Herff Jones, in business for almost 90 years, provides thousands of high schools, colleges and universities across the nation with education-related products, including graduation apparel, diplomas and class rings.

Herff Jones’ Cap & Gown Division is headquartered in Champaign. This unit manufactures graduation apparel and outfits both students and faculty for kindergarten, high school and college graduations. The Cap & Gown Division also offers special stoles, tassels, cords and hoods to recognize students with significant achievements. The Champaign facility also manufactures and sells robes and accessories for school and church choirs, ministers and judges.

The Cap & Gown Division began in 1926 as a separate com-pany, Collegiate Cap & Gown, in the basement of a building on the University of Illinois campus. Founder H.I. Gelvin managed the com-pany until 1976. After his retirement and several ownership changes, it became a division of Herff Jones in 1979.

Many customers wonder how Cap & Gown Division employees stay busy all year long when graduation only comes once annually.

“It takes all year!” says plant manager Joyce Goode. “In summer things are flooding back in. We sort, clean, inspect and repair our rental gowns, and that takes us through the first of February, which is when we start to get everything ready to go again.”

Factor in the manufacture of choir robes and August and December graduations, and the plant is a busy place.

“There’s activity going on all year round,” Goode said.

Herff JonesCelebrating Educational Achievement

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P.O. Box 96, Savoy 61874 217-722-8294 :: www.illinoiscoffeenews.com

Not only is it family-friendly light reading, but Coffee News is also a way for advertisers to reach clients hungry for something to read. This one-page, locally produced paper is free to readers and contains fun facts, short arti-

cles, horoscopes, trivia, contests and community news. It’s placed in more than 350 restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses, like medical offices, where customers often find themselves waiting. Because the readers of Coffee News are looking to pass the time, they’re likely to read everything on the page, including the ads. The paper is designed to be read in just 10 to 12 minutes.

A rapidly growing international franchise, Coffee News began in Canada in 1988 and came to Champaign County in 2006. In 2008, Jim and Cheryl Stewart became owners of the local Coffee News franchise, publishing three separate weekly editions for Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities.

Advertisers like that the ads are affordable. They’re also exclusive, since only one business per industry can advertise each week. Surveys have shown that many readers put Coffee News back where they found it, so a single paper can be read by several readers.

The Stewarts, who both grew up in Champaign-Urbana, said they bought the franchise because it provides direct support to small business owners who contrib-ute to the community’s economic growth. They want Coffee News to put a smile on readers’ faces while helping to make the community a better place to live.

Coffee NewsCommunity Chat

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From commercial properties to residentialprojects, F.E. Moran, Inc. Fire Protection

has the experience and expertise toperform on time and under budget.

24-Hour Emergency ServiceInstallation, Inspection and Repair

Offices in Champaign & Carterville, IL and Griffith, IN

3001 Research Road Suite A • Champaign, IL 61822Phone (217) 356-0700 • Fax (217) 356-0777

www.femoran.com


1508 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph

217-355-ROOF :: www.theroofingdog.com

Swanson Roofing was started by Cory Swanson in 1996. He began as a subcontractor for general contractors but soon switched his focus to homeowners, and today Swanson Roofing works almost solely on repairing and replacing old roofs. He prides on offering

high-quality work at affordable prices.Swanson was born and raised in Rantoul, so it was an easy decision for him to headquar-

ter his business in Champaign County. He has 10 employees, although that number usually increases to about 20 over the summer, when he hires teachers and college students to help during warm-weather crunch time.

Because Cory focuses only on roof replacement and repair, he is able to give customers the time and attention he feels they deserve.

“I don’t subcontract anything,” Cory stated. “I work on every job with our guys. We try to stay together as one crew to focus on quality. We value taking care of our customers’ homes, and I put the best roof I can on them so that it will last 30 to 50 years.”

Dedicated customer service for homeowners remains one of Cory’s top priorities. He relies on word-of-mouth to build his company’s strong reputation for excellence, and customers are not left disappointed.

“It would be an understatement to say I was pleased with every aspect of the job Mr. Swanson and his crew did on my roof, from start to finish,” said customer and Rantoul resident Don McCall. “I was impressed and delighted, from price to workmanship, and would very highly recommend them to anyone.”

Swanson RoofingTop-of-the-Line Home Repair

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The Wind InsuranceAgency, Inc.

Servicing All Your Insurance Needs

217-337-6660217-337-5785


410 N. Vine St., Urbana 217-367-4066

1705 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-352-2229

www.cartersfurniture.com

Carter’s Furniture, founded by Allen Carter Sr. in 1954, is still owned and operated by Mr. Carter’s family, and his son, Allen Carter Jr., has been the company’s president since 1979. Carter’s carries more than 40 different lines of fine furniture for living and dining rooms, bedrooms, dens, home offices and children’s bedrooms.

The flagship store at the corner of Vine Street and University Avenue in Urbana has 40,000 square feet of showroom and 25,000 square feet of warehouse. Carter’s on Prospect in Champaign has a 14,000-square-foot showroom with the unique ability to showcase furniture as it might be arranged in a home. There are design consultants on staff at both locations.

Furniture is a purchase that people may only make every few years. So what keeps cus-tomers coming back to Carter’s? Bud Leister, a family member and chairman of the board at Carter’s, thinks the answer lies in the company’s individualized customer care.

“Sixty percent of our business is special order,” he stated, “which is different than a lot of furniture businesses in our area. Our customers are able to get exactly what they want when we place an order directly with our manufacturer.”

Carter’s FurnitureStyle and Service

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Isotech Laboratory is in the business of isotope analysis. While isotopes may not pop up in everyday conversation, this local company is a major player in its field. Isotech has worked with

virtually all of the world’s corporate oil giants and continues to expand its facilities across the globe.

Species of atoms of a single chemical element can have the same atomic number and nearly identical chemical behavior, but have dif-ferent atomic mass and different physical properties. These different atoms within a single element are called “isotopes.” Isotope analysis can sometimes reveal the source of a material, whether liquid, gas or solid. This information is valuable to businesses in a variety of fields, but Isotech’s primary client base is large oil companies. A client drilling a new well retrieves natural gas samples and ships them to Isotech, which then creates a fingerprint of the sample that helps determine where the gas was formed and how it’s stored in the earth. This can tell the client whether the gas is from a large pool or smaller pockets.

Isotech was founded in 1985 by Dennis Coleman, Kerry Riley, Jerry Benson and Jack Liu, who all attended the University of Illinois. Three of the founders were employed at the Illinois State Geological Survey. When they started contracting independently with compa-nies using techniques developed by Coleman, business took off and they formed Isotech Laboratories. At first they worked solely with natural gas storage companies but after a few years expanded into other industries. Isotech currently employs more than 30 chemists, technicians and support staff in its Champaign facility.

One of the company’s biggest successes is the IsoTube®, a light-weight, inexpensive container created to take samples of natural gas. IsoTubes® can also be used to transport other types of gas, and it is the container most frequently used by companies shipping samples to Isotech and other laboratories.

Many of Isotech’s clients are located outside the United States. To better assist clients, Isotech has begun an international expansion, establishing satellite laboratories near areas of active oil and gas exploration. Isotech has contracted with labs in Cairo, Egypt, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to serve clients in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South America. Isotech designed and delivered its own analytical systems to these facilities. The host laboratories provide technicians to load IsoTubes® into an autosampler, and analysts in Champaign monitor and control the analytical instru-ments via the Internet.

Isotech’s satellite laboratory concept has allowed it to export its services without exporting jobs. Another satellite facility is expected to open in Australia sometime this year.

Tracking Elemental

Isotech Laboratory

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The National Center for Supercomputing Applications, or NCSA, housed at the University of

Illinois, is home to some of the biggest and fastest supercomputers in the world. These machines help researchers “see” beyond the reach of the most sensitive observational instruments. Through computer simula-tions, they investigate fundamental ques-tions about science, such as how the human body functions at the molecular level, how the universe evolved in the moments after the Big Bang, and how atmospheric forces create deadly storms.

“Everything we do is about enabling science,” said Trish Barker, NCSA’s public information officer. “This organization is about supporting researchers, helping them

do new research and make impor-tant breakthroughs that will benefit our world.”

In addition to scientists’ simula-tions, NCSA also produces images

for mass audiences. Visualization experts at NCSA transform dry data into artful ani-mations that have been showcased at the American Museum of Natural History, in an Oscar-nominated IMAX movie, in tele-vision documentaries, and at planetariums and theaters around the globe. These ani-mations help audiences better understand scientific phenomena like tornadoes and disease outbreaks.

To use NCSA’s supercomputers, research-ers from across the country go through a rig-orous application process. A national peer-review committee evaluates applications and awards hours of computing time. While these scientists are well-versed in computer-assisted research, NCSA staff members pro-vide support to make the supercomputers more user-friendly.

Opened in 1986 as one of the National Science Foundation’s five supercomputer centers, NCSA currently employs just under 300 people. NCSA is supported by the National Science Foundation, the University of Illinois, the state of Illinois, several federal agencies and corporate partners from vari-ous industries like manufacturing and insur-ance. NCSA currently has two locations on campus. A third facility is under construc-tion near the research park and is expected to be completed in 2010.

This new building will house “Blue Waters,” expected to be the world’s largest and most powerful supercomputer for open research when it comes online in 2011. Blue Waters, being developed in collaboration with IBM through a grant from the National Science Foundation, will be capable of per-forming a quadrillion, or a thousand trillion, mathematical calculations per second. With this kind of power, scientists and researchers will be able to model things like the forma-tion of tornadoes, the spread of an epidemic, the performance of an aircraft and the inter-action of molecules with greater detail and more accuracy.

Supercomputing CentralNCSA

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Surrounded by small farming towns and miles of corn and beans, Champaign-Urbana is home to a world-class university and inventors

who are changing the world. These inventors are pioneers in their fields, and their work is affecting the world in big ways.

LED: Nick HolonyakNick Holonyak was inducted into the National

Inventors Hall of Fame in 2008 to honor his creation of the first light emitting diode, or LED, in 1962.

LEDs are used in electronic devices, emergency vehicle lights, traffic lights, electronic billboards, Christmas lights, stage lighting and remote controls.

Over the last 55 years, Holonyak’s work has focused on lasers and transistor technology. His inventions in lasers are used in medical technology, ophthalmology and CD players. Holonyak joined the U of I faculty in 1963. He has mentored hun-dreds of scholars and continues to carefully train and guide the next generation of inventors.

What Happens Here …

Changes the W rldU of I, Local Inventors Pioneer Life-Changing Products and Procedures

Mosaic Web BrowserMosaic is the Web browser

credited with opening up the World Wide Web to the gen-eral public. In the early 1990s, Internet use was limited to indi-viduals working in academia or government. The National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois developed and released Mosaic for free in 1993, and it wasn’t long before millions of people were on the Web. Mosaic was the inspira-tion behind the development of Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, and many features of the original Mosaic are still found in browsers we use today.

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Synthetic CortisoneLewis Hastings Sarett, born in Champaign,

prepared the first synthetic version of the hor-mone cortisone in 1944 and, in 1949, helped initiate a new synthesis for cortisone using materials from coal, air, lime and water.

Natural cortisone, a steroid produced by the adrenal gland during stress, can have limited benefits, as its release is not precise and its effects are short-lived. Alternatively, synthetic cortisone lasts longer, can be re-applied and acts quickly, as it is injected directly into the inflamed area, not released into the bloodstream.

A powerful anti-inflammatory drug, syn-thetic cortisone has multiple medicinal uses, including treatment of rheumatoid disorders, such as arthritis; endocrine disorders; and for organ transplants, as it minimizes the body’s defensive reaction to foreign proteins.

Micronutrient Delivery TechnologyWith the potential to improve the health

of millions around the world, University of Illinois researchers have developed a new tech-nology to deliver micronutrients to poor or rural populations. Led by William Helferich, a team of scientists has created Nutrigems, in which micronutrients like iron, potassium and vitamin A are combined with staple flours to form a dough that is pressed through a hand-held extruder. The result is grain packed with micronutrients that can easily be added to regular food without affecting taste. This tech-nology is easy to use and extremely affordable, costing less than a nickel per child each year. Micronutrient deficiencies affect more than 3 million people around the world, and imple-mentation of Nutrigems could help developing countries combat child mortality and improve children’s vision, growth, immune systems and brain development.


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United States competed in the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Seven of them have

ties to the University of Illinois.

Kevin AndersonTennis – South Africa

Anderson played tennis for U of I for three outstanding seasons before turning pro after his junior year in 2007. He and partner Ryan Rowe won the NCAA doubles title in 2006 and finished as runners-up in 2007. He was defeated in the first round of doubles play at the 2008 Olympics but made it to the second round of singles.

Susanna KallurTrack – Sweden

A member of Illinois’ 2001 world-record-setting shuttle hurdle relay team, Kallur ran track for the Fighting Illini in 2001 and 2002. She has won a number of international races and finished 11th in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. She made it to the second semi-final of the 100-meter hurdles in the 2008 Olympics but was elimi-nated by a fall.

Gakologelwang MashetoTrack – Botswana

Masheto, a senior during the 2008–09 sea-son, is a four-time Big Ten champion and two-time All-American. He has competed inter-nationally and recently set the NCAA indoor record for the 500-meter dash. Masheto ran the 400-meter dash in Beijing but did not advance to the finals.

Chris RobinsonBaseball – Canada

Robinson was a catcher at the University of Illinois for three years, leaving for the majors in 2005 after his junior year. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and then traded to the Chicago Cubs, playing in the minor leagues for both clubs. Robinson played for the Canadian national baseball team, which made it to the Olympic finals but lost in the group stage.

Justin SpringGymnastics – United States

At the University of Illinois, Spring was a standout in high bar and parallel bars and a four-time NCAA champion. He holds numer-ous school records and was a 12-time All-American. After graduating in 2006, Spring was hired as assistant coach of the Illinois men’s

team. He continued training and overcame various injuries, including a torn ACL, knee surgery and back spasms, to land a spot on the 2008 Men’s National Team. Spring competed in vault, high bar, floor and parallel bars to help the U.S. men’s team win a bronze medal.

Deron WilliamsBasketball – United States

A team leader during the Illinis’ 2004–05 run to the National Championship game, Williams left U of I in 2005 after his junior year to enter the NBA draft. He racked up countless awards as a point guard at Illinois and has gone on to become an NBA superstar after being selected third overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2005 draft. He scored seven points in the final game of the Olympics, helping the U.S. men’s team defeat Spain for the gold medal.

Emily ZurrerSoccer – Canada

Zurrer, a senior defender at the U of I during the 2008–09 season, was a two-time All-American and the Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year in her sophomore season. The Canadian women’s soccer team played four games at the 2008 Olympics and reached the quarter-finals before losing to the United States in overtime.

2008 U of I Olympians

Shots from the Olympics

Tribute to Olympic AthletesChampaign Park District’s Dodds Park, located near Parkland

College in northwest Champaign, is home to the “Tribute to Olympic Athletes” monument, which bears the names of almost 30 Olympians, including speed-skater Bonnie Blair, a five-time gold medalist raised in Champaign who attended Centennial High School. Dedicated in 1991, the monument is designed to signify the long and difficult path athletes travel to compete in the Olympics.

Other Olympic Ties to Champaign CountyGill Athletics

Another Champaign County connection to the Olympics is Gill Athletics, the oldest and largest manu-facturer of track and field equipment in the world. The company recently expanded its headquarters, located in Champaign’s Apollo Industrial Park. Almost 80 years old, Gill Athletics builds almost two-thirds of the vaulting poles used in high school, college, national and international competitions and supplied vaulting poles, discuses and javelins for the 2008 Olympics. The company’s research has led to the develop-ment of the Pacer Carbon FX pole, a light and powerful pole made from fiberglass and carbon fiber. Athletes from across the nation visit the Champaign factory where their equipment is made.

Chris Robinson Gakologelwang Masheto Kevin Anderson

Susanna Kallur Justin Spring

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FAST FACTS: • There have been two generations of the Olympic

Games; the fi rst were the Ancient Olympic Games held at Olympia, Greece. The second, known as the Modern Olympic Games, were fi rst revived in 1896 by the Greek philanthropist Evangelis Zappas, in Athens, Greece.

• International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded in 1894 on the initiative of a French nobleman, Pierre Frédy, Baron de Coubertin.

• Olympic motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” — “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”

• The fi ve colored rings on a white fi eld form the Olympic fl ag. The colors—white, red, blue, green, yellow, and black—were chosen because every nation had at least one of these colors in its national fl ag.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games


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Five years ago, Don Flynn saw that independent travel teams, or “travel ball,” was taking off. He had a hunch teams would want to play in Champaign-Urbana.

Flynn and his wife DeeDee own and operate First Pitch Baseball Inc., organizing tournaments in Champaign for traveling baseball teams. These competitive teams, built through tryouts, are for boys ages 9–14. First Pitch primarily draws teams from central Illinois and the Chicago suburbs, but there are often tournament entries from Indiana, Missouri and as far away as Ohio and Kentucky. Almost every tournament sells out. Roughly 35 to 40 teams travel far enough that they must stay in town overnight, and First Pitch’s customers fill an average of 2,500 hotel rooms each summer.

Flynn began his involvement with travel ball by coaching his two sons’ teams. As the family toured the region, he frequently heard from coaches who were eager to visit Champaign-Urbana. In 2004, Flynn began to rent Dodds Park in northwest Champaign and Zahnd Park in southwest Champaign.

“We have a great relationship with the Champaign Park District,” Flynn said. “They have excellent facilities, take great care of the fields and are easy to work with. Teams come to Champaign to play because we have nice fields and a nice mix of teams.”

The tournament season runs from April through late July, and 2009 marks First Pitch Baseball’s sixth season, with steady growth every year. First Pitch’s Web site, www.firstpitchbaseball.com, is the company’s primary tool for doing business, with scores, schedules and standings online.

Flynn finds that his customers love to visit Champaign and enjoy their weekends here, shopping, eating out and, of course, playing some ball.

“Champaign-Urbana is a very nice community, a great place to raise kids,” Flynn stated. “Other folks are attracted to come here for a variety of reasons; it’s a great place to visit, and a lot of University of Illinois alums want to come back to visit with their children.”

“Play Ball!”First Pitch Baseball Brings Tourneys to Champaign

Little Illini Soccer Club, or LISC, a not-for-profit soccer organization, has been around for over 25 years. Its unique

approach to soccer training puts competition on the back burner and encourages develop-ment of skills and enjoyment of the game.

The club’s focus on training and friendli-ness has helped the organization to increase its player retention rate to over 95 percent.

“Our focus is on sportsmanship and devel-opment,” said Mike Kobylinski, LISC’s direc-tor of coaching. “The only kids who have left have gone on to bigger clubs in St. Louis or Chicago.”

Kids can play for LISC when they’re as young as 7 or 8, and most keep playing through their teens. Many LISC players go on to play in high school and at colleges across the country, and some continue to play locally, either at Parkland College or on the University of Illinois club team. One of LISC’s most suc-cessful alums is Ella Masar, recently drafted by the Chicago Red Stars pro soccer team after a successful college career at Illinois.

LISC began in 1982 when parents of play-ers from two independent teams decided to

pool resources and develop more structured play and training at a higher level. What started with a few teams has grown into 360 participants on 22 teams in the 2008 season. About 20 coaches work with the teams, including some who coach or play at U of I.

“Our coaches are licensed by either USSF (United States Soccer Federation) or NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America),” said Kobylinski. “Most coaches have played in high school or college, and all have had training in youth soccer coaching.”

As they try to draw attention away from the competitive aspect of soccer, coaches look to increase players’ skills through exercises that involve the entire team.

The academy program for players age •9 and under (U9) creates a group of 30 to 40 kids who train together. LISC then mixes rosters for training and friendly matches instead of making cuts once players turn 8 years old. For the U10 and U11 age brackets, •LISC tries to maintain two equally skilled teams instead of dividing players by ability. By allowing kids

to play as equals, LISC hopes to retain players and encourage them to continue playing as they get older. Once players reach the U12 age •bracket they begin to travel regionally throughout central Illinois. Players in U15 through U19 travel •out of state for tournaments and showcases. In the summer of 2008, LISC had its •fi rst U23 team, made up of former Little Illini players, Parkland athletes and others who traveled from as far as Springfi eld and played on college teams as far away as Iowa and Missouri.

One of LISC’s biggest undertakings is host-ing its two popular regional tournaments, one at Dodds Soccer Complex and the other at the University of Illinois soccer fields. LISC’s tournaments bring thousands of tourists to Champaign County, filling restaurants and booking hotels solid. One of the big draws of the tournament is that all players get free admission to Fighting Illini soccer games, a real treat for young players.

Kids Get Their KicksLittle Illini Soccer Club

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Warren Hood has seen a lot of sta-dium renovations. An associate athletic director at the University

of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Hood was the go-to guy for the recent reno-vation of Memorial Stadium. Before he began working on the details, Hood traveled across the nation to over a dozen NCAA Division I schools to see how others have tackled such a massive project.

“We took a lot of ideas from a lot of places,” Hood said.

The staff at the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, or DIA, knew Memorial Stadium was in need of an update that would make games more comfortable and enjoyable for visitors while preserving the architecture of this historic structure. As they began work on the design of the $121 million renovation, Hood and his staff were adamant that the his-toric aspects of the stadium, which was built during World War I and dedicated in 1924, remain untouched. The exterior of Memorial Stadium claims several proud architectural details like stately columns, original brick façades and ramp towers. Crews worked hard

to avoid damaging these features during con-struction, and DIA spent an extra $20 million to ensure that the new structure in the West Stadium remained inside the building, away from the historic façade. Architects and DIA

staff worked closely with the Illinois Historical Preservation Society throughout the construc-tion process.

Work on the stadium began immediately after the end of the 2006 football season and was completed just in the nick of time, with construction crews working right up to game time of the 2008 season home opener. Excited patrons filled the stadium to enjoy enlarged public concourses, updated concession stands, wider aisles and new restrooms. The stadium’s big-screen video board was moved from the

north end zone to the south, and in its place was a brand-new standalone structure with 5,000 permanent seats to accommodate the student section and the marching band. Along with an expanded press box, there are newly constructed luxury boxes that offer a different kind of game-day experience.

The presales of luxury boxes played a large part in funding the renovation. DIA is grateful to local businesses and individuals who showed their support for the team and the university by buying into the luxury box program when the plans were just an idea.

“We wouldn’t have been able to start if our donors and fans didn’t step forward. Their faith in what we were going to build and have on the field was critical,” said Hood.

West Stadium is now home to a nine-story structure housing club seating and a greatly expanded press box. On the first few floors are several different club seating areas that offer a variety of amenities:

The Colonnades Club has outdoor •seating under a balcony that protects fans from the elements. Club

gridiron upgradesMemorial Stadium Renovation

Along with an expanded

press box, there are newly

constructed luxury boxes

that offer a different kind of

game-day experience.


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members enjoy extra-wide seating in theater-style chairs, along with access to the club lounge, a VIP lobby, enhanced restrooms and exclusive dining options. The 77 Club offers similar features as •the Colonnades Club, but the luxury seating is indoors. Closed-circuit television helps keep fans involved in the game.The Memorial Stadium Suites, •the ultimate luxury, are especially attractive to businesses that want to treat employees and clients. The lease of a suite includes 18 tickets to each home game, priority parking, gourmet catering, a private bar and windows that can open in nice weather or remain closed.

During his visits to other schools, Hood came to see that the design of club space was vital to a stadium renovation project.

“Club spaces have become places for people to have events,” he said. “Memorial Stadium’s new club space hosts wedding receptions, community events and fundrais-ers. We spent more money on finishes and the end product knowing it would be used on a year-round basis.”

Above the pavilion, in the press box, game-day staff work to ensure that games run smoothly. The new press box offers far more space as well as modern amenities, better seat-ing and improved sightlines. Enhanced tech-nology like high-speed wireless Internet helps members of the press work more efficiently. The network television booth is several times

larger than the old space, and there’s addi-tional room for outside media.

One of the biggest highlights of the reno-vation isn’t even visible to fans. Along with the new permanent seating structure, the north end of the stadium features a two-story, 30,000-square-foot weight room and a foot-ball recruiting lounge. It also houses strength coaches’ offices and locker rooms for coaches and staff. Head coach Ron Zook loves to show off the space to football recruits, according to Hood. Large glass walls allow recruits to take in the sights of the stadium and then walk directly on to the field.

“To look right out on the field, sit up next to the band and the students … that’s impres-sive,” Hood said.


www.hiexpress.com/tuscolail

[email protected]

1201 Tuscola Blvd.Tuscola, IL 61953

217-253-6363

www.baymontinns.com

Phone: 217-253-3500Fax: 217-253-2773

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has funded a $15 million grant initiative to allow increased access to recreation.

Spread throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, the program has funded develop-ment of more than 40 new recreation venues.

In Champaign County, the Access to Recreation grant is administered by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. The foundation worked with the Champaign Park District, the Urbana Park District, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) to evaluate how

this grant money could best be applied. The organizations all saw a need for univer-sally accessible fishing piers for both adults and children. The Community Foundation is overseeing development of accessible fish-ing piers at Champaign’s Kaufmann Lake, Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park and the Forest Preserve’s River Bend location.

Floating platforms are attached to the shore by an accessible ramp, and transition plates make a barrier-free path from the ramp to the pier. Special railing allows those who are seated to fish through the rail, and small stations are handy for tackle boxes and workspace.

“When the fishing piers are completed, they will offer a form of recreation that people with certain disabilities would never have had the chance to experience,” said Tony Oligney-Estill, CUSR director. “CUSR also plans to offer beginning fishing programs to a wide range of people from youth through adult.”

As part of the grant, the Community Foundation was required to raise a $135,000 endowment to fund additional projects that make recreation accessible for all. The Kellogg Foundation will match this amount dollar-for-dollar, so residents can expect to see more accessible recreation projects in the future.

Realizing Recreation for AllHandicapped-Accessible Fishing Piers

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smith/burgettarchitects, inc.

102A W. Main StreetUrbana, IL 61801

217.367.8409www.sbarchtx.comFull Line of Tools & Equipment Available!

(217) 352-5620

$ave your Bucks • Rent from u$


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Bian* South of Kirby Ave., just east of I-57 3.5

Boulder Ridge* 1/4 mi. north of Bradley Ave. & Staley Rd. 18

Porter Family* Just north of Rising Rd. & Windsor Rd. 38.0

Toalson* Bardeen Ln. & Leggett Ln. 7.0

Patterson 300 block of W. Main St. .25

Weaver*‡ E. Main St. at Smith Rd.

*Currently under development.‡Currently not open to the public.

Award-Winning Parks SystemsAward-Winning Parks SystemsAward-Winning Parks Systems


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T Boneyard Arts FestivalThis festival is presented every April by

40 North | 88 West, Champaign County’s Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council. Named for the creek that runs through Champaign-Urbana, the festival presents the work of hundreds of artists at dozens of ven-ues around the county. For three days, busi-nesses and organizations host everything from wearable art shows and interactive multi media installations to exhibits at hair salons and bak-eries and a bike-decorating parade and com-petition. Participating artists span all genres and media of the performing and visual arts. The festival’s downtown Champaign venues feature theater and live bands.

Street Theatre Fest

This one-day event, held in downtown Urbana during the Boneyard Arts Festival, is hosted by the Prompting Theatre, a local theater group made up of adult actors with developmental disabilities. The festival also hosts performances from other groups,

including local community theatres and the Zoo Improv Troupe.

Ebertfest

Ebertfest is the film festival and celebra-tion of Roger Ebert, the longtime Chicago Sun-Times movie critic and television host. An Urbana native, Ebert hosts the festival at the Champaign Park District’s Virginia Theatre, a historic movie theater in downtown Champaign. While the festival is organized by the University of Illinois College of Media, the dozen or so movies screened are hand-picked by Roger Ebert, and filmmakers often attend at his invitation to discuss their work. Festival passes sell out quickly, and fans wait in long lines for single tickets.

Downtown Festival of the Arts

The Champaign Park District hosts this festival each summer along Neil, Main and Walnut streets in the heart of downtown Champaign. Dozens of regional artists display

and sell their works as a panel of judges hands out awards. Multiple stages host music and dance performances.

Blues, Brews and BBQ

The City of Urbana’s summertime blues fes-tival features activities and games for children as well as beer-tasting for adults. Everyone can enjoy the jam-packed blues performance schedule. Held at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana, authentic barbeque and soulful blues set this festival apart.

Meadowbrook Jazz Walk

The Urbana Park District hosts its annual Jazz Walk in early fall amid the lush sur-roundings of Meadowbrook Park, a prairie habitat preservation area. Strolling past the park’s large collection of outdoor sculptures on paths lit by luminaries, visitors take in a variety of jazz, from solos and small combos to large bands.

Feasts for the Eyes, Ears and soulAnnual Arts Festivals


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The Champaign-Urbana community has been gifted with a wealth of talented individuals who work to promote the

performing and visual arts. The arts make an impact of $33.7 million on the local economy every year. These crusaders strive to improve both the economic and artistic climate in Champaign County. The following are recipi-ents of ACE Awards, which are given to indi-viduals who advocate the arts.

Jeff MellanderThe owner of Precision Graphics, one of

the industry leaders in textbook illustrations, Mellander has a passion for supporting artists and arts organizations. His company has cre-ated a mentoring program for Parkland College’s graphic design and digital media students. Mellander also works to preserve and restore historic buildings in downtown Champaign.

Mike RossRoss is executive director of the Krannert

Center for Performing Arts, which to many is the cultural capital of the community. He participates on the boards of numerous local, state and national organizations, including the American Arts Alliance. His interests lie in preserving historical art while moving forward to explore what is new and relevant.

Nadja and Carl AlstetterFor 50 years, Nadja and Carl Alstetter have

worked to promote the CU Symphony. They have served in many capacities as fundraisers, advocates and recruiters. The Alstetters have

created and lead the organization through many creative fundraising projects, and their impact on the symphony is incalculable.

Scott Schwartz and Adriana CuervoAs the director and assistant director of the

Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, Schwartz and Cuervo work to promote the his-toric music of our country. The center, part of the University of Illinois Libraries, is home to record-ings and artifacts related to historical American music. Schwartz and Cuervo take educational programs into local schools and help others to celebrate American Music Month.

Dr. Ian WangWorking to increase awareness

of the arts in Rantoul, Dr. Wang writes articles about the arts for the Rantoul Press, including historical and social contexts in his writ-ing. He is chairman of the board of the Spurlock Museum and a fixture at local art openings.

Patrick HarnessA popular local artist, Harness

volunteers his time for a variety of arts organizations, including Artists Against AIDS and the Boneyard Arts Festival. He often donates his own work for exhibitions and has been part of the grassroots move-ment to raise local awareness of the arts.

Brian HagyFifteen years ago, Hagy founded the

Prompting Theatre, a group of adults with dis-abilities from Developmental Services Center who stage theatrical performances. Over the years, this group has grown from just seven members to more than two dozen. Hagy has brought the arts to many participants who otherwise might not have had the chance.

Arts AdvocatesChampaign County’s ACE Award Winners


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88 Broadway Piano Bar138 Lincoln Square, Urbana ..................... 384-3267

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Alexander Steakhouse202 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign ............... 359-1789

Atlanta Bread Company1905 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 356-8040

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Bentley’s Pub419 N. Neil St., Champaign ...................... 359-7977

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano2235 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 356-4300

Billy Barooz Pub & Grill2521 Village Green Pl., Champaign .......... 355-8030

Blues BBQ1103 W. Oregon St., Urbana ..................... 239-9555

Boltini, Inc.211 N. Neil St., Champaign ...................... 378-8001

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar907 W. Market View Dr., Ste. 5, Champaign ................................. 378-44001335 Savoy Plaza Ln., Savoy ................... 356-9464

Bunny’s Tavern119 W. Water St., Urbana .......................... 367-8175

Burger King608 S. Staley Rd., Ste. B, Champaign ....... 398-0194

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Carmon’s415 N. Neil St., Champaign ...................... 352-5880

Cheddars2101 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign .......... 356-7388

Chester St., Inc.63 Chester St., Champaign ....................... 356-5607

Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurant103 W. Marketview Dr., Champaign .......... 355-7300

Cold Stone Creamery505 E. Green St., Champaign ................... 367-5555

Courier Cafe111 N. Race St., Urbana ........................... 328-1811

Cowboy Monkey6 E. Taylor St., Champaign ........................ 398-2688

Cracker Barrel2101 N. Kenyon Rd., Urbana .................... 344-9087

Culver’s903 W. Marketview Dr., Champaign .......... 356-81322302 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 352-1699

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D. Q. Grill & Chill3602 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign .............. 373-2412

Dairy Queen911 W. University Ave., Urbana ................. 344-4108

Dunkin’ Donuts/ Baskin Robbins/Dunkin’ Deli515 S. Neil St., Champaign ....................... 359-7005

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El Toro Bravo Mexican Restaurant2561 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ....... 351-7024

El Toro II1805 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 378-7807

Esquire Lounge106 N. Walnut St., Champaign .................. 398-5858

restaurant & lodging guide

Dining DelightsChamber Member Restaurants and TavernsArea code is 217.


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Farren’s Pub & Eatery, Inc.308 N. Randolph St., Champaign .............. 359-6977

Fat City Bar & Grill505 S. Chestnut St., Champaign ............... 607-0614

Flat Top Grill607 S. Sixth St., Champaign ..................... 344-3200

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Great Harvest Bread Co.2149 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 398-5623

Guido’s2 E. Main St., Champaign ......................... 359-3148

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Hickory River Smokehouse1706 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana ........... 337-1656

Hideaway of the Woods809 S. Prairieview Rd., Mahomet ............. 586-7722

The Highdive51 E. Main St., Champaign ....................... 356-2337

Hilton Garden Inn1501 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 352-9970

Hooters of Champaign1706 S. State St., Champaign .................. 355-7682

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J T Walker’s Restaurant & Sports Bar401 E. Main St., Mahomet ........................ 586-1100

Jim Gould1 E. Main St., Champaign ......................... 531-1177

Jimmy John’s43 E. Green St., Champaign ..................... 344-62001511 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign .......... 359-67001811 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign ................ 359-9100601B E. Green St., Champaign ................. 344-4443807 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana ...................... 328-3100

Joe’s Brewery706 S. Fifth St., Champaign ...................... 384-1790

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Doing right by people... We thank our employees for their community dedication!


Junior’s Burgers & Cozy’s Custard1511 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ....... 355-9020

Jupiter’s at the Crossing2511 Village Green Pl., Champaign .......... 366-8300

Jupiter’s Pizza & Billiards39 E. Main St., Champaign ....................... 398-5988

K

Kam’s618 E. Daniel St., Champaign ................... 337-3300

Kennedy’s at Stone Creek Restaurant2560 S. Stone Creek Blvd., Urbana........... 384-8111

Krannert Center - Intermezzo500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana ................... 333-8412

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Le Peep2209 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 352-7599

LUNA116 N. Chestnut St., Champaign .............. 356-5862

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Marble Slab Creamery1211 Savoy Plaza Ln., Savoy ................... 359-5950

McAlister’s Deli421 Town Center Blvd., Champaign .......... 355-6480

McDonald’s1605 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 359-4020

Merry-Ann’s Diner1 E. Main St., Champaign ......................... 531-1160

Mezzaluna2502 Village Green Pl., Champaign .......... 352-3333

Mike N Molly’s105 N. Market St., Champaign ................. 355-1236

Minneci’s401 S. First St., Champaign ...................... 352-4425

Monical’s Pizza103 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign .................. 356-4243

Murphy’s Pub604 E. Green St., Champaign ................... 352-7275

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Noodles & Company528 E. Green St., Champaign ................... 367-2000

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O’Charley’s730 W. Town Center Blvd., Champaign ............................................ 355-3901

O'Leary's Pub3540 N. Vermilion St., Danville ................. 442-1485

The Office II302 S. Country Fair Dr., Champaign.......... 714-6008

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant30 E. Anthony Dr., Champaign .................. 351-6339

Original Pancake House1909 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ....... 352-8866

Outback Steakhouse2402 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign .......... 398-3322

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Panera Bread1765 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign ................ 355-98851903 Convenience Pl., Champaign ........... 239-5000

Papa Del’s Pizza206 E. Green St., Champaign ................... 359-7700

Pia’s Sports Bar & Grill1605 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ....... 351-1993

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Quiznos515 Town Center Blvd., Champaign .......... 351-5116

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New Dawn Counseling Centernewdawncenter.com

Marie Pritchard, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Counseling Individuals and Families

Counseling for Abuse, Anxiety, Relationships, Depression, Grief, Loss, Stress Management

Accessible by MTDNo Waiting ListHome Visits AvailableStudent Insurance AcceptedSliding Fee Available

4110 COLLEEN DRIVE

CHAMPAIGN, IL 61822PHONE: 352-0144

FAX: 352-0161

WWW.WITTEELECTRIC.COM


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Red Lobster1901 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign .......... 355-2577

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Sandella's Flatbread Café700 S. Gregory St., Ste. D, Urbana............ 365-0401

Seaboat403 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign .................. 355-9933

Seasons Restaurant1001 Killarney St., Urbana ........................ 328-7900

The Seven Saints32 E. Chester St., Champaign ................... 351-7775

Silver Mine Subs612 E. Daniel St., Champaign ................... 328-5000

Silvercreek402 N. Race St., Urbana ....................217-328-3402

Smoothie King1912A Round Barn Rd., Champaign ......... 351-0800

Soma Ultralounge320 N. Neil St., Champaign ...................... 356-0006

Sun Singer Wine & Spirits, Ltd.1115 W. Windsor Rd., Champaign ............. 351-1115

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T.G.I. Friday’s100 Trade Centre Dr., Champaign ............. 352-5595

Texas Roadhouse204 N. Country Fair Dr., Champaign ......... 355-9901

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White Horse Inn112½ E. Green St., Champaign ................ 355-7007

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Za’s2006 W. Springfield Ave., Champaign ....... 355-49901905 N. Neil St., Champaign .................... 355-4990

Zelma’s1103 W. Windsor Rd., Champaign ............. 359-1994

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Benefi t Planning Consultants, Inc.

� ird Party Administrator

2110 Clearlake Blvd., Suite 200Champaign, IL 61822

(217) 355-2300

www.bpcinc.com


Area code is 217 unless otherwise noted.

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Baymont Inn & Suites302 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign ............... 356-89001006 Southline Rd., Tuscola ..................... 253-3500

Best Western Paradise Inn709 N. Dunlap Ave., Savoy ....................... 356-1824

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Comfort Inn of Champaign305 Marketview Dr., Champaign .............. 352-4055

Country Inn & Suites602 W. Marketview Dr., Champaign .......... 355-6666

Courtyard by Marriott1811 Moreland Blvd., Champaign ............ 355-0411

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Days Inn1019 Bloomington Rd., Champaign .......... 356-6873

Days Inn of Farmer City975 E. Clinton Ave., Farmer City ........309-928-9434

Drury Inn905 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign ............... 398-0030

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Eastland SuitesHotel and Conference Center1907 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana ........... 367-8331

Econo Lodge Inn and Suites914 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign ........ 356-6000

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Fairfield Inn1807 Moreland Blvd., Champaign ............ 355-0604

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Hampton Inn at U of I1200 W. University Ave., Urbana ............... 337-1100

Hanford Inn & Suites2408 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana ........... 344-8000

Hawthorn Suites Ltd.101 Trade Centre Dr., Champaign ............. 398-3400

Area code is 217 unless otherwise noted. Courtyard by Marriott Econo Lodge Inn and Suites

Be Our GuestChamber Member Hotels, Motels and Bed and Breakfasts

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QUALITY REPAIRS AT A GOOD PRICE

Michael F. Helbling, Owner

(217) 352-8822

Email: [email protected]


Hilton Garden Inn1501 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 352-9970

Holiday Inn ExpressI-57 & Route 36, 1201 Tuscola Blvd., Tuscola ...................... 253-6363

Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center1001 Killarney St., Urbana ........................ 328-7900

Homewood Suites by Hilton1417 S. Neil St., Champaign ..................... 352-9960

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I Hotel and Conference Center1802 S. First St., Champaign .................... 819-5000

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La Quinta Inn1900 Center Dr., Champaign .................... 356-4000

Linda’s Oak Meadows Bed & Breakfast Resort789 County Rd. 3300 N, Dewey ............... 897-1775

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Microtel Inn1615 Rion Dr., Champaign ........................ 398-4136

Motel 61906 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana ........... 344-1085

RRamada902 W. Killarney St., Urbana ..................... 328-4400

Red Roof Inns212 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign ............... 352-0101

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Sleep Inn1908 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana ................... 367-6000

Super 8207 S. Murray Rd., Rantoul ...................... 893-8888

Sweet Dreams Bed & Breakfast300 E. Adams St., Pesotum ...................... 722-5109

Sylvia’s Irish Inn (formerly Lindley House B&B)312 W. Green St., Urbana ......................... 384-4800

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Value Place1212 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign ............. 359-5499

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Congratulations to the seniors at Central and Centennial High Schools for being awarded

$1,455,575in scholarships this year!

Seniors from

Champaign Central

and Centennial High

Schools were

accepted to colleges

and universities

including the following:

Art Institute of Chicago, Brigham Young, Brown, Butler, Cal State Fullerton,

Carthage, Carlton College, Central College, Chicago State, Coffeyville Com-

munity College, Columbia College, Cornell, Depaul, Eastern Illinois, Elmhurst,

Fashion Institute of Technology, Georgetown, George Washington, Harper

College, Hinds Community College, Holyoke Community College, Illinois

Institute of the Arts, ISU, Indiana, Joliet Jr. College, Kendall College, Lincoln,

Loyola, Marquette, McKendree, Miami, Michigan State, Millikin, Northern

Illinois, Rock Valley College, Southern Illinois, St. Louis School of Pharmacy,

St. Louis, Syracuse, Truman State, Tuskegee, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky,

Louisville, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Minnesota, Missouri,

University of Illinois, UI Chicago, Vanderbilt, Vandercook College of

Music, Wabash, Washington University, St. Louis, Wesleyan, Western

Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Whitworth, Whittenberg, Yale

2008


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ADVERTISING PUBLICATIONS

Coffee News — page 38P.O. Box 96 Savoy, IL 61874217-722-8294cheryl@illinoiscoffeenews.comwww.illinoiscoffeenews.comCoffee News is a FREE weekly publication delivered to restaurants and businesses where you wait. It provides affordable EXCLUSIVE business category advertising, while providing fun and entertaining stories for readers.

ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES

Creative Visions Limited — page 41200 Turner Drive Rantoul, IL 61866217-892-2960 fax 217-892-2680lschiff@creativevisionsltd.comwww.creativevisionsltd.com• Promotional Products• Incentive Programs• Graphic Design• Corporate Apparel

AIRPORT

University of Illinois Willard Airport — page 1111 Airport RoadSavoy, IL 61874217-244-8600www.FlyCMI.comServed by American Airlines and Northwest Airlines, with daily flights to Chicago O’Hare, Cincinnati, Dallas-Ft. Worth and Detroit. Use CMI Tripster to compare travel costs — visit www.FlyCMI.com.

ALARM SERVICE

A-1 Alarm Service, Inc. — page 54208 South Chestnut St Champaign, IL 61820217-359-3914 fax [email protected] more than 40 years, A-1 Alarm Service has been working to keep Champaign County homes and busi-nesses safe by installing, servicing, and monitoring security and fire alarm systems.

AMUSEMENTS/RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

Old Orchard Lanes & Links — page 61901 N. Dunlap Avenue Savoy, IL 61874217-359-5281 fax 217-359-5278lanesandlinks@oldorchardinc.comwww.oldorchardinc.comTwenty-lane bowling center, snack bar with great thin-crust pizza, full-service bar with new indoor-outdoor patio, 36-hole miniature golf course with clubhouse. Birthday & corporate parties available.

ARCHITECT

Smith / Burgett Architects, Inc. — page 52102A West Main Street Urbana, IL 61801217-367-8409 fax 217-367-6725www.sbarchtx.com• Architecture • Engineering • Planning• Interior Design

ARTS

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts — page 48500 South Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801217-333-6700 fax 217-244-0810KrannertCenter.comSince 1969, Krannert Center has served as a premier educational and professional performing arts complex that nurtures excellence and innovation in the arts through education, presentation, community service and research.

Wind Water & Light — page 4310 Main Street Champaign, IL 61820217-378-8565windwaterlight@aol.comwww.windwaterlight.comExperience the friendly and home-like atmosphere of our gallery as our guest. Discovering the wide variety of handmade artwork produced by our wonderful art-ists is a true adventure.

ASSISTED LIVING

Bridle Brook Adult Community — page Outside Back Cover1505 Patton Drive Mahomet, IL 61853217-586-3200 fax [email protected] to Bridle Brook, a friendly and premier assisted living community. Our community contains 48 private apartments and 30 special care suites for Alzheimer’s care. Call for more information.

ATTORNEy

Meyer Capel, A Professional Corporation — page 43306 West Church St Champaign, IL 61820217-352-1800 fax 217-352-1083www.meyercapel.comMeyer Capel believes strongly in developing expertise and teamwork. Each attorney concentrates in one or more areas of legal practice and is dedicated to providing the highest caliber of legal services.

Singleton Law Firm — page 592001 S. First St., Suite 209 Champaign, IL 61820217-352-3900 fax 217-352-4900singleton@singletonlawfirm.comwww.singletonlawfirm.comSingleton Law Firm is dedicated to serving the legal needs of business and individual clients with an emphasis in the areas of corporate, intellectual prop-erty and commercial real estate law.

Webber & Thies, P.C. — page 58202 Lincoln SquareP.O. Box 189 Urbana, IL 61801217-367-1126 fax 217-367-3752• Transactional Business Law• Estate Planning & Probate• Environmental Law• Real Estate Law• Employment Law• Litigation

AUTOBODy REPAIR

Helbling Auto Body — page 60501 E University Avenue Champaign, IL 61820217-352-8822 fax 217-352-7429Helbling Auto Body is great small shop. Easy to find. We guaranty our work, quality paint matching and fast turn around. In business for 18 years. I Car trained and certified.

AWNINGS, CANOPIES & TENTS

TCT & A Industries — page 17308 East Anthony DriveP.O. Box 638 Urbana, IL 61803217-328-5749 fax [email protected]• Awnings • Custom Sewing • Graphics• Curtain Walls • Industrial • Instant Shade • Tent Rental • Banners

CHURCHES

Grace Community Church — page 92901 Watterson Drive Champaign, IL 61822217-373-1271 fax 217-373-1272www.findinggrace.comGrace is a church focused on finding... Finding your way on your spiritual journey. Finding hope. Finding truth in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. You’ll love what you find at Grace!

COMPUTERS

Doctor Micro Inc. — page 45907 West Marketview Dr., Suite 343Champaign, IL 61822217-778-8203 fax (800) [email protected]• Professional IT Services for Small to Medium Businesses and Home users.• Server, Workstation & Home Custom-Builds, Networking, Upgrades, Repairs, Disaster Planning and Data Recovery. • Laptop Repair• Microsoft Certified Partner.

SupporTech Computers, Inc. — page 27720 S. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820217-352-7300 fax [email protected] is a Central Illinois-based service busi-ness best in customer service, repair, and installation of all PC computer-related products — Custom-built computers, home and business networking services, guaranteed lowest labor prices.

CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS, SINKS AND FIREPLACES

Uptown Custom Concrete Products — page 41214 Hartle Ave. Urbana, IL [email protected] Custom Concrete designs and creates unique countertops, sinks, fireplace-surrounds, bar-tops, and furniture. Learn how we can help build your vision and add value with hand-crafted, quality, and envi-ronmentally friendly concrete creations.

CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTORS

F.E. Moran Inc., Fire Protection — page 393001 Research Road, Suite AChampaign, IL 61822217-356-0700 fax 217-356-0777www.femoran.comFrom commercial properties to residential projects, F.E. Moran, Inc., Fire Protection has the experience and expertise to perform on time and under budget.• 24-hour emergency service• installation• inspection• repair

Holland Home Remodeling, Inc. / Holland Construction & Remodeling — page 9401 East Vine Street Champaign, IL 61820217-352-7605 fax 217-352-7636hollandremodeling@yahoo.comwww.hollandhomeremodeling.com• Licensed, Insured, MAFBE• Residential • Commercial• Complete Repair and Renovation• New Construction • Additions• Kitchen • Bath • Decks • Roofs• Ceramic and Hardwood Floors

Kurland Steel Company — page 15510 East Main StreetP.O. Box 442 Urbana, IL 61803217-367-2323 fax 217-328-6758www.kurlandsteel.comSuppliers of all of your steel needs, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cold rolled steel.Fabricators of structural steel and steel building products.

Pettyjohn Builders — page 38P.O. Box 3686 Champaign, IL [email protected] Home building and remodeling

TC Tatman General Contractors — page 15805 East Perkins Road Urbana, IL 61802217-365-9198 fax 217-365-9367www.tctgc.comTC Tatman is a full-service general contractor spe-cializing in commercial warehouses and industrial buildings, offices, retail, banks, apartment buildings, and commercial development.

COUNSELING

A Woman’s Fund — page 511304 East Main Street Urbana, IL 61802217-384-4462 fax 217-384-4383www.awomansfund.org

New Dawn Counseling Center of Central IL — page 582500 Galen DriveBuilding W, 4L Champaign, IL 61821217-351-2611 fax 217-351-2612cmpcounseling@gmail.comwww.newdawncenter.comCounseling adults, children, adolescents, families and groups. Today’s life issues such as abuse, ADHD, anxiety, depression, divorce, grief/loss, relationships and stress management are addressed. There is no waiting list and home visits are available.

CUSTOM FURNITURE

Techline-Green Street Studio — page 3424 East Green St. Champaign, IL 61820217-352-5570www.techline-cu.comQuality built modular furniture that fits any space, style or budget. Take advantage of our free design services. Locally owned for 23 years!

CUSTOM WOODWORKING

Nusbaum Custom Carpentry, Inc. — page 62P.O. Box 189 Mansfield, IL 61854217-489-9560 fax 217-489-9540www.nusbaumcc.comWe offer manufacturing, supply and installation of millwork, custom cabinetry and countertops, built-ins, mantels, and pre-hung doors. We have designers on staff. All work done by our employees.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign — page 272001 S. First Street, Suite 107Champaign, IL 61820217-265-7618 fax [email protected] Illini Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) is provided by the Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and helps support businesses in the community. Discover the experts, networks, and tools to grow your venture.

Index of Advertisers


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EDUCATION

Champaign Unit 4 School District — page 61703 South New St.Champaign, IL 61820217-351-3822 fax 217-351-7386www.champaignschools.orgChampaign Unit 4 schools provide high-quality cur-riculum and instruction in advanced academics, in the fine arts and in extracurricular activities. Contact the Community Relations Office at 351-3822 for more information.

Eastern Illinois University School of Continuing Education — page 64600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920217-581-5114800-446-8918 fax 217-581-6697www.eiu.edu/~adultedEastern Illinois University School of Continuing Education offers bachelor's, master's and specialist degrees at various sites across Illinois and special-izes in nontraditional formats, such as evening courses, weekend courses and technology delivered courses.

Greenville College — page 21315 East College Greenville, IL 62246888-818-4625www.greenville.eduThe Greenville College Adult Degree-Completion pro-gram offers classes on the Parkland College campus. Students can complete a Bachelor’s degree in 18 months, taking classes one night per week.

Urbana School District #116 — page 59205 North Race St. Urbana, IL 61801217-384-3600www.usd116.org

ELECTRICAL - CONTRACTORS

Witte Electric Co. — page 584110 Colleen Drive Champaign, IL 61822217-352-0144 fax 217-352-0161www.witteelectric.com

EMPLOyMENT AGENCIES

Spherion — page 48701 Devonshire Drive, C-2 Champaign, IL 61820217-359-4488 fax 217-363-1968www.spherion.com/champaign_ilFull-service staffing company, locally owned and operated since 1981. Traditional temporary work, temp-to-hire and direct hire capabilities. Pre-employment screening services also available.

ENERGy CONSULTING

NPL Associates, Inc. — page 10912 West Armory Ave. Champaign, IL 61821217-356-5402 fax [email protected] has developed a compact, high power density fuel cell for distributed power applications. Power levels range from 10 to 1000 watts. Demonstration units are available.

ENGINEERING

Geocon Engineering, Inc. — page 343000 Research Road, Suite 1Champaign, IL 61822217-403-9990 fax 217-403-1559www.geocon.ccGEOCON is a consulting engineering firm specializing in Environmental, Geotechnical, and Construction Testing Services. With offices in Champaign, Crescent City, Riverton and Frankfort, Illinois, GEOCON offers clients over 100 years of consulting engineering experience.

GHR Engineers & Associates, Inc. — page 481615 South Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820217-356-0536 fax 217-356-1092www.ghrinc.comProfessional Consulting Engineers providing mechani-cal and electrical system design for buildings and infrastructure including plumbing, sanitary, process piping, fire protection, heating, ventilating, air condi-tioning, lighting, power, alarm and communications systems.

Sodemann & Associates, Inc. — page 13340 N Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820217-352-7688 fax 217-352-7922www.sodemann.comFull-service consulting civil engineering firm founded in 1955. Providing site engineering and surveying work, street design and maintenance, storm drainage studies, design and construction of water and waste-water systems, infrastructure management, structural engineering, as well as grant and loan management.

Vegrzyn, Sarver and Assoc., Inc. — page 924 E. Green St., Suite 18Champaign, IL 61820217-359-6603 fax 217-359-0430www.veg-sarv.comTotal Service Engineering and Surveying Firm providing ALTA, Topographical and Property Surveys, Engineering Services for Municipalities, Subdivision and Commercial Development and Land Planning Services

ENGINEERS, SURVEyORS AND PLANNERS

Berns, Clancy & Associates, PC — page 52405 East Main Street Urbana, IL 61802217-384-1144 fax 217-384-3355www.bernsclancy.comBerns, Clancy and Associates provides site/civil engineering, planning and surveying services for street design and maintenance, stormwater drainage studies, water and wastewater system, infrastructure management and grant/loan administration.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Central Illinois Bank — page 512913 Kirby Avenue Champaign, IL 61821217-355-0900 fax 217-366-0186www.centralillinoisbank.comOffering all of the financial products and services you need to create the life you want, while providing unparalleled personalized service. The bank for you. Your bank for life!

Commerce Bank, N.A. — page 361015 W. Windsor Rd. Champaign, IL 61821217-359-9790www.commercebank.comThrough Commerce Bank’s super-community strategy, Commerce delivers sophisticated, competi-tive products with high levels of personal service. Commerce Bank provides a diversified line of financial solutions to individuals and businesses in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Solutions include business and personal banking, trust and brokerage, cash management, international banking, and capital market services.

First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust — page 572229 S. Neil Champaign, IL 61820217-359-9837www.firstmid.comFirst Mid has three banking centers in Champaign County, each with a drive-up ATM for 24-hour service. Access our Toll Free Telephone Banking at 800-500-6085.

Hickory Point Bank & Trust — page 11701 Devonshire Drive Champaign, IL 61820217-351-7100 fax 217-351-7818www.hickorypointbank.comHickory Point Bank & Trust is a full-service financial institution that distinguishes itself by providing exceptional service and expertise in a personal bank-ing environment.

Strategic Capital — page 251608 Broadmoor Drive Champaign, IL 61821217-398-3800 fax 217-356-0670www.strategiccap.comFull-service bank and trust company that caters to clients who have business and investment needs. Our excellent personal service and expertise make us the financial institution of choice in our community.

U of I Employees Credit Union — page 402201 South First StreetP.O. Box 500 Champaign, IL 61824-0500217-278-7700 fax [email protected] U of I Credit Union puts your financial needs first. Serving our Employees, the Campus and Champaign County communities with great rates on auto loans, mortgages and checking. Visit us at www.uiecu.org!

FLORIST

Campus Florist — page 45609 East Green St Champaign, IL [email protected] flower arrangements for all occasions. Delivery on campus and surrounding areas.

FORGING

Clifford-Jacobs Forging Co. — page 64P.O. Box 8302410 North 5th Street Champaign, IL 61824-0830217-352-5172 fax 217-352-4629www.clifford-jacobs.com• Producing custom gear forgings in carbon, alloy, stainless and tool grades of materials• Complete die-shop on premises• Heat treat and rough-turning services available• ISO 9001:2000 Certified“Forging Partnerships of Value Since 1919”

GOLF COURSE

Stone Creek Golf Club — page 622600 S. Stone Creek Blvd Urbana, IL 61802217-367-3000 fax 217-384-5453www.stonecreekgolfclub.comOPEN TO THE PUBLIC• 18-Hole Championship Golf Course• Golf course boasts generous Bent Grass fairways, tees and greens• Full Service Golf Shop, Practice Facility with Bent Grass tee and practice green

HEALTH CARE

Carle Clinic Association — page 29602 W. University Avenue Urbana, IL 61801217-326-1894www.carle-clinic.comWith 330 physicians in 50 medical and surgical specialties, Carle Clinic’s network of regional clinics provides comprehensive care to patients throughout central Illinois and western Indiana.

Christie Clinic — page 26101 West University Ave. Champaign, IL 61820217-366-1200www.christieclinic.comServing East Central Illinois since 1929, Christie Clinic’s approach to meeting your health care needs is simple: We find the best doctors and staff, imple-ment the latest medical technology, and surpass our patients’ expectations.

Health Alliance Medical Plans, Inc. — page 35301 S. Vine St. Urbana, IL 618011-800-851-3379TTY 866-883-8551 for the hearing impairedwww.healthalliance.orgHealth Alliance offers health insurance products, including HMO, PPO, POS and even high-deductible health plans that are compatible with HSAs and HRAs. Health Alliance also offers Third Party Administrative services.

Provena Covenant Medical Center — page Inside Front Cover1400 West Park Street Urbana, IL 61801217-337-2143 fax 217-337-2089www.provenacovenant.comThe Provena Medical Group is a network of skilled, compassionate health care professionals dedicated to building communities of healing and hope in Champaign and Vermilion counties.

HEATING & COOLING

Chief / Bauer Heating & Air — page 44520 North Hickory Champaign, IL 61820217-352-5211 fax 217-356-9276www.chiefbauer.com

HOME HEALTH CARE

Alpha-Care Health Professionals — page 43115 North Neil Street, Suite 106Champaign, IL 61820217-398-4100 fax 217-398-4175www.alpha-care.comAlpha-Care Health Professionals specialize in skilled and unskilled home care services. We provide CNAs for daily assisted living as well as RNs and LPNs for “in-home” nursing care.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

The Home Depot — page 54820 Bloomington Rd. Champaign, IL 61820217-356-2629www.homedepot.comMonday–Saturday 6 a.m.–10 p.m,Sunday 8 a.m.–7 p.m.• Installation services available. • Come to our Kids Workshop the first Saturday of every month 9 a.m.–noon.

HOTELS/MOTELS/BED & BREAKFASTS

Baymont Inn & Suites - Champaign IL — page 2302 West Anthony Champaign, IL 61822217-356-8900 fax 217-356-9253gm@baymontchampaign.comwww.baymontchampaign.comBaymont is pleased to provide our guests with excep-tional service and quality amenities at an affordable price. You can enjoy our:• Fitness Center• Business Center• Conference Room• Wireless Internet• Complimentary Breakfast


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Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center — page 11907 North Cunningham Urbana, IL 61802217-367-8331 fax 217-384-3370stay@eastlandsuites.comwww.eastlandsuitesurbana.comConvenient location and great service! Enjoy daily breakfast, wireless Internet access, area shuttle service and indoor heated pool! Weekly and monthly rates available.

Hawthorn Suites, LTD — page 2101 Trade Centre Drive Champaign, IL 61820217-398-3400 fax 217-398-6147www.cuhawthorn.com• Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet• Complimentary High-Speed Internet• Full Cable TV and Pay-Per-View Movies• Indoor Pool and Hot Tub• Meeting Facilities — 11 Rooms, Food and Beverage Catering Available

Hilton Garden Inn — page 191501 South Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820217-352-9970 fax 217-398-5763www.champaignurbana.stayhgi.com

Homewood Suites by Hilton1417 South Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820217-352-9960www.champaignurbana.homewoodsuites.comWelcome to the Premier Hotels in Champaign County — The Hilton Garden Inn & The Homewood Suites by Hilton, both opened in November of 2006.

Holiday Inn Express / Baymont Inn & Suites - Tuscola IL — page 51I57 & Rt. 301201 Tuscola Blvd. Tuscola, IL 61953217-253-6363 fax 217-253-6655www.hiexpress.com/tuscolailBAYMONT INN & SUITES1006 Southline Rd. Tuscola, IL 61953217-253-3500 fax 217-253-2773www.baymontinns.com

HOUSING/APARTMENTS

Parkview Senior Apartments — page 17100 North Parkview Lane Savoy, IL 61874217-352-3938 fax 217-352-4441parkview@flahertycollins.comwww.flahertycollins.comSenior living at its best! One- and two-bedroom units from $430–$895 with most utilities included. Call us at 217-352-3938 to find out about our great senior community.

Royse & Brinkmeyer Apartments — page 19211 West Springfield Street Champaign, IL 61820217-352-1129 fax 217-378-2257www.roysebrinkmeyer.comImmaculate Apartments at Exceptional Prices!• Over 20 choice locations• Amenities for every budget

Town & Country Apartments — page 551032 Kerr Avenue Urbana, IL 61801217-344-7717 fax 217-344-2722www.tandcapartments.comAt Town and Country Apartments you will enjoy easy living, great convenience, luxurious space, 10 unique floorplans and 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Come join us today!

INSURANCE

Kurt Lenschow-State Farm Agent — page 92309 Village Green Place, Suite CChampaign, IL 61822217-352-1411 fax [email protected] 20 years of experience. Specializing in reloca-tions. Contact us today about Home, Auto, Life, Health and Business Insurance. Convenient office hours Monday-–Saturday and by appointment.

Snyder Insurance — page 132500 Village Green Place Champaign, IL 61822217-531-8000 fax 217-351-7654www.snyder-ins-agency.comSnyder Insurance is an independent insurance agency based in Central Illinois. We specialize in providing comprehensive and competitively priced insurance for business clients, as well as personal insurance for auto, home, life and health.

The Wind Insurance Agency, Inc. — page 40P.O. Box 767 Champaign, IL 61824217-337-6660 fax [email protected]

INVESTMENT

Busey Wealth Management — page 35100 W. University Ave.P.O. Box 260 Champaign, IL 61824-0260217-365-4800wealthmanagement@busey.comwww.busey.comBusey Wealth Management has managed money for families, endowments, foundations, and corporations for 80 years. Our team of investment professionals cares for more than $3.9 billion of institutional and individual client assets.

JANITORIAL SERVICES

McGuire Janitorial Services — page 411203 Hagan Street Champaign, IL 61820217-359-0856 fax [email protected] cleaning; bathrooms (only), vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, windows, stripping, waxing, burnishing, shampooing.

MEDIA

The News-Gazette — page 4115 East Main P.O. Box 677 Champaign, IL 61824217-351-5252 fax 217-351-5291www.news-gazette.comYour most comprehensive and reliable source for local news, sports and entertainment in East Central Illinois. Locally owned and operated, we have been serving our communities since 1852.

MEETING/CONFERENCE CENTER

University of Illinois at U/C - Levis Faculty Center — page 40919 West Illinois St Urbana, IL 61801217-333-6241 fax 217-244-9367www.levis.uiuc.eduThe Levis Faculty Center provides space and an environment conductive for university, business, and community groups to meet for educational and social purposes.

MORTGAGES

Centre Mortgage, Inc. — page 48304 South Neil St Champaign, IL 61820217-356-3500 fax [email protected] mortgage lender offering conventional 30, 25, 15 and 10 year fixed rates. We also offer FHA and Rural Development Loans. We are locally owned and operated.

NON-PROFIT

Champaign County Humane Society — page 601911 East Main Street Urbana, IL 61802217-344-7297www.cuhumane.orgProviding shelter and care to companion animals in need. Adopt your next pet from CCHS.

PRINTING

Custom Color Graphics — page 341050 W. Bloomington Road Champaign, IL [email protected]

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

Champaign County Economic Development Corp. — page 61817 South Neil Street, Suite 201Champaign, IL 61820-6261217-359-6261 fax 217-359-1809www.champaigncountyedc.orgThe Champaign County Economic Development Corporation through public-private partnerships con-tinually improves the local economy by successfully driving business attraction, retention and expansion.

REAL ESTATE

Prudential Snyder Real Estate — page 292500 Village Green PlaceChampaign, IL 61822 217-351-SOLDwww.prudential-snyder.comPrudential Snyder Real Estate is recognized as one of the leading real estate agencies in Central Illinois. By providing local market expertise, we offer “Service Beyond Expectations!”

RE/MAX Choice — page 212919 Crossing Court Champaign, IL 61822217-359-3131 fax [email protected]/MAX Choice is the new name for Brady Miller Inc. We are a full-service real estate office, specializing in marketing homes and assisting buyers with home purchases.

RE/MAX Realty Associates — page 452009 Fox Drive, Suite GChampaign, IL 61820-7349217-352-5700 fax 217-352-0108www.RealEstateChampaign.com

Stone Creek Marketing Team — page 172701 S. Boulder Drive Urbana, IL 61802217-344-1988 fax 217-378-1201yourteam@stonecreekurbana.comwww.StoneCreekUrbana.comStone Creek for all seasons of life. From grad student to retiree, we have all that you’re looking for. Home sites, new homes, zerolot and previously owned homes. Beautiful view, miles of walking paths sur-rounding 18-hole golf course.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

The Atkins Group — page 32–332805 South Boulder Drive Urbana, IL 61802217-367-2121 fax [email protected] is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to development, and we understand that. The Atkins Group is proud to provide one-on-oneservice to its clients. We ask you the right questions, so we can establish design and construction param-eters to fit your specific needs.

RECREATION

Urbana Park District — page 44505 West Stoughton Urbana, IL 61801217-367-1544 fax 217-367-1592www.urbanaparks.orgUrbana’s was the first park district in Champaign County. Our neighborhood and community parks and recreation facilities offer a variety of indoor and outdoor options for all ages.

RENTAL SERVICE STORES & yARDS

Rental City — page 152508 North MattisP.O. Box 7080 Champaign, IL 61826217-359-6127 fax [email protected]


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RESTAURANTS

Hickory River Smokehouse — page 101706 North Cunningham Ave. Urbana, IL 61802217-337-1656www.hickoryriver.comFast-casual Texas-style barbecue featuring hickory-smoked beef brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, turkey breast and more! Homemade sides, desserts. • Dine-in • Drive-thru • Catering • Large Order Delivery

Minneci’s — page 40401 S. First St. Champaign, IL 61820217-352-4425www.minnecisristorante.comExperience delicious Italian cuisine in a fun, family-friendly environment. Specializing in fine family din-ing, our Italian restaurant has something for every-one. Banquet Room and Catering is also available.

RETAIL

Flooring Surfaces, Inc. — page 61401 East Mercury Champaign, IL 61822217-398-1990 fax 217-398-9007www.flooringsurfacesinc.com

RETAIL - FOOD

Supervalu — page 652611 North Lincoln Avenue Urbana, IL 61801217-384-2736 fax 217-384-2687www.supervalu.com

RETAIL - NATURAL FOODS

Common Ground Food Co-op — page 401 Lincoln Square Village Urbana, IL 61801217-352-3347 fax 217-352-2214www.commonground.coopLocal, organic, and natural foods.Store open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. • Deli open 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

ROOFING

Swanson’s Roofing — page 401508 East Grand Ave St. Joseph, IL 61873217-355-7663 - main line217-841-5640 fax 217-469-7459www.theroofingdog.comSwanson’s Roofing is the home of “The Roofing Dog.” They specialize in residential roofing. All their work is backed by a 30- to 50-year warranty.

SERVICES - CUSTOMER

McCabe Brothers Tool Rental, Inc. — page 52411 North Wright StreetP.O. Box 562 Champaign, IL 61820217-352-5620 fax 217-352-5937www.mccequiprental.comFull-service rentals: • Construction • Homeowner• IndustrialDelivery and pick-up is available for a nominal fee, including outside the Champaign-Urbana area. March–November: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday • December–February: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Monday–Friday, Saturday 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

SEWER SERVICES

Schoonover Sewer Service Inc. — page 10P.O. Box 6027 Champaign, IL 61826217-239-0106

Complete Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service. We Clean Any Drain!• Shower & Tub Drains• Kitchen Drains• Toilets• Main Sanitary Lines• Hydro Jetting• TV Sewer Inspection

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Communication Data Group — page 57102 South Duncan Road Champaign, IL 61822888-234-4443 fax 217-351-6994www.cdg.wsCDG is a telecommunications billing solutions source for landline, Internet, CableTV, VoIP and IPTV convergent billing, electronic billing, service provisioning, customer care, mediation, and Carrier Access Billing (CABS).

Midwest Communications Group, Inc. — page 631910 North Federal Drive, Suite 111Urbana, IL 61801217-344-5678 fax 312-577-0960www.mcginc.usTelecom services and management for small to medium businesses in Illinois and Indiana. Local POTS/PRI, Long Distance Switched/Dedicated/Toll Free, LAN/WAN, Internet T1-OC3, Wireless Internet, Wireless Cellular/walkie-talkie/data/GPS. Sprint/Nextel Sales and Service.

THIRD PARTy ADMINISTRATION - EMPLOyEE BENEFITS

Benefit Planning Consultants, Inc. — page 592110 Clearlake Blvd., Suite 200Champaign, IL 61822217-355-2300 fax [email protected] services for 401(k)/403(b)/DB/Flex/HRA/HSA/COBRA/POP/Cafeteria Plans/Profit Sharing/457/ESOP, and online enrollment. In business for 30 years, earning various honors and winning the 2006 Business of the Year award.

TOWING SERVICES

Reynold’s Towing Service, Inc. — page 151417 West Kenyon Road Urbana, IL 61801217-337-0913 fax 217-352-9277www.reynoldstowing.bizReynolds Towing serves the community 365 days a year, utilizing the latest in towing technology and equipment. We pride ourselves on prompt, courteous service and customer satisfaction.

TRANSPORTATION

Champaign / Urbana Mass Transit District — page 271101 East University Ave. Urbana, IL 61802217-384-8188 fax 217-384-8215www.cumtd.comThe Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District provides public transportation services to Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, and the University of Illinois Campus. Take the MTD when you gotta get there.

TUTORING CENTER

The Reading Group — page 553011A Village Office Place Champaign, IL 61822217-351-9144 fax 217-351-9149www.readinggroup.orgThe Reading Group is a not-for-profit learning center that serves all ages and skill levels by providing one-on-one tutoring in a variety of subject areas.

VETERINARIAN

Curtis Road Animal Hospital — page 62210 West Curtis Road Savoy, IL 61874217-351-5814 fax 217-351-8104www.curtisroadvet.comCurtis Road Animal Hospital provides you and your pets with high-quality care. We offer boarding as well as bathing services for all household pets.

VIDEO CONFERENCING

Area Wide Reporting — page 38301 West White St Champaign, IL 61820217-356-5119 fax 217-356-9551www.areawide.netArea Wide Video Conferencing offers broadcast quality ISDN video conferencing. This allows you to meet face-to-face without the hassles and expense of travel. Ideal for interviews, presentations or depositions.

VISION

The Eye Center — page 54403 Windsor Road Champaign, IL 61820217-352-2020 fax [email protected]“Where Your Eyes are the Center of Our Attention”• Eye Exams, Glasses, Contacts• Laser Surgery - PRK, LASIK, LASEK• Diabetic and Glaucoma Treatment• No Shot, No Stitch, Cataract Surgery• Retinal Evaluation and Treatment

WEB DESIGN

Kuvedina — page 10 & 411509 Greyrock Ln Champaign, IL 61822630-544-7680 fax [email protected] company that enables Web Sites and eMarketing that work. Really work. Need your Brand, Logo, Web, Print, Business Cards developed? Project Budget < $200? Contact 630-544-7680 or [email protected].

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