Second Quarter 2014

Message froM the ChairManour Chamber has a long-standing tradition of supporting and promoting commerce in our community. one way we continue to be successful in carrying this mission forward is “advocating Business Perspectives” which is a direct result of our strate-gic initiative and business plan. to move our respective communities forward, it’s imperative that our members, board, community leaders and elected officials work together creating solutions for issues vital to our future economic successes.

at the helm of the Chamber’s decision making process is the Board of Directors. as the Chairman of the Board, i’m honored to work with this diverse group of 20 busi-ness leaders who work together to ensure the Chamber stays focused on its mission and strategic goals. While the Board has the ultimate authority in this process, it is incredibly important to gauge our member’s perspectives as decisions by our board are not made lightly. Communication and feedback from our membership provides direction to the board when making the ultimate decision on their behalf. for every member poll, there is a committee to review the results and provide recommenda-tion to the full board for consideration of potential action. i urge you to let your voice be heard by participating in our member polls which can help affect change when needed for the business climate in McLean County.

our organization is only as strong as our members allow, and by communicating and collaborating together your Chamber can continue its long-standing tradition. help us help your business in making McLean County a vibrant, progressive business com-munity and overall a “great place to do business”!

Bill LawrenceChairman of the Board

On the Cover:spring tulipsPhoto Courtesy:Viva La flora

JULY 8 - AUGUST 9

The Theatre at EwingPhoto: Peter Guither; Pictured: Kevin Rich (Comedy of Errors, 2013)

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Our 2014 Season features a trilogy of uniquely interwoven plays best experienced together: Elizabeth Rex, Much Ado About Nothing, and Antony and Cleopatra.

Reserve your section/seats today! Call Brandon at (309) 438-3586

In January the McLean County Chamber of Commerce kicked off a new series called Breakfast Business Briefs. A business community issues series, Breakfast Business Briefs is scheduled monthly and includes traditional break-fast fare and a one hour “brief” addressing a particular issue relevant to the McLean County business community.

Issues to date have included the 1% sales tax proposal by McLean County Schools, the proposed referendum for the modified ward sys-tem for the City of Bloomington, and an informational brief featuring State Representative Dan Brady focused on what the new concealed carry law means for Illinois businesses.

Several of the subjects featured at the events have focused on political topics, and it is important to note that the Chamber has and will con-tinue to be very intentional in offering both sides of any issue the opportunity to present factual information

at the Breakfast Business Briefs. It is not the Chamber’s intent to use the events as a forum to promote a political agenda, but that the briefs would help the Chamber continue to be a primary resource for our members by providing access to the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding matters that affect business in our community.

“The Breakfast Business Briefs series has been great,” says Todd An-derson, Senior Vice President at Busey Bank. “The series has been a great resource for myself and other business leaders who have been in attendance, with topics that are timely and

have the ability to impact the McLean County business community. The early start time with breakfast and the condensed format is perfect for getting the information I need without taking time out of my busy work day schedule.”

Future topics for the Breakfast Business Briefs will be de-termined based on surfacing issues that affect business in McLean County. For the latest updates on future events and issues being covered visit www.mcleancochamber.org. Members should also join the Chamber’s email list for up-to-date communications on the Breakfast Business Briefs as well as other Chamber resources.

Breakfast Business Briefs ProViDe Businesses aCCess to inforMation

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Mary McElvain, George Grahamm and Andy Netzer lis-ten as State Rep. Dan Brady discusses the new Concealed

Carry Law and what it means for Illinois Businesses.

Ryan Fiala shares his views on the Modified Ward proposal for Bloomington during the February brief.

Don’t miss the McLean County Chamber of Commerce twin Cities showcase, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ex-perience the companies, products and services available right here in your own back yard!

hosted at the Doubletree by hilton hotel on Wednesday, april 30, from 11am-2pm, the twin Cities showcase is McLean County’s premier Business-to-Business trade show featuring more than 80 local businesses.

Visitors will enjoy the taste of the showcase, featuring local restaurants and catering companies who will be serving up free samples from 11:30am-1pm.

for more information about the showcase including a complete list of vendors and taste of the showcase participants please visit www.mcleancochamber.org today!

LeaDershiP MCLean County noW aCCePting aPPLiCations for 2015 CLassthe McLean County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 2015 Class of Leadership Mc-Lean County.

open to members and non-members of the Chamber, Leadership McLean County is an eight-month program that engages a select group of individuals in unique, intentional learning opportunities and projects which grant expo-sure to community leaders and organizations, new perspectives and a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities in McLean County.

Visit www.mcleancochamber.org for more information and to complete the online application. the deadline for applications is friday, May 11.

Please contact shari Lauer at 309-829-6344 or shari@mcleancochamber.org if you have questions about Leadership McLean County or about the application process.

shoWCase set to feature More than 80 LoCaL Businesses

2014 Class of Leadership McLean County takes time for a group photo during their orientation retreat.

Cafe Italia owner, Frank Composto, talks to Showcase visitors and hands out samples at the 2013 Twin Cities Showcase.

CirCLe & sMaLL Business suMMit triPsthe McLean County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer several opportunities for business and com-munity leaders to meet with state and federal elected officials to discuss issues affecting business.

Small Business SummitThe u.s. Chamber of Commerce’s 10th annual small Business summit from June 10-12 in Washington, D.C., brings to-gether small business owners from across the country and across industries to network, learn new tactics for growing your bottom line, and hear the latest on pressing issues that could impact the small business community.

the cost is $1,500 which includes registration to the summit accommodations at the omni shoreham hotel, meals and cocktail receptions. airfare is not included, attendees will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the conference.

CIRCLE Trip to SpringfieldCentral illinois regional Chambers Legislative effort (CirCLe) is going to springfield on april 30.

nineteen Central illinois Chambers of Commerce are working together to promote a common agenda with the illinois general assembly. We have surveyed our mem-bers to identify issues of importance across the region and now we need to share those issues with key mem-bers of the general assembly. these will be issues that impact your business and our region, so please join us for an all-day session on april 30.

our delegation will leave at 7:30am from the McLean County Chamber of Commerce office, 2203 e empire street in Bloomington. Cost for the day is $45 and in-cludes delegate breakfast, luncheon, issue briefings, and delegate materials.

Contact todd Lowery, government and Public affairs Manager at todd@mcleancochamber.org or 309-829-1188 for more information.

aDMinistratiVe ProfessionaLsLunCheonthe McLean County Chamber of Commerce invites bosses, supervisors, assistants and administrative profes-sionals to join us at 11:30am, Wednesday, april 23 at the Doubletree by hilton hotel for our administrative Professionals Luncheon. a special event to recognize and celebrate the work of office professionals through-out McLean County for their diverse contributions to the workplace.

this year’s luncheon will feature a keynote presentation by Becky ropp, Director, talent Management at groW-Mark, inc., entitled eat that frog, a program to help you understand and deal with procrastination, priority management and every day distractions. Based on a Book by Brian tracy, “eat that frog; 21 great Ways to stop Procrastinating and get More Done in Less time” the presentation will introduce attendees to the basic concepts of the book and challenge them to “eat the big frogs” at the beginning of each day!

the afternoon cul-minates with the presentation of the Chamber’s top administrative Pro-fessional award.

for more informa-tion about the administrative Pro-fessionals Luncheon please visit www.mcleancocham-ber.org or contact Pat grosso at 309-829-1187.

2013 Top Administrative ProfessionalAndrea Hoggins, State Farm

Chamber members rally on the steps of the US Capitol during the Small Business Summit

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A Truly �ceptional �perience

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To make a reservation or book a group event,contact 309.862.9000 or visit us online atwww.marriott.com/bmimc.

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eChi CeLeBrates tWo DeCaDes of serViCetwenty years ago a unique group of local business leaders joined together to ensure that businesses of all sizes would have effective healthcare solutions and support when purchasing employee benefits. that group called themselves the employers’ Coalition for healthcare inc. (eChi) and today the wholly owned subsidiary of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce continues to offer both large and small businesses access to quality group health insurance.

Delays and developments have affected elements of the law but it remains clear that the affordable Care act intends to require most individuals be covered with at least minimum healthcare benefits through either an employer provided insurance, a plan offered through the individual market or a government sponsored plan.

as the news continues to distinguish healthcare reform with delays, adjustments and political debate it’s important to find allies that can help cut through the rhetoric and provide the best options for your business. eChi and its network of preferred brokers are a valuable resource whose sole pur-pose is to help find effective healthcare solutions that are a smart choice for healthy businesses.

Whether it’s a solopreneur or a business that has up to and over 50 employees eChi can help navigate the assortment of insurance plans to find one with the right coverage and network to fit the needs of any company.

if your business has questions about group health insurance or needs help finding a qualified agent or broker, please contact Brian thede at 309-829-1185 or brian@getechi.com.

24.010

ECONOMIC DASHBOARD

$161,785ytD average home Price

56%Q4 hotel

occupancy rate

54,681Q4 Passengers

Departing Cira

611Q4 total

home sales

7.7%unemployment rate (Jan14)

B-n Metro

Q4 Retail Sales (millions)

2203 e empire streetBloomington, iL 61704www.mcleancochamber.org

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PAIDPermit #146

Bloomington, IL61701