new members: host family, peoria score, platt’s …3a712a47-3d50-49b4-9e78... · marketing. here...

Targeting your Customers by Paul and Sarah Edwards

THE

February 2017

DATES TO REMEMBERFebruary 3Evening in RedBig Racks Steak House5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

February 9Annual Dinner & AwardsBig Racks Steak HouseCocktails - 5:30 p.m.Dinner - 6:00 p.m.

February 10An Evening with Patsy ClineBig Horse Vineyards 6:00 p.m.

February 11American Legion BreakfastAmerican Legion Post #167:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

February 16Sidewalk Prophets Canton High School 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

February 22Chamber CoffeeCrawfords Home Furnishings8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

COURIERCHAMBER

Check out the full Calendar of Eventswww.cantonillinois.org

for more details and other events!

The monthly business publication for the Canton Area

Welcome New Members:

Dempster Insurance Agency, , EP!C Host Family, Peoria SCORE, Platt’s

Printing, Quality Roll-Off, The Breathing Tree

FOCUSING YOUR MARKETING efforts on the people and companies most likely to buy your products or services is basic to a company’s marketing. Here are some other smart steps: •LearnwhatpeoplearesayingaboutyourbusinessesandotherbusinesseslikeyoursonsocialmediasiteslikeFacebookandLinkedInand review sites like Yelp and Google. From these comments, you can mold your business to what customers need and will pay for. •Conductsurveys,usingasitelikeSurveyMonkey(surveymonkey.com). Its basic service is free. Surveys can help you decide on product changes and what kind of specials or discounts people are apt to respond best to. •Learnwhatcontentpeoplewillreadorview,andnoticepagecountsandcomments.Tofindforumsandblogsusedbypeopleyouaretargeting, Google terms such as “drones + forum” or “dry cleaning + blog,” etc. •Askpeopletosharetheirstoriesaboutyourproductsorservices. This can yield remarkable content for blogs and your website. •Manuallysearchsocialmediasitestofindyourcustomers.Each site has search tools to identify people. It’s easy to search for people on Facebook by clicking on “Find Friends”; on Twitter, you can use its searchenginetofindpeople.AseparatetoolcalledTweepzenablesyoutofindpeoplenearyourbusiness.LinkedInandGoogle+providesearchboxestofindpeopleandtopics.•CheckLinkedInforgroupsthatrelatetoyour business or industry. •Assemblealltheinformationyouhaveaboutyourtargetcustomers: what motivates them to buy your product or service; their age, gender, location, income level. If you have data from social media analytics, Web tracking and census data, add this to what customers have said to you and what you’ve learned from surveys. •Sortyourcustomersintotypes.Identifywaystomarkettoeachtype of customer, such as email, social media networks or other forms of marketing that your target customers use. Targeting your customers with the right mix of products and messages can enable you to be in frequent contact with them, at little or no cost beyond the time you invest, while motivating them to do business with you.

THE CHAMBER COURIER February 2017 -

www.cantonillinois.org

Special Events92nd Annual Chamber Dinner & Awards

The 92nd Annual Chamber Dinner & Awards ceremony will be held at Big Racks Steak House on Thursday, February 9. Cocktails start at 5:30,

with dinner/awards at 6:00 pm. The Chamber will announce the Educator of the Year, Business Person of the Year and Citizen of the Year at this event. Our theme is “The Oscars” and we hope you can attend!

RSVP & payment are due by January 30, 2017. Dinner tickets are $30 per person. Call the Chamber

office today to reserve your seat. The public is welcome to attend this event. (309) 647-2677

EXECUTIVE BOARDPresident - Kara Johnson, Ipava State Bank

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

Secretary - Dr. Tyson Klinedinst, Klinedinst Chiropractic

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSJon Johnson, Canton Park District

Mayor Jeff Fritz, City of CantonSuperintendent Rolf Sivertsen, CUSD #66

President Curt Oldfield, Spoon River College

STAFFExecutive Director - Amanda AtchleyAssistant Director - Brendon Bauman

OfficeManager - Dana Smith

209 East Chestnut Street, Suite 2 Canton, IL 61520

(309) [email protected]

Business & Community DevelopmentJodi Wilcoxen, MidAmerican National Bank

Member & Public RelationsBen Brewer, Graham Health System

Government Affairs Nick Tinsman, Barnhart, Tinsman, & Lane, Ltd.

Lisa Gardner, Jim Maloof RealtyRob Goebel, St. Peter’s Church

Zack Krulac, Bank of FarmingtonAnn Lockhart, United Way for Spoon River Country

Wendy Martin, Fulton DemocratRusty Melhouse, Edward Jones Investments

Lance Moring, Canton Park DistrictLori Oaks, Canton Family YMCA

February 16 Elks Lodge5 - 7 PM

Refreshements provided! Raf�e Baskets provided by Local Home Health

and Health Care Providers

Sponsored by:Food Provided by:Graham Hospital'sCornerstone Cafe

Live Music by John Maricle

THE CHAMBER COURIER

209 East Chestnut Street ~ Canton, IL 61520 ~ (309) 647-2677

February 2017-

209 East Chestnut Street, Suite 2 Canton, Illinois 61520Phone: 309.647.2677

Fax: 309.647.2712

As we go into our second month of 2017 we do so with hope, energy and commitment to Canton and all of Fulton County. 2016 was quite a year and we intend to do everything we can to make 2017 even better. We are proud that we were a part of helping fill a 91,000 square feet empty building with RP Lumber. We are excited to see construction happening (quite quickly) on the Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins. We certainly look forward to seeing even more construction in 2017.

We want to take the time to thank the City of Canton for allowing us use of office space after the explosion. We invaded and they accepted. They were extremely patient and helpful with everything that we needed access to. I think Carol Kohler must have printed out dozens of emails and made 100’s of copies for us. Each department on the second floor was so tremendously cooperative. We made noise that I am sure they aren’t use to, but they graciously put up will all of us! We cannot thank them enough!!

We have continued to work diligently with the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and all of the Canton Disaster Recovery Fund committee. A huge shout out to our other committee members Jeff Strode, Dave May, Carol Davis and Dennis Crawford. During this process with the fund, they have participated in long meetings, received countless e-mails from myself and Amanda, and participated in phone calls, texts etc. to address questions about applications. We couldn’t have done this without them! A big thank you also goes out to the local media, Canton Daily Ledger, Fulton Democrat, and WBYS Radio for all of your coverage for the Canton Disaster Recovery Fund!! You played a very large part in helping us be able to secure a very generous amount of funds.

We have moved into the Sedgwick Business Suites at 209 East Chestnut and we have been settled into our space for a couple of weeks now. We appreciate the work that landlord Ralph Sedgwick has done to turn the space into great offices for Amanda, Dana, Brendon and myself.

What does 2017 bring for us? We will be wrapping up with the Canton Disaster Recovery Fund at the beginning of February. We are participating in and sponsoring the Small Business Institute with the Chamber and the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center in early March. We are going to get back on track with our Local Crowd grant. In 2017, the cantonillinois.org website will also be getting a facelift! Those are just a few of the things we are looking forward to. We will continue our work to create and retain jobs, as well as, work with businesses on expansion projects. We are looking forward to an amazing 2017!!

Information Provided by: Missy Towery, PCED Executive Director


www.facebook.com/CACC61520

In 1909, Alice and Caroline Graham gifted the original structure of the hospital to the community. It was their belief that a hospital was needed to better serve the Canton community. Graham Hospital and the Training School for Nurses was founded that same year in honor of the girls’ parents, John and Lydia Graham. Graham Health System has been proudly serving the Canton area for 107 years. Graham Health System was nominated for our 2017 Chamber Champion of the 1st quarter for excelling in community involvement and support. Graham Health System is Fulton County’s largest employer with over 750 people working locally. Their employees are involved in organizations such as, Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors, Ambassador’s Club & Young Professionals, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, CUSD #66 – Community Advisory Council, Salvation Army Board, and local churches. Several staff members commit time & support to making our community events a success and we value their partnership. A few specific examples of how Graham Health System contributes to Canton are the generous donation of building space to the Canton Area Heritage Museum and assistance with the Canton Disaster Recovery Fund. Graham is always taking a lead role in finding innovative ways to encourage growth within our economy. With the skills and talent they have on hand Graham is always offering employee development both internally & externally. To be nominated for Chamber Champion the Member & Public Relations Committee are seeking business people who excel in community involvement, employee development, impact and/or innovation, customer service or other criteria that set their business apart. Congratulations to the Graham Health System Staff & thank you from the Chamber of Commerce for your support & hard work in the community!

Chad Mayall, Farmington Community BankClay McConkey, Fairview State Banking Co.

Taryn Mellert, Spoon River ElectricScott Nuttall, Davis Sand and Gravel

Mark PirtleLewis Pigg, Ipava State Bank

Amanda Reed, Bank of FarmingtonJason Rockhold, Renaissance Care Center

Shawna Smith, Red Oak EstatesChastity Swope, Graham Medical Group

Harry Thakkar, Canton InnBrian Yontz, State Farm Insurance

Andrea Barbknecht, Spoon River CollegeJoe Christian, MidAmerica National BankStephen Clark, Town and Country InsuranceDr. Jennifer Daniel-Price, Chiropractic Wellness ConnectionBrooke Denniston, YWCASandy EdsallLaura Fidler, Illinois Beef Marketing ServicesTodd Fletcher, Shelter InsuranceHeather Geariety, Hy-VeeDr. Randy Klinedinst, Klinedinst ChiropracticDave Lewis, Dave Lewis Studio, Ltd.Cheryl Lockard, Wells FargoNichele Marquis, Graham Hospital

Although the company had its beginnings over a decade ago, Platt’s Printing Co. began to really take shape in 2012, opening an office in Farmington. When the doors opened in December of that year, the product line featured a wide array of paper products and screen printing, along with graphic design services. Since that time, Platt’s Printing has expanded its production capabilities to include vinyl and wide format printing. Additionally, the team has expanded to better meet demand and improve the overall customer

experience. For 2017, Platt’s Printing Co. has established an additional office in the Peoria Next Innovation Center in order to better serve its growing customer base within the city without abandoning its roots serving the Canton and Farmington area.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Platt’s Printing can offer or would like to place an order for T-shirts, invitations, business cards, brochures, banners, yard signs, decals, branding or a variety of other products, the team can be reached at 309.228.1069, through their website at www.plattsprinting.com or stop in at 25 N. Main in Farmington between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, Platt’s Printing Co. has placed renewed emphasis on serving fundraisers and non-profits. Special pricing and additional information can be obtained through the avenues listed and by e-mailing the owner directly at [email protected].



NEW CHAMBER MEMBER

NEW CHAMBER MEMBER

It is our privilege to introduce an opportunity to support our community through EP!C’s Host Family Program. EP!C is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Central Illinois community for over 65 years by supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Host Family Program, one of EP!C’s residential options, enables adults with disabilities to live with a host family from the community. These individuals who participate in the program are empowered to live more independently in a home setting where they create lasting bonds with their host or host family as well as maintain strong ties to their biological family. We are currently seeking out people and families who have a passion for supporting others and their local community and who are interested in becoming a host in EP!C’s Host Family Program. We offer full support and step-by-step guidance in the process of becoming a host provider and matching an individual to a host. Though host providers are compensated and provided with support staff and relief days, the biggest reward is the relationship they will build with the individuals. We would welcome the opportunity to share EP!C’s mission and more detailed information about EP!C’s Host Family Program with you and your community through information sessions and meetings. If you would like to set up an informational meeting or community event, are interested in learning more, or have questions, please contact Mike Cheesman at 309.689.3663 or [email protected]. Thank you for the chance to share the Host Family Program’s mission and I look forward to arranging a time to meet.

THE CHAMBER COURIER December 2014 -

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

THE CHAMBER COURIER February 2017- Page 6

www.cantonillinois.org

Canton Union School District #66 Recently the media has been saturating the sound waves with demands for a “living wage” for workers making at or less than the minimum wage. For example, in response to demands, New York State recently mandated a $15 minimum for fast-food workers in New York City by 2018 and for the entire state by 2021. Many states are considering similar legislation. However, how will business adjust to the new $15 an hour minimum wage increase to maintain current profit margins? The following is an example of how many businesses are planning to adapt to a minimum wage increase and what the effect will be on public schools. The largest employer of minimum wage employees is the service industry. In fact, the fast food industry is the largest employer of minimum wage workers and one of the least profitable in the service industry. For example, many McDonald’s restaurants only operate on a 2% profit margin. As a result, fast food businesses are constantly seeking ways to cut costs and boost revenue. One way the fast food industry is working towards boosting revenue is through automation. For example, Forbes magazine recently reported that in November 2016 the McDonalds Corporation announced a nation-wide rollout of self-service kiosks to fully automate their point of sales systems (POS) – thus allowing fast food restaurants to reduce labor overhead. Similarly Panera Bread is also jumping on the Kiosk bandwagon. Specifically, in May of 2016 Business Insider reported that, “the company’s “Panera 2.0” initiative is in full swing. About 50% of company-owned stores already have the kiosk technology installed, and the remaining locations expect to have kiosks in place by the end of the year. Combining the kiosks with Panera’s “MyPanera” rewards membership is an added bonus.” “Beyond shorter lines and improved accuracy, customers love the fact that they can save those modifications as favorites or order from their history,” says Blaine Hurst, Panera Chief Transformation & Growth Officer. Similarly, Wendy’s is also deploying automated POS Kiosk systems to cut overhead and boost revenue. As reported in Business Insider, Wendy’s President and CFO, Todd Penegor, “We’ve been able to create some efficiency on labor across the restaurant ... like customer self-order kiosks, mobile order, and mobile pay.” Furthermore, other industry rivals are automating to remain competitive. As stated by Andy Puzder, the CEO of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, “If you’re making labor more expensive, and automation less expensive — this is

not rocket science,” In the end, how does the $15 minimum wage and the loss of minimum wage jobs affect young people? Surprisingly, the average age of a fast food employee is 29 years old. Furthermore, as recently reported by the Washington Post, “Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley indicated about half of the families of front-line fast-food workers depend on public programs, compared with 25 percent of the American workforce. About 87 percent of fast-food workers lack employer health benefits, compared with 40 percent of the general workforce. And roughly one-fifth of workers’ families are below the poverty line. That adds up to some $7 billion welfare payouts each year — essentially enabling fast-food mega-chains to subsidize ultra-low wages with public benefits.” In essence, this new phenomena means that education and post-secondary training is more important than ever for students to gain skills that will lead to meaningful and competitive employment - a high school diploma is no longer good enough. To highlight, in 2015 the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce reported that, “by 2020, 65 percent of job openings will require at least some postsecondary education and training (Carnevale and Smith 2013).” “This earnings gap appears to be widening: the wage premium workers receive from a college education—the difference in earnings between high school and college graduates—increased from 40 percent in 1970 to 84 percent in 2010.” “Under current projections, the United States will need 11 million more workers with postsecondary credentials between 2014 and 2020 to satisfy the labor market’s demand for college-educated workers.” With the job market getting more competitive it is clear that some type of post-secondary training is imperative for students. In addition, the job market is not only getting more competitive, but more competitive Globally. New industries are making it easier for employers to off shore production or services. As a result, schools need to respond to industry change and provide a 21st Century Educational System that provides skills to make students competitive in a 21st Century work environment.

-- Superintendent Rolf SivertsenCanton CUSD# 66



Membership Benefit

COMMITTEE OVERVIEWBusiness and Community Development

Chairman: Jodi Wilcoxen, MidAmerica National Bank

SAVE THE DATE! Community Work Day Saturday, April 22, 2017 Rain Date April 29th. The Chamber of Commerce & United Way is partnering to offer volunteer services to our local schools, parks,

and non-profit agencies.

Government AffairsChairman: Nick Tinsman,

Barnhart, Tinsman, & Lane, Ltd.

Meet the Candidates Night will be held Thursday, March 23rd at the Canton Park District - Donaldson Center at Wallace Park. The event will begin at 6:30pm.

Calendar of Events Have you ever tried to plan an event or function only to find out there are several other things going on at

the same time as yours? Selecting a date is one of the most important decisions you will make as you begin the process of planning a successful event. The CantonIllinois.org website has a Calendar of Events that you can

check for information, or submit your event to be posted. We encourage all businesses, organizations and individuals that are planning community events to submit their event information here and it’s never too early to submit your information. Go to www.cantonillinois.org Calendar of Events & Submit New Event.

Featured Chamber Services

Brewer Electric Inc (309) 208-6413Canton Heating & Cooling (309) 649-0302Foulk Electric, Inc. (309) 435-7006G-M Mechanical (309) 647-5700Spoon River Mechanical (309) 647-2700

Electrical, Heating and Cooling Businesses

THE CHAMBER COURIER October 2014 - Page 11




THANK YOU FOR YOUR 2017 RENEWALA&M Storage CompanyAlexander Lumber CompanyAmerican Legion Post #16American Pest ControlArt Hossler Auto PlazaAssociates in DentistryBank of FarmingtonBard OpticalBar-Mac FarmsBarnhart, Tinsman & Lane, Ltd.Big Brother Big SistersBlack Nugget, LLCBlessman’s BoutiqueBond Eye AssociatesBrew-N-CueCanton Assembly of GodCanton Courtyard Estates/Petersen Health CareCanton Dental Professional BuildingCanton Elks LodgeCanton Main StreetCanton Park DistrictCanton Redi-MixCanton Traveling Basketball AssociationCanton Union School District #66Canton VFW Post 1984Capitol MusicCarrollton ApartmentsCarrollton ApartmentsCarrollton ApartmentsCarter & Associates, CPACFC Properties Chiropractic Wellness ConnectionChristian Service ProgramChubb’s Package Store, Inc.Church of the BrethrenCity of CantonCommunity Action Partnership of Central IL COOK MedicalCovenant Community ChurchCrawford’s Home Furnishings Create it Draw, Paint, FireCrow HollowCuBBull, Inc.

Davis Buick-GMCDavis Sand & Gravel

Dempster Insurance AgencyDi’s Bridal Boutique

Discover TravelEdward Jones & Company-David May

Elam Private Detective, Inc.First Baptist Church

First Presbyterian ChurchFroehling, Weber & Schell, LLP

Fulton County Emergency Medical AssociationFulton County Health DepartmentFulton County Housing Authority

Fulton County Rehabilitation Center, Inc.Fulton County Rural Transit

Fulton County SepticFulton-Mason Crisis Service

Giant Goose RanchG-M Mechanical

Gorsuch-Hensley Real EstateGraham Health System

Habitat for HumanityHanes Physical Therapy, Ltd.

Happy Hounds Pets, Supplies and GroomingHarold Jump

Health & Wellness Connection of Fulton County

Helping Hands Resale ShoppeHocker, Fitzjarrald & Richardson, PC CPAs

Holthaus Companies, Inc.Humane Society of Fulton County

Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.Illinois Small Business Development Center

Independent ShopperJack GibbsJean Arndt

Jim Maloof/RealtorJoe’s PlaceJohn Clark

John McCarthy Attorney at LawJohnson & Johnson, P.C.

Jones Surveying & Engineering Corp.Kevin Meade

Kiesewetter Insurance Agency, LLP

THE CHAMBER COURIER October 2014 - Page 11




Klinedinst ChiropracticKroger CompanyMark PirtleMass Mutual HeartlandMaurer-Stutz, Inc.Meade Law Office P.C.Mel’s Sporting GoodsMichelle Campbell, BrokerMidAmerica National BankMidCentury CommunicationsMonical’s PizzaMosaicNorth Central Behavioral Health SystemsOakdale Veterinary CenterOaks-Hines Funeral HomeOrwig Auto Body, Inc.Otto StephenitchParlin-Ingersoll Public LibraryPeoria International AirportPeoria SCOREPepsi Beverages CompanyPhil MillerPhillips & Associates Architects, Inc.Pizza HutPlatt’s PrintingProgressive Vision CenterQuality Roll-OffRed Dog Foundation for Cystic FibrosisSanders-Hasty Insurance Agency, Inc.Sandy EdsallSecurity FinanceSedgwick Funeral Homes & CrematoryShelter InsuranceSherwin-WilliamsSnowman Studios Inc.Spoon River CollegeSpoon River Holdings, Inc.Spoon River OpticalSt. Peter’s ChurchState Farm Insurance - Chuck TaylorState Farm Insurance, Brian YontzState Farm Insurance, Dee ClarkState Representative Mike UnesStinauer Family Dentistry

Sunset Manor Nursing HomeTaco Bell

Tad PutrichTarter Feed & Fertilizer

The Auto Link Inc.The Breathing Tree

The Sweet Shoppe & Lewis EmporiumTimbukTech, Inc.

Town & Country Insurance Agency, Ltd.TRAC Equipment Company, Inc.

Triumph Community BankUnited Way for Spoon River Country

Unity Point Clinic of CantonWalMart

WBYS AM & WCDD FMWest Central Illinois Building & Construction

Trades CouncilWestern Illinois Home Health Care, Inc.

WMBD/WYZZ-TV/Tactive DigitalYWCA Canton

SAVE THE DATE

June 16

May 19

Sept 30

2017 RENEWALS CONTINUED...



150% CLUB MEMBERS

150% CLUB

American Legion Post #16American Pest ControlBig Brother Big SistersBrew-N-CueCanton Dental Professional BuildingCFC Properties City of CantonCOOK MedicalCrawford’s Home Furnishings Di’s Bridal BoutiqueFroehling, Weber & Schell, LLPFulton County Emergency Medical AssociationFulton County SepticHarold JumpHelping Hands Resale ShoppeHocker, Fitzjarrald & Richardson, PC CPAsHolthaus Companies, Inc.Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.Mr. John ClarkJohn McCarthy Attorney at LawJohnson & Johnson, P.C.Kevin Meade

Mass Mutual HeartlandMaurer-Stutz, Inc.

Mel’s Sporting GoodsMidAmerica National Bank

MidCentury CommunicationsMonical’s Pizza

Otto StephenitchPepsi Beverages Company

Phillips & Associates Architects, Inc.Progressive Vision Center

Sedgwick Funeral Homes & CrematorySherwin-Williams

Spoon River CollegeSpoon River Optical

St. Peter’s ChurchState Farm Insurance, Dee Clark

TimbukTech, Inc.Town & Country Insurance Agency, Ltd.

TRAC Equipment Company, Inc.Unity Point Clinic of Canton

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

dues investment renewal or new membership, your business can join the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce’s 150% Club.

new members: host family, peoria score, platt’s …3a712a47-3d50-49b4-9e78... · marketing. here...

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