Business Edge December2008

IN THIS ISSUE

Upcoming Eventpage 2

Welcome our Newest Memberspage 4

Mayor Report - Graftonpage 9

Ribbon Cuttingspage 10

5800 Godfrey Road - Alden HallGodfrey, Illinois 62035Phone: 618-467-2280Fax: 618-466-8289

[email protected]

A monthly publication of The River Bend Growth Association...Your Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Agency

Volume 6 DECEMBER Issue 12

www.growthassociation.com

the

Serving Business, Encouraging Growth in Southwestern IllinoisEDGEBusiness

The Ambassador Committee celebrates the Spirit of Christmas with Community Hope CenterOn Tuesday, December 9, 2008, the Ambassador Committee of the RiverBend Growth Association partnered with the Community Hope Center by hosting a toy drive to assist the Community Hope Center’s annual giving mission.

Each December, the Ambassador Committee members gather together to celebrate the holiday season. This year the ambassadors treated themselves to lunch at Gentelin’s on Broadway, where the food and service was fabulous and the banquet room was full of holiday atmosphere.

Each committee member was secretly assigned the name of another committee member for a gift exchange. Each committee member bought a child’s toy that represented something about the recipient. They brought the gift to the party wrapped and tagged with the information on whom it was going to and who it was from. After the recipient opened their gift, the “giver” had to explain why they bought that toy for that committee member. All of the toys were then donated to Community Hope Center! What a fun way to give back to the community!

The stories shared with each other during this “toy exchange” were funny, heart warming and sometimes, emotional. The atmosphere this “toy exchange” created is a memory that none of us will ever forget.

The Ambassador Committee is a group of Growth Association members who represent the RiverBend Growth Association as a public relations body. The main focus of this committee is to aid the Growth Association in maintaining our visibility in the community. The Ambassador committee provides this visibility by generously volunteering their time to attend our ribbon cuttings, ground

breakings, open houses, and Business after Hours networking events. They volunteer to work at our special events which are the Annual Duck Race, Annual Dinner, Annual Riverbend Golf Classic, State of the Riverbend Luncheon and the Women’s Conference. This committee also assists the Membership Committee in the recruitment and retention of the membership.

A BIG THANK-YOU to every 2008 Ambassador Committee member for their generous gift of volunteerism: Bill Aery of Godfrey Lions Club, Nancy Baahlmann of Beverly Farm, Gwen Baalman of ConocoPhillips Wood River Refi nery, Karen Baker-Brncic of Alton Marina, Dorrie Ball of KevCor Construction Services, Jenni Beck, Mary Boulds of the City of Alton, Sally Crook of Suncon Designers & Builders, Loretta Dawdy of WBGZ, Dorothy Droste, Debbie Frakes, Linda Funk of Regions Bank, Jerry Gibson of the Village of Godfrey, Jennifer Hasamear of United Way, Janae Hausman of Olin Community Credit Union, Gary Hoggatt, Jr. of National Bank at Edwardsville, Phil Kammann of Airport Bowl, Debra Kannel of Cornerstone Bank & Trust, Therese Kuddes of Kuddes Advertising, Marlene Lewis of Alton Memorial Hospital, Sue Lowrance of the Village of Bethalto, Karen McAtee of TheBANK of Edwardsville, Char McAllister of Girl Scouts of the River Bluffs Council, Jeff Maclin of WBGZ, Brenda Moore, Kristen Orban of The Telegraph, Jackie Parks of Liberty Bank, Dick Propes of Alton Youth Symphony, Jenny Robison of Shell Community Federal Credit Union, the late Otto Rice of the City of Wood River, Amy Schaake of Dr. Frank Bemis and Associates, Christy Schaper of Royal

Offi ce Products, Laura Schwartzkopf of Schwartzkopf Printing, Lexie Werner of Lockhaven Country Club, Donna Thornton of Southern Illinois Real Estate Center, Pam Whisler of the Village of Godfrey, Denise Wolff of First Clover Leaf Bank and Tina Zumwalt of Saint Anthony’s Health Center.

For more information on the Community Hope Center and how you can support their community outreach efforts, please contact their development director, Angela Valdes, by calling 618-462-2331.

To experience your fi ne dining tastes, please call Sarah at Gentelin’s on Broadway at 618-465-6080.

Ambassador Jerry Gibson with the Village of Godfrey was Santa’s helper during the toy drive.

The Ambassador Committee of the RiverBend Growth Association partnered with Community Hope Center in collecting toys for their annual holiday toy drive.

page 2 • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Business Edge THE TELEGRAPH

Support The River Bend...Buy Locally

Board of Directors 2008Kent Scheffel, ChairmanMelissa Erker, Past ChairmanDavid Miller, Chair-ElectMike Fitzgerald, TreasurerDale BlachfordDavid BraaschMayor Michael CampionKaren CooperJeff DavisLarry FranklinTobie GroverCathy HamiltonPam HeepkeJohn KellerJeannine KellyMark KratschmerE.J. KuiperJeff LauritzenRich MersingerDon ReedyBill St. PetersMayor Don SandidgeRob SchwartzJim ShraderCindy SmalleyJack TuethBrenda Walker McCainMartha WarfordDenise WolffJess Woodman

Ex-Offi cio DirectorsMayor Kenny BeasleyMayor Fred BrightMayor Steve BryantMayor Marjorie DoerrMayor Felix FloydMayor William Moore, Jr.Mayor Richard MosbyMayor Fred UfertSupervisor Don HuberSupervisor Doug MuellerSupervisor Dorothy NagyDr. Dale ChapmanBrett StawarDavid ElsonDeborah KreutztragerJohn PearsonSandra WilsonJesse HopkinsJack JacobyWilliam Kessler

Ambassador of the MonthTherese Kuddes of Kuddes Advertising

I am Therese Kuddes and my husband, Kevin, and I own Kuddes Advertising Specialties. I have been selling advertising specialty items since 1983.

I am a member of The River Bend Growth Association and have been since 1990. I currently am an Ambassador and serve on the Membership and Education Committees.

I am a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church where I serve on the Parish Pastoral Council and Eucharistic Minister to Rosewood Care Center in Alton.

I was born in Louisville, KY where I graduated from Mercy Academy High School and attended Western KY University. My husband, two dogs and I live in Godfrey. We have 2 sons, Ben is a Civil Engineer in Rogers, AR and Brian is an Assistant Golf Professional in Springfi eld, IL. I enjoy quilting and sewing.

Upcoming Meetings and Events1/1 Offi ce Closed1/7 New Member Orientation,

RBGA, 12:001/8 Young Adults Committee, 8:151/8 Business After Hours, TheBANK

of Edwardsville, 5:001/9 Promotions Committee,

Paradise Donuts, 8:151/13 Ambassador Committee,

Beverly Farm, 11:301/19 MLK Holiday – Offi ce Closed1/20 “Let’s Talk’ on WBGZ, 10:001/21 Total Networking Luncheon,

Castelli’s Moonlight at 255, 11:30

1/22 Annual Dinner, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5:00

1/26 Membership Committee, Food N Fermentation, 11:00

Purchase your tickets for the 2009 Annual DinnerMark your calendars for The Growth Association’s Annual Dinner on Thursday, January

22, 2009, in the Commons at Lewis & Clark Community College.

This event starts with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins promptly at 6:15 p.m. Invitations have already gone out!

Tickets for the dinner are $55 per person and a corporate sponsorship is $650 which includes a table for 10, a bottle of wine and recognition in The Growth Association’s

Annual Report.

Growth Association Chairman Kent Scheffel of Lewis and Clark Community College will offi cially turn over the gavel to 2009 Chairman of the Board of Directors David Miller of

St. Louis Regional Airport.

The evening will also include the presentation of the Chairman’s Awards from the Growth Association as well as awards from the Alton Regional Convention and Visitor’s

Bureau.

For reservations or additional information, please contact Joell Aguirre at 467-2280 or [email protected].

THE TELEGRAPH River Bend Growth Association Tuesday, December 23, 2008 • page 3

Support River Bend Development...Join the Growth Association Today!

December 2008 Small Business of the Month WinnerThe GrapevineCongratulations to Julie Warren and Jill Vinyard-King and their staff at The Grapevine. They are the River Bend Growth Association’s Small Business of the Month winner for December 2008!

The Grapevine is located at 121 Market Street in Alton (across from Lincoln Douglas Square.) Julie and Jill opened their children’s boutique in 2002, with one’s style being a bit trendy and one’s style being a bit classy. The resulting mix is fun and unique clothing with exceptional quality at reasonable prices for boys and girls ages preemie to size 7. The Grapevine’s offerings include, but are not limited to, hair accessories, shoes, tea sets, christening outfi ts, big brother big sister assortments, outerwear, toys/books and much more.

To congratulate Julie and Jill on their award or for more information on The

Grapevine, please visit their website at grapevinekids.com or call 618-462-6502.

If you would like to nominate a business for The River Bend Growth Association’s Small Business of the Month, please fi ll out the form below and mail it to The River Bend Growth Association, 5800 Godfrey Road, Alden Hall, Godfrey, IL 62035 or contact Joell Aguirre at [email protected].

Business Name _________________

Business Phone _________________

Owner or Manager _______________

Reason for nomination ___________

______________________________

Nomination submitted by (optional) __

Julie Warren, co owner of a children’s boutique in downtown Alton, The Grapevine, proudly accepts the December 2008 Small Business of the Month award from Award Committee chairperson Amy Schaake of Dr. Frank Bemis & Associates.



Welcome our newest members who joined during the month of November 2008Club Paws, Inc.Jackie Spiker299 E. Elm StreetAlton IL 62002(618) 463-9983clubpawsinc.comClub Paws, Inc. is owned and operated by Jackie Spiker and Kim Lee of Alton. The company provides pet services such as Grooming, Daycare (pet sitting), and Boarding. The club for pets is located in an old warehouse type building, this provides a perfect environment for the pets to run and play all day long without being outdoors in the elements. The club is designed to refl ect an outdoor, back yard setting using fencing instead of walls as barriers. Families can drop off their pets on their way to work and pick them up on their way home, just like a two legged daycare. While at Club Paws pets learn social skills, some manners, and get to enjoy a day of play while you are out. The grooming is done by April Smith who has been grooming pets for 10 years. Boarding is for anyone who travels and is looking for

a nice place to watch over their best friend. Daycare is included for all pets staying with Club Paws.

Edward JonesTim Epps, Financial Advisor1837 Homer Adams Pkwy., Suite G-1Alton IL 62002(618) 465-2640Edward Jones provides fi nancial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affi liates, in Canada and the United Kingdom. Every aspect of the fi rm’s business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offi ces, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The fi rm’s 10,000-plus fi nancial advisors work directly with more than 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships

with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today. Edward Jones is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones interactive Web site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

Evangelical United Church of ChristReverend Jerry MeCaskey1212 W. Homer Adams ParkwayGodfrey IL 62035(618) 466-6077www.evangelicalucc.com

Food ‘N FermentationPhyllis and Dan Bechtold6017 Godfrey RoadGodfrey IL 62035(618) 466-6111Food N Fermentation specializes in fi ne wines, micro brew beers, gourmet food items, fresh meats, and a hot and cold deli. We have over 300 micro brews and 300 fi ne wines priced from

$5.00 to $150.00. Our fresh meat counter features USDA Choice meats cut by Mike Neuhaus Sr. who has over 55 years of experience. We have beer and wine tasting events every month in our new dining room. Sign up for our e-newsletter to learn what’s happening at Food N Fermentation, 6017 Godfrey Road, Godfrey IL.

Miller’s Insurance SolutionsJean Miller4600 Valley Dale Rd.Godfrey IL 62035(618) 466-1901Miller’s Insurance Solutions was established in 2001 by Jean & Terry Miller. Miller’s Insurance Solutions specializes in Life, Health, & Annuities for both individuals and businesses, with offi ce hours Monday thru Friday 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., with weekend and after hour appointments available. Miller’s Insurance Solutions offers a variety of plans and products. For additional information please contact their offi ce at 466-1901.



Identity Theft – Could it Happen to You?Actually, it could happen to

anyone – someone you don’t know is running up charges on your credit card, opening accounts, establishing cell phone service, and taking out loans in your name…with your good credit. All an identity thief needs is a little bit of information to do a lot of damage to your fi nancial well-being – and your credit report.

With just a few key facts about you (all too easily obtained) such as your full name, your Social Security number, an account number, a password/PIN, your previous address, or your mother’s maiden name, an identity thief could make you a victim of the fastest-growing crime in America. You probably won’t know about it until months – or even years – later.

Crimes like this will continue to happen to more and more people if we don’t proactively try to protect ourselves. You can start today. There are simple steps to take:

Be aware - • fraudsters can strike in any state, city, or town. Don’t think, “It won’t happen here.”Be cautious - • if something appears out of the ordinary; check with your credit union or bank so they can do further research. Review • account histories and average balances to identify unusual circumstances. Stay • in touch with current scams: -Counterfeit money orders and checks printed with high-quality paper and graphics. Fraudsters use these counterfeit instruments to obtain funds from unsuspecting victims.-Overpayment by check, typically several thousand dollars, with a request to wire transfer the excess to another fi nancial institution. Several forms of this scam often begin on the Internet.-“You’ve won” the international lottery. This scam tells recipients they’re required to pay taxes and/

or fees on their winnings. Annual credit report - • you may now order a free copy of your credit report every year. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to request yours today.

“The power of the RiverBend Growth Association is that it can represent all the business stakeholders in the region. The Growth Association has been important over the last few years as a voice of the impacts of potential legislation on our large manufacturing industries and the implications that potential proposals may have on the small business either directly or indirectly. To have a strong voice that represents the region is critical to ConocoPhillips as well as to any business in the RiverBend.”

- Melissa Erker, Government and Community Relations Director, ConocoPhillips Wood River Refi nery.

Article submitted by Shell Community Federal Credit Union

Information taken collectively from everythingcumarketing.com and © 2008 Credit Union National Association Inc. Reprinted with permission



Looking Back on 2008…The RiverBend Growth Association had another successful year supporting our local businesses. Members enjoyed 26 networking events: 11 Business After Hours, 6 Total Networking Lunches, 5 Breakfast Connections and 4 Quarterly Economic Updates. Our 5 events (the Annual Dinner, Duck Race, The Riverbend Golf Classic, For Women By Women training seminar and the State of the Riverbend Luncheon) were all well attended. We partnered with 34 businesses/organizations in ribbon cutting celebrations and 3 ground breaking ceremonies. We met and built stronger relationships with six of our local high schools. We recruited over 75 new members to our organization. Committees met each month to work on special projects and events. More than 3,000 volunteer hours were generously donated from our supportive members.

Thank-you, RiverBend Growth Association members for your involvement, your support and your guidance in 2008. With your continued involvement, 2009 will be great too!

January 2008: Annual Dinner award winners: 2008 Chairman Kent Scheffel of Lewis & Clark Community College, Chairman’s Award winner Harold Johnson of SCORE, Chairman’s Award winner Dwight Werts of Werts Welding, Ambassador of the Year Gary Hoggatt Jr. of National Bank at Edwardsville, Small Business of the Year Imo’s Pizza owners Shelli Armanees, Annette Wilson and Charlie Downs and 2007 Chairman Melissa Erker of ConocoPhillips Wood River Refi nery.

Dwight and Cheryl Werts of Werts Welding and Regions Bank employees Jeff Lauritzen, Jami Eberwein and Matt Waters enjoy the 2008 Duck Race at Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton.

John Keller of Carrollton Bank sponsored a team in the 2008 River Bend Golf Classic on June 20, 2008, at Lockhaven Country Club.

Sally Roth of Regions Bank was the guest speaker at the Women’s Seminar on September 19, 2008, sponsored by the RiverBend Growth Association and SCORE.

2008 State of the RiverBend award winners: President of Helmkamp Construction Brad Farrell, Mayor Steve Bryant of the Village of Bethalto, Kerry Smith and Al Ortbals of the Illinois Business Journal, Rob Schwartz of TheBANK of Edwardsville and Mayor Fred Ufert of the City of Wood River.

2007-2008 Young Adults Committee Charity Check Presentation: The Young Adults committee, consisting of junior and senior representatives from our local schools, presented United Way a check for $1,150. United Way was the recipient of the proceeds from the Young Adults fundraiser, Battle of the Bands 2007-2008!

The RiverBend Growth Association celebrated with many local and state offi cials in a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the IL 255 extension opening to Seminary Road.



Laclede Community Credit Union broke ground in April 2008 and opened their doors in November 2008 at their newest location at 301 Mechanical Lane in Bethalto.

The RiverBend Growth Association hosted four economic updates throughout the year, with the intent to educate the membership on economic issues pertaining to southern Illinois. Pictured here is the transportation committee who brought Mary Lamie of IDOT to speak at the June 2008 economic update: Transportation Chairman, Attorney Dean Sweet; Martha Warford of Beverly Farm; Dave Miller of St. Louis Regional Airport; Mary Lamie of IDOT; Godfrey Economic Developer Matt Asselmeier; Curt Westrich of Heneghan and Associates; and Scott Reichmann of Contegra Construction Company.

Members participated in a speed networking event at the Breakfast Connections in April 2008.

Growth Association Honors all 12 Small Business of Month WinnersWhat is this award called Small Business of the Month Award? What must a business/organization do to win this award? They must be nominated by anyone in our community and they must complete the application for consideration. Once the application is completed, this business’s application goes before an awards committee of 12 Growth Association members. Each business that has a completed application is given a score for the following categories: years of service, number of employees, reputation, community service, appearance, innovation and response to adversity. The business with the highest score wins the Growth Association’s monthly Small Business of the Month Award.

The monthly award recipient receives the following $2400 publicity package: the opportunity to attend the Growth Association’s monthly show on WBGZ talk radio, be our guest at the Growth Association’s networking breakfast or luncheon where they will be recognized and awarded with a plaque, a 2-sided yard sign to display at their business, a featured story in The Telegraph newspaper, recognition in the Growth Association’s Business Edge, displayed on the Growth Association’s board that travels to Business After Hours and become eligible to win the annual Small Business of the Year award. Contact the Growth Association to nominate a deserving business!

Congratulations to the 2008 Small Business of the Month Winners: Moonlight Restaurant - January 2008

Backyard Dreams - February 2008Berger Automotive - March 2008

Waltco Tools - April 2008Dentistry with TLC - May 2008

Agha Designs - June 2008Quality Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac - July 2008

Jim Murphy’s Complete Landscaping - August 2008Gebbs Total Video - September 2008

Be Well Now - October 2008Illinois Business Journal - November 2008

The Grapevine - December 2008

To nominate a business for the Growth Association’s Small Business of the Month Award, please fi ll out this nomination form and return it to the RiverBend Growth Association. The Growth Association’s Awards Committee will follow up with the nominated business and get them the application to fi ll out. For questions about this program, please contact Joell Aguirre at 467-2280 or [email protected].

Small Business of the Month NominationBusiness Name ______________________________________________________________Owner or Manager ____________________________________________________________Reason for nomination ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Nomination submitted by (optional) _______________________________________________

Mail to: RiverBend Growth AssociationAttention: Joell5800 Godfrey Road, Alden Hall, Godfrey, IL 62035 or Fax to: (618) 466-8289

The RiverBend Growth Association celebrated 11 Business After Hours networking events in 2008. In August 2008, over 350 members enjoyed the evening at the Wood River Aquatic Center: the late Otto Rice of the City of Wood River, Donna Thornton of Southern Illinois Real Estate Title Center, Dorrie Ball of KevCor Construction Services, Jess Woodman of Woodman Collision Center and Don Reedy and Janae Hausman of Olin Community Credit Union.



Time to Sell…or Time to Buy? We’re in a recession, which could be severe. Several fi nancial services companies have either collapsed or been bailed out by the government. And the stock market is down about 45 percent since hitting its peak in October of 2007. Is this a “perfect storm” that should blow investors out of the market — or is it actually an opportunity for investors to jump back in?

If you’re an investor, your fi rst impulse might be to join the “get out while you can” camp. After all, it’s no fun seeing the market plunge hundreds of points one day — and then hundreds more the next day. And we keep getting hit by waves of bad economic news. What possible reason could there be for remaining invested in the market, or even adding more dollars to your current investments?

Actually, you might be surprised. Some strong historical evidence suggests that, during a period such

as we are now in, you may indeed benefi t by not only staying invested, but also increasing your investment dollars in the fi nancial markets. Consider this: In nine of the last ten recessions, dating back to 1949, the S & P 500 had moved up by at least 29 percent just 12 months after hitting its lowest point during the recession. Of course, as you’ve no doubt heard, past performance is no guarantee of future results, but it’s interesting to note that the market eventually recovered after each recession.

However, no one can really predict when stocks will reach that low point. It’s possible we’ve already hit it, but it’s just as likely that we’ll see further drops.

And yet, even if you can’t say that we’ve hit a market low, should you sell your stocks to “cut your losses” and use the proceeds to buy what you perceive as less risky investments? Before making this move, you need

to consider some important facts. For example, if you pulled out of the stock market and purchased certifi cates of deposit (CDs) from a strong fi nancial institution, you could reasonably expect that your principal will be safe and that you will receive the interest payments promised to you. But the interest rate you receive may not even keep up with infl ation, so, over time, your investment could end up costing you purchasing power.

On the other hand, if you were to remain invested in the stock market, and if it does follow historical patterns, you do have a chance of making up your losses. Will there be continued volatility in day-to-day price movements? Almost certainly. But keep in mind that, over the long term, a portfolio that contains a reasonable amount of stocks, along with bonds, government securities and other investments, gives you the best chance of achieving your fi nancial goals.

And here’s another reason to keep investing: As measured by the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), stocks are currently inexpensive. If you buy more shares when prices are down, your increased ownership stake should become more valuable when stocks recover — as they have done following every bear market in the past.

It’s tough to stay positive during a gloomy market environment. But the most successful investors are often the ones who have the courage to be optimistic when everyone around them is not.

This article was written by James Claywell, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. James can be reached at 618-467-2073.



Thank you to our members who have renewed their membership investment for 2009Members paid December 1 through December 16, 2008

62 Sports GroupAbatement Management, Inc.Action AppraisalsAffordable Dentistry Today - East AltonAlton Area Animal Aid AssociationAlton Automobile Co.Alton Bell Community Credit UnionAlton Community Unit School Dist. 11Alton MarketplaceAlton Memorial Sales Inc.Alton MultiSpecialistsAlton Museum of History & Art Inc.Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Alton Square MallAlton Symphony OrchestraAlton-Wood River Sportsmen’s ClubAmerica’s History Museum of GodfreyApartment Community of Our Lady of the Snows

Arms of Love Pregnancy Resource CenterAvailability, Inc.Backyard Dreams, Inc.Barrett Heating & Cooling Inc.Baxter Distributing Co., Inc.Beall MansionBeiser, State Representative DanBethMor Park - Quality Homes by Design LLC

Bowl Haven Lanes

Boys & Girls Club of BethaltoBy DesignCALC, Institute of TechnologyCarpenters Local #377Catholic Children’s HomeChicago Title Insurance CompanyCitizens State Bank of ShipmanClark-Wiegand Financial ServicesClub Paws, Inc.Comfort HomesCommunity Counseling CenterComPASCornerstone ChurchCorridor 67Culligan Water ConditioningCurvesDick’s Flowers, Inc.Dippel, BettyDuke Bakery, Inc.Eagle Publications, Inc.East Alton-Wood River High School District 14

Edward JonesEdward Jones InvestmentsEvangelical United Church of ChristFederal Steel & Erection CompanyFirst Clover Leaf Bank - Wood RiverFood ‘N FermentationFormea Animal HospitalFreer Auto BodyGent Funeral Home, Inc.

George G. Burnett Chapter of Credit Unions

Girl Scouts of River Bluffs CouncilGodfrey Lions ClubGoulding’s JewelryGrafton, City ofGreat Rivers Land TrustGreenville College, Adult Degree Completion

Haine, Senator William R.Hayner Public Library DistrictHelmkamp Automotive Service, Inc.Helmkamp Construction Co.Hoefert, John, AttorneyIllinois Manufacturing Extension CenterIllinois Valley Economic Development Corp.

Imo’s Pizza, Alton Pizza LLCIMPACT, Inc.J.J. Wuellner ConstructionJeffrey’s Flowers By DesignJim Murphy’s Lawn & LandscapingJimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich ShopJohnson’s Corner Inc.Johnson’s Hearing CenterKane Mechanical Inc.Krueger’s OrchardLakin Law Firm, TheLong, J. Thomas, Attorney At LawLoy, Kenneth E. & Company, P.C.Luken Agency, Inc., TheMac’s Sealing & StripingMadison County Employment & Training Department

Madison County Urban LeagueMail Box Store, TheMarquette Catholic High SchoolMarshall, Jerry L., D.M.D.MauricesMederi CAREtendersMetro Supply & Equipment Co.Midwest Mowing, IncMiller’s Insurance SolutionsMississippi Mud Pottery, Inc.Moneris SolutionsMoney Matters Funding SourceMorrissey Contracting Company, Inc.

Oasis Women’s CenterOlin Community Credit Union - BethaltoParadise DonutsPaynic Home for FuneralsPeckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. Piasa Motor Fuels, Inc.Picture This and MorePremier VendingPrudent Investor ServicesPyrotech, Inc.Raifort Commerce ParkRegal BeagleRinderer’s Home Health Care PharmacyRiverbend Family MinistriesRiverbend Logistics Solutions, Inc.Riverboat LanesRobert “Bob” Sanders Waste Systems, Inc.

Roberts Ford Chrysler JeepRose Lawn Memory Gardens, Inc.Safety Partners, Ltd.Saint Anthony’s Health CenterScheffel & Company, P.C.Schlosser, C.J. & Co., L.L.C.Slayden Glass, Inc.Southern Illinois Real Estate Title CenterSt. Ambrose Catholic SchoolSt. Louis Regional AirportSuncon, Inc. Designers & BuildersToday’s AdVantageTolles RealtyUnique BoutiqueUnited Way of Greater St. LouisUrsuline SistersVeolia Water North AmericaVilla Rose Senior Living CommunityWBGZWest Central Development Council - The Job Center

Wood River Refi nery History MuseumWoodman Collision Center, Inc.Wooff RealtorsYWCA



Marquette Catholic High School Celebrates With A Curtain Call….

Marquette Catholic High School proudly displayed their new stage curtain on Friday, November 21, 2008, by celebrating with a ribbon cutting. Several family and friends of Marquette Catholic High School attended the ribbon cutting to show their support for the local catholic high school.

Sue Mueller, director of the high school plays at Marquette Catholic High School, played a large part in securing the stage curtain for future productions. Marquette Catholic High School Principal Mike Slaughter was excited when Sue came to him and shared her vision for the future of the theater for Marquette. “When Sue came to me and shared her vision, there was no stopping her,” stated Slaughter. “It’s a beautiful enhancement to our school and we are very proud of this,” Slaughter added.

For more information on Marquette Catholic High School, please visit their website at www.alton-marquette.com.

By Design, Alton’s Newest Boutique

Marquette Catholic High School Principal Mike Slaughter, along with play director Sue Mueller, proudly display their new stage curtain with several Marquette Catholic High School students, family and friends.

One of the newest boutiques in Alton, By Design, located on the ground fl oor of the Mississippi Lime Building in downtown Alton, opened their doors on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 and celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

By Design, owned by Lillian Guccione Bates, is a boutique where a customer can fi nd one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing, accessories and fi ber related art. By Design also has two unique offerings that will enhance and expand women’s fashion options: Waist Not and Boot Leg. Waist Not is a lined skirt with no hem or waistband. Customers pick out their skirt according to their hip size and then the skirt is fi tted to the individual. Boot Leg is a boot shaft that fi ts over your own shoe. If you’ve ever experienced diffi culty of boots or boots that don’t fi t due to a muscular calf, this Boot Leg may be the answer. For more information regarding By Design and their unique boutique, please contact Lillian by calling 618-304-2747 or by visiting her website at www.Lillianbydesign.com.

Owner of By Design, Lillian Guccione Bates, celebrates with family and friends in her grand opening of her boutique on Wednesday, November 26th. Growth Association members on hand to welcome Lillian into the community are: Denise Wolff of First Clover Leaf Bank, Jeff Maclin of WBGZ, Gary Hoggatt of National Bank at Edwardsville, Mary Boulds with the City of Alton, Karen McAtee of TheBANK of Edwardsville, Kristen Orban of The Telegraph, Jackie Parks of Liberty Bank and Jenny Robison of Shell Community Federal Credit Union.



Are you fi nancially exposed?By: Tom Lane, State Farm® agent

Many people realize the need for life insurance but keep putting it off until it is too late. You may think that life insurance is confusing, expensive and complicated. You may think you don’t know enough to make the right decisions for you and your loved ones. Postponing this decision leaves you and your family exposed fi nancially.Assumption #1: I’ll always be able to buy life insurance.

You could develop a health • condition that makes you uninsurable or could make life insurance too costly for you.

Assumption #2: I’ll get life insurance later when I’m older or have a family.

Life insurance may be needed at • all stages of life. Whether married or single, male or female, with children or without, you may have fi nancial obligations that need to be met. Life insurance provides fi nancial security for you and your

loved ones.Assumption #3: My family and I are covered by the group insurance at work.

To meet the future needs of your • family, you need to have 7 to 10 times your annual income. Most group term insurance amounts offered by employers won’t meet this need. And, when you don’t work for that employer any longer, you usually lose that coverage.

Assumption #4: My husband has life insurance so I don’t need it.

Women often live longer than • men but not always. There are countless stories of men who had to shoulder the family fi nancial burden along with the emotional burden after their wife passed away.

Assumption #5: My family can cover funeral and burial expenses.

Burying a spouse or loved one • is the most stressful time in a

family’s life. Having life insurance can reduce fi nancial concerns for the family.

Take the time now to review your needs and provide adequately for yourself and your family. For more

information or to review your current policy, please contact my offi ce or your insurance professional.

MAYOR REPORT – Richard Mosby, City of Grafton

Grafton is doing well after rebounding from two fl oods and a mudslide. Residential development has slowed, but is still steady as Grafton continues to grow. We are continuing with a major water main improvement in the lower part of the City. The three phases of this project include a connection to Illinois American Water Company, which will greatly improve the quality of our water.

The Grafton Chamber of Commerce and local businesses have many fun and interesting events planned for this coming year. New businesses have recently opened and more will open soon, featuring restaurants, wineries and shopping. There will be a lot for people to see and enjoy when they come to Grafton.

