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The McLean County Chamber of Commerce 2012 Annual Report
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2012 AnnualReport Issue
2012 annual reportIt never ceases to amaze me how fast 365 days goes by. It feels as though just yesterday I was being handed the gavel from 2011 Chairman of the Chamber, Bob Dobski. But time flies when you are working hard. Over the past year thousands of hours have been dedicated to the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. Not just from Charlie and his staff, but from Board Members, Chamber Am-bassadors and member volunteers.
While every year at the Chamber is busy, 2012 brought a whirlwind of new opportunities. In January we announced the formation of the Community Air Service Initiative (CASI), a partnership of public and private dollars, creating a revenue guarantee fund designed to attract additional air service to the Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA). With the assistance of CASI, and after months of negotiations,
Frontier Airlines began service to CIRA in May of 2012.
This past year also brought about a physical change, as the Chamber moved from its home of nearly 40 years to a new location on East Empire in Bloomington. This new location will allow the Chamber to serve its membership in ways our previous location could not.
In addition to the new location, the Board of Directors “Stepped-Up the PACE” and we’ve updated our strategic plan through 2015. As part of our plan to promote local commerce, I have campaigned tirelessly this year to promote the Chamber’s Make Your Money Mean More initiative which is intended to educate everyone on what spending money locally does, not only for businesses, but for the entire community. Hopefully each of you has taken the time to visit www.makeyourmoneymeanmore.com to learn how you can get involved in this great campaign.
As I end my term I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the McLean County Chamber of Commerce this past year. Each of you plays an important role in developing the business community of McLean County and I couldn’t be prouder to stand in support with each one of you.
Vicki Tilton2012 Chairman
Sherri Chinski2013 Chairman
2012 annual reportOver the past year I have watched the McLean County Cham-ber of Commerce with great anticipation, knowing that I would soon be leading an organization that was experiencing positive change. With a new facility, new faces on the Cham-ber staff and an updated strategic plan, I can’t help being ex-cited about the possibilities in the year ahead.
As your incoming 2013 Board Chair I want to take this op-portunity to thank Vicki Tilton, our 2012 Chair, for her dedica-tion to our organization and for helping to make the McLean
County Chamber of Commerce a better organization under her leadership. I also want to thank the members, board members, committee members and our event sponsors, whose efforts have helped to establish the McLean County Chamber of Commerce as one of the strongest chambers in Illinois.
With 2013 already underway, the Chamber staff and board will continue to focus on the needs of our current members while discovering new ways to communicate the value and benefits of Chamber membership to non-members. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce has, and always will be, about its members. In fact it’s the first line in our mission statement: To support our members, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce promotes local commerce, advocates busi-ness perspectives, creates relevant programs, and establishes relationships for business success.
As we begin 2013 I encourage each of you to recommit to your engagement with the Chamber. Stop by the office and visit with the staff, learn more about what the Chamber is doing for its members and the business community, or share the benefits of Chamber membership with those who are not currently members. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is a member driven organization, and when our membership is active and involved the Chamber can do amazing things to improve the business climate in McLean County.
Sherri Chinski, ChairmanReiser, Chinski, & Co, LLP
Bill Lawrence, Chairman-electWoith Insurance Inc.
Vicki Tilton, Past ChairmanFox & Hounds Hair Studio & Day Spa
Bob Miller, TreasurerAdvocate BroMenn Medical Center
Leann Seal, SecretarySnyder Companies
Carl Teichman, Vice ChairmanIllinois Wesleyan University
Steve Denault, Vice ChairmanCountry Financial
Carl Olson, Vice ChairmanCentral Illinois Regional Airport
Michael O’Grady, ECHIEconomic Development Council
Justine Robinson, neXt ProfessionalsCity of Bloomington
Brian BastingADVANCE Trading, Inc.
Chad BooreOSF St. Joseph Medical Center
Leanna BordnerIllinois State University
Greg CookGreat Plains Media, Inc.
Winnie FekenChuck’s Harley Davidson
Kristen GivensState Farm Insurance Companies
Julie KubschSpecs Around Town
Robert LakinCommerce Bank
Mike LarkinState Farm Insurance Companies
Jennifer McCarronBusiness Builders
Dr. Kirk NoraianDr. Kirk Noraian, DDS
David StokesEdward Jones – David Stokes
Mary StrackJimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Mike SwartzMcLean County Farm Bureau
2013 McLean County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Brian DavisManagerPrograms & Member Education
Pat GrossoDirectorMember Relations &Executive Support
Scott P Heape, CPAManagerFinance & Operations
Shari LauerManagerMembership Development
Phil LongManagerMarketing & Public Relations
Charlie MoorePresident & CEO
Diane SironAssistantMembership & Programs
Brian ThedeECHIBusiness & Relationship Manager
Ryan WhitehouseDirectorGovernment &Public Affairs
Chamber Staff
2012 annual report
After months of planning and construction, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce has found a new home at 2203 East Empire Street, Suite B, in Bloomington.
The Chamber spent almost forty years in their previous location at 210 South East Street, Bloomington, but a growing staff and the need for increased meeting space led the Chamber to pursue a different building. While the search started years ago, a new location was identified in May of 2012 with multiple buildings from all over McLean County taken into consideration. “We were looking for a space that could ac-commodate our growing staff, but more importantly we were looking for a space that could meet the needs of our Chamber members for years to come,” said Chamber President and CEO, Charlie Moore.
In September of 2012, at the suggestion of the Building Committee and under the approval of the Board of Directors, the Chamber signed into a long term lease, becoming tenants in the Corporate Center East business park on East Empire Street in Bloomington. With a location selected, attention turned to finding the right general contractor and architect to help bring the vision of the board to fruition. After many pro-posals, J. Spencer Construction from Normal and the Farnsworth Group, also from Normal, were selected to spearhead the build out.
With keys to the building in hand on October 1, 2012, an army of construction workers, design-ers, engineers, technical experts and various other tradesmen descended on 2203 East Empire Street, Suite B, with a deadline to return the keys to the Chamber and have the building in move-in condition before the Christmas holiday. Using only Chamber members for the entire building process, J. Spencer Construction and Farnsworth Group worked tirelessly to meet the tight dead-line, and the Chamber staff moved in to their new offices on Thursday, December 20th.
While the new location is actually smaller in terms of square footage than the previous location, it is remarkable how large the new space feels. In fact, 2012 Chairman of the Board, Vicki Tilton feels the space is more effective and efficient. “Our new office has a very intentional layout that incorpo-rates improved work space for the staff and offers multiple state of the art meeting spaces for our members that we did not have at the old building. We can’t wait to see how the Chamber is able to utilize this new space, and I would encourage all of our members to stop by for a visit.”
New Year, New Location, Same ChamberThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce relocates to East Empire Street
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A Cleaner FinishA5.COMAAA ChicagoAccurate TowingACME SolutionsAdvanced Women’s HealthcareAfni, Inc.Ag World International Corp.AGAPE Counseling Ltd.Alexander Lumber Co.Alpha-Care Health ProfessionalsAmeren Illinois UtilitiesAmerican Diabetes AssociationAmerican Pest ControlApartment MartArea Disposal ServiceArea Wide Services, LLCArrowsmith, Village ofAT & TAutism Society of McLean CountyAvanti’s Italian Restaurant - BloomingtonAvanti’s Italian Restaurant - NormalAxline AdvancedB & B Awards & RecognitionBates Commodities, Inc.Baxters American GrilleBaymont Inn & SuitesBellas Home and GardenBeltone Audiology & Hearing Care CenterBenefit Planning AssociatesBLDD Architects, Inc.Bloomington BlazeBloomington Offset Process, Inc.Bloomington Public SchoolsBloomington-Normal YMCABPC - Benefit Planning ConsultantsBrad Barker HondaBradley University - Foster College of Bus. Admin.Bremer Jewelry & The Wedding Ring GalleryBrickyard ApartmentsBridgestone/Firestone Off Road Tire Co.Business FurnitureCalvert & Metzler Memorial HomeCandlewood Suites HotelCanteen Vending ServicesCapen Frank Proctor & Bowles, Inc.Carpet Weaver’s Inc.CDS Office TechnologiesCEFCUCenter for Performance Development, Inc.Central IL X-RayCentral Illinois Institute of BalanceCentral Illinois Score #645Century 21 Aper RealtyChar Huff’s Property ShoppeChestnut Health Systems, Inc.Child Care Resource & Referral Network Chrisman Dental OfficeChuck’s Harley-Davidson, Inc.Clear View ChurchClearly WindowsClemens & Associates, Inc.Coldwell Banker - Greg ZavitzColdwell Banker Commercial - Greg YountCollege Hills Meat ShopComcast Business ServicesCometobuyCommerce BankCommunity Health Charities of IllinoisCompass Insurance PartnersCongressman Aaron SchockCorn Belt Energy CorporationCornerstone Business SolutionsCostigan & Wollrab, P.C.Country Financial - McLean County AgencyCQI Associates CSP Packaging, Inc.Davis & Campbell L.L.C.
Dennis R. Krug, DDSDeWitt-Livingston-McLean: Reg. Office of EducationDMi Technology GroupDOUGLAS REYNOLDS CONSULTINGDr. Dennis M. Brtva & AssociatesDr. Ryan Johnson - Heartland Dental CareEastland Chiropractic & Wellness CenterEDP Renewables North America, LLCEmployers’ Coalition for Health Care, Inc.Entre Computer SolutionsExpress Employment ProfessionalsFamily & Community Resource CenterFastSignsFDIS CHITOWNFederal CompaniesFirst Farmers State BankFirst Financial BankFirst Mid-Illinois Bank & TrustFirst Midwest Securities, Inc. (FMSI)First State BankFloorX ProFloorCare, Inc.Fort Jesse Imaging Center/Gale Keeran Ctr. for WomenFour Seasons AssociationFox & Hounds Hair Studio & Day SpaFrank W. Foehr, D.D.S.FrontierGaggle.NetGCG Financial Inc.Girl Scouts of Central IllinoisGreat Plains Media, Inc.Guardian Headache & Pain Management InstituteHabitat for Humanity of McLean Co.Hartweg, Turner, Wood & DeVary, P.C.Hawthorn Suites & Conference Center By WyndhamHeartland Bank and Trust CompanyHeartland Dental Care - Dr. Erica HammHeartland Home Medical SupplyHeartland PrintingHENSON DISPOSALHeritage Enterprises, Inc.Home Health DepotHumana - Bloomington RepresentativesHumana, Inc. - ChicagoIdentity Security Consultants GroupIllinois Cancer CareIllinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)Illinois Heart & Lung FoundationIllinois House BuildingIllinois Institute for Addiction RecoveryIllinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral AgenciesIllinois Prairie Community FoundationIllinois State Senator - Shane CultraIllinois State University Career CenterIllinois State University JLD ProgramIllinois Vein Specialists - Bloomington, LLCInlanta MortgageIt’s Poppin’ Gourmet PopcornJ. Michael Grosso, P.C.Jack Lewis JewelersJacob & Klein Ltd.Jim Spachman State Farm AgentJim’s Steak HouseJoe’s Station House Pizza PubJohn C. Morris & AssociatesJohnson Law GroupKahuna Payment Solutions LLCKeith Sommer Campaign CommitteeKelly ServicesKelly’s Bakery and Cafe IncKibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial HomeKirk W. Noraian, D.D.S., M.S., P.C.Knapp Burn FoundationKongskilde Industries, Inc.Labor ReadyLeighton Legal GroupLexington, City ofLincoln College-NormalMansfield Management Enterprises, LLCMcDaniels MarketingMcDonald SupplyMcDonald’s Restaurants OfficeMcLean CountyMcLean County Community CompactMcLean County Eye CenterMcLean County Farm BureauMeatheads Burgers & FriesMid-Illini Credit UnionMidwest Fiber, Inc.Mike Fry Electric, Inc.Monroe CenterMorris Tick Co., Inc.
Morrissey CrossingMorrow Equipment Systems, Inc.Mortgage Services III, LLC (MSI)NTT DATA Inc.Nu-Way TransportationOffice Depot 513Orkin Pest ControlOSF Medical Group OSF St. Joseph Medical CenterPanera Bread - BloomingtonPar-A-Dice Hotel CasinoParadise Pet Hotel & Day SpaParker EnterprisesPark-Stoutamoyer & Associates, Inc.PATH (Providing Access To Help)Personal Finance CompanyPinnacle Actuarial ResourcesPioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Prairie StoragePrairieland Federal Credit UnionPreferred Automotive ServicesPridestaffProject OzPrudential Snyder Real EstateQuik-Kill Pest Eliminators, Inc.ReBath of IllinoisRedbird Dental CareRegions BankReinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc.Richard H. Tarvin , INC.Robert Redding MenswearRobert T. Varney & AssociatesRoehm Renovations, LLCRogy’s Learning PlaceSam’s ClubSara’s Fitness by DesignSCADAware, Inc.Shive-Hattery, Inc.Signature Dental ExperienceSignature Inn-NormalSimply In Your PurposeSonic America’s Drive-InSpecial Olympics IllinoisSpecs Around Town Optical BoutiqueSpringfield Electric Supply CompanyStarcrest CleanersState Farm Insurance -- Tom Brokaw, AgentState Farm Insurance CompaniesState Representative Jason BarickmanSugar Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care CenterSulaski & Webb, CPAsSummertree Rental ResidencesSusan G. Komen - McLean CountyTechVertizeTesting Service CorporationThe Baby FoldThe Great Display Company, LLCThe Sherwin-Williams CompanyTNP SRT Constitution Trail, LLCTraining The WorldTruGreenUnit 5 School DistrictUnited Way of McLean CountyUS Bank US Cellular- Parkway PlazaUSA Ballet Company & AcademyVanguard Energy ServicesVillage of GridleyVillage of HudsonWal-Mart SupercenterWayne Printing / Mail Tech EnterpriseWend Normal - Wendy’s WGLT-FM 89.1WHOI-TV/EHOIWilcox ElectricWiley Office FurnitureWindow World of BloomingtonWm. Masters, Inc.WMBD/WYZZ - TVWoith Insurance ServicesWoodward & Associates, INCWorld Painting CompanyWXRJ 94.9 FM/Black Business AllianceYoung America Realty, Inc.YouthBuild McLean CountyZeller Electric, Inc.Zoup Soup
(list current as of Jan 1, 2013)
2012
business excellence awards
Roger Hunt came to Bloomington in 2001 as a consultant and Interim President for the Bro-Menn Healthcare system. Nine months later he ac-cepted the permanent position of CEO at Bro-Menn. Since his arrival, Roger and his wife Mary
both have been involved and supported many of our commu-nity organizations, including Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, American Red Cross of the Heartland, Bloomington Kiwanis Club, College Alumni Club, Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, ISU Community Partners, Main Street Corridor Commission, Mennonite College of Nursing, Illi-nois State University, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce,
St. Matthews Episcopal Church, United Way of McLean County, and many other community and Philanthropic endeavors.
“I have known Roger and Mary personally since their arrival to Bloomington/Normal,” said John Carter, President and CEO of Jack Lewis Jewelers. “We are all so fortunate to have them among the residents of central Illinois, helping all of us to make it a better place to live and work.”
Roger retired as President of Advocate BroMenn in December 2010 but has continued working part time for Advocate Health-care as a consultant for the Advocate BroMenn/Eureka offices of Charitable Giving. In their retirement, Roger and Mary have re-mained in the community and continue their personal involve-ment and commitments to make our community a better place to live and work. Roger is currently acting as Interim Executive Director of the Community Cancer Center until a permanent Di-rector can be identified.
In August of 2004, with a small staff and only 10 children, Little Jewels Learning Center opened at 4117 E Oakland Av-enue in Bloomington. Over the years Little Jew-els has continued to grow, and in November of 2010 opened their second lo-
cation in Normal. With a staff of more than 80 and more than 250 children, Little Jewels Learning Center has become an out-standing choice for parents seeking great care for their children in Bloomington-Normal.
As the owner of Little Jewels Learning Center, Julie Dobski takes great pride in creating an atmosphere that promotes community involvement. The Little Jewels Learning Center staff participates in the Illinois State University Homecoming Parade, The Festival of Trees, Relay for Life, Walk with Me, and St. Jude’s Walk. Ad-ditionally, they organize holiday food drives and giving trees for families in need and have served meals to families at The Ronald McDonald House. Little Jewels Learning Center also has one hun-dred percent participation in employee giving to the United Way of McLean County.
Community service is an integral part of Little Jewels Learning Center’s vision. It is ever present alongside an exciting quest for learning and creativity at Little Jewels Learning Center!
The Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Confer-ence Center is an ENER-GY STAR certified prop-erty that works diligently to become a better busi-ness by reducing environ-mental impact through daily practices that in-crease energy efficiency.
The hotel has installed low-flow shower heads and toilets to be more water efficient, uses environmentally friendly products that reduce harsh chemical exposure for their associates and guests, and utilizes a specialized heating and air conditioning system that has led to a 19% reduction in electrical usage.
“The Marriott has been very progressive in their efforts to create as sustainable a complex and operation as possible,” said EDC
Director of Government and Investor Relations, Mike O’Grady. “They are a pioneer in this community, showing others what can be and how it is possible to make your business more environ-mentally sustainable.”
Melissa Negard, from the Office of Sustainability at Illinois State University, sees a community benefit from the Marriott’s green efforts. “As an institution of higher education, the value of a com-munity partner that is a leader in sustainability is imperative to our educational mission. The Marriott staff has taken time to guest lecture for classes on Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Environment and Sustainability. Lending their real-world expertise to our next generation of business leaders is invaluable in sustain-ing environmental literacy in the business sector.”
The Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is an extraordinary example of what can happen when sustainable practices are partnered with community investment.
Roger Hunt: Legacy of Excellence
Large Business: Little Jewels Learning Center
Green Business: Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
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Started in 2010 by Jacob Duquenne and Aaron Hambleton, The Great Display Company was built on a foundation of quality and service excellence. Providing professional consulting, creative services, high quality wide-format printing and customized ful-fillment services, The Great Display Company has grown from a small 1,000 square foot Downtown Bloomington location to a 6,000+ square foot facility on South McLean Street. In addition to their physical growth, they have added ten full-time positions in less than three years and doubled their production capacity.
However, The Great Display Company isn’t just about hard work and customer service; they are a shining example of excellence through community service as well. Since their start in 2010 The Great Display Company has donated $25,000 in product and ser-vices to the Baby Fold Festival of Trees event, sponsored numer-ous community groups, and each year The Great Display Com-pany donates $5,000 to the Normal West High School Football program to lower the participation fee for each athlete.
“It is nice to know that a growing business of this caliber has a strong focus on making the communi-ty in which they do busi-ness a better place,” said Pete Wiedman of Woith Insurance Services. Wied-man continued, saying, “This business is growing, their team is growing and they have the desire for their community to grow and succeed along with them.”
Despite their fast growth, that has garnered national recognition and several awards, The Great Display Company continues to pro-vide exemplary product and the highest level of customer service.
A. Renée is a Gourmet Wine Shop, Wine Cafe and eclectic cater-ing business located in historic downtown Bloomington. Starting with little more than a business plan for a wine shop and a vision for a future café, the mother-daughter team of Cindy Beier and Amy Calhoun pooled their resources and talents to start A. Renée in February of 2004.
In 2011 the pair decided to chase their dreams and expand their one-room shoppe to include a wine café. Unsure of where the additional funds would come from, they held a sneak peek pre-view of the café’s space and auctioned off part of their beloved art collection to help with financing the project. “Over the last two years I have watched their wine café come to fruition,” says downtown neighbor and Fox & Hounds owner, Vicki Tilton. “I’ve seen firsthand how hard they have worked to make their dream materialize.”
Although small, A. Renée provides enormous sup-port for their downtown neighborhood. From par-ticipation in the Farmer’s Market to sponsoring wine tasting for organi-zations such as OSF St. Joseph Hospital’s World Tour, A. Renee understands the value of community.
A well-balanced duo that complement each other’s strengths, Beier decorates and creates stylish displays for the unique space in downtown Bloomington, while Calhoun crafts appetizing recipes for the wine café’s kitchen. Currently, A. Renée spans three rooms containing wines from various regions around the globe, gourmet foods and chocolate, as well as charming gifts for entertaining.
In 1955 Marcfirst was established as a school for children with in-tellectual and developmental disabilities. Today Marcfirst is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and supports for chil-dren and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Services for children are offered through an early interven-tion and pediatric therapy program that includes developmental, speech/language, physical and occupational therapies, as well as, social service supports. Supports for adults include developmen-tal training, supported employment and residential care.
The first agency in Illinois to establish an early intervention pro-gram for children with IDD, a group home for children with IDD and an Intermediate Care Facility for adults with IDD, Marcfirst strives to build a community where all people can pursue and achieve their dreams regardless of their abilities. “Throughout its 50+ year history, Marcfirst has demonstrated leadership and inno-vation by being the first to implement new programs and services
to people with develop-mental disabilities,” said Timothy Kelly, Director of Corporate Risk at COUN-TRY Financial.
In 2007 Marcfirst in-troduced an innovative employment program in partnership with COUN-TRY Financial that provides people with IDD meaningful employ-ment and career opportunities. Their SPICE program provides 100’s of hours of free developmental screenings for children with developmental disabilities and therapies for hundreds of children that significantly enhance their skills and abilities. Their residential and employment supports help insure that individuals with IDD can live, work and participate in our community close to their families and friends.
business excellence awards
Small Business: The Great Display Company
Micro Business: A. Renée
Non Profit Agency: Marcfirst
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0
30
60
90
120
150
2010 2011 2012
123
139121
2010 Revenue$806,043
Memberships - $419,142 = 52%Programs - $386,901 = 48%
2011 Revenue$858,525
Memberships - $429,263 = 50%Programs - $429,263 = 50%
2012 Revenue$859,764
Memberships - $404,089 = 47%Programs - $455,675 = 53%
New Members Per Year 2010-2012
Active Members: 906*
Represeting:44,573*
Full-time employees
and10,679*
Part-time employees * as of January 1, 2013
ReiseR, Chinski & Co., LLP
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MCLean County ChaMbeR of
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200 W. Monroe St.Second FloorBloomington IL 61701309 829 0482
www.fox-n-hounds.com
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2012 saw the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and its board continue to pursue the task of bringing to life a strategic plan that was created in 2010. Board members and Chamber staff are di-vided into four committees that correspond to different initiatives found in the Chamber’s mission:
“To support our members, the McLean County Chamber of Com-merce, Promotes local commerce, Advocates business perspec-tives, Creates relevant programs, and Establishes relationships for business success.”
Continuing their pursuit of the PACE initiative, the Chamber held board and staff retreats in 2012, with the sole intention of improving on the 2010 strategic plan. The revised plan called “Stepping Up the PACE” will keep the same basic structure as the previous strategic plan, including the four committees, but will include revised goals and tactics designed to help each committee accomplish their pri-mary objective. Additionally, each piece of the initiative was given a definition, key issue and primary objective, in an effort to provide additional clarity to each committee’s responsibility.
The ‘P’ Committee is charged with providing ongoing awareness of local businesses to encourage and engage business to business and business to consumer patronage. Their primary focus is to highlight the Chamber’s initiatives that provide local business support and their main objective is to enhance the ability of businesses to estab-lish and maintain profitability.
The ‘A’ Committee will continue to act as the voice of member businesses to identify policy issues and recommend solutions. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce understands that there are external forces that greatly impact our local businesses.
In response to these forces the Chamber intends to represent the needs of our members through education and collective action.
The ‘C’ Committee seeks to develop innovative opportunities (pro-grams) that provide value to Chamber members. Through an exten-sive research effort we have discovered that businesses are search-ing for a greater return on their investment and time. With a focus on program assessment, this committee will work to increase the perceived value that members experience from Chamber programs.
The ‘E’ Committee is all about relationships. Through pursuing knowledge of member needs, this committee will facilitate connec-
tions with the Chamber and its members. This committee intends to recognize member’s unique needs to help them enhance their business by connecting them to appropriate information, resources, and other members.
“This is among the best strategic planning, in thought and execution that I’ve been involved with in my business career,” said Dan Irvin, Director of Corporate Communications Sales and Manufacturing Divisions with Mitsubishi Motors North America. “I think that’s due to the commitment to participation of the board and the staff. In
the 2012 retreat, it was heartening to consider the progress on the outline established in the 2010 session. I think the objectives and tactics established in the 2012 retreat set a foundation for the board and staff to advance the Chamber for years to come. It was an honor to be a participant.”
In the pages that follow each of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, educational opportunities, networking events, and member ac-tivities are listed under their corresponding PACE initiative. While proud that many of their directives were “on PACE” in 2012, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is determined to “Step-Up the PACE” in 2013.
2012 annual reportStepping Up the PACEChamber Board brings new perspective to strategic plan for the organization
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2012 year in reviewPromote Local CommerceMake Your Money Mean More A local initiative intended to educate individuals and businesses about how to wisely invest in our community and our future, Make Your Money Mean More encourages everyone to buy from and work with local businesses.
This past year a number of local businesses as well as community leaders partnered with the Make Your Money Mean More effort, to help us spread the word about this important initiative. Stay tuned in 2013, as the Chamber continues to champion the cause of local businesses through this county-wide campaign.
Small Business Saturday November 24th marked the third annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support local businesses that build our economy and pre-serve our neighborhoods around the country. More than thirty members of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce participat-ed and seventeen of those members posted “Hot Deal” coupons on the Chamber’s website, which received more than five hundred hits from coupon seeking shoppers. Additionally, the Chamber placed ads in the Pantagraph and ran radio spots with Great Plains Media in partnership with our Make Your Money Mean More initiative. There were also several on-air radio interviews and an interview with WHOI TV.
Twin Cities Showcase The 2012 Twin Cities Showcase at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center gave Chamber members the opportunity to
gain valuable leads and potential clients, as well as spread aware-ness of their products and services. Seventy Chamber members ex-hibited at the May 3rd event. The “Taste of the Showcase” brought significant floor traffic at mid-day as several member restaurants and food vendors offered free samples so that local business people could visit the Showcase over their lunch hours.
ECHIThe Employers’ Coalition for Healthcare, Incorporated (ECHI) is a powerful group of businesses who have joined together to ensure that when it comes to employee benefits, businesses of all sizes have choices and solutions. One hundred and fifty-two member businesses are enrolled in ECHI offering the negotiating power, ben-efits, and protection typically only available to large corporations.
2012 also brought about ECHI’s first full-time employee, Brian Thede, who will be the groups Business and Relationship Manager.
AmbassadorsAmbassadors are volunteers who encourage and support the growth
of McLean County businesses on behalf of the Chamber. In 2012, thirty Ambassadors promoted and supported the mission of the Chamber by delivering new member packets, attending Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Openings, and acting as hosts for Business Before and Af-ter Hour networking events. Stephanie Thom-as was the Ambassador Chairperson for 2012. Laura Curtis, Sales Manager for the Hampton Inn & Suites – Normal, was awarded the 2012 Ambassador of the Year.
Ribbon Cuttings / GroundbreakingsThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce recognizes our members’ new businesses, anniversary milestones and groundbreak-ings by offering Ribbon Cuttings. In 2012, 52 members opened or expanded their busi-ness or celebrated a significant anniversary. The Chamber is happy to recognize these businesses and views these events as key in-dicators of the economic well-being of all of McLean County.
Advocate Business PerspectivesCASIActing on a request from the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority, The McLean Coun-ty Chamber of Commerce Board of Direc-tors, along with several community partners, formed the Community Air Service Initiative (CASI), in an effort to help attract new air ser-vice to the Central Illinois Regional Airport
Committed to the welfareof our community
©2013 GROWMARK, Inc. G55590
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2012 year in review(CIRA). Using an existing model for a community-based program to attract air service, each partner invested monetarily in CASI cre-ating a pool of funds that acts as a revenue guarantee for airlines should the routes from CIRA fail to meet projected revenue goals.
With CASI firmly established, Frontier Airlines took little time to establish CIRA as a new regional stop on their routes from Denver and Orlando.
Small Business Summit in Washington, DCA sixteen member delegation from the McLean County Chamber of Commerce traveled to our nation’s capital May 21st through the 23rd for the 2012 Small Business Summit, an event sponsored by the United States Chamber of Commerce that gathered small busi-ness owners, managers and entrepreneurs under the banner of put-ting America back to work.
Congressman Aaron Shock Fly-InCongressman Aaron Schock will represent McLean County in the new 113th Congress. In an effort to promote good will and to fur-ther develop a relationship with the Congressman, several Cham-ber staff and local community leaders participated in a Washington D.C. Fly-In hosted by the Congressman. The trip was instrumental in building a strong rapport with Congressman Shock and offered him the opportunity to make connections with business leaders from across Central Illinois.
State Legislative Update The Thursday, June 14 event featured one of the largest showings of legislators in the history of the State Legislative Update. Six mem-bers of the Illinois General Assembly talked about the recent leg-islative session to nearly 150 community and business leaders at the Illinois State University Bone Student Center in Normal. Senators Bill Brady and Shane Cultra sat on the panel along with Representatives Jason Barickman, Dan Brady, Bill Mitchell, and Keith Sommer.
Economic Vision LuncheonWith a focus on America’s current energy landscape, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Economic Vision Luncheon on Thursday, November 29 at the Parke Hotel and Conference Center in Bloom-ington. Keynote speaker Matt Koch, Vice Pres-ident for 21st Century Energy with the United States Chamber of Commerce gave attendees a fresh perspective regarding our countries’ resources. Koch challenged attendees to be-come more energy sufficient and discussed the current energy reality highlighting both the opportunities and threats that must be ad-dressed in order to change our energy future.
State of McLean CountyMore than 200 attendees heard from Mayor Steve Stockton of Bloomington, Mayor Chris Koos of Normal and McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen on major economic projects as well as the status of local budgets in this annual event held Thursday, October 4 at the Hansen Student Center on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University.
AgSummit 2012The McLean County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the EDC to bring a select group of business and agriculture leaders to the Heartland Community College Astroth Center for a day-long summit designed to plan and prioritize the agriculture needs of our area. This December 5 event featured panel discussions to share perspectives and thoughts on agriculture in McLean County. The Summit will result in white papers designed to address the needs and wants of McLean County agribusinesses as they pertain to food, fuel, and fiber production, processing, and consumption.
Elected Officials ReceptionChamber members gathered at the new Uptown Normal Station for this opportunity to introduce themselves to the individuals elected to serve our community. The attendees included many of the state and local lawmakers who represent McLean County.
Economic SummitThe eyes of the nation were focused on McLean County, Illinois, as Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Congressman Frank Lucas
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(R-OK) presented the keynote speech during the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit, held Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
Chairman Lucas spoke to a crowd of more than 200 business and agribusiness leaders from Central Illinois offering his insights on a Farm Bill that was set to expire at the end of September. Lucas was hopeful that members of Congress would recognize the need for passing a revised Farm Bill quickly as drought conditions across Central Illinois and the rest of the Midwest worsened.
PACThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce’s Political Action Committee spent much of 2012 preparing for the elections. The PAC got involved throughout the State of Illinois and was successful in building new relationships with elected officials from both sides of the political aisle.
CIRCLEIn 2012, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce re-engaged with CIRCLE, the Central Illinois Regional Chambers Legislative Ef-fort to strengthen the voice of our region’s business community. Eighteen participating CIRCLE Chambers surveyed their individual memberships to identify issues of importance across the region and on April 26, took our message to Springfield to share with members of the General Assembly.
Create Relevant ProgramsAgriculture Awards Dinner The best in 2011 McLean County agriculture were honored at the
McLean County Chamber of Commerce annual Agriculture Awards Dinner, held Friday, February 10, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. Six awards were present-ed in an evening keynoted by agriculture writer and blogger Emily Webel. The 2011 Ag Award winners were Ed Kline, Karen Cor-rigan, Darren Davis, Paul Duzan, Tom Kahle and Kerry Tudor, PhD.
Agriculture Awareness Breakfast The annual Agriculture Awareness Breakfast launched the 2012 farming season in front of a crowd of more than 500 on Wednes-day, March 14 at the Doubletree by Hilton. Chuck Spencer, Direc-tor of Government Affairs for GROWMARK, delivered the keynote at the event which raised more than $1,750 to provide agriculture education grants through the Maitland Ag Awareness Fund.
Administrative Professionals Luncheon The Chamber’s Administrative Professionals Luncheon celebrates those hard working individuals who so often go without thanks. A crowd of nearly 350 were in attendance as Dorothy Carson Ahle-nius, Corporate Communications & Compliance Administrative Co-
ordinator with GROWMARK Inc., was hon-ored with the Top Administrative Professional award. Back by popular demand, Marvis Meyers, Vice President of Training and Orga-nization Development for AAIM Employers’ Association presented the keynote address at the April 25 event, held at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.
@Midwest Social Media ConferenceSome of the brightest stars in social media came to the Astroth Community Education Center at Heartland Community College on Thursday, June 21 to offer organizations of any size the tools and techniques to achieve the greatest return on their social media in-vestment. This event, co-sponsored by the Chamber and the EDC, offered participants stimulating keynote speakers, various break-out sessions and round table discussions.
Business & Financial Resources ForumThe Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity partnered once again with the McLean County Chamber of Com-merce, the Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area and the Small Business Development Center at Illi-nois State University to present the Business and Financial Resources Forum at Heartland Community College. Now in its fourth year, this free forum gave entrepreneurs an oppor-tunity to learn about loans and direct finan-
2012 year in review
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ATHENA® Recognition ReceptionOn Tuesday, November 1 in the Brown Ball-room at Illinois State University’s Bone Stu-dent Center, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2012 ATHENA® Rec-ognition Reception.Now in its 16th consecutive year, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce has annu-ally honored a local leader for supporting, developing and honoring women leaders -- inspiring women to achieve their full poten-tial and creating balance in leadership. This year’s award was presented to Judy Buchan-an, a McLean County community volunteer who serves as Chairman of the Board for the Bloomington-Normal Transit System.
Leadership McLean CountyThe Leadership McLean County Class of 2012 is the 19th graduating class of this prestigious program. LMC meets over the course of seven months offering leadership development in both theory and practice. LMC contains a diverse mix of attendees spanning all demo-graphics to provide differing points of view on topics vital to McLean County. The program seeks to educate the participants on McLean County and to promote leadership, producing informed citizens who take up the lead roles within our community and our corporations.
For their Task Force Projects, the LMC Class of 2012 helped improve the Boys and Girls Club Volunteer Program, promoted Peace Meals in the community, provided better/healthier food options to those in need by partnering with the hunting community, assisted with Im-manuel Health Center’s opening, held a Stu-dent Donation Drive to recycle clothes and household items from students leaving univer-sity residence halls, and held a Sports Equip-ment Donation Drive for Youth.
EDUCateThe Employee Development Unlimited Con-ference: A Team Effort continued in 2012 to include a spring and fall session. Spring EDU-Cate, May 17 at the Parke Hotel and Confer-ence Center, offered direct learning and tac-tics through nine different breakout sessions. Keynote addresses were delivered by Rick Olshak, Associate Dean of Students for Illinois State University and Rick Ringer, PhD, Illinois State University College of Business.
The Fall EDUCate program, October 25 at
the Parke Hotel and Conference Center, fo-cused on employee empowerment to better serve the client, the team, and the mission. The keynote presentations came from Cindy
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Professional Sales ForumThe Professional Sales Forum gathered sales professionals together every other month to review and discuss the sales process and work together informally to grow and expand their sales skills in order to be more successful. Topics in 2012 covered Addressing Objections, After Sales Service, and more.
Results2012 was the first full year of the Results series, a professional de-velopment opportunity designed for those small and home-based businesses without ready access to marketing, human resource or accounting services. Results works with a quarterly topic offering an expert presentation, panel discussion and facilitated case stud-ies. Topics in 2012 were Human Resources and Unemployment Insurance; Employee Development and Coaching; and Strategic Planning.
Sales Skills SeriesThe Sales Skills Series, held for the first time in September, is an intensive, multi-part program designed to help sales professionals refine their abilities and better serve their clients. Each session uti-lizes a mix of classroom and role plays to help navigate the topics. Participants are also provided a video of their role play exercises at the conclusion of class to help them continue to develop their skills.
Establish RelationshipsAnnual Gala The 2012 McLean County Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala cel-ebrated the courage and creativity of McLean County’s historical vi-sionaries with live portrayals by local performers on Saturday, Janu-ary 28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center.The third annual Business Excellence Awards honored Evelyn Young, former Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Blooming-ton, Shoe Shoe Baby, The Coffee Hound, The Snyder Companies, Midwest Fiber Recycling and Junior Achievement of Central Illinois.
Stroker Golf Classic A full flight of golfers braved 100 degree weather as they hit the Crestwicke Country Club golf course on Monday, July 23 for this year’s Stroker Golf Classic. Hole sponsors got creative with the Out of This World theme and greeted golfers with space-themed games, food, drinks and prizes.
2012 year in review
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Member Appreciation Tailgate PartyBeautiful weather and great food greeted Chamber members who attended the 2012 Member Appreciation Tailgate Party at the Da-vid Davis Mansion. Alexander’s Steak House grilled cheeseburgers all afternoon, and the DoubleTree by Hilton provided trays of their wonderful cookies as the Chamber thanked those who volunteered their time and effort to help make the McLean County Chamber of Commerce a better organization in 2012!
CommUniversity DayFor the first time in nine years, participants had to brave torrential rains as the Mclean County Chamber of Commerce teamed with Illinois State University Athletics to present THE networking and tailgating event of the fall. Thirty-five Chamber members “Spread the Red” with decorated tents. The Integrity Technology Solutions/CM Promotions tent was voted Most Red, while the Most Creative tent went to neXt Professionals & Snyder Com-panies. Morton Community Bank was named Rookie of the Year.
Children’s Christmas PartyIn the 30th year of partnership between the Chamber and our local trade and labor unions, this always-anticipated event brought the joys of the holiday season and provided gifts and holiday fun to nearly 500 children of unem-ployed or under-employed Bloomington-Normal workers. The festivities took place on Saturday, December 15 at Bloomington High School.
neXt ProfessionalsThe neXt professionals are a group of McLean County professionals ages 22-35 who strive to be the best in their respective fields, build their personal and professional network and improve their quality of life by giving back to the community in which they choose to live, work and play. The McLean County Cham-ber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Kaitlin Liesse of Eastland Suites as the 2012 McLean County Chamber of Commerce neXt Professional of the Year.
Business Before and After HoursBusiness Before and After Hours are the Chamber’s premiere networking events that focus on bringing members together to make connections and socialize. In 2012 Business Before and After Hours events averaged over 100 attendees. The September Non-for-Prof-it Showcase highlighted 27 of our member Non-for-Profit organizations while twenty-five new member businesses were on display at the November Business After Hours.
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