www.GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE June 2019 | page 1

JUNE 2019 • Volume 17 | Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE

Small Business of the Month• Williams Office Products

Mayor Report• Grafton

Welcome our new members• Alton Square Mall• eXp Realty, LLC - Lisa Webb• Dr. John E. Lindsay

Showcases• Catching Memories

Photography

RBGA Members in the News• Best Western Premier• Centerstone

RiverBend Growth Association5800 Godfrey Road - BGM

6722 Godfrey RoadGodfrey IL 62035(618) 467-2280

PODCAST available at http://www.growthassociation.com/page/lets-talk/

Watch this month’s video presentationhttp://www.growthassociation.com/page/event-videos/

The RiverBend Growth Association has named Williams Office Products, Inc. as its Small Business of the Month for June 2019.

Williams Office Products, Inc. is a full-line office equipment, furniture, and supply retailer founded by Jack Williams in 1953. They have served the business community in the Riverbend for over 60 years with an extensive line of office automation equipment, office furnishings, and stationary supplies. Jack Williams is now retired, but the business remains a family-owned and operated entity with second and third generation owners. They sell, install, and maintain the things you want to make your office environment both functional and comfortable.

Williams Office Products, Inc.’s mission and vision are providing a great workplace for their employees and their families, as well as offering great service to their loyal customers. They strongly believe in commitment to local businesses. They always emphasize, “Buying local to support our community,” and they follow through with that themselves. They

have sponsored or donated to many local organizations including Riverbend Head Start, Senior Services Plus, Boys & Girls Club of Alton, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center, Madison County Child Advocacy Center, Simmons Foundation, Mustache March (Back the Blue), and many other organizations within the Riverbend.

Williams Office Products, Inc. carries all the major and respected name brands you expect from a professional, full-line equipment center including: SHARP, HEWLETT PACKARD, BROTHER, SAMSUNG, LEXMARK, GBC, and FELLOWS. They stay well-stocked on supplies and parts for these brands so they can guarantee their availability for years to come. Williams Office Products, Inc. also has

the ability to serve your food service needs by offering products from Boardwalk such as food preparation supplies, cups and lids, dinnerware, napkins, cutlery, straws and stirrers, catering and take-out, and other sustainable products.

Williams Office Products, Inc. 500 E BroadwayAlton IL 62002618-462-1079www.williamsoffice.comFacebook @williamsoffice

Do you know a small business worthy of this honor? Nominate them by using the form on this page - http://www.growthassociation.com/page/recognitions-and-awards/.

RiverBend Growth Association Names Williams Office Products, Inc. As Small Business of the Month

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Welcome our newest members to the RiverBend Growth Association

Board of Directors Rob Schwartz, Chairman

TheBANK of EdwardsvilleJohn Roberts, Past Chairman

Roberts MotorsMike Fitzgerald, Treasurer

Scheffel BoyleLori Artis

Lewis and Clark Community College

John BarnerdSimmons Hanly Conroy

Tom BerryJackson Lewis P.C.

Dale BlachfordLiberty Bank

Greg Caffey City of Alton Doug Cobb

Carpenters Local 664Melissa Erker

Phillips 66 Wood River RefineryBrad Goacher

Alton Memorial HospitalMark Haggard

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A.Mat Hanley

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center

Pam HeepkeRaifort Commerce Park

Cody HinkleBeverly Farm

Jennifer JacksonHelmkamp Construction Co.

Tim KuebrichLake Drive Logistics

Jeff LauritzenCOUNTRY Financial

Eric McRoyAdvantage News

David MillerSt. Louis Regional Airport

Stephanie MonroeRiver Bend Chiropractic Center

Scott ReichmannBarberMurphy Group

Don RetzlaffArgosy Casino Alton

Dan St. PetersSt. Peters Hardware & Rental

Stan ScottIllinois American Water

Terry ShewmakeIBEW Local 649

Jim ShraderConsultant

Sam StemmWBGZ/AltonDailyNews.com

Dave StevensonQuality Buick GMC Cadillac

Steve ThompsonCarrollton Bank

Denise VonderHaarThe Telegraph

Dwight WertsWerts Welding & Tank Service

Denise WolffBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Elite Properties

Augie WuellnerAlton Securities & Asset Advisors

Alton Square Mall200 Alton SquareAlton IL 62002-5919(618) 300-3164ShopAltonSquare.com

eXp Realty, LLCLisa Webb Real Estate Broker60 IL 157 Suite B4, Box 10Edwardsville IL 62025(618) 407-2513lisawebb.exprealty.com

2009 eXp Realty launched the

first ever cloud-based brokerage. We believe that agents should have a choice in how and where they work; and deserve the benefits of being a shareholder.

Today eXp Realty is one of the fastest growing real estate brands in North America, with thoughts of agents operating across the United States and Canada with a launch coming soon to Australia and United Kingdom.

With a focus on innovation, eXp Realty is changing the way that agents, brokers and homeowners work together

in an adaptive sustainable environment.

eXp Realty is the only real estate brokerage that makes agents shareholders. That means agents have a direct interest in the company’s future and actively provide feedback to make sure we’re looking out for our buyers and sellers everywhere, with the flexibility to do what we know is best for our local markets.

Lindsay, Dr. John E.Podiatry Surgery

Heads Up! game played at RBGA networking eventRBGA members met

this month to grow their network by enjoying the RBGA version of the popular game, Heads Up.

Members networked and laughed in a team setting by guessing the names of Riverbend businesses.

Join us next month at Total Networking Luncheon on July 17, 2019 at Bluff City Grill.

TOTAL NETWORKING LUNCHEONWednesday, July 17, 20198:00 a.m. registration & breakfast buffetBest Western Premier3550 College Ave., Alton$12 admission

BUSINESS AFTER HOURSThursday, July 18, 2019 | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.United Methodist Village 5201 Asbury Avenue, Godfrey$5 admission at the door

RBGA Upcoming Events

All members are invited! Visit calendar for event details - GrowthAssociation.com

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Catching Memories Photography has the Experience and Creativity for the Perfect Picture

Catching Memories Photography’s Debra Freeman has the passion and experience her clients want in a professional photographer. Freeman has over 30 years of photography experience, and for the past eight years, she has specialized in newborn

photography. When she first started to get into photography she ran a licensed in-home daycare. The experience she gained has helped her become known as a great newborn photographer in the Riverbend. She has a determination for making sure her clients love the photos she takes, and she has a unique way of doing so.

“Debra has an incredible passion for photography and has carved out a special niche with newborn pictures and scheduled Santa photos,” said Brad Goacher, Chair-Elect of the Riverbend Growth Association and Vice President of Operations at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Before a photo session, Freeman has a consultation with the client to make sure they understand the process and are prepared for the session while presenting all the beautiful, exciting props that are available for use in the

session. Catching Memories Photography has a wide array of props, costumes, and accessories including miniature pianos, a fire truck, a carousel horse, wagons, and so much

more. There are even specialized costumes like princess dresses, cowboy outfits, biker outfits, bows

and tiaras, maternity gowns, and just about anything else needed for a beautiful picture.

Catching Memories Photography has the experience necessary to capture memories of newborns to grandparents. Freeman loves what she does and wants to convey that love with her clients. She has a creative mind that she shares with her clients. She is constantly continuing her education and learning more about her craft. She has the latest technology to create stunning memories. She works with professional labs that fit the needs of the client with prints, albums, canvas, wall displays, image boxes, accordion mini books, or other products.

Rhonda Breslin with TheBANK of Edwardsville said, “Debra has a lot of passion. She will make sure your

newborn pictures are what you want. Give her a try and you’ll be impressed by her selection of props.”

There is a double studio at Catching Memories Photography that helps Freeman create the perfect experience allowing her to capture the images her clients will cherish forever. She believes that the key to a successful session is a deep sleeping baby. Newborn sessions can last up to four hours to allow for feeding, settling, or changing the baby. Freeman takes her time creating and catching the ideal memory by personally getting to know clients, and assists them in creating memories that will be adored by their family for years to come. Beautiful photography has the ability to capture the spirit of a person or the magic of the moment.

Catching Memories Photography931 W Corbin St.Bethalto, Illinois 62010

To set up a consultation or learn more about the services - 618-377-0671

To view some of Debra Freeman’s work, follow her on Facebook at @CatchingMemories.

View a video here: https://youtu.be/3EQpOC_d0Hs.

The RiverBend Growth Association supports Catching Memories Photography, and its members, by offering a Showcase to member businesses. Please visit http://www.growthassociation.com/page/member-benefits/ if you would like to know more about this member benefit. The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, please visit www.growthassociation.com or call (618) 467-2280.

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Riverbend Golf Classic 2019

Thank you to our generous sponsors:Tee Box SponsorsAlton Memorial Sales Inc.Altonized Community Federal

Credit UnionBarrett Heating & CoolingBluff City Grill Bristow, State Representative

MonicaCarrollton BankCenterstoneCNB Bank & Trust, N.A.Crowe, State Senator RachelleEncore Bath & Shower Inc.Gent Funeral HomeHomefield EnergyKuddes Advertising

SpecialtiesMarquette Catholic High

SchoolNautilus Fitness CenterNew American FundingOSF Healthcare Saint

Anthony’s Health CenterScheffel BoyleSheppard, Morgan & Schwaab,

Inc.Smart Choice Auto SalesSouthern Illinois Builders

AssociationState Farm - Tom LaneTown and Country BankUnited Methodist VillageVilla Rose Senior Living

Community WBGZ / AltonDailyNews.comWood River TownshipWoodlands Golf Club &

Banquet Facility

Beverage Cart Sponsors Alton Center Business Park

Donnewald DistributingRobert “Chick” Fritz, Inc.Clubhouse SponsorsAlton Memorial HospitalArgosy Casino AltonIllinois American WaterMidwest Members Credit

UnionPhillips 66 Wood River

RefineryProfessional Hearing

AssociatesOwn A Hole SponsorsAirport Plaza Bowl & Bowl

Haven LanesExpress Employment

ProfessionalsGreat Rivers Tap & GrillQuality Buick GMC CadillacWilliams Office ProductsPutting Green SponsorsChapel & Keller Dentistry

PartnershipHendrickson Collision RepairRobert “Bob” Sanders Waste

SystemsStock Auto Body & MechanicalWerts Welding & Tank ServiceSnacks SponsorRegions BankHole-in-One SponsorRoberts Motors

Thank you to everyone who participated in or sponsored the 2019 RiverBend Golf Classic. We had a fun time despite the rain.

Congratulations to the nine teams who won the payout money:• 1st MidAmerica

Credit Union• Alton Memorial

Hospital• Bella Milano

Edwardsville• Bluff City Grill• First Mid Bank & Trust

• Rolling Hills Golf Course

• Scott Joyce’s Team• Sheppard Morgan &

Schwaab, Inc.Congratulations to the Skins Winner: 1st MidAmerica Credit UnionCongratulations to the 50/50 Winner: Mitch Wuellner (Alton Securities & Asset Advisors)We would also like to thank all our volunteers who helped us make this a great day!

View photo gallery at http://www.growthassociation.com/page/event-photos/.

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MAYOR REPORT - Rick Eberlin, City of Grafton

RBGA Members IN THE NEWS

Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, held the 15th annual Metro-East Community Champions Banquet on June 11 at Centerstone’s Alton facility.

The 2019 Metro-East Centerstone Community Champions Award winners were Cory Davenport, formerly with The Riverbender.com, and IL Rep. Monica Bristow.

The Community Champions Banquet honors community leaders who have made a difference by advancing mental health and substance use disorder services through their advocacy, leadership and service.

“For me, it is so rewarding to be able to recognize the individuals, organizations, and partners who work every day to improve the lives of those with behavioral health conditions,”

said John G. Markley, CEO of Centerstone. “Each of our Champions has helped many people in our communities in a meaningful way. We are so grateful for the ways they have each helped Centerstone in its mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives.”

Sarah Beth Viliocco, an assessment unit clinician, with Centerstone, nominated Davenport for his “inclusion and sensitivity to mental health in his articles.”

“I was really impressed that he is using his voice on a platform that reaches thousands to advocate for mental health,” Viliocco said.

Centerstone Marketing and Communications Coordinator Chelsea Boyles nominated Bristow, whom Boyles called “a champion of behavioral health for many years.”

“We are grateful for her support and help in erasing stigma and providing resources,” Boyles said.

The winners of the Southern Illinois Community Champions Awards will be Camille Dorris with the Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless and Brittney Hale with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois.

Centerstone accepted nominations for this year’s Community Champions awards in February and March.

Centerstone honors Community Champions in Alton

Centerstone is a not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. We provide mental health and substance abuse treatment, education and support to communities in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee and additionally offer individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities life skills development, employment and housing services. Nationally, we have specialized programs for service members, veterans and their loved ones, and develop employee assistance programs for businesses of all sizes. Our research institute improves behavioral healthcare through research and technology, and our foundation secures philanthropic resources to support our work. For more information, visit www.centerstone.org.

From left, IL Rep. Monica Bristow and Cory Davenport accept their 2019 Centerstone Community Champions awards on June 11.

June 25, 2019

As I write this update for the City of Grafton I’m trying to put on

that happy face and go to my happy place. Unfortunately, this year that is much more difficult to do as we deal with the devastating effects of the Flood of 2019. Businesses and homeowners alike have suffered tremendously as they have dealt with huge financial losses and displacement from their homes. In addition, approximately 500 employees, both permanent and seasonal, have been without work and income for the past several

months.However, there is light at

the end of the tunnel! We have begun the recovery and clean-up process as the river has begun its descent towards its banks. Due to the generous donations of many corporate and private individuals we now have the badly needed supplies and tools to equip the army of volunteers that will be assisting us in our clean-up efforts. There are brighter days ahead for Grafton as we will make a complete and total recovery.

The Fourth of July Fireworks scheduled for Saturday, July 6 is going forward as planned. The launch site will be on the east end of town down river from the Loading Dock. Parking will be available at the Flat Rock and on various lots throughout town.

Some things to look forward to is the opening of the Sky Tour, the unveiling of the Turtle Sculpture at Lighthouse Park and the installation of a 130 ft flagpole and a 40’X 80” flag! The Sky Tour will consist of both open chair lifts and enclosed handicapped cars. It will travel on a 10 to 12 minute ride from The Grove Memorial Park to the Aeries Resort and Banquet Center on top of the hill. Visitors can take in one of the best views in the Midwest and wine and dine at the Winery. There will be additional business ventures launched as the development grows.

Due to the high water the Turtle Sculpture Park has not been completed, but will be as soon as the river allows us too. This will be a tremendous

addition to our riverfront.Thanks to Mr. Marcus

Lemonis our flagpole and flag has been significantly upgraded. This will be potentially the largest flag and pole on the banks of the river. We are proud to be able to dedicate this flag to the men and women who have served our country over the years. It will also commemorate the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. What an incredible attraction this will be for travelers on and off the rivers!

We need people to visit Grafton, and Grafton will welcome them with open arms and gracious hospitality. Please help us in our recovery efforts from the Flood of 2019.

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Alton KG Management LLC’s PROPERTY EARNS TRIPADVISOR’S 2019 CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

RBGA Members IN THE NEWS

Alton KG Management LLC recently announced that its Best Western Premier Alton-St. Louis Area Hotel received the 2019 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its ninth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have consistently achieved great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, restaurants and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

Best Western Premier Alton St. Louis Area Hotel is honoured that our hotel has earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by our customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the achievement is a remarkable vote of confidence to our continued business success and commitment to service excellence,” said Patty Rotermund, General Manager at Best Western Premier Alton St. Louis Area Hotel.

“TripAdvisor is excited to announce the recipients of the 2019 Certificate of Excellence, which for nearly a decade has celebrated businesses that have consistently received positive ratings from travelers and diners on the world’s largest travel platform,” said Neela Pal, Vice President of Brand, TripAdvisor. “This recognition allows us to publicly recognize businesses that are actively taking into account customer feedback to help travelers confidently experience the most highly reviewed places to eat, stay, and explore.”

The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

About Alton KG Management LLC - Best Western Premier Alton St. Louis Area

HotelSungmin Park, owner of Alton KG

Management LLC, lives in Sacramento, California, but has business ventures in the west coast and midwest regions

of the United States as well as in Brazil, China and South Korea. His experience in hotels - managing, building and renovating them - spans 27 years. His newest venture is a limited service hotel in O’Fallon, IL where he have converted a distressed property into a branded, high-performing hotel with the help of his management team including General Manager, Angela Johnson, Regional General Manager, Patty Rotermund and Director of Sales & Marketing Jacinda Dunlap.

Sungmin Park is a developer whose companies have built apartments, single-family homes, hotels and retail centers. Moreover, he has participated in a wide variety of projects including senior living facilities, hospitals, and Waste-to-Energy plants.

In everything he does, he looks to create spaces and services that can contribute to the betterment of his employees and the community.

Reservations at the Best Western Premier Alton-St. Louis Area Hotel may be booked by calling the hotel directly at 618-462-1220 or by calling Best Western’s 24-hour, toll-free reservations number (800)-WESTERN. Reservations are also available from Best Western’s website at www.bwpremieralton.com or www.bestwestern.com.

About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, enables travelers to unleash the

full potential of every trip. With 760 million reviews and opinions covering the world’s largest selection of travel listings worldwide – covering approximately 8.3 million accommodations, airlines, experiences, and restaurants -- TripAdvisor provides travelers with the wisdom of the crowds to help them decide where to stay, how to fly, what to do and where to eat. TripAdvisor also compares prices from more than 200 hotel booking sites so travelers can find the lowest price on the hotel that’s right for them. TripAdvisor-branded sites are available in 49 markets, and are home to the world’s largest travel community of 490 million average monthly unique visitors**, all looking to get the most out of every trip. TripAdvisor: Know better. Book better. Go better.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), through its subsidiaries, manages and operates websites under the following other travel media brands: www.

airfarewatchdog.com, www.bokun.io, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.

com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, and www.restorando.com), www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.housetrip.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com and www.viator.com.

* Source: Jumpshot for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, February 2019

** Source: TripAdvisor internal log files, average monthly unique visitors during season peak in Q3 2018