DON’ T DELETE OR TOSS THIS NEWSLETTER! PLEASE PASS IT ALONG TO YOUR EMPLOYEES, CO- WORKERS & FRIENDS! VOLUME 6, I SSUE 4, CHRISTMAS 2013 T HE CHAMBER C ONNECTION I N THIS ISSUE PAGE 1: CHRISTMAS GREETINGS PAGE 2: OUR 2013 BOARD & AMBASSADORS NEW MEMBER CONNECTION PAGE 3: RIBBON CUTTING UPCOMING ONES! PAGE 4: NEW PHILADELPHIA PAGE 5: CHRISTMAS TIME IN BARRY PAGE 6 & 7: Y PIKE! PAGE 8 NEW DENTAL CLINIC PAGE 9: MEMBERSHIP INFO & APPLICATION PAGE 10: WORKFORCE READINESS PAGE 11: WILA PAGE 12: ELECTRONIC RECYCLING PAGE 13: NEAL TIRE PAGE 14: BUDGETING 2014 PAGE 15: MARKETING PAGE 16 MISSION VISION GOLF Merry Christmas from The Chamber Connection, and welcome to our holiday edition! At this joyous time of year, we are grateful for our work with you. We wish you abundance, happiness, and peace in a new year filled with hope. It is my Christmas prayer that Pike County continues to be the safe, caring community that rallies around those in need, and that we continue to work together to maintain the “Quality of Life “ that draws us to the area and keeps us here. We are fortunate to have many dedicated people and organizations who share the Chamber’s goals. We will continue to work together efficiently so that Pike County continues to be a wonderful place to live, raise a family, start or grow a business and visit. All of these hopes for the county are part of our mission. We hope you know how hard we work to for the good of Pike County and you, our member companies. Thank you for supporting the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s mission and vision. We thank you also for all of the great service you provide your customers and all of the charitable work you do in your personal or professional life. We all benefit from your efforts. The Chamber has a lot we want to do next year, and we can't wait to share our ideas and celebrate successes with you in future newsletters. If you would like to support our work and are not currently a member, we invite you to call! Now, you have probably noticed that this newsletter is EARLY! With the holidays upon us, there are some time-sensitive events that we want to share! The second annual ChristmasTime in Barry is Saturday, December 14th, sponsored by our good friends at the Barry Business Association. Check out the schedule of events on page 5. Neal Tire invites you all to their Santa Celebration on Saturday, December 14th. See page 13 for details. If your business is a retail or restaurant establishment, there are some great Holiday Marketing tips from the Small Business Administration on page 15, and with a new year approaching, who doesn’t need some good reminders about “Budgeting for the New Year” as found on page 14. We have added a few new members which you’ll see on the next page, and there are some upcoming ribbon cuttings planned yet this year, which you’ll find on page 3. We hope you enjoy this issue of The Chamber Connection and that you’ll share it with others. Most importantly, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Hug your kids, enjoy your families, remember the true meaning of Christmas and have a safe and blessed Christmas. Happy New Year too! Kaye Iftner, Executive Director & Editor of The Chamber Connection
16
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Transcript
DON’T DELETE OR TOSS THIS NEWSLETTER! PLEASE PASS IT
ALONG TO YOUR EMPLOYEES, CO-WORKERS & FRIENDS!
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4, CHRISTMAS 2013
THE CHAMBER CONNECTION
IN THIS ISSUE
PAGE 1:
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
PAGE 2:
OUR 2013 BOARD &
AMBASSADORS
NEW MEMBER
CONNECTION
PAGE 3: RIBBON CUTTING
UPCOMING ONES!
PAGE 4: NEW
PHILADELPHIA
PAGE 5: CHRISTMAS TIME
IN BARRY
PAGE 6 & 7: Y PIKE!
PAGE 8 NEW DENTAL
CLINIC
PAGE 9: MEMBERSHIP INFO
& APPLICATION
PAGE 10: WORKFORCE
READINESS
PAGE 11: WILA
PAGE 12: ELECTRONIC
RECYCLING
PAGE 13: NEAL TIRE
PAGE 14: BUDGETING 2014
PAGE 15: MARKETING
PAGE 16 MISSION
VISION
GOLF
Merry Christmas from The
Chamber Connection, and welcome
to our holiday edition!
At this joyous time of year, we are grateful for
our work with you. We wish you abundance,
happiness, and peace in a new year filled with
hope.
It is my Christmas prayer that Pike County
continues to be the safe, caring community that
rallies around those in need, and that we continue
to work together to maintain the “Quality of Life “ that draws us to the area and keeps
us here. We are fortunate to have many dedicated people and organizations
who share the Chamber’s goals. We will continue to work together efficiently so that
Pike County continues to be a wonderful place to live, raise a family, start or grow a
business and visit.
All of these hopes for the county are part of our mission. We hope you know how hard
we work to for the good of Pike County and you, our member companies. Thank you for
supporting the Pike County Chamber of Commerce’s mission and vision. We thank you
also for all of the great service you provide your customers and all of the charitable work
you do in your personal or professional life. We all benefit from your efforts.
The Chamber has a lot we want to do next year, and we can't wait to share our ideas and
celebrate successes with you in future newsletters. If you would like to support our
work and are not currently a member, we invite you to call!
Now, you have probably noticed that this newsletter is EARLY! With the holidays upon
us, there are some time-sensitive events that we want to share! The second annual
ChristmasTime in Barry is Saturday, December 14th, sponsored by our good friends at
the Barry Business Association. Check out the schedule of events on page 5. Neal Tire
invites you all to their Santa Celebration on Saturday, December 14th. See page 13 for details.
If your business is a retail or restaurant establishment, there are some great Holiday Marketing tips
from the Small Business Administration on page 15, and with a new year approaching, who
doesn’t need some good reminders about “Budgeting for the New Year” as found on page 14.
We have added a few new members which you’ll see on the next page, and there are some
upcoming ribbon cuttings planned yet this year, which you’ll find on page 3.
We hope you enjoy this issue of The Chamber Connection and that you’ll share it with others.
Most importantly, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Hug your kids, enjoy your
families, remember the true meaning of Christmas and have a safe and blessed Christmas. Happy
New Year too!
Kaye Iftner, Executive Director & Editor of The Chamber Connection
PAGE 2
Kent Hawley, President,
JWCC
Jill Moss, Vice President
Illini Community Hospital
Peter Wright, Treasurer,
Wright Place Auto Body
David Fuhler, Immediate
Past President, WBBA
Carolyn Casteel, Casteel’s
Bob Evans, Perry Street
Mall
Nancy Kurpaitis, Old
Florence Guest House
Brenda Middendorf, Two
Rivers RC&D/Access
Illinois
Beth White, Farmers Na-
tional Bank of Griggsville
Mike Spann, Country
Financial
Andy Sprague, Sprague’s
Kinderhook Lodge
Robert Wood, City of
Pittsfield
Kaye Iftner, Executive
Director
2013 Chamber Board
2013 Ambassadors
Kim Ator, Farmers State Bank
Sheila Davidsmeyer, North-
western Mutual Financial
Tammy Harshman, Illini
Health Services
Holly Henderson Johnston,
KHQA
Laura Ruzich, Pike County
Dental Clinic
Nathan Painter, Edward Jones
Jayne Pieper, KHQA
Jennifer Ross/Bob Dieker J.D.
Ross & Associates, Inc
Lori Bigley, Liberty Village
Noelle Flesner, CNB Bank &
Trust
Lindsey Rennecker, Western
Collision Center
Shelly Martin, Area Disposal
New Member Connection
Welcome New Members
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is proud to have welcomed three new
members into the Chamber family since mid November. As usual, some of these
are businesses new to our area and some are familiar names. You can always
find their contact information and links to their websites in the Chamber
Member Directory at www.pikeil.org. We hope will support them with your
business.
American Red Cross (Tel: 217-222-2477, extension 7305) at 3000 N. 23rd Street,
Quincy, IL 62305. The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering
in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity
of donors. The Red Cross helps people prepare for and prevent disasters, but also pro-
vides services when and if they occur. Amanda Stotts is our contact. You can learn
more about all the American Red Cross offers at www.redcross.org
Borrowman Chiropractic, (Tel: 217-285-2600) is located at 1235 W.
Washington, Pittsfield, 62363. Borrowman Chiropractic Dr. Jessica Borrowman is
a graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic and trained in the core chiropractic
curriculum, as well as acupuncture and the treatment of pregnant or pediatric patients.
Dr. Borrowman also specializes in Women’s Health issues. For those who have or
desire an active lifestyle, Dr. Borrowman offers physical therapy via both electrical
stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound, rehabilitative and therapeutic exercise regi-
mens, and physical examinations for work, school or sports. Dr. Borrowman is ready
to serve the chiropractic and acupuncture needs of the community! We’ll be doing a
ribbon cutting for Borrowman Chiropractic on Friday, December 20th at 2 PM.
Complete Chiropractic Acupuncture and Family Wellness, (Tel: 217-285-1915)
114 N. Monroe Street, Pittsfield, IL 62363. Complete Chiropractic Acupuncture
and Family Wellness offers a wide variety of Chiropractic Services. Dr. Bryan
Howland, a recent graduate and Valedictorian from Logan College of Chiropractic, is
associated with cutting edge forms of healthcare treatments for musculoskeletal inju-
ries (neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and many more conditions), nutritional
analysis (food sensitivities), and hormone analysis (stress panel, menopause and male
hormone panels) that is changing the way people eat, move, and feel. If you are tired
of living in pain, feeling fatigued, and are wanting to make a change, then contact the
clinic of Complete Chiropractic.
Not a Member of the Chamber? We invite you to join us!
A national survey of over 2,000 adults conducted by The Schapiro Group reveals that
consumers are 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from companies that are
members of their local chamber. See the membership information on page nine or
call Kaye today!
Thanks to our Chamber 2013
VIP Sponsors!
3
Welcome More New Members!
.
Our Chamber First Class Sponsors!
Throughout the pages of this newsletter you will see the logos of our corporate sponsors. Since we are almost
entirely funded by membership dues and fundraisers, sponsorships allow us to offer all of our services and at
the same time provide excellent exposure for your business. Call for details!
Ribbon Cutting for Complete
Chiropractic Acupuncture and Family
Wellness on Monday, December 9th
The Chamber, along with the City of Pittsfield and
Pittsfield Main Street held a ribbon cutting for Dr.
Bryan Howland’s new clinic at 114 N. Monroe St.
in Pittsfield. Attending the ceremony were (left to
right): Dean Capps, Nancy Capps, Ryan Howland,
Janet Brown holding Kadence Sethaler, Garrett
Howland, Noelle Flesner, Jeff Howland, Dr. Bryan
Howland, Wendy Sethaler, Kaye Iftner (Chamber),
David Fuhler, Sherri Howland, Cleo Howland,
Mayor John Hayden, Christy Davenport (Pittsfield
Main Street), Bob Evans, Jill Moss and Gina
Sheurman, Pike County Economic Development.
Pg. 4
The New Philadelphia Association is excited to announce the National
Park Service (NPS), after careful evaluation, has found that the New
Philadelphia Town Site qualifies to be included in the National
Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. A Certificate of
Acceptance will be on display at the site and the site will also be
included on the NPS Network to Freedom website at: www.nps.gov.
Founded in 1836, New Philadelphia is the first town in our nation
legally registered by an African American. The town traces its
association to resist enslavement to founder Frank McWorter. Before
moving to Illinois from Kentucky in 1830, McWorter purchased
freedom for his wife, himself and a son who had fled to Canada with
funds earned through various entrepreneurial enterprises. Risking
capture by slave trackers, the McWorters returned to Kentucky to
purchase freedom for other family members. McWorter freed sixteen family members with funds earned through
entrepreneurial enterprises.
McWorter Family and local residents’ accounts, documented oral histories and primary documentation attest that New
Philadelphia and area residents participated actively in the Underground Railroad by concealing, harboring and some-
times accompanying runaway African Americans to Canada. New Philadelphia, Illinois was a gathering place for African
Americans of the region and, although integrated, was regarded by many local residents as a black town.
Like other free African-American communities, New Philadelphia’s residents, some formerly enslaved, were mindful of
the adversity and tribulations of enslavement. There are reports of the consequences inflicted on residents of Pike County,
where New Philadelphia was located, for participating in the Underground Railroad. These individuals demonstrated their
commitment to self-determination by jeopardizing themselves to help others find freedom
Now an archaeological site with only a few building foundations visible on the landscape, New Philadelphia was listed in
the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 for its potential to provide nationally significant information about the
life ways and relationships of African Americans and European Americans in a pioneer setting, and designated a National
Historic Landmark in 2009 for its potential to yield information of major scientific importance and to affect
archaeological theories, concepts and ideas.
Currently, there are no formal or official educational programs or tours conducted at the site. A "Talking House" presenta-
tion is available by radio transmission on AM station 1670. The presentation provides a brief history of New Philadelphia
narrated by Pat Syrcle, former mayor of the nearby town of
Barry, based on text written by Carol McCartney, secretary of
the New Philadelphia Association.
Plans are underway to develop signs providing a history of
various dwellings and structures that were once part of the
New Philadelphia landscape. Informal tours are conducted
upon request by members of the archaeology team and New
Philadelphia Association. A self-guided walking tour of the
site has been developed by the New Philadelphia Association.
For more information about New Philadelphia or to learn how
you could help or become a member, please go to:
www.newphiladelphiail.net.
To the left is a map of the town site. You can help the New
Philadelphia Association raise money for the site by
sponsoring a lot for a tax deductible donation of $1000. Or
join the 1836 Club (the year the town was founded) and
sponsor two lots for $1836. Call Kaye for details!
Connecting to our past
New Philadelphia Board members Dr. Terry Martin,
Claire Martin and Carolyn Dean greeted visitors at the
site during the Fall Color Drive.
Pg. 5
The YPike! organization is a committee of the Pike County Chamber for employees in their 20s and 30s who want to meet new
people, make business contacts and develop their leadership skills. The mission of YPike! is to motivate, captivate and invigo-
rate emerging leaders under 40 through professional growth opportunities and social interactions.
The cost to join YPike! is minimal, and you do not have to be a Chamber member to join although employees of Chamber mem-
bers enjoy a discount on membership. YPike! plans to survey its membership and prospective members after the first of the year
to plan out its 2014 activities and direction.
A Facebook Page has been established. You can find it at https://www.facebook.com/#!/YPIKEIL . While there, be sure and
"Like” the page. YPike! will be communicating news and events and posting their progress. Those not on FB can follow pro-
gress on the Chamber’s web site. YPike! wishes to thank the four local businesses that have come on board as Corporate Spon-
sors: Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative, CASSCOMM (Cass Cable), Investment Centers of America, and CNB Bank & Trust. A
combination Membership/Corporate Sponsorship form is included on the next page, but can also be obtained by contacting the
Chamber.
Why Pike? YPike!
On Tuesday, November 26th, YPike! hosted a Lunch
and Learn program at the Farm Bureau Building in
Pittsfield. Twenty eight people attended. Connie
Schroeder, vice president of Corporate Innovation
Integration for the Blessing Health System presented
information regarding healthcare reform, the
Affordable Care Act, and the Illinois Health
Insurance MarketPlace. Kathy Hull, CEO of Illini
Community Hospital gave an update about changes
coming to the hospital, including a new addition to the
west side of the building planned for 2014-2015.
Evaluation forms were very positive, and YPike!
plans other business workshops in the future. Watch
for updates in future newsletters and on Facebook.
Marketing Connection: Fine Tune your Holiday Marketing
The holiday season is crunch time for all of us – whether you’ve got gifts to buy or gifts to sell.
If you’re a small business owner facing the busy holiday shopping and dining days ahead, here are some tips from the
Small Business Administration to help you maximize your holiday sales. Here are a few tips for an effective “holiday
countdown” marketing campaign:
Make it easy for consumers to find holiday gift lines – Organize your selections by categories such as
“Gifts under $50,” “Gifts for Him/Her,” “Popular Items,” etc. If you have an online presence use emails, social media
and e-newsletters to group and highlight inventory along the same lines.
Offer gift suggestions – Start offering up gift ideas and suggestions NOW, if you haven’t already! Buying gifts for
family, friends and business acquaintances is hard work – make it easy for your customers this year. If you want to
introduce a special offer early in the month, make sure it is bound by a time limit.
Get creative – Use the 12 Days of Christmas to engage with your customers. This is all about raising your brand
profile during a busy time while promoting action. For example, send out daily riddles on social media and reward
winners with a special offer. Another option is to promote a “catch of the day” deal on each day of your campaign.
Build urgency into your subject lines, Tweets and Facebook posts – The week before Christmas or other gift-
giving days build some urgency into your messaging. “There’s still time…,” “It’s not too late…,” etc.
Offer ideas for those last minute impulse purchases – Whether it’s a gift for a party hostess or an office “Secret
Santa” party, start giving your customers gift-giving ideas in the last week before Christmas. For those absolute last minute shoppers – On December 23 and 24, reach out to those who are still looking for gift
ideas by spreading the word about gift cards or certificates.
Don’t Forget Super Saturday The last and busiest Saturday for buying gifts is December 22 this year. Mark your calendar and plan accordingly – this
is the time to offer targeted promotions and incentives. Why not do a little more to entice your customers to come in
during the last few shopping days before the holidays, perhaps a warm glass of apple cider or a free shoulder massage for
your frazzled holiday shoppers (or their spouses)!
Restaurants and Food Service Businesses – Target the Holiday Crowd Restaurants can do a roaring trade during the holidays, but there’s always room for more! Here are some ideas for boost-
ing your share of holiday profits this year:
Work on attracting last-minute office parties or lunches – Many smaller companies wait until the last minute to treat
their staff or customers – think of ways to entice this crowd. Talk to your regulars, train hostesses and servers to mention
your party services when they speak to customers on the phone or in person. Promote special incentives for parties that
make bookings on quiet days/nights.
Target the New Year’s Eve crowd – Offer incentives for customers to come and dine outside and either side of peak
hours so you can maximize bookings throughout the night. You could also offer an incentive to New Year’s Eve revelers
to move to the bar after they’ve dined with you. Good luck and happy holidays!