The Express Track - Galesburg Chamber of Commerce

The
Express
Track
The Galesburg Area Chamber
of Commerce advocates for
area business and member
interests, while providing
quality resources, services
and leadership to its current
and future members.
February 2016- Vol 2016, Issue 2
GALESBURG AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER
January Community Events
Wed. 3 Feb, 2016
Kat Kaffe (Wed. 3 Feb, 2016 8:00 am - 5:00 pm)
Hosted by the Knox County Humane Society every Wednesday
and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m, in the Free Roaming Cat
Room at 1855 Windish Drive. A variety of Keurig coffee and hot
cocoa is available for a donation of $5 or more. All proceeds go
to help raising awareness and caring for cats at the shelter that
need homes. Spending time with these lovely animals is a
wonderful stress reliever, so we hope to see you there!
Sat. 6 Feb, 2016
46th Annual WIU Farm Expo- Ag Mech Club (Sat. 6 Feb, 2016
9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
For the past 45 years, people from all over the western Illinois
region—as well as from across the state and beyond—have
been coming to Western Illinois University in the winter to get a
glimpse of emerging Ag technology, tractors and machinery,
livestock and crop equipment and supplies and much more. It
was in 1970 the Ag Mech Club started what has become the
largest student-run agriculture show in the U.S., the annual WIU
Farm Expo—which many refer to as the "Ag Mech Show."
The 2016 Show takes place February 6th and 7th, at Western
Hall on the campus of Western Illinois University
Show Hours:
•
•
Saturday, February 6th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, February 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parking and admission are FREE and this year's event features
Tot-Rod Pulls, Farm Tractors and Machinerey, Ag Sales and
Service, Emerging Ag Technology, Livestock and Crop Supplies,
Farm Toy Show, a variety of crafts, displays and concessions and
much more!
The Keynote Address for this event will take place on Saturday
at 10:30am by the featured speaker, Erin Brenneman.
Sun. 7 Feb, 2016
46th Annual WIU Farm Expo- Ag Mech Club (Sun. 7 Feb, 2016
10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
For the past 45 years, people from all over the western Illinois
region—as well as from across the state and beyond—have
been coming to Western Illinois University in the winter to get a
glimpse of emerging Ag technology, tractors and machinery,
livestock and crop equipment and supplies and much more. It
was in 1970 the Ag Mech Club started what has become the
largest student-run agriculture show in the U.S., the annual WIU
Farm Expo—which many refer to as the "Ag Mech Show."
The 2016 Show takes place February 6th and 7th, at Western
Hall on the campus of Western Illinois University
Show Hours:
•
•
Service, Emerging Ag Technology, Livestock and Crop Supplies,
Farm Toy Show, a variety of crafts, displays and concessions and
much more!
The Keynote Address for this event will take place on Saturday
at 10:30am by the featured speaker, Erin Brenneman.
Sat. 13 Feb, 2016
Chocolate Festival - Galesburg Historical Society (Sat. 13 Feb,
2016 11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
February 13-14, 2016
Annual festival featuring homemade and commercially made
chocolate treats. It is an endless buffet of tortes, cakes, pies,
cookies, candies, beverages and much more; a chocolate lover's
dream come true.
*****NEW VENUE***** 156 East on the corner of Main and
Prairie Sts next to Azer Medical Supply.
Event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, $8 per person. $10
at the door. Free parking is available on the street and in several
nearby lots. For more information please call the Galesburg Area
Convention & Visitors Bureau at 309-343-2485 or event
coordinator Deb Sugai: 309-344-2778. Other questions and
inquiries can be emailed
to galesburghistoricalsociety@yahoo.com
Tickets available at these locations:
Calico Cat * Stray Kat * Xanadu * The Frame Works * Cooks &
Company * The Beanhive * Innkeepers * Q's Cafe * Coney Island
* Stone Alley Books * Suite Deals * Merle Morman * Eichhorn
Jewelers * Galesburg Sewing Center * Music Makers * Breslins *
Galesburg Toyota Scion * Hawthorne Craft Mall * Hy-Vee
Locations * Knox College
Sun. 14 Feb, 2016
Chocolate Festival - Galesburg Historical Society (Sat. 13 Feb,
2016 11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
February 13-14, 2016
Saturday, February 6th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, February 7th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parking and admission are FREE and this year's event features
Tot-Rod Pulls, Farm Tractors and Machinerey, Ag Sales and
2
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Age M
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tters!
Date: February 16, 2016
Better understanding generational
differences helps us gain greater insight
into family and friends, but also those
whom we come into contact with in our
professional lives. Whether we are in
direct contact with customers, or
supervise a workforce of multiple
generations, the Age Matters program
can provide a great deal of understanding
of influences, motivators, and impacts of
age.
The Galesburg Area Chamber of
Commerce is offering “Lunch and
Learn” Workshop targeting different
aspects of the business world. Presented
by University of Illinois Extension, these
research based programs highlight
generational differences in purchasing,
behaviors, and motivation.
Time:
11:30 am—2 pm
Workplace Age Matters. February 16, 2016.
11:30 am– 2:00 pm, G and M Distributors
Conference Room. Designed for
supervisory staff, this program
outlines work motivators
and expectations of the
generations in the
workforce.
at
G & M Distributors
Conference Room
200 N. Linwood Rd., Galesburg, IL
Register through the Chamber
Price: Chamber Member—$15
Future Member—$20
(lunch is included with registration)
Company:
185 S. Kellogg Street
P.O. Box 749
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309-343-1194
Fax: 309-343-1195
Email: mplue@galesburg.org
Individuals
Attending:_________________________________________________________________________
Email address:
check enclosed
bill
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Thank you to the following businesses who renewed
their membership. We value your support and participation!
Ameren
Anderson Distributing
Azer Medical Supply, Inc.
Bill Johnson
Blake Law Office
Bracken Holdings Inc
Breslin’s Floor Coverings
Country Financial
Courson & Associates
CRM (USA), Inc.
Derby Industries, LLC
Dick Blick Company
Dowers Roofing, Inc.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Galesburg Animal Hospital PC
Goodwill Industries of Central
Hansen Lumber Co.
Heartland Health Care Ctr
Heritage Credit Union
Hospice Compassus
Howe Overhead Doors
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee Food Store #1215
Inner Wisdom
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Knights of Columbus
Koppers Ind., Inc.
Landmark Cafe & Creperie
Laserpro of Peoria, Inc.
Lock & Key Shop
Martin Sullivan
Mary Allen West Tower
Mechanical Service Inc.
Merlin Company
MetLife Financial Services
Midstate Manufacturing Co
Midwest Bank
Miller Dredge Insurance
National Coatings
Orpheum Theatre The
Peoples Do It Center
Prairie Radio Communications
Quad City Int’l Airport
Rheinschmidts Carpet Center
RockTenn
RSM US LLP
Sabrina’s
Senator John Sullivan
Shawn Mason State Farm
Insurance
Sherwin-Williams Co
Soangetaha Country Club
Thrushwood Farms Quality
Meats, Inc.
Tompkins State Bank
UCM Gunther Construction Co.
Unique Personnel Consultants
Inc.
United Way of Knox County
University of IL Extension
Waste Management
Water Works Car Washes
Watson Thomas Funeral Home
Webber Rental & Supply
Wells Fargo Bank
Western IL Builders Association
Western Illinois Managed Home
Services
Wilson Paper Co.
WQAD TV-DT
Yemm Chevrolet-Buick-GMC
WELCOME NEW MEMBER
Faith United Methodist Church
Mr. Kraig Boynton
876 E. Knox Street, Galesburg
309-343-8805
www.faithchurch-galesburg.com
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The Galesburg Area Chamber welcomes new volunteers to the Ambassador Committee!
Denise Bradburn, Discovery Depot
Megan Kidwell, First Midwest Bank
Michelle Kim, Knox County Housing Authority
Sara Robison, CASA of Knox County
Ian Smith, UniQue Personnel Consultants
Darcy Thorp, Seminary Village
C.C. Wilcox, Miller Dredge/Envision
Thank You to Doris Medhurst!
After serving as an Ambassador since 2005,
Doris has finally decided it is time to retire
as one of our most valued volunteers. Doris
has made many visits to our members,
been a greeter at events, attended countless
ribbon cuttings and
groundbreakings
in addition to
being a part of
the other events
throughout her
years as a volunteer.
Thank you for your
dedication and
contribution to our
organization!
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For More Information Contact:
Jane Scott
309-693-9540, x.245
marketingdept@bardoptical.com
75 YEARS 75 PAIRS
Bard Optical is excited to announce it is donating eyeglasses to in-need public school students in each
of the communities the company serves. Too often in-need students do not receive the eyeglasses they
need to succeed in school and at home. Bard Optical’s 75 Pairs for 75 Years program ties to the company’s
celebration of its 75th Anniversary in 2016. The program will start on January 1, 2016 and end on
December 31, 2016. The program provides up to 75 pairs of glasses per community. Public school districts
will be provided vouchers for students to use to obtain the free eyeglasses. Questions about the program
can be directed to Jane Scott at 309.693.9540, ext. 245.
Additional details found at https://www.bardoptical.com/75years-75pairs
6
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Mark C. Lee appointed acting Branch Manager of Klingner & Associates, P.C.’s
Galesburg Office.
Klingner & Associates, P.C., Engineers-Architects-Surveyor-Geotechnical firm with
additional offices in Quincy, IL, Hannibal, Mo, Burlington and Pella Iowa, is pleased to
announce that Mark C. Lee will be acting Branch Manager of the Galesburg office
located at 49 North Prairie Street. In addition to his duties as Senior Engineer, he will
also be in charge of Technical Services and Business Development/Marketing for
Galesburg and the surrounding areas.
Mark and his family have resided in Galesburg since 2012. He is a graduate of Iowa
State University with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. He received his Bachelor’s
in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Mark is a
professionally licensed Engineer in Illinois and Iowa and is also a registered Project
Management Professional, and has received many certificates through IDOT.
Mark’s experience comes from the City of Galesburg where he designed and
constructed projects in accordance with IDOT specifications and special provisions for
two years. Before moving to Galesburg, Mark worked in the Chicago and Peoria areas
as a Construction Engineer, working on such projects as Congress Parkway, Michigan
Avenue Bridge, the I-88 Fox River Bridge, and the I-74 Reconstruction.
Klingner congratulates Mark on his additional responsibilities, and has every confidence
he will successfully lead the Galesburg office in serving their past, present and future
clients.
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IIn November I had
the opportunity
to meet several
immigrants from
the Democratic
Republic of the
Congo (DROC). The
Convention and Visitors Bureau
had the opportunity to give a
lecture about affordable Galesburg
to parents of students enrolled in
Bright Futures at the “All About
Children Community Conference”
hosted by CUSD #205 at Galesburg
High School. One of the lectures
was interpreted into French by Lisa
Bourial, a CUSD #205 teacher, for
several Congolese parents.
On a Sunday in early December I
participated in a English Language
Learners (E.L.L.) event at Steele
School attended by several
Congolese families. I handed out
information and Visitors Guides
to about 20 families. This inspired
me to investigate the reason for the
Congolese immigration to Western
Illinois.
My investigations lead me to John
Pratts of CUSD #205. John is fluent
in French and teaches at Neilson
School in the E.L.L. program. He
suggested I talk to Ado Tshiamala,
senior pastor and founder of
the “Glory of God International
Church, (GOGIC Church) in
Galesburg. So I composed a list of
questions for both men to answer.
First, a little background on
DROC.
In 2010, after Smithfield Foods
completed their $20,000,000
expansion of Farmland Foods
in Monmouth, our community
experienced the arrival of several
French speaking Congolese from
8
the DROC
in Central
Africa.
These
individuals
and
families
immigrated to Western Illinois
to work in the expanded hog
processing facility.
The Democratic Republic of
the Congo; French: République
démocratique du Congo), also
known as DR Congo, DRC,
DROC, RDC, Congo-Kinshasa,
or simply Congois a country
located in Central Africa. From
1971 to 1997 it was named Zaïre.
The DROC borders the Republic
of the Congo, the Central African
Republic, and South Sudan to the
north; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
and Tanzania to the east; Zambia
and Angola to the south; and the
Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is the
second largest country in Africa
by area and the eleventh largest in
the world. With a population of
over 75 million, the Democratic
Republic of the Congo is the most
populated officially Francophone
country, the fourth most populated
nation in Africa and the nineteenth
most populated country in the
world.
As you may have guessed a
Francophone country is a French
speaking nation. Including
France, Belgium and Canada
there are 29 countries where
French is an official language. Of
those countries, the DROC is the
most populous. Twenty-one of
these countries are in Africa.
The Democratic Republic of
Congo is extremely rich in natural
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resources, but political instability,
a lack of infrastructure, deep
rooted corruption, and centuries
of both commercial and colonial
extraction and exploitation have
limited development. Besides
the capital, Kinshasa, the other
major cities, Lubumbashi and
Mbuji-Mayi, are both mining
communities. DR Congo’s largest
export is raw minerals, with
China accepting over 50% of
DRC’s exports in 2012. As of
2013, according to the Human
Development Index (HDI), DR
Congo has a low level of human
development, ranking 176 out of
187 countries.
Now that you are up to speed on
the DROC here are the questions
and answers from John Pratts &
Ado Tshiamala.
Where do most of the French
speaking immigrants come from?
John - Although there are some
families coming from other
French-speaking countries in
Africa, the majority of the Frenchspeaking immigrants have been
arriving to Galesburg from the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ado - Democratic Republic of the
Congo is the country where most
of immigrants come from.
Bill Morris
Executive
Director,
Galesburg
Area
Convention
& Visitors
Bureau
bmorris@visitgalesburg.com
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HOMEOWNERSHIP IS POSSIBLE WITH
MIDWEST BANK MORTGAGES.
Whether you are a first time or repeat home buyer, we have the loan for you.
Mortgage loans come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for home
purchases, home construction or refinancing of an existing mortgage.
At Midwest Bank, you’re not just a number—you’re a neighbor. We’re proud
to be a locally owned community bank. Whenever you need assistance with
your loan, you always know right where to find us.
We offer a variety of conventional and government-backed loans including
FHA and VA loans. Visit any of our loan officers or our online mortgage center
at www.mbwi.com to figure out which loan is best for you. We look forward
to helping you live more and pay less.
Blake Rappenecker
AVP Lending
NMLS # 943734
(309) 457-2234
blake@mbwi.com
www.mbwi.com
2558 N Seminary Street | Galesburg
Celebrating Heart Health Awareness Month
Women's Health and Fitness Fair
Friday, February 5
7–10:30 a.m.
OSF St. Mary Medical Center
Cardiac Rehab Center
National Wear Red Day is February 5. Everyone is
encouraged to wear red to show support for women
and their fight against heart disease.
•
•
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•
•
•
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Blood Pressure Checks
Blood Sugar Screenings
Body Mass Index
Exercise Programs
Diabetes Screenings
Nutritional Information
Personal Wellness Program Information
Stroke Information
Fall Prevention Information
Make-up booths
Cholesterol Screenings ($20)
And much more
Door Prizes | Giveaways | Refreshments
3333 N. Seminary St. | Galesburg, IL | 61401
(309) 344–9402
Ribbon Cutting
The new Hy-Vee convenience store celebrates the opening of the first fueling station in
the Galesburg area to offer E85 fuel. A collaborative effort between Hy-Vee, Big River
Resources, the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy and the American Lung
Association.
Matt Streit, store director of Hy-Vee at 1975 National Blvd., was joined by elected officials
Don Moffitt, Chuck Weaver, Wayne Allen and Jeremy Karlin, Jim Purlee of Purlee Farms
and representatives from the collaborating entities and the Galesburg Chamber of
Commerce.
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NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Dear Partner in Education,
Thank you for your interest in The Register-Mail’s Newspapers in Education program.
This important program benefits our community’s students by providing an innovative
and interesting way of learning. Teachers use the newspaper to teach a variety of subjects
including reading, math, science, writing and geography.
Your contribution will provide the following benefits:
For the schools:

Students in sponsored classrooms will have full access to an e-edition license of
The Register-Mail for an entire school year.

The students learn from an up-to-date real world source.

Hard-working teachers receive lesson plans and other valuable teaching tools.
For the sponsors:

Your donation is an easy and effective way to contribute to the youth of our
community.

Your generosity will be recognized in our ‘thank you’ advertisement in The
Register-Mail once a month for a full year.
We need your help today to make this opportunity available to every school in our
community. I have included more information about the program on the following page.
Every sponsor makes a real difference, and I hope you will become our ‘Partner in
Education’.
Sincerely,
Cindy Garcia
Newspapers in Education
800-898-7075 ext. 662
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YES! I want to help the students and teachers of our community by providing
them with the most up-to-date text book available, the newspaper!
(Please check appropriate box)

Gold Level Sponsor ($1,000 contribution). As a Gold Level sponsor you will
join an elite group of businesses as one of the largest supporters of education in
the community. Your contribution will provide the Newspapers in Education
program to area classrooms over the next year. In addition, your business will be
recognized in the following advertisement:
*12 months of recognition in our special NIE “thank you” ads
(Large logo)

Silver Level Sponsor ($500 contribution). As a Silver Level sponsor your
contribution will provide the Newspapers in Education program to area
classrooms over the next year. In addition, your business will be recognized in the
following advertisement:
* 12 months of recognition in our special NIE “thank you” ads
(Logo)

Bronze Level Sponsor ($300 contribution). As a Bronze Level sponsor your
contribution will provide the Newspapers in Education program to area
classrooms over the next year. In addition, your business will be recognized in the
following advertisement:
* 12 months of recognition in our special NIE “thank you” ads
(Small logo)
Please fill out the following information and fax to Cindy at 866-553-9030
Business name: ________________________________________________________
Contact person: ________________________________________________________
Billing address: ________________________________________________________
Phone number: ___________________________Email: _______________________
Signature:_________________________________ Date:___________________
Thank you for your commitment to education in our community!
NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
WHAT IS NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION?
NIE (Newspapers in Education) is a nationally recognized collaboration between
corporate and community sponsors, local newspapers, and schools providing students
with the opportunity to become more literate and knowledgeable citizens. NIE provides
local schools with the newspaper and educational materials to enhance learning through
real-life experiences relevant to students' daily lives.
Teachers receive class sets of newspapers delivered to their school, packed with news and
information relevant to every grade level and subject area. The newspaper is an exciting,
real world supplement to traditional classroom resources. It's a “living textbook” that gets
updated every day!
WHAT'S IN THE NEWSPAPER FOR STUDENTS?
Many issues and topics in the daily newspaper mirror student interests, making the
newspaper relative to their world. NIE makes teaching and learning with the newspaper
even easier with sponsored newspapers and specially designed curriculum guides. NIE
provides students with hands-on learning activities and innovative ideas that turn the
newspaper into a multipurpose tool. Newspapers provide students with an exciting
addition to textbook learning.
WHY BECOME INVOLVED?
NIE sponsorship is a low-cost, high-value way to give back to your community and
invest in the next generation. Sponsorship helps schools stretch their budgets and meet
literacy requirements. NIE sponsorship is good for business because it generates visibility
and excellent public relations. Becoming an NIE sponsor benefits students, schools, and
the community, while providing exceptional recognition and advertising for the sponsor.