March 2015 - Washington Illinois Chamber of Commerce

March 2015
2015 Washingtonians p.1 - 2
2015 Outstanding Business p.3
2015 Business Beautification p.4
WCOC’s New Look p.5
March BAH p.6
Member Renewals & Welcomes p.7
Member Memos p.8
New Members p.8
Rebuild Washington Quilt Raffle p.9
• WASHINGTON IANS 2015•
The Washingtonian Award was established in 1961, to recognize one or more
local residents for their service to the Washington community. Among the
criteria considered by the judges is the individual’s contribution to the welfare
of the community, outside of their business profession. The winner of this
annual award is traditionally someone with a history of unselfish service and
commitment to the community.
Traditionally, this award has been presented to one person or one couple
annually, although prior to 1991, there was the practice of recognizing two
separate individuals each year. With all the unusual circumstances of the last
year or so, the matter of choosing just one winner to recognize for their
contribution to the community was again a daunting task for the selection
committee. And so this year, we pulled from the past and recognized two
individuals for their unselfish service and commitment to Washington.
P: 309.444.9921
E: info@washingtoncoc.com
W:washingtoncoc.com
2015 PREMIER SPONSOR
2014 FIREWORKS SPONSOR
2014 GOOD NEIGHBOR VENUE SPONSOR
...was born in Washington and has
been giving to the community since he
was a teen. In 1982, he purchased
Essig Motor Company and founded his
business on the following values:
Always respect your customers. The
Golden Rule—Treat others as you
would like to be treated. Provide value
to customers. Be passionate about
your job! Treat customers with
honesty, integrity and empathy. Enjoy
what you do!
Gary has long been a supporter of the
City of Washington, as seen by his
support of community and charitable
organizations including Rotary, the
Chamber of Commerce, Project 2000,
and the Economic Development
Committee. He was the first fund
raising chairman, along with his wife
Kay, for the Washington Area Community Center, now known as Five
Points Washington.
con. on pg. 2
...grew up in Benson, Illinois, taught
school, and then rose through the
ranks to become an officer of
Caterpillar. The Wests relocated to
Washington in 1988 and have lived
here ever since. Sherril has been
described as “one who stands out as
the most responsible for the fact that
our community now has what is
probably the most successful allpurpose center of any community our
size anywhere in the region.”
Sherill put her heart, her soul (and yes,
with her husband Chuck, their money)
into making Five Points Washington a
reality and then a success.
She took over as President of the
Washington Area Community Center
at a “very difficult time and endured
incredible pressure resolving several
contentious issues.” She worked tirelessly to find solutions, driven by her
con. on pg. 2
Gary was the first person that Mayor Manier went to in order to
pitch the idea of having all the different components which now
comprise Five Points.
His commitment to the community of Washington was further
demonstrated during the days and months following November
17, 2013. During the tornado recovery, Uftring Chevrolet fixed
flat tires for free. They went out of their way to host the
Budweiser Clydesdales and the WGN Radio show on Uftring’s
grounds, without hesitation, because they saw the benefit it
would be to our community. Free advertising was provided with
the Gary Uftring and Mayor Manier commercials which let every
one know Washington was open for business. The Uftring Group’s
commercials still mention, even today, that you should shop “all
of the fine merchants of Washington.”
Gary strongly believes that the wisdom and maturity he has
gained in the business world can be traced back to the experience
he gained by starting his business in Washington...which is why
he has never left this great city. He continues to invest in the
community and is often heard encouraging other business people
in Washington with kind words, advice and inspiration to help
them achieve their goals.
love for Washington and her determination that nothing would
stand in the way of Five Points Washington becoming a reality.
Once Five Points Washington opened its
doors, Sherril applied her considerable
business acumen while working with the
new manager and the employees to
assure that the facility would be successful. The number of Washingtonians now
reaping the benefits of this state-of-theart facility has exceeded everyone’s
expectations.
Sherril paved the way for Washington to
now be envied by all our neighboring
communities, and her efforts have made
Washington a better place to live.
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Gold sponsors:
B&J U-Store
Deiters Funeral Home &
Crematory
Mason Funeral Homes
The Grand Victorian of
Washington
Washington State Bank
Silver Sponsors:
Essig Law Office
McDonald’s
Summer & Associates LLC
March 2015
• OUTSTANDING BUSINESS FOR 2015 •
The Outstanding Business Award is presented to a business that has
been in operation in the Washington area for at least three years,
and has demonstrated integrity and ethics in its business dealings.
An outstanding business should have a track record of growth in sales
and/or job creation, and must be a member of the Washington
Chamber of Commerce.
This year, the award was presented to TeamWorks by Holzhauer.
Owners Roger and Kathy Holzhauer started their business in 2003
with one employee. They have grown over the years and now employ more than ten people...some full time,
some part time, and some are even WCHS students.
TeamWorks was nominated this year due in large part to their contributions to the community following the
November 17th tornado. They made and distributed Washington Strong t-shirts and donated all the money
raised to help those affected by the storm. Together with their staff and family, they were able to raise over
$330,000.00, with 100% of the profit being donated to tornado relief effort. They worked tirelessly through
the first few days of production and continued to print, bundle, tag, and distribute thousands of the orange
and black Washington Strong shirts that can still be seen being worn by many in our community. TeamWorks
also designed the Washington Strong license plates that were seen are cars during the months of September,
October, and November of 2014 to commemorate the one year anniversary of the storm.
Roger and Kathy were both born and raised in Washington, and they have donated their time and talents to
many volunteer organizations and projects through the years. They’ve been part of N.T.R.A., Sunnyland
Business Association, the Washington Chamber of Commerce, the Maxheimer Foundation, and the
Tournament of Champions. Together, they continue to give to the community of Washington. And this is just
their involvement in the Washington community and does not include what they have accomplished outside
of Washington.
They are well deserving to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Business Award because of
what they do for the city of Washington and the extra effort they made to help the people of Washington in a
difficult time.
And so, we offer our congratulations to TeamWorks by Holzhauer for being
recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Business.
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March 2015
• BUSINESS BEAUTIFICATION 2015 •
BEFORE
AFTER
The Business Beautification Award is presented for outside
improvements to a commercial property, located in the Washington area, which adds to the neighborhood’s
beauty and community pride. The work must have been completed in 2013 or 2014, and the winner must be a
Chamber member.
The winner of the 2015 Business Beautification Award is Threads, Hope & Love. This non-profit organization,
which had its beginning in 2009 in a small Sunday school classroom at Crossroads United Methodist Church,
has grown to be supported by 11 Washington and Eureka churches and now operates out of a 6,000 square
foot renovated building at 121 Zinser Place.
After launching a capital campaign in the fall of 2012 with the help of the SCORE Peoria chapter, Threads
purchased the West Meats building on Zinser Place in March 2013. Renovations began immediately with the
help of numerous volunteers and monetary donations to cover the cost of the extensive remodeling needs.
Product discounts and donated labor were huge helps, along with the assistance of a local renovation business
whose owner took time out from his business to head up the building renovation project.
In addition to hosting regular giveaways of free clothing, linens, books, toys, and small house wares for 150 to
200 clients, Threads, Hope & Love also hosts special events such as their private Christmas toy and prom dress
giveaways. They also have an emergency center to help fire victims and others recommended by police and fire
departments and churches.
Threads was able to move into the newly renovated building at Christmas 2013, just in time to have their
permanent location ready to serve the community of Washington following the November 17 th tornado.
There’s no question that the renovation of their building has contributed as much to the beautification of
our city as their giving hearts have beautified our community with their sacrificial service to those in need.
Congratulations to Threads, Hope & Love!
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March 2015
• WCOC’S “NEW LOOK” •
For more than two years, the Chamber of Commerce has been researching and working on a new look for the future of
the Chamber. In January, 2014, the Marketing & Tourism Committee was tasked with this project and began working on
a new logo. When the committee first met regarding the rebranding, they developed a wish list of what they wanted to
see in the new logo: A clean and professional look that would translate across multiple mediums. An identifiable brand
mark that represented Washington, the Chamber, and its businesses. And lastly, they recognized that today’s Chamber of
Commerce is far different than it was just five years ago and that this rebranding needed to reflect that change and be a
starting point for our future direction. The feedback and approval from the Board of Directors solidified that this goal was
certainly accomplished.
There are three key elements that make up the new logo which was introduced at the 2015 Washington Day Banquet.
First, there is the Fountain. The Fountain has historical significance and serves as the perfect identifiable mark of our
community. Dating back to the early 1900’s, the site of today’s fountain was a water well and Washington residents’
primary source of water. Because of that, it served as a central community gathering spot, as it still does today. The
Fountain represents what the Chamber strives to be for its member businesses - a source of assistance and guidance,
refreshing their business when needed and the central gathering spot for Washington’s business community.
Second, out of the Fountain, the water spouts form the “W.” It seemed illogical to try and design a new logo without the
“W.” The Washington “W” has become a symbol of civic pride and enduring strength. When others from around our
region see the ”W”, they instantly equate it with our community.
Third, the color blue was chosen, which is a departure from past Chamber logos. Outside of the obvious connection that
water is blue, it symbolizes a new and fresh direction for the Chamber. The color blue conveys stability, harmony,
success, trust and confidence—all traits the Chamber staff, board, and volunteers work towards being for our members.
And perhaps most importantly, the color blue can be found in logos of the City of Washington and the Washington Park
District—both instrumental partners with the Chamber. Blue was chosen for its consistency with these organizations to
represent those partnerships and the importance of organizational collaboration, where we’re all working together for a
better Washington.
Thank you to the Marketing & Tourism Committee (Eric Obalil, Stan Cohen, Debbie Bradd, Jessica Schmidgall, Joe Russell,
Wendy Wagner, Yvonne Andresen, and Chevie Ruder), the Chamber staff and the Board for their time, work, critique and
support through this rebranding process. The hope is the new logo will serve the Chamber and its mission for many years
to come.
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March 2015
• BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN 2015 •
April 14th
South Side Bank
May 12
Firehouse Pizza
June 9
Philips, Salmi, & Associates
July 14
Alpha Bravo Pub & Grill
August 11
Country Financial—
Pat Sams
September 8
Bastien Wireless
October 13
Heartland Bank & Trust
November 10
Washington Times Reporter
Subject to change
Business After Hours was created to provide opportunities to local business people to meet each other in an
informal setting. It also allows a superb time to showcase a particular business. Hosting one of these events,
as well as attending, can have long range positive effects on business and networking.
Besides providing opportunity to network, Business After Hours also provides a chance for new or potential
members to meet face to face with current members and see what the Chamber can do for them.
If you are interested in hosting a Business After Hours, please let the Chamber office know.
A member of the BAH committee will then contact you to discuss arrangements.
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March 2015
• February Membership Renewals •
Academy of Screenprinting & Awards
Alpha Media
Dr. Jeff Baldi
Brooks Tax Service
Castaways Consignment
Country Financial - Patrick Sams
Daily Laboratories
Faith Lutheran Childcare & Church
Firehouse Pizza
Focal Point Video
Fondulac Banking Center
Foster’s Pro Lawn & Snow Removal
Four Seasons Gutter Protection
Heinold Homes
Helping Hands Home Healthcare
IVP Plastics
Intech Innovations
Kroger
Michael Moon DDS
Midwest Engineering
Mobile Weather Team
Nick Klein Trucking & Excavating
PNC Bank
Peoria Siding & Window
Pine Lake Golf Club
Ralph’s Floor Fashions
Russell’s Cycling & Fitness
Soderstrom Skin Institute
Starcrest Cleaners
Step Back in Time
The Blend
Tupperware - Barb Fleming
Turnbull Electronics
Unity Point Clinic
Washington Chiropractic Clinic
As of 2-28-15
Spelling correction from January:
Everett Freeberg, CLU, CHFC
• Ribbon Cuttings & Chamber Welcomes•
On Tuesday, February 17, 2015,
the Washington Chamber of
Commerce officially welcomed
the Washington Citizens Police
Academy Alumni as a chamber
member. The WCPAA is a club
whose purpose is to support the
Washington Police Department in
various ways upon request and
to promote a positive image of
law enforcement for the
Washington Police Department.
For more information about the group, call 309-264-4865. WCPAA president Mary Robinson and Police
Chief Don Volk were joined by several members of the group to be welcomed to the chamber by the
following chamber representatives: Kristi Cape, Countryside Banquet Facility; Melissa Wireman, CEFCU;
Jessica Schmidgall, Washington Christian Village; and Chevie Ruder, Washington Chamber of
Commerce Director.
On Friday, February 20, 2015, the Washington
Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed
Art at the Botegga as a chamber member.
Art at the Botegga is a brand new business
located at 14 Washington Plaza, which
provides a “paint and sip” experience. Art
Director Kaitlyn Mugg will instruct you how to
paint a portrait, while you enjoy a glass of
wine or beer that you bring with you. Groups
are welcome. For more information about
Art at the Botegga, call 309-840-0990.
Owner Tricia Yocum, Director of Operations
Wendy Wagner, and Art Director Kaitlyn
Mugg were welcomed to the chamber by
the following chamber representatives:
Chevie Ruder, Washington Chamber Director;
Eric Obalil, Alexander Financial Services;
Jessica Schmidgall, Washington Christian Village; Kim Felker, Washington Community
Bank; and Kristi Cape, Countryside Banquet Facility (not in picture).
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March 2015
• Member Memos & Community News •
Ameren Illinois has advised the area to beware of calls claiming to be from Ameren
Illinois. In these calls, a caller tells the intended
victim that they are behind in their payments
to Ameren Illinois, and that their power will be
shut off within several hours unless immediate
payment is made. The caller then directs the
intended victim to use a “Green Dot card” or
another prepaid debit card to make this immediate payment. According to Ameren
Illinois, this scam targets small businesses, as
well as some residential customers. Ameren
Illinois does not demand immediate payments. People who receive this type of call
should hang up. If you are concerned about
any accounts with Ameren Illinois, contact
them at 1-800-755-5000.
Bethany Community Church has a creative
opportunity for businesses and organizations
to show their support for Central School District 51. They have 10 parking lot islands that
are currently landscaped with only mulch.
BCC is working with the school to invite businesses to Adopt and Island. Each business
that adopts an island will landscape and
maintain the island for one year. Each
adopted island will have a sign with the logo
of the business that has adopted it. There is no
cost for the adoption of the island or the sign.
For more information, contact Brian Entner at
309-397-9709 or entnerfam@gmail.com.
Firehouse Pizza in Washington is celebrating
their 5th anniversary. To celebrate, they are
offering $5 subs and buy any XL pizza and get
a medium pizza for $5. For more details, call
444-2911.
Friends of Washington Library invite you to
their spring book sale. The sale will start with
a preview evening from 5 to 7pmon Friday,
March 27 ($5 admission). If you are a FOWL
member, admission to this pre-sale is free.
Items (books, CDs, and DVDs that are recent
and in good condition) can be donated for
the sale at the library during open hours beginning March 2. Due to space, please no
texts, religious tracts, magazines or encyclopedias.
Washington Park District is in need of some
help! They will be hosting the Bunny Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt on April 4th at WMS
and Washington Park. Last year’s breakfast
attendance was over 240, and the hunt had
over 600. They are in need of sponsors for
both events, with several options: monetary,
gift certificate(s) to your business (used as
prizes), milk, juice, coffee (creamer, sugar,
etc), food items such as donuts, bagels,
Danish rolls, etc. Sponsors will be given exposure at event. Please contact Brian at the
WPD by March 15 with any questions or to
confirm your donation. Call 309-444-9413 or
email: btibbs@washingtonparkdistrict.com.
Hopewell Grange will be hosting a Craftsman/Vendor Fair on Saturday, April 18th,
9am-3pm. This is an opportunity for artisans
to meet in one place and sell their wares to
the public. The deadline to reserve a rental
space is March 15th. For rental fees or more
information, contact Elaine Hecathorn at
ehec53@yahoo.com or 309-361-0006.
• New Members •
Neighborhood House
Randy Keller
1020 S. Matthew Street
Peoria, IL 61605
www.nhpeoria.org
309.674.1131
Art at the Bottega
Tricia Yocum & Wendy Wagner
14 Washington Plaza
Washington, IL 61571
www.artatthebottega.com
309.840.0990
Grimm Home Services
Brett Grimm
320 S. Main
Morton, IL 61550
www.grimmhvac.com
309.263.1389
Member Memos is the place where a short
announcement can be made to convey
information about your business. Your
information needs to be submitted by the 20th
of the month preceding publication. Chamber
members are encouraged to submit notices of
accomplishments, upcoming events, or data
that would be of interest to the membership.
It is our goal to provide the most current and
accurate information; however, we are limited
to the information that is provided to us. Details
are subject to change between the time information is received and the time of publication.
• 2015 Board of Directors •
President
Brad Mahony • South Side Bank
Vice President
Yvonne Andresen • The Blend
Treasurer
Kim Hess • Washington Park District
Secretary
Pat Brown • City of Washington
Deborah Bradd • B&J U-Store
Shane Bruer • Portrait Life
Kristi Cape • Countryside Banquet Facility
Lee Cleary • Heartland Bank & Trust Co.
Stan Cohen • Firehouse Pizza
Dennis Hermann • Alexander Murray Agency
Amy Morgan • LeFleur Floral Designs & Events
Nick Robertson • Bernardi’s Restaurant
Susan Wise • Plaza Lanes
• 2015 Ambassadors •
President
Melissa Wireman • CEFCU
Vice President
Kim Felker • Washington Community Bank
Jessica Clark • Grand Victorian of Washington
Ed Foster • Foster’s Pro Lawn & Snow Removal/
Foster’s Moving & Delivery Service
Emily Geerts • PNC Bank
Malissa Helmuth • Jim Maloof Realtor
Blake Mishler • Black, Black & Brown
Tracy Molendi • Simply Organized & Stage
Eric Obalil • Alexander Financial Services
Aaron Rose • Washington Community Bank
Jessica Schmidgall • Washington Christian Village
Brian Tibbs • Washington Park District
Wendy Wagner • Mary Kay
Tricia Yocum • RE/MAX Unlimited
• 2015 Staff •
Executive Director
If you are a new chamber
member (having joined within the
last 6 months) and have not
arranged to have your official
welcome scheduled…
please contact the Chamber
office - 444-9921 so we can set a date!
For more information, contact the
Chamber staff.
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Chevie Ruder • chevie@washingtoncoc.com
Communication Manager
Candy Liggin • candy@washingtoncoc.com
Finance Manager
Gail Nettles • gail@washingtoncoc.com
info@washingtoncoc.com
www.washingtoncoc.com
March 2015
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March
2015
114 Washington Square . Washington, IL 61571
March
15
Business After Hours
@ Professional Therapy Services, 5:00pm
April
14
Business After Hours
@ South Side Bank, 5:00pm
May
2
Take Pride in Washington Clean Up Day*
@ Washington Park, 8:00am
12
Business After Hours
@ Firehouse Pizza, TBD
2731
GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS
events & dates subject to change . *not a chamber event
March 2015