communicator freeport area chamber of commerce makes its … · the site is google optimized and...

Tony CartonCommunication Editor

Every business and organization has a long to-do list and all too often, upgrading a web site is overlooked or pushed to the “back-burner” for projects deemed more important. Not so for the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce. The organization unveiled its new web site January 1, and with mouse clicks heard all over town, hundreds of webbrowsersaresurfingtowww.freeportilchamber.com to experience its new and streamlined “user friendly” features. Makingagoodfirstimpression“We realize that more and more of our members seek fast and reliable information,” said FACC Director of Program Development Promotion and Operations Tiffany King. “Communicating our message as fast as possible to our nearly 600 members requires our website to serve as a critical tool for relaying information between Chamber staff and our membership” She added that with everyone from potential new members, to visitors, to long-standing Chamber

supporters looking at the website, it can easily become someone’sfirstimpression of an organization. “We are now able to promote our members through the membership directory as well as promote Chamber Events on the calendar and home page,” King said. “Also, the site is Google optimized and mobile friendly.” The best form of marketing is happy clients and with nearly 600 members on the Chamber rolls King, the chamber board, and the chamber staff know they need quick access to their member’s needs and concerns. “We are pleased that our new web site is highly interactive with our membership,” King said. “The members can post their events on the site’s calendar as well as post

their in-store specials on the Hot Deals pages.” “Hot Deals” allows any special or coupon a member business is offering to be added to the website at no charge, and members can update membership information to include hours of operation, a description of their business, and keywords for search engines by logging onto the website using the Members Only Portal. She said it remains a Chamber

priority to have an interactive website for the members to promote their businesses as much as possible. “We know that many of the ‘hits’ on our site come from potential visitors to Freeport,” King said. “We want all our members to be able to showcase their businesses.” Chamber Administrative Assistant Julie Huber said she is excited about the job posting

Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce Makes Its www Say WOW!

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8 MEMBER NEWS7 MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS4 GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

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their in-store specials on the Hot priority to have an interactive

DATES TO REMEMBER...MARCH 1

Ribbon Cutting - Freeport Health Club18W.StephensonStreet•11am

MARCH 2Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast Co-Hosted by United Presbyterian Church & Freeport Health Club

302WestStephensonStreet•7:30am

MARCH 4Ribbon Cutting - Black Diamond Music Studio & Sales

1330ILRoute20East•10:30am

MARCH 102016 Chamber Annual Dinner

MasonicTemple•SocialHour5-6pmAwards&Presentation7-8pm•Mix&Mingle8-9pm

MARCH 11

Meet & Greet with Russell D. SliferStephenson County Farm Bureau210W.SpringStreet•8am–9am

MARCH 17

Chamber Finance CommitteeChamberOffice,ConferenceRoom#2•7:30am Business After Hours Hosted by the Elks Lodge

608W.StephensonStreet•5pm–7pm

MARCH 22Chamber Board Meeting

ChamberOffice,ConferenceRoom#1•7:30am

MARCH 24Ambassador Meeting

StephensonCtyFarmBureau,210W.SpringSt•7:30am

2 freeport area chamber of commerce

I hope you are getting settled into your daily routine after the rush of the holidays and the New Year. At the Chamber we are looking ahead to new challenges this year like many other area businesses. We constantly ask ourselves, “What can we do to bring more value to our members?” One new area we are focusing more on this year is “community wide” change, with initiatives such as the Freeport City Centre’s Small Business Collaborative as well as getting involved in the branding effort that is beginning to take steam in the Freeport area. We understand that in order for our members to thrive we need to continually attract new businesses and residents. These new initiatives aim to compliment some of the already existing strategies that do just that. It is exciting to be a part of a momentum that plans to make Freeport an even better place to live, work, and play. We are very excited about the Chamber Annual Dinner coming up on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at the Freeport Masonic Temple. Our guest speaker this year is Russ Slifer, Freeport native, who now serves as the Deputy under Secretary of Commerce Intellectual Property, and Deputy Director of the United StatesPatent&TrademarkOffice.Russ will be discussing his journey from the private sector into the highest levels of government from

Freeport, IL to Washington, DC and tools necessary to succeed in an ever evolving innovation based economy. Russ will follow up his keynote presentation with a more in-depth speech on Friday, March 11 at the Stephenson County Farm Bureaufrom8:00–9:00a.m.(nocostto attend). I believe everyone will leavefilledwithgreatknowledgeand information crucial to success in today’s business world. Seats are fillingupfastsopleasevisitourwebsite www.freeportilchamber.com to download a brochure or contact us attheChamberat815-233-1350andwe can get you signed up that way as well. Also, don’t forget to nominate a deserving individual for the “Dale LeBaron” or “Rising Star” Award, or a deserving organization or business forthe“Not-for-Profit”or“Businessof the Year” Award. We are taking nominations electronically this year. Youcanfindallnominationformsonline at www.freeportilchamber.com. In closing we want to thank Immanuel Lutheran for hosting this month’s Rise and Shine Breakfast and Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Freeport Service Center for hosting our Business after Hours tonight. Mark your calendars for the March Rise and Shine Breakfast co-hosted by United Presbyterian and Freeport Health Club on March 2 and Busin ess after Hours hosted by the Elks Lodge onMarch17.Wehopetoseeyouallthere!

27 W. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032www.freeportilchamber.com

Phone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION AND OPERATIONS:

TiffanyKing•[email protected]

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SALES:

KimGrimes•[email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: JulieHuber•[email protected]

COMMUNICATION EDITOR: Tony Carton

The Chamber of Commerce Communicator is published on a monthly basis with the partnership of The Journal-Standard paper. We thank

them for their continual effort to keep this publication in print!

with Tiffany King

Chamber Chat

freeport area chamber of commerce 3

availability, the “Member to Member Deals” and the Hot Deals sections on the renovated site. “These pages are great opportunities for businesses to get their name out there more often,” Huber explained. “The Chamber staff will be active with updating the events on the site. Our Visitor’s Bureau has a great calendar of events already, but our website will showcase Chamber events and our member’s events. It’s another way to promote what you’re working on within your organization and it gives our members more opportunities to shine.”

SIMPLICITY AND EFFICIENCY ROLLED INTO ONE PACKAGE “The new site is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” said Chamber Communications Editor Tony Carton. “It’s simpler to use, I like the new easier access methods for posting Chamber information and in

all my years of writing I’ve never been able to use the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in a story. Seriously, the new Chamber web site is a great opportunity for us to highlight our businesses and the events happening here in Freeport. I’m really happy with it.”

SERVICE AND VALUE Chamber Director of Membership Development and Sales Kim Grimes said he feels the new site provides another value added service for chamber members and promotes Freeport in a positive manner. “OnespecificbenefitIbelievethe website provides is for those

folks located outside of the immediate area and planning a trip to Freeport,” Grimes said. “All they have to do is log on to site and they canimmediatelyfindoutwhatisgoing on in our community.” He added that the website includes details for upcoming events, new member information, a business directory, job postings, deals that local businesses have to offer and much more. “If you haven’t had a chance to view the new website, I invite you to log on to www.freeportilchamber.com and check it out,” Grimes said. “It’s great.” Keep in mind, Advertising space is available on the Chamber

website for our members to take advantage of. The Chamber now offers different marketing packages (Premium,Enhanced,andBasicEnhanced) for every budget and with an average annual “hit” rate of over 24,000 you cannot afford to overlook the Chamber website for its far reaching marketing potential. Contact Tiffany or Julie attheChamberofficeformoreinformation.

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the United States; even though this disease is highly preventable through regular screenings starting at age 50, more than 50,000 people die from it every year.

FHN has two offers to encourage you to call in March to schedule your screening colonoscopy, a straightforward process to help keep you healthy.

When you call in March to schedule your screening colonoscopy, you will receive a free meal for yourself and a guest at FHN Memorial Hospital’s Fresh Inspirations Café, one of the best restaurants in town! You will also be entered to win one of four sets of gift certificates to several local restaurants, each set valued at $250. Your screening doesn’t need to happen in March – it can be scheduled any time through Friday, July 1 – but you need to call in March to make the appointment to take advantage of these offers.

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TH Schedule your appointment now and reward yourself for getting a colonoscopy!

Colonoscopies save lives. Schedule yours today!1-815-599-7100 (Dr. Ravi Vyas) or 1-815-599-7715 (Dr. Vivek Mehta)

Committed to your Success!

INTEGRITY TRUSTEXPERIENCE

COMMITMENTYEARS

Stop in to seeMark

Larry Shane

Luann Laura

Karen

These have been the pillars of our Bank for over

48 years. At Midwest Community Bank we are

dedicated to serving your business.

What are the qualities you look for in your Bank?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Visit us online at freeportilchamber.com

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Freeport is home to many communitynonprofit,tax-exempt,publicly-supported organizations. These foundations are public charities, developing broad support from many unrelated donors with a wide range of charitable interests. United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. The United Way of Northwest

Illinois, Inc. is a leader in providing humanandfinancialresourcesinresponsetoidentifiedhealthandhuman service needs to improve the quality of life in Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties. The United Way of Northwest Illinois aspires to be the critical link which brings together our diverse communities to build stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities as cost effectively as possible. In 2008, United Way World Wide initiated a 10-year program designed to achieve the following goals by 2018:•Improveeducation,andcutthe number of high school dropouts _ 1.2 million students every year _ in half.•Helppeopleachievefinancial stability,andget1.9million working families — half the number of lower-income familieswhoarefinanciallyunstable_ on the road to economic independence.•Promotehealthylives,andincrease by one-third the number of youth


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Hey Bomar, save me some $$$ on a new system The Home Project® Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms of 53monthsapplytoqualifyingpurchasesof $4855ormorecharged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional period. The APR for purchases will apply to certain fees such as late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For newly opened accounts, the APR forPurchasesis28.99%.ThisAPRmay vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 1/1/2016. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.00%of theamountof thecashadvance, but not less than $10. Offer expires 12/31/2016. Getting consistent year-round home comfort you can count on doesn’t happen by accident. Trane systems endure rigorous testing to ensure reliability and long lasting performance for you and your family. Bomar Heating and Cooling serviceareasinclude:Freeport,Rockford, Stephenson, Winnebago, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Ogle Counties. Let the comfort specialists

MEMBERspotlightsgold

and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors.

These goals are ambitious, but with your help, and by utilizing our core strengths — a national network, committed partners and public engagement capacity — we can achieve them.

United Way serves as the critical link which brings together our diverse communities to build stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities as cost effectively as possible. It truly takes the entire community to bring about positive changes that improve quality of life. Therefore United Way works closely with many non-profitagencies,communityinitiatives, school districts, etc. to fulfillourmission.

The United Way partners with organizations and businesses that share our view that the way to improve lives is by mobilizing the caring power of communities. Their long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children and youth achieve through education, promotingfinancialstabilityandindependence, and improving people’s health. United Way of Northwest Illinois works extensively with large and small businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties. From this work we understand these businesses increasingly want to demonstrate outcomes through their community investment strategies and also leverage their work with others to maximize their social return. Below are some success stories that illustrate the return on investment made by the United Way of Northwest Illinois and our partners.

Education Amity Learning Center assisted100%of theirpreschoolchildrentorateat“proficiencylevel” upon exit from pre-school based on the Teaching Strategies Gold assessment. Comparatively only13%of preschoolerswholive in poverty in Stephenson County are considered ready for kindergarten. Boys and Girls Club provided academic enrichment

programs during the school year andsummer.90participantsattended 30 or more days. Of these individuals79.6%of theirteachersnoted an improvement in academic performance. Boy Scouts provided859boyswith a variety of programs and activitiestobuildconfidence,learnlife skills, and citizenship. These short term outcomes help to lead to increased leadership skills, healthier communities, and a stronger literacy rate.

Income Mother Hubbard’s Kiddie Cupboard helped teach 233 young moms the value of responsible behavior by awarding baby bucks for attending school, keeping health care appointments, attending parenting classes, or working. Baby bucks are used to purchase needed baby items from Mother Hubbard’s Kiddie Cupboard. New Horizons Counseling Center provided reduced fee counselingservicesto235individuals in Stephenson and Jo DaviessCounties.100%of theindividuals that received counseling services increased their score on the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF).Thisscorecanbe a predictor of an adult’s ability to maintain employment, health relationships, parent, etc. The Workshop provided 80 individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn work skills and assisted an average of 6 individuals per quarter to seek community employment. 2 individuals were able to obtain community employment and were successfully discharged from the programafter90daysonthejob.Amity Learning Center provided low income families with affordable quality daycare allowing 120 adults to remain employed or become employed. United Way is thankful for the generous support of our local partners.

STEPHENSON COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY CARL LARSON TheState’sAttorney’sOfficeexists primarily to represent the citizens of Stephenson County and the victims of crime. We handle felony, misdemeanor andtrafficcases, as well as juvenile court matters, child support enforcement, paternity suits and mental health hearings. The state’s attorney is legal advisor and counselor for all county officialsandchief prosecutingofficerof thecounty “IntheState’sAttorneyofficewe represent the county in front of the county board and various other places, but primarily we prosecute offenses or crimes prohibited by the state statutes,” said Stephenson County State’s Attorney Carl Larson. He said he since he became State’s Attorney his primary focus has been felony prosecutions, but he also represents the county in civil matters,andtheofficeiscurrentlyworking with the Stephenson County Probation Department to bring back the Juvenile Diversion Program. “That is the program that allows us to divert low-risk juvenile offenders from the court process so that they can receive some penalty for minor criminal acts without being involved in the court systems,” said Larson. “We are hoping to be up and running with that on March 1; also we are pretty focused on prosecution of violent crimes. We’ve had a number recently and have been really pretty focused on that. It is certainly not a new program, but it is our focus right now.” Hesaidhisofficeisseekingtoresponsibly handle those cases.“I’m sure that sending a message is a component of that, but I’ve never liked the idea of making an example of someone,” Larson said. “I just

want to treat everyone the same.”The future is looking bright for the futureof theState’sAttorneyoffice.“We have some young attorneys in theofficerightnow,”saidLarson.“They are good attorneys and we are looking forward to them developing as attorneys. We hope to continue to work productively with the local law enforcement agencies as well as the County Board and continue to insure a high level of service to the county.” Maintaining a team of good experienced attorneys is absolutely crucial to the continuing success of theoffice. “You cannot overstate the value of the relationships they’ve developed and the knowledge that they’ve gained over time,” said Larson. “We have one attorney here now with over 30 years experience and I am in my eleventh year also; Freeport Alderman Peter McClanathan is a felony attorney with about eight years experience and beyond that we have fairly new attorneys, so in terms of being successful in the future we need to keep the good experienced we have and develop the young attorneys that we have coming up.” If someone feels that he/she is thevictimof acrime(asopposedtoa civil matter) it should be reported to the police for investigation. An assistant’s state’s attorney will get involved in the matter after the investigation is complete. There are no fees for any services of the State’sAttorney’sOffice. Contact the Stephenson County State’sAttorneyofficebycalling815-235-8279orvisitthematthecountycourthouse,15NorthGalena Ave, Freeport.



Our Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast this month was hosted by Immanuel Lutheran Church & School. Everyone enjoyed some breakfast and had a chance to do some important networking as well. We would like to thank everyone for coming and hope that you enjoyed the event. We would also like to say a special thank you everyone at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School, along withCare9forallyourhospitality.Thankyou!

RISE ‘N’ SHINE

Mike Schiffman began serving as Superintendent of Schools in the Freeport School District onJuly1,2015.HispreviousexperienceincludesfiveyearsasSuperintendent of Schools for Dakota Community Unit School District 201 in Dakota, IL, where he served since July 2010. Prior to that, Mike spent time as a principal, dean of students, and history teacher at other school districts in Northwest Illinois. Schiffman holds a Master’s degree in Administration and Educational from Western Illinois University, a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University, and an Associate’s Degree from Highland Community College. He is currently completing his Doctoral degree through Western Illinois University. During his time with the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce board Schiffman said his focus would be to continue looking for ways to bring in and maintain successful businesses into

Freeport while collaborating with all of the other organizations. “The EAV continues to decline in Freeport,” said Schiffman. “We need to bring a positive feeling and culture to Freeport again. There are a lot of people in the community that do support Freeport and we need to continue to support these positive movements.” He said The Chamber has a lot of bright and organized business leaders and citizens that are thinking outside the box and that are continuing to look for ways to help the city grow. “We need to continue to have hard discussions while also focusing on the main goals and targets of the community. I think having a strategic plan in place is putting the Chamber in a good direction to succeed. We now need to follow through on the plan,” Schiffman said. Mike Schiffman lives in Freeport with wife Laura, daughters Bryn and Katelyn and son Noah.

A Message from the Board...Mike Schiffman

2016 PREFERRED MEMBERS

We would like to give special recognition to the following businesses that provide extra support to the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce.

Elliott&Trainor,P.C.•FlachtemeierMonumentsRockRiverValleyBloodCenter•HeilmanPropertiesCarlLarson–StephensonCountyState’sAttorney

Rite-Way Furniture & ApplianceFishburn,Whiton,Thruman,LTD•PHKBicycles

Carlson Canine Camp • United Way of NW Illinois, Inc.Christian Supply Center • Bomar Heating & CoolingWinter&Associates•M45MarketingServicesHughesResources•StoutInsuranceAgency,LLCFreidagAssociatesCPAs•AltmanAutomotiveInc.

SwiftHospitalityGroup,Inc.•LibertyVillageof FreeportAboveandBeyondAssociates•NWILFriendsof theNRA

FreeportCommunityFoundation•Brown’sShoesMonroeClinic•Holman/DahmsInsuranceAgencyNormanC.SleezerYouthHome•FurstStaffingFirstRateCleaning•SpherionStaffingServicesEaglesClub•Fehr-Graham & Associates Highland Community College Foundation

Pearson • TB & B Accounting & Tax, Inc. FreeportHomeMedicalEquipment•TwoMenandaTruck

Plager,Krug,Bauer&Rudolph,Ltd•Proto-CutterRAMP• Nate Luy Stephenson County Circuit Clerk

GoLD memberS

TaskTrainers•StephenSpyrisonDDSTim’sAutoCare•FreeportFamilyChiropracticBillGeorgePlumbing&Heating•FSFarmtown

SILVer memberS

Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency •LauraWelti•ParkviewFloor Covering Plus • Union Savings BankDental Connections • Family Health Quest

New Millenium Directories • Saxer Accounting Services, LLCStateFarmInsurance–SteveJohnson•FamilyAffairCafé

StephanieHelms–StephensonCountyTreasurer

broNZe memberS

DREIBELBIS + FAIRWEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN specializes in creative portraiture and commercial/advertising photography servicing Chicago, IL and surrounding areas and cities.

Amy Dreibelbis I’ve been taking pictures both with and without a camera for as long as I can remember. Essentially, I’m a visual artist who expresses ideas through photography. My true specialty in the D+F partnership is creative conceptual portraiture, especially with children, product and architecture. I love the chaos of one, and the order of the other. I strive to create imagery that invites the viewer to ‘stay a while’. My images are hand edited and retouched often by using compositing techniques. In1999,IgraduatedfromtheFashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA. Styling, sourcing, interior design and art direction are additional assets I bring to the table. Illustrating story boards and color tempos are also my passion. I believe in visualizing most things into being. I also answer the phone when you call.

Ben Fairweather I’m originally from Brisbane Australia, and moved to the US in 2012 to marry Amy. I have been a photographer sinceIfirstlearnthowtodevelopmy own negatives and prints in High School. I am passionate about providing high impact images to commercial clients that possess a high level of execution from conception to post-production. I am always motivated by providing clients

with the “look” they are going for whilst also providing fresh creative vision. My main inspirations in photography come from art, lighting and high fashion photography. Within D+F, I specialize in creative /conceptual portraiture, lifestyle, productandfashion(beautyandeditorial). I also work behind the scenes experimenting with new lightingconfigurations,retouching,and building new sets in the studio. I am also in charge of most electronic communication, and accounts, so when you send an email say “hello!” Learn more about the photographic artistry available through Dreibelbis + Fairweather Photography & Design by calling 815.275.6621,[email protected] or visit them online at dplusfstudio.com.

CONTACT OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS is a 24-hour crisis help line that has a variety of services. Along with our 24-hour helpline (Anyonecan call anytime and talk to atrainedlistener)weoffer:Reassurance Contact, a Teen Line and information and Referral services. All Contact services are free of charge. The Contact 24-Hour Help Line is a service that covers Northern Illinois with support, a listening ear, encouragement, problem solving and much more to individuals in need of someone to listen. Volunteers go through a 40-hour training to man the phones and be available24/7forthoseinneed.Reassurance CONTACT is a service where we will make a phone call to an individual with a medication reminder, friendly chat or daily check in to make sure they are doing well.

The client picks the days and times of the calls and provides us with a back up individual that can check on them if we are unable to get a hold of them after several attempts. The Teen Line operates Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings from6to9p.m.andismannedbytrained teen volunteers. The service provides teens a safe place to talk to peers about the problems they are facing in their lives, If the teen calls at a different time they are given the opportunity to speak with an adult volunteer. Information and Referral is a service CONTACT provides for individuals looking for help with an issue in their lives. We work hard to keep our information up to date so we can provide individuals at least a starting point for a solution to their problem. Contact has been serving our communitiessince1981andisstillthe best kept secret around. Please help spread the word and help us to help those in need. Call CONTACT of Northern Illinoistollfree:1-888-463-6260andvisit them on Facebook or online at www.nicontact.org

FREEPORT TOWNSHIP CLIENTS “EARNED IT” The main goal of the Freeport Townshipisclientself-sufficiencyand we guide our clients to that goal through our “I Earned It” community work and training programs. Clients who are physically able to work must do so in order to receive township assistance. For example, clients are required to work 30 hours per month doing various work assignments such as, church cleanings, lawn care, maintenance of the Freeport City Cemetery, serving and preparing food for seniors and the less fortunate. Compliance with the “I Earned It” program is mandatory for all clients whether physically able to work or not. Clients that are not physically able to participate in the “I Earned It” work portion of the program are directed into the training portion of o the program which includes Right

Direction, Healthy Eating, Diabetic EducationandtheL.E.A.D.(Learn,Equip, Apply, Develop) programs. Non-compliance will result in the immediate termination of township benefitsfor90days.The“IEarnedIt” program teaches our c lients soft skills through real life and real work experiences while equipping them with the abilities needed to succeed in the workplace. I Earned It worksite sponsors include:FaithCenterCommunityChurch, Salvation Army, NICAA Golden Meals, St Mary Church, City of Freeport, Mad Men, and the Madonna Renewal Center.

We are a full service salon offering nail and hair service, airbrush makeup, wedding parties, girl’s night out parties, spray tanning and more,” said Platinum Salon owner Kelly Knapp. “We are pretty much hands down the best around.”She opened the salon in 2012. “Ihadbeendoinghairfor15years at a different salon and I was ready to strike out on my own,” she said. Platinum Salon prides itself in using all organic materials for spray tanning and welcomes walk-ins with quick and friendly service. “We do encourage folks to book ahead by phone to ensure a spot with one of our professionals,” said Knapp. “Most of our clients book appointments in advance so spaces aren’t always available.” Extra and late hours are not a problem at Platinum Salon. Bachelorette parties, Ladies Night Out parties, Little Girl Princess parties; whether it’s a handful of your best girlfriends or 10 fashion obsessed teenagers, let the Platinum Salon team host an event no one will expect and everyone will talk about. Nails are a specialty at Platinum Salon. Whether you would enjoy a long, indulgent manicure or pedicure or maybe you just need a fast,

MEMBERspotlightsfreeport area chamber of commerce 7

MEMBERnewsfriendly nail professional to attend to your nails on the run, Platinum Salon offers a number of different styles and services and will provide you with exactly what you need. Spray tanning has become an art and the folks at Platinum Salon stay at the cutting edge offering pre-tanning exfoliation, waxing and shaving,andaflexibleschedulethatallows you to spray before special occasions. Give it a try. “Everyone here has a pretty sparkling personality and the girls here bring people back,” said Knapp. “They are the best at what they do and once you give Platinum Salon a try you will be back. We have a team of great girls. It took

three or four years to build the team we have and now we are the best and moving forward. They are a great team and we are ready to go.”Enjoy professional services like hair color, Gel polish manicure, organic spray tan, and everything in between in a chic and classy environment at Platinum Salon. “Staying in the front of cutting edge trends is what we all strive for, making sure the passion, creativity and knowledge is unsurpassed,” said Knapp. Call815-616-8128foranappointment or drop by, walk-ins are welcome. Platinum Salon is locatedat1774SouthRosensteilAvenue, Freeport.


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1718 S. Dirck Drive • Freeport • (815) 297-0900 • www.statebankfreeport.com

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Troy Lessman,Julie Morhardt & Beth Bastian

Trust & Investment Specialists

Savant Capital Management, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor. State Bank and Savant’s marketing material should not be construed by any existing or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if they engage the advisor’s services. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments offered are not deposits, obligations or guaranteed by State Bank or Savant Capital Management. They are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency. These types of investments carry risk, including the possible loss of value.

FSD 145 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

At its regular meeting held Tuesday evening at the District Administration Building, the Freeport School District Board of Education:

•Learnedabouttheorganizationand activities of the Freeport High School Student Council and recognized the group for their contributions to the district and community. (Additional contact: Mr. Mike Schiffman, Superintendent,815-232-0308, mike.schiffman@ fsd145.org)

•Reviewedthesecondquarterdata on the implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions & Support(PBIS)inFSDschools.PBIS is a prevention-oriented approach for assisting schools in organizing evidence-based behavioral interventions, improving the implementation of those practices, and maximizing academic and social behavior outcomes for all students. The data showed that most FSD sites experienced a decrease in discipline referrals when PBIS was consistently implemented compared to the same time period last year, as well as compared to thefirstquarterof thisschoolyear. It was recommended that the district increase social work support in the schools over the next 2-3 years, starting with the schools demonstrating the highest need based on the data, and employ a district PBIS External Coordinator in order to ensure these support systems are implemented with fidelityacrossthedistrict.(Additional contact: Ms. Nita White, Director of Equity & Curriculum, 815-232-0321, [email protected])

•Receivedamid-yearupdateon the progress of the district’s

Department of Curriculum and Instructionrelatingtotheirtopfiveprioritiesfor2015-2016.Thisschoolyear, efforts have been focused on fiveinstructionalareaswiththegoalof increasing academic achievement forallstudents: 1) Assessment Model Review 2) K6 Reading Curriculum Review3) High School Integrated Math Review 4) Student Centered Learning & 21st Century Learning, 5)OneSchool&OneVision– Bringing All Schools Together The department continues to study and review these areas of focus, and will recommend new instructional materials to support revisions and updates to curriculum, assessment, and instructional practicesthatreflecttheskillsthat our students will need to be successful and compete globally.(Additional contact: Dr. Duane Meighan, Asst. Supt. of Curriculum & Instruction, 815-232-0310, duane.meighan@ fsd145.org)

The public is always invited and encouraged to attend Freeport School District Board of Education meetings. The next scheduled regular meeting will be held Tuesday,March1at7pmattheDistrict Administration Building, locatedat501E.SouthStreet.Contact: Jesse Johnson, Communications Specialist/Grant Writer, Freeport School District, [email protected], 815-801-0109.

MONROE CLINIC OFFERS ADDITIONAL CARDIOLOGY SERVICES IN FREEPORT

In addition to seeing patients at Monroe Clinic’s main campus, David Buchanan, MD, FACC,

Visit us online at freeportilchamber.com

is now seeing patients every Wednesday at Monroe Clinic-Freeport. He joins cardiologist, Arif Ahmad, MD, who sees patients at the Freeport clinic every other Monday. Dr. Buchanan provides interventional cardiology; bringing 30 years of experience in coronary and peripheral vascular intervention such as cardiac catheterization, peripheral angiography, angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy and pacemaker implantation to Monroe Clinic’s Illinois patients. He joined the organization in 2012. “Cardiovascular medicine has never been more relevant or effective,” said Dr. Buchanan. “It’s rewardingtoworkinafieldthatoffers patients both immediate and long-term solutions.” Cardiovascular medicine is a branch of medicine that cares for the health and function of the heart, arteries and veins. Monroe Clinic’s cardiovascular team, which includes cardiologists and advanced nurse practitioners, counsels patients about heart disease risk and prevention. They diagnose and treat patients using state-of-the-art medical and surgical approaches. They also help patients with heart disease return to an active life. The team emphasizes use of imaging diagnostics, working to avoid surgery whenever possible. From the grandmother experiencing leg cramping and weakness to the middle-aged man coming into the emergency department with chest pains, our cardiovascular team takes world-class care to heart. To make an appointment with Dr. Buchanan, please call Monroe Clinic-Freeportat815-235-1406.

HIGHLAND LADY COUGARS CLAIM 2015-2016 WCBC CONFERENCE TITLE The Highland Lady Cougars have some new hardware to showcase on the campus of Highland

Community College in Freeport. It’s the plaque commemorating the Wisconsin Collegiate Bowling Conference–ConferenceChampion. “This is a big deal for a young bowling program like ours, especially being a community college only having freshman and sophomores on our team,” said HCC Director of Bowling, Jeff Johnson. “We are competing against large universities that have had bowling programs for many years. This only shows what it being built right here at Highland with our bowling program.” And Johnson is correct in the size of the programs they are competing against. The WCBC Ladies Conference consists of UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, University of Minnesota-Mankato, UW-Green Bay, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and UW-Platteville. The Lady Cougars outlasted the conference of the four-tournament schedule that began last September in Minneapolis. The other tournaments were held in Milwaukee, Neenah, WI, and wrapping up in Madison this past weekend. “We are a small school that is not acting small,” continues Johnson. “We have a good makeup of local talent that is learning how to win. They are friends on and off the lanes and that allows us to focus on the task at hand… and that is picking up spares, and winning our matches against the teams that we bowl.” The team is lead by the top bowler in the conference, a graduate from Freeport High, Allie Dawson (fr).Therestof theteamisfellowformerPretzels,BeckyNoone(so),MackenzieHeitkam(so),andAlexisPfeiffer(fr);KarissaCorbin(so)of Oregon,KellyMichaelsen(so)of Camanche, IA, and Nichole Miller (so)of Winnebago. The Highland Lady Cougars were leading the conference going into the Madison tournament but had a rough start on Saturday and lost their lead and entered Sunday tied with UW-Milwaukee. Sunday, though, the Lady Cougars went undefeated and outdistanced a


We want to recognize the anniversaries of our long-standing members.

thank you for your continued support!51 YearS

WREX-13

28 YearSfreeport terrace

25 YearSUnited Way of NW Illinois, Inc

17 YearSWipfl i LLp • Jiffy Lube • modern plating

16 YearStim’s auto care

15 YearSState farm Insurance - Jon Spachman

Security first title co.

13 YearSmonroe clinic

State farm Insurance - ted frits

12 YearSState farm Insurance - alan holder

fruth-Simmer Insurance agency • cannova’sblain’s farm & fleet • advanced technologies

Loberg excavating, Inc. • Savant capital management

11 YearSchildren’s Dyslexia center - NW IL

Stateline Dairy productsanchor harvey components LLc

10 YearSSoundwerks plus • heilman propertieshighland community college foundation

Member Anniversaries

FEBRUARY 2016

struggling UW-Milwaukee team during the 20 baker-style games. “It’s nice to get this conference win for Highland,” added Johnson, whosaysisthefirstbowlingconference title for the college. “Now, it’s time to focus on the remaining season and focus on an NJCAA National Championship which has been the goal since day one.” The NJCAA National Championship is held at Airport Lanes in Buffalo, New York, Feb. 26and27.

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES PASS FIRST READING OF TUITION INCREASE During their Feb. 16 regular meeting, the Highland Community College Board of Trustees approvedthefirstreadingof a$5per credit hour tuition increase beginning in Fall 2016. This was thefirstof tworeadingsrequiredto set the new tuition rate. If approved, in-district tuition would increase from $123 per credit hour to $128 per credit hour. The senior citizen rate would increasefrom$92to$96percredithour. Out-of-district tuition will be set by a formula impacted by other community college tuition rates as they are established. The increase is a direct result of the State of Illinois budget impasse, according to vice president of administrative services, Jill Janssen. Highland has received no state funding for thecurrentfiscalyearandmostindications are that the budget will not be passed by the state, leaving all community colleges and universities without state funding for the year. For Highland, this is a loss of about$1.5million,whichis10percent of the College’s operating budget. There is no information aboutthestate’sfiscalyear2017budget at this point, however, most reports indicate that a budget may not be passed until after the November election.

“The College has taken steps to reduce expenses, such as limiting expenses to those that are deemed essential,reducingstaffing,reducingemployeebenefits,andnegotiating savings with vendors,” saidJanssen.“Inanyfiscalyear,the recommendation for any tuition rate increase take into account affordability for students, Highland’s comparability to other colleges’ per credit hour tuition and fees, and Highland’s projected budget.” Trustees discussed the option of revisiting tuition rates prior to thebeginningof thespring2017semester registration period in September when more may be known about state funding. The Board of Trustees also approved a resolution providing the issuance of working cash bonds in the amount of $2,485,000.Thiswasthefinalstep in the bond issuance process. At the January board meeting, Trustees held a public hearing to receive comments regarding the College’s plans to sell working cash bonds. The funds from the bond sale can only be used to support thecashflowof theCollegeand ensure there is cash to make payment on current expenses. Future tax levies could be structured so the College’s overall tax rate stays in the same range that it has in prior years. The working cash bonds issuance will add about four cents to the College’staxyear2015levy,orabout $10 for the a home with an assessed valuation of $100,000. “While the College faces averychallengingfinancialsituation, Highland is in a much better position than some other colleges in the state whose budgets comprise 30 percent or more in state funding. The working cash bonds will ensure that there is cashflowavailabletosupportoperations,” Janssen said.


The Freeport Chamber of Commerce wants to announce a new value added program for it membersandaffiliates.This new program is called GasShare. It is for commercial gas customers that want to reduce or control their costs and budgets for their natural gas purchases. This new program will be the 1st of its kind in Illinois. With the recent popularity of Electrical Aggregation in communities in Illinois, and the State Legislature failing to pass a bill which would allow natural gas customers to aggregate together in municipalities for purchasing power, the Chamber wanted to develop a program for its members. We will have two upcoming informational sessions in March regarding this new value added program. ValueAddedBenefitsinclude: Members will be able to purchase natural gas at rates below direct offers from suppliers. Fixed pricing at this time is very attractive as the gas market has continued to fall over the past year. On the Nicor Delivery portion of the bill, each member’s bill will be audited to ensure they are getting the proper customer charge on the correct rate, they have the right meter size, and they are getting the statetaxbenefitsif theyqualify.Audits have shown many smaller customers do not know what they are paying for natural gas since most bills continue to come from Nicor. In addition, many suppliers have locked in customers into a rate years ago when natural gas prices were a lot higher. These just roll over year after year. Now is an opportunity to have your bills reviewed with a minimum amount of your time invested.

Cost of the program There is no cost or fee to join the GasShare program. Members who select the market index rate have the ability to terminate the program at any time without penalty if youaredissatisfied.Memberswhoselectafixedrateprogram

wouldbesubjecttoa$50earlytermination fee. Joining the program is easy, just fax in a copy of your Natural Gas bill to the Chamber along with the Nicor Gas usage permission form.(Theseformsareavailablefrom the Chamber and Rock River Energy Services) An audit will be performed with no obligation to join.

Why would a Chamber GasShare program work? Much like electrical aggregation, suppliers are able to obtain a large group of customers at one time, and it vastly decreased their acquisition costs. Thus, they are more aggressive and are able to offer leaner prices than customers can achieve on their own. These cost savings are passed onto the end user.

Larger Chamber Members Chamber members that use higher volumes of natural gas can alsobenefitfromthisprogram.The same audits performed for the smaller customers can be performed. Customers tend to focus on the “supply” portion of the bill, not the delivery section. In addition, customers tend to roll over their natural gas contracts year after year and don’t stay current with costs on both portions of the bill. Buying strategies can be developed with a third party that is focused solelyforthecustomersbenefit,not the supplier. Any member that usesover50,000thermsof naturalgas a year will receive a custom price.

About Rock River Energy Services RRES worked with the Rockford Chamber to develop the successful Powershare electrical program. In addition they have worked with over 120 governmental units with electrical aggregation. They have built relationships with many electrical and gas suppliers for the purpose of obtaining best energy and gas prices for their customers.

Chamber Gas Share Program


The Ambassadors had the honor to cut the ribbon along with Da Catch as they celebrated the Grand Opening of the new restaurant located at 1416 W. Galena in Freeport. Why not stop by and give them a try! Congratulations Da Catch and welcome to Freeport!

RIBBON CUTTINGThe Ambassadors had the honor to cut the ribbon along with Twice As Nice Home as they celebrated the Grand Opening of the new store located at 24 East Stephenson Street in downtown Freeport. Stop by and check out this beautiful store for yourself. Congratulations Twice As Nice Home!

RIBBON CUTTING


The Ambassadors cut the ribbon along with Hilldale Dairy to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new deli located at 30 West Stephenson Street in downtown Freeport. They have soups, sandwiches, pretzel dogs and much more. Stop by and give them a try. Congratulations Hilldale Dairy and welcome to downtown Freeport!

RIBBON CUTTING

The YPN Planning Committee is meeting and laying out plans for the coming season. The activities already on the table include a Meet the Candidates event on March 24, a roundtable with Mike Schiffman from Freeport School District and Tim Hood of Highland Community College. There are also plans for an interactive event with the high school where the members would discuss the soft skills necessary for a successful job search. Socially, YPN will be doing golf lessons with Park Hills and will be hosting a golf outing. There are plans for a cookout and wine tasting at Famous Fossil Winery and members of the organization will be participating in Money Smart Week in April talking about financialplanning. The calendar is still in the early planning phase so if anyone has suggestions or would like to be a

part of YPN please contact the Chamberbycalling(815)233-1350or by searching Facebook for Freeport Area Young Professionals Network–FAYPNoronlineatfreeportilchamber.org. The new Chamber website provides considerable information about YPN and allows registration for folks interested in participating. The members of the Planning Committeeare:SaraCroffootof American Family Insurance - Eric Oslund , Sarah Goeke of Columbia College, Bradley Kolowski of Edward Jones - Bradley Kolowski Financial Advisor, Matt Moyer of Citizens State Bank, Anthony Welt of the Freeport Lincoln Mall, Kraig Wheat of the Swift Hospitality Group, Inc, and Terri Musser of Jitterbug Events; also Mariah Kick with Hughes Resources and Brittany Fenwick.

YoungProfessionals NETWORK JobListings

For a complete job description, detailed list of skills needed

and information on where to apply visit freeportilchamber.com and click on Job Postings.

For a complete job description, detailed list of skills needed

and information on where to apply RAMP, Inc2155 W Galena Ave

DEVELOPMENT

ASSOCIATEFull-Time in Rockford offi ce

rampcil.org/a-career-at-ramp

and click on Job Postings.

Stewart & Associates

50 W Douglas St

SECURITY OFFICERS

LEASE ORDERING

AGENTSFull & Part-Time Available

Send your resume to: 50 W Douglas,

Ste 1200, Freeport, IL 61032

Full-Time in Rockford offi ce

rampcil.org/a-career-at-ramp

Stewart & Associates

SECURITY OFFICERS

Send your resume to: 50 W

Furst McNess120 E Clark St

MERCHANDISER

ABAP DEVELOPER

WEB APPLICATION

DEVELOPER

www.mcness.com/careersSend your resume to: 50 W

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50 W Douglas St

CUSTOMER CARE

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CUSTOMER SERVICE

OPERATIONAL MANAGER

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www.mcness.com/careers

Hughes Resources

217 W Exchange St

Hughes Resources is a staffi ng

agency with 37 jobs listed

hughesresources.com/

currentopenings

The Ambassadors cut the ribbon along with The Cookie Jar as they celebrated the Grand Opening of the new shop located at 12 East Stephenson Street in downtown Freeport. If you are downtown be sure to stop by, say hello and don’t forgot the cookies! Congratulations to The Cookie Jar and welcome to downtown Freeport!

RIBBON CUTTING

Planning Committee to Hold Calendar Development Meetings


YOUR NORTHWEST ILLINOIS NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1847www.journalstandard.comVolume 168, Number 83 $2.00

LOCAL

Mayor: Please help clean up FreeportMayor Jim Gitz details how city o� cials are cleaning up neighbor-hoods after the harsh winter and encourages residents to appro-priately clean up yard waste, debris and other garbage. A4

Man escapes blaze uninjuredKitchen fi re may have left house a “total loss,” according to fi re depart-ment. A6

Revisiting history found in ‘Volume I’Leslie T. Fargher’s left a colorful lesson of Free-port’s history. C1

Death NoticesLeaf RiverTimothy J. Mulford, 60

The rent is too high all over USAs demand for apart-ments surges, so do rental rates. D1

Get married, live longer?Study fi nds married men and women less likely to have heart problems. C4

Landslide suits may not go farUncertainty surrounds county’s potential liability after landslide in Washington. D3

Business ... D1-D4Classifi ed ....D5-6Life&Style ....C1-6Lottery ............A2

Obits ...............A5Opinion ...........A4Sports ..........B1-6Weather ..........A2

$33 coupon savings in today’s paper $1,055 overall savings this year

NUIC BOYS TITLE UP FOR GRABSSPORTS, PAGE B1

BET ON HIGHER TAXES FOR ILLINOISOPINION, PAGE A4

Sunday, April 6, 2014

By Jane LethleanThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — It was standing room only for some of the sessions as Money Smart Week kicked o� Saturday at Free-port Public Library.While many people attended sessions discussing Social Security and veteran’s a� airs, Gary Welz of Freeport was more interested in improving his credit score and learning how to become a first-time homebuyer. Welz and his family

currently rent a home but want to buy.“Basically, I am ready to buy my fi rst home, and I got insight on how to follow my credit score and how it can benefi t

Area residents learn about fi nancial planning

MONEY SMART WEEK

Hanaha Salazar (left) and Rachel Salazar read from the “Curious George Saves

His Pennies” as part of a session for Money Smart Week on Saturday at Free-

port Public Library. JANE LETHLEAN/THE JOURNAL-STANDARD

Eric Huffman, director of Over the Rainbow Asso-ciation, shows the new barrier-free building for the physically disabled that’s under construction Wednes-day on South Dirck Drive in Freeport. BILL ROSEMEIER/THE

JOURNAL-STANDARD

By Shannon IrelandThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — Work is nearing completion on a $3.2 million apartment complex at 1756 S. Dirck Drive that will become a home for people with physi-cal disabilities and mobility impairments when it opens Aug. 1.The facility will be man-aged by the Over The Rainbow Association, an Evanston nonprofi t devel-oper of special-needs housing. The apartment complex is similar in design

to its neighbor at 1760 S. Dirck Drive, a 23-unit apartment building for the elderly that opened in 2009 and is also managed by Over The Rainbow Association.Housing options for those with mobility and physical disabilities are few and far between in Freeport, said Over The Rainbow Execu-tive Director Eric Hu� man. “ This housing is so scarce — in Illinois and in the country — that once people know about it, it fi lls up really quickly,” Hu� man said. “If we built 50 of these, we could fi ll them up. If we

built 200, we could fi ll them up. If there wasn’t a market, we wouldn’t build them, but there is — a really big market.”The firm’s adjacent 23-unit apartment build-ing for the elderly is fully occupied and has a lengthy wait list, Hu� man said. The new apartment building is funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic

OVER THE RAINBOW

Housing for disabled to open Aug. 1

SEE HOUSING, A2

More Money Smart Week eventsGo to moneysmartweek.org for a com-plete listing of additional Money Smart Week events in the Freeport area.

SEE PLANNING, A3

By Chris KaergardGateHouse Media Illinois

PEKIN — It was intro-duced to the nation by a youthful , modern, game-changing presi-dent, championed after his assassination by his successor, the ultimate legislative insider.Its need was attested to at every segregated hotel or lunch counter; every job denied or school still separate and unequal; every protester who faced down a fi rehose or police dog; every church bombed or cross burned; every life lost.

But it wasn’t until a con-servative senator who once held Abraham Lincoln’s seat in Congress got his hands on it that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 could be assured passage into law or history.The measure outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender and national origin, required integra-tion of public facilities and sought to improve access to voting and integrated schools.

“ C i r c u m s t a n c e s i n early 1964 through June

CIVIL RIGHTS LEGACYEverett Dirksen, ‘legislative craftsman’The Pekin Republican was long a champion of equality for all Americans

President Lyndon B. Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen greet each other as they dis-cuss passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. At left is Sen. Hubert Humphrey, D-Minn. DIRKSEN CONGRESSIONAL

CENTER COLLECTION

SEE DIRKSEN, A3

SUN

60/36

MON

54/36

TUE

48/32Complete forecast, A2

Lady Pretzels win 1-0 over DeKalbDefense holds up after lone goal by Erica Hasken. B1

NATION/WORLD

SPORTS

Landslide suits may not go farUncertainty surrounds county’s potential liability after landslide in Washington. D3

Business ... D1-D4Classifi ed ....D5-6Classifi ed ....D5-6ClassifiLife&Style ....C1-6Lottery ............A2

Obits ...............A5Opinion ...........A4Sports ..........B1-6Weather ..........A2

By Jane LethleanThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — It was standing room only for some of the sessions as Money Smart Week kicked o� Saturday at Free-Smart Week kicked o� Saturday at Free-Smart Week kicked o�port Public Library.While many people attended sessions discussing Social Security and veteran’s a� airs, Gary Welz of Freeport was more

a� airs, Gary Welz of Freeport was more

a�interested in improving his credit score and learning how to become a first-time homebuyer. Welz and his family

currently rent a home but want to buy.“Basically, I am ready to buy my fi rst “Basically, I am ready to buy my fi rst “Basically, I am ready to buy my fihome, and I got insight on how to follow my credit score and how it can benefi t

my credit score and how it can benefi t

my credit score and how it can benefi

Area residents learn about fi nancial planningabout fi nancial planningabout fi

Hanaha Salazar (left) and Rachel Salazar read from the “Curious George Saves

His Pennies” as part of a session for Money Smart Week on Saturday at Free-

port Public Library. JANE LETHLEAN/THE JOURNAL-STANDARD

More Money Smart Week eventsGo to moneysmartweek.org for a com-plete listing of additional Money Smart Week events in the Freeport area.

SEE PLANNING, A3

at every segregated hotel or lunch counter; every job denied or school still separate and unequal; every protester who faced down a fidog; every church bombed or cross burned; every life lost.

President Lyndon B. Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen greet each other as they dis-cuss passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. At left is Sen. Hubert Humphrey, D-Minn. CENTER COLLECTION

Lady Pretzels win 1-0 over DeKalbDefense holds up after lone goal by Erica Hasken. B1

SPORTS

www.journalstandard.com

TheJ -STANDARD

OURNAL

50 W. Douglas Street, Ste 900Freeport, Illinois 61032815.232.1171 • 800.325.6397www.journalstandard.com

when you place an ad in the Communicator, that same ad can be picked up in The Journal-Standard and online.

when you place an ad in the Communicator, that same ad can be picked up in The Journal-Standard and online.

Advertising online lets you reach prospective customers in Freeport and the surrounding areas...Galena, Rockford, Monroe & more!

Find out more by contacting your sales representative directly or calling The Journal-Standard

advertising department at 815.232.1171.

Advertising online lets you reach prospective customers in Freeport and the surrounding areas...Galena, Rockford, Monroe & more!

Did you know...Did you know...

5 Unconventional Ways to Get More CustomersDan WaldschmidtEdgy Converstions writer

We all want more customers.It doesn’t matter who you are — baker, butcher, or anonymous computer hacker. Getting more consumers is an all-consuming part of everything that you do. And that’s pretty logical.Withoutcustomersyoufindyourself out of work gasping for air. So it’s only natural that you perk up when the topic of winning friends comes around. Heck, you can always learn something from the experts, right?

Which is even more troubling because most of what is currently being shelled out as advice is really apitchtobuya“7step”CDserieson social media advertising.Too late you wake up way too busy, a smidge poorer, and

wondering how all the tweeting and Facebook posting is getting you anything more than arthritis in yourfingers. So let’s be frank. You can have more customers than you ever imagined. You can be in the nice position to tell people, “No”. You can be madly successful without selling your soul. And here are a few ways to do that:

1. Stop needing new customers. That’s right. Stop being so needy. It’s a bad stink that buyers pickuponthefirsttimetheystartdealing with you. And it’s not just you networking like a maniac or tossing business cards at anyone withinfivefeetof you,it’sthefact that you send horrible email marketing talking about how deals are “closing fast”. That stuff just doesn’t work

BUSINESS AFTER HOURSOurfirstBusinessafterHoursfortheyearwasco-hostedbyFluegel’s and United Way of NW Illinois. We would like to thank everyone for coming and hope you enjoyed the evening. We would also like to say a special thank you to Fluegel’s in Lena and United Way of NW Illinois in Freeport for all the hard work in order to make this event a success! Thank you for all your hospitality! If you would like more information on Fluegel’s Embroidery Sports Boutique inLenapleasecall(815)369-2015.If youwouldliketovolunteerorreceivemoreinformationonUnitedWayof NWIllinoispleasecall(815)232-5184.

anymore.(Anditquitepossiblynever did work) Be busy helping people for free. Give until it hurts. Sure you need to ask for the deal and get paid, but you also need to stop acting like you not landing this next new customer is going to make you go bankrupt. If that’s really the case, then shame on you. Don’t take it out on unsuspecting new prospects.

2. Qualify new customers like they’re enemies. Make it a rigorous process for you to do business with new customers. One of the reasons that you don’t have time to go prospect for new business is that you are trying to take care of the nonsensical demands of bad clients you shouldn’t be doing business with inthefirstplace. Your time is valuable. In fact, it’s more valuable than the incremental revenue you might lose by saying “No” to the occasional business riff-raff looking to beat you up.Take the time to learn what you’re really, really good at. And then start taking on new customers that need that value. Not only will you be happy, your clients will be ecstatic at the outrageous results you’ll be getting for them.

3. Deliver way more value than customers deserve. There is something simply magical about having your expectations blown away. It’s the chocolate mint on your hotel room pillow. It’s getting yourAmazon.com package a day earlier than you expected. Right? It’s hard to describe the delight at getting more than you paid for. Most of us are so focused on profitandlossand“whatisfair”that we neglect the opportunity to create raving fans. And these raving fans are the evangelists who will get other people excited about what you do. And that excitement and loyalty isn’t something that you can buy or market. It can only happen when you over-deliver on the value you promise.

4. Treat referrals like gold. Referrals aren’t a name and number or email address on a piece of paper. They are the next generation of buyers for your company Treat them super-duper special.And you know what that means. That means that you build a relationship with them before pitching the heck out of your merchandise. Sure you need to get down to business fast and not just talk about the “weather” or “pictures of your kids”; but you also need to learn “why” those prospects might be goodfitforyousavvyproducts. Part of that respect and relationship has to do with follow-up. Instead of just dashing off a single email or making a call ad leaving a voicemail, put in the effort tofollow-upwiththemfivetosixtimes. Remember, these are prime opportunities, not just “leads”.

5. Be something that matters. Customers are tired of you being boring. Have a higher calling than simply making more money and taking bigger vacations. Get

obsessed with changing the world around you. Stop going through the motions of calling your products “better” and challenge your team to “be” better. It’s the words you say. It’s the unselfishattitudeyouhave.It’sthekindness you show. Money is just a way to help others. Remember that. Getting rich is a state of mind. You start by planning to enrich the lives of others. And that goal, without question, is the most attractive quality any business can ever have. That’s the kind of business customers want to

be a part of. You can have more. You can grow your business farther and faster than you ever imagined. But it requires you to “be” a better business-person. Are you up for that challenge?


Area police departments receive numerous calls every week pertainingtofinancialscammers.Financial fraud is the fastest growing form of elder abuse inAmerica.Broadlydefined,financialelderabuseiswhensomeone illegally or improperly uses vulnerable senior’s money or other property. One recent study by Consumer Digest estimated that thereareatleast5millioncasesof financialabuseintheUnitedStateseach year, but law enforcement learnsaboutonly1in25cases.This is due to many elderly victims often being too confused, fearful or embarrassed by the crime to report it. A recent study by AARP highlighted characteristics of people olderthan50thatmakethemeasytargetsforfinancialabuse.In general they expect honesty in the marketplace, are less likely to take action when defrauded, and are less knowledgeable about their rights in an increasingly complex marketplace. And as people over 50aremorelikelytobehomethen their younger neighbors, they are often within easy reach of scheming telemarketers and home solicitors. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that dishonest telemarketers take in an estimated $40 billion each year and over 80 percent of those victimized are over theageof 50. One scam commonly used is the Fake Injury Scenario. In this scam a caller calls an elderly person and, for example says, this is your favorite grandson. When the elderly persons says, “Oh John” or mentions a name the scam is on. The caller will say,

for instances, that he “John” is in Canada and has been in an accident andneeds$5,000orhewillbegoingto jail. The caller will tell the person not to tell mom or dad because they will be mad at him. The caller will then ask the grandparent to go to Walmart and get a MoneyGram forexample,$5,000,alongwithaPIN“PersonalIdentificationNumber” and the caller will call back in about 2 hours where the grandparent will give the caller the PIN. Once the PIN number has been given to the caller the money is gone. Just last week this scam was used on one of our elderly citizen however an alert Walmart employee questioned the elderly person about the MoneyGram and was able to stop the scam before the money was sent. Another scam is the IRS Scam. A person purporting themselves to be from the IRS will call and say that you owe thousands of dollars in back taxes. Further if you do not give the caller your credit card information to pay the back taxes immediately, someone from the IRS will be to their house with a warrant for their arrest. The caller is very threatening and demanding. The fact is that the IRS will never call anyone. The

IRS always corresponds by the U.S. Postal Service. If you receive a call from someone purporting to be from the IRS, hang up and call your police department. Yet another scam commonly used is the Publishers Clearing House Scam. In this instance a person will receive a letter. Many times in a plain envelope. Inside will be a check for various amounts of money. Also in the envelope is a letter from Publishers Clearing house indicating the person has won 3 million dollars. The check willbefromathirdparty(notPublishers Clearing House). The letter will instruct the person to cashthecheckandsend$2,500to the self-addressed envelope also included to unlock their prize money. The check looks legitimate and in many cases the local banks cash the check. However in about three days the check is returned as a forgery. The unsuspecting person cashing the check is now responsible for the entire amount of the check that had been sent to them. The fact is that Publishers Clearing House or any Like Company will never ask for money for you to receive a prize. There are hundreds of other financialscamsgoingaroundthe nation and they are changing

every week. The fact is that most of these scammers are from out of the United States using rolling computerized telephone number that look like they are coming from the United States. Once the scammer has your money the chances of any Law Enforcement agency getting your money returned to you is minimal at best. Tips to protect yourself against financialscams:•Besuspiciousof anyonewho calls unexpectedly asking for cash•Verifyanysupposedemergency, by calling friends and family, before wiring money.•Developasecretcodeor “password” with family members that can be used to verify true emergencies•Limitpersonalinformation,such as vacations plans, shared on social media sites.•NevergiveyourSocialSecurity number of Credit Card Number to anyone you don’t know.•If somethingseemstoogoodto be true it probably is. Call your local police if you have any questions or concerns aboutpersonsaskingforfinancialinformation or money.

TECHbytesfreeport area chamber of commerce 15

Protect Yourself From These Menacing

Financial Scams

Joint Replacement Center of Excellence

RAPID RECOVERY

Monroe Clinic

Wisconsin Average

National Average

2.25 3.0 3.2

Number of Days in the Hospital

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