growth association volume 16 | issue 9 · lori artis. lewis and clark community college. john...

www.GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE September 2018 | page 1

A monthly publication of the RiverBend Growth Association...Your Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Agency

SEPTEMBER 2018 • Volume 16 | Issue 9 Serving Business, Encouraging Growth in Southwestern Illinois

RiverBendG R O W T H A S S O C I AT I O N

IN THIS ISSUE

Small Business of the Month• Country Financial® - Jeff

Lauritzen

Mayor Report• Roxana

Welcome our new members• CJP Sealing• Homestead Financial

Mortgage• Morning Glory Home Care• Special Olympics Illinois• State Farm - Steve Tassinari• Tucker’s Automotive &

Tire, Inc.

Ribbon Cuttings• Tucker’s Automotive & Tire

RBGA Members in the News• Ameren Illinois, Village of

Bethalto

RiverBend Growth Association5800 Godfrey Road - BGM

6722 Godfrey RoadGodfrey IL 62035(618) 467-2280

The RBGA would like that thank everyone that attended Business After Hours this month. With more than 100 community members in attendance, the word about supporting local continues to be powerful.

A special thanks to our co-hosts for helping put on an amazing event.

-Alton Physical Therapy1719 Clawson St in Altonhttp://www.altonpt.com/https://www.facebook.com/

AltonPhysicalTherapy/

-Johnson’s Corner2000 State Street in Altonhttp://johnsonscorneralton.com/https://www.facebook.com/

johnsonscorneralton/

-Roberts Motors4350 Alby Street in Altonwww.robertsmotors.com/https://www.facebook.com/

RobertsMotors/

September’s Business After Hours Brings Together a Great Crowd


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

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

Jeff Lauritzen – Country® Financial, in Godfrey, has been named September’s Small Business of the Month! Jeff enjoys taking care of his clients by making sure they are protected. He enjoys meeting new people and learning about how he can help them. Jeff likes the flexibility of his career that lets him attend his kids’ events and be a part of the community.

Jeff Lauritzen is involved in a multitude of community organizations including, but not limited to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, East End Improvement Association, United Way of Southwestern Illinois, North Alton Godfrey Business

Council, United Methodist Village, and Reach Out And Read (ROAR). He is also very involved with the RiverBend Growth Association. He has served as a Board Member, and currently, he is involved with the RiverBend CEO Program and the Growth Association’s Young Adults Committee.

To contact Jeff Lauritzen – Country® Financial, call 618-466-2128, email [email protected], or visit him at https://representatives.countryfinancial.com/jeff.lauritzen. They are located at 3001 Godfrey Rd. Godfrey, IL. 62035. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 9AM-5PM and Friday 9AM-4PM.

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

RBGA names Jeff Lauritzen – COUNTRY® Financial as its September Small Business of the Month

Neena Frisch

Meet Neena, Committee ChairWhere do you work and what’s your title?

I work for TheBANK of Edwardsville, AVP/Center Manager (Bethalto Banking Center)

List the committee you chair and other RBGA committees you’re on.

Women’s Seminar, Chair; Promotions Committee

What’s your favorite Riverbend restaurant?

Bluff City Grill or Gentelin’s on Broadway

Where do you like to visit for vacation?

We frequent Destin, but

anywhere warm and sunny

Name one of your most important leadership skills.

Integrity and Developing my team

What do you like most about your job?

Our Team, and commitment to our communities

What are your hobbies? Chasing my toddler,

volunteering and craft breweries/wineries

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?

Wine (the bottle could be useful), fire starters, snacks

What is your favorite sport to watch?

Baseball

What one sentence would you like to hear from your boss?

Thank you, you are doing a great job

What is one of the things on your bucket list?

Traveling in Wine Country

Where do you like to Shop Local?

Sweet Ashley’s Cottage and The Grapevine


Board of Directors John Roberts, Chairman

Roberts MotorsRob Schwartz, Chairman Elect

TheBANK of EdwardsvilleAugie Wuellner, Past Chairman

Alton Securities & Asset Advisors

Mike Fitzgerald, TreasurerScheffel Boyle

Lori ArtisLewis and Clark Community College

John BarnerdSimmons Hanly Conroy

Dale BlachfordLiberty Bank

Greg Caffey City of Alton Doug Cobb

Carpenters Local 664Karen Cooper

Illinois American WaterMelissa Erker

Phillips 66 Wood River RefineryBrad Goacher

Alton Memorial HospitalMark Haggard

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A.Mat Hanley

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center

Pam HeepkeRaifort Commerce Park

Jennifer JacksonHelmkamp Construction Co.

Tim KuebrichLake Drive Logistics

Eric McRoyAdVantage

Alan Meyer1st MidAmerica Credit Union

David MillerSt. Louis Regional Airport

Stephanie MonroeRiverbend Chiropractic Center

Scott ReichmannBarberMurphy Group

Don RetzlaffArgosy Casino Alton

Dan St. PetersSt. Peters Hardware & Rental

Terry ShewmakeIBEW Local 649

Jim ShraderThe Telegraph

Cindy SmalleyCope Plastics

Sam StemmWBGZ/AltonDailyNews.com

Dave StevensonQuality Buick GMC Cadillac

Steve ThompsonCarrollton Bank

Dwight WertsWerts Welding & Tank Service

Karen WilsonState Farm Insurance

Denise WolffBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Elite Properties

Jess WoodmanWoodman Collision Center

On September 13, 2018, Tucker’s Automotive & Tire opened their doors to start business. Located across the street from Carrollton Bank, stop in this full-service garage for automobile repairs and preventative care.

124 NorthportAlton, IL 62002Website: http://www.

tuckerautoandtire.com/

The RBGA Helps Celebrate Tucker’s Automotive & Tire’s Grand Opening

CHAMBER REPRESENTATIVE

I was born in Dallas, Texas but raised in Godfrey, IL. I have a two-year-old daughter named Ava and a ten-year-old son named Alvion.

I am a Proud Representative of Arrow Signs. I handle a lot of the day-to-day work orders, phone calls, emails and more.

Arrow Signs & Outdoor AdvertisingNatalie Ritter4545 N. Alby St. | Godfrey, IL [email protected]

RBGA member Natalie is being spotlighted because she attended Business After Hours this month at Roberts

Motors. Join us at next month’s Business After Hours on October 18 at SSM Health Physical Therapy with your business card for your chance to become a Chamber

Representative.

WATCH for our 2019 magazine,

Currents, in October.

Learn more about the people

and places of OurRiverBend.


Welcome our newest members to the RiverBend Growth Association

CJP SealingChristopher Peipert Owner5317 Shannon DriveGodfrey IL 62035(618) 830-3910

I’ve been in business for thirteen years, sole proprietor. I built my business on quality work, competitive pricing and reliable service and have a huge repeat customer base.

Homestead Financial MortgageRyan Wohlert, Branch Manager3005 Godfrey Rd Suite AGodfrey, IL 62035(618) 980-3860Fax (866) 708-1498Facebook (@hfmgodfrey) link: https://www.facebook.com/hfmgodfrey/

Since 1998, Homestead Financial Mortgage has been a fixture in the Midwest real estate landscape. Working in the financial services field, yet making mortgages and only mortgages, it is important to make every transaction the best it can be. We pride ourselves on our ability to help each and every client have a great and empowering experience, be it

purchase or refinance. This is realized by: 24/7 communication & availability and superior training & technology which enhances each customer’s experience.

Words we say in our advertising, but also live by: “Your home is WHERE your life happens, your money is HOW it happens… You are trusting us to handle both. Of life’s great questions — the who, what, when, where, why and how — we can be entrusted to handle the WHERE and HOW. Our Loan Officers realize the gravity of

what this means, making our customer service standards a cut above the rest.” “Making Lives Better, One Home at a Time”

We have a committed team of loan specialists who provide mortgage loan services for new home buyers as well as established home owners in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, Florida, Colorado and Tennessee.

Morning Glory Home CareEliza Pautz Executive Director535 Edwardsville Rd., Ste 140Troy IL 62294-1399(618) 667-8400

morninggloryhomecare.comWhen older adults and their

families are in need of help and hope, Morning Glory Home Care goes the extra mile to provide dedicated, individualized, consistent care to restore confidence and enhance quality of life at home. Services are available 24/7, 365 days a year in seven Illinois counties. Learning as much as we can about a person enables us to match the perfect caregiver, who shares similar likes, dislikes, interests and personality traits, on top of providing the skill and expertise each senior deserves. It’s just one of many reasons both seniors and caregivers remain part of the Morning Glory family long-term, because it’s good to be cared for, but it’s great to be cared about!

Special Olympics IllinoisCaylee Cook Manager of Development - Region J1318 Mercantile DriveHighland IL 62249-1240(918) 323-6227www.facebook.com/SOILLregionJwww.soill.org/RegionJ

The mission of Special Olympics Illinois is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place -- one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.

Special Olympics Illinois does not charge athletes or their families to participate in the program.

In Special Olympics Illinois, the power and joy of sport, shifts focus to what our athletes CAN do, not what they can’t. Instead, we see our athletes’ talents and abilities -- and applaud them for all that they can do. With our 18 Olympic-style sports, we offer adults and children with intellectual disabilities many ways to be involved in their communities, many ways to show who they really are.

State Farm - Steve TassinariSteve Tassinari Agent2709 Godfrey RoadGodfrey IL 62035-3310(618) 466-2700stevetass.com

I was born and raised in the Alton/Godfrey and am the 4th generation of my family to live in the area. In addition to being an Agent at State Farm, I have

also been a customer for over 20 years. Our office offers Auto, Home and Life Insurance as well as Financial Services including Banking, Refinancing and Credit Cards. In addition to serving the Alton/Godfrey and surrounding area, we also licensed to serve customers in Missouri. Our office is conveniently located in Godfrey and we can also be reached by phone, email or through our website at stevetass.com.

Tucker’s Automotive & Tire, Inc.Chuck Tucker President124 Northport DriveAlton IL 62002-5904(618) 466-0546tuckerautoandtire.com

Tucker’s Automotive and Tire, Inc. is a brand new local and family owned automotive repair facility in Godfrey, IL. We service most makes and models of vehicles and have many brands of tires available. Our motto is “Yes we can do that” and it is our mission to “provide quality automotive repairs; while giving customers exceptional service, in a comfortable family oriented atmosphere”. Tucker’s Automotive is open from 7:00am until 7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 7:00am until 5:00pm on Saturday. We are closed on Sundays to spend time with family.


RBGA Members Learn the Importance of Diversifying Networks A successful Total Networking Luncheon was held at Bluff City Grill as RBGA members networked and heard from Jen Cline, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Lewis & Clark Community College, on the importance of moving from tolerance to inclusion.

The RBGA thanks everyone for attending and hopes to see you for our next Breakfast Connections event that will be held on October 17th at Best Western Premier.

Pictured are:(top left) Professor Jen Cline

(bottom left) Jeff Lauritzen accepts his Small Business of the Month plaque from Carol Wylie, Promotions Committee Chairman.

The Riverbend Growth Association’s Young Adults Committee Selects Non-Profits Where They Will Volunteer Their Time

The RiverBend Growth Association’s Young Adults Committee has selected the five Non-Profits where they will be volunteering over the course of the school year. The five Non-Profits are the American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Club of Bethalto, Community Hope Center, Pride, Inc., and (Friends of) Madison County Child Advocacy Center.

The RiverBend Growth Association’s Young Adults Committee (YAC) consists of two representatives from the RiverBend Growth Association’s member schools and mentors from the RiverBend Growth Association’s membership. The high school representatives are a junior and a senior from Alton High School, Civic Memorial High School, East Alton – Wood River High School, Marquette Catholic High School, and Roxana High

School. The student’s mentors

are Amber Scott of 1st MidAmerica Credit Union for Civic Memorial High School, Cindy Smalley of Cope Plastics Inc. for Alton High School, Jeff Lauritzen of COUNTRY Financial® for Marquette Catholic High School, Lindsey Kahl of Midwest Members Credit Union for East Alton – Wood River High School, and Sandy Smith of TheBANK of Edwardsville for Roxana High School.

The YAC students will volunteer with these Non-Profits from December through April. During this time they will also plan a fundraiser to raise money for one of the Non-Profits of their choosing, and for one of the students on the committee. The money raised from the fundraiser will be split between the Non-Profit and

a student who was the most professional and active on the committee. The fundraiser has not yet been chosen but will be soon.

Last year the students held a Mr. Irresistible: Challenge of the Riverbend contest. The YAC secured students and teachers from each of the five high schools to compete and raised $5,200. That money was split evenly and donated to Kreative Kids Learning Center in Alton, and given to Lauren Walsh of Marquette Catholic High School in the form of a scholarship. Lauren Walsh is currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Kreative Kids was able to purchase more toys and equipment for the families they serve.


Thursday, September 27 | 11:00 a.m.Ribbon Cutting: Madison County Child Advocacy Center101 E. Edwardsville Rd, Wood River 62095

Friday, October 5 | 4:00 p.m.Ribbon Cutting: State Farm Steve Tassinari2709 Godfrey Road, Godfrey 62035

Thursday, October 11 | 2:00 p.m.Ribbon Cutting: United Methodist Village/OSF HealthCare Medical Group5201 Asbury Avenue, Godfrey 62035

You Are Invited State of the RiverBend Luncheon

Thursday, October 25, 2018 Lewis and Clark Community College 5800 Godfrey Road (Commons) • Godfrey IL 62035

To honor the Awardees for contributing significantly to our community’s economic enhancement and/or their community involvement

1st MidAmerica Credit Union • AdVantage • Alton Community Unit School District #11 • Alton Memorial Hospital

Imperial Manufacturing Group • Lewis and Clark Community College OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center • WBGZ Radio

Social/Registration 11:00 • Lunch served at 11:30 • Program begins at 12:15

RBGA Upcoming EventsWednesday, October 17 8:00 a.m. registration & breakfast buffetBest Western Premier3550 College Ave., Alton$12 admission

Thursday, October 18 | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.SSM Health Physical Therapy | 1 Professional Dr. Suite 10, Alton$5 admission at the door

Tuesday, November 1311:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Post Commons | 300 Alby Street, Alton$12 admission

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


Economic Issues meeting features local mayors and transportation expert

The RiverBend Growth Association hosted an Economic Issues meeting on September 12, 2018 at Post Commons in Alton. The event featured Mayor Brant Walker of the City of Alton and Mayor Joe Silkwood of the Village of East Alton updating the crowd of 75 attendees on events and economic development occurring in their respective communities. Mayor Silkwood also spoke about how the Deluxe Corporation’s Small Business Revolution has energized not only the Alton community, but the surrounding areas as well. He spoke of the game you play at a picnic, “Tug of War” where two teams would pull in the opposite direction to achieve a common goal and how we should all pull in the same direction to achieve that goal of growing our RiverBend communities together.

The mayors were followed by Mary Lamie, the Executive Director of St. Louis Regional Freightway, a subsidiary of Bi-State Development Agency. Mary gave an informative talk about how the St. Louis Region has become known as the “3rd Coast” or “Ag Coast”, with its #1 ranking by the Corps of Engineers, as the most efficient inland

port district. Its mix of grain-handling and logistics assets on the Mississippi River moved 500,000 tons per mile, making it 2.5 times more efficient than its nearest competitors. Our region is located within 500 miles of one-third of the U.S. population.

The next Economic Issues meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2018 at Post Commons in Alton at 11:30 AM. Scheduled to appear are: Mayor Rick Eberlin of Grafton and Mayor Mike McCormick of Godfrey along with Dr. Dale Chapman of Lewis and Clark Community College. We hope you are able to join us!

2018 is a big year for Roxana, and the entire River Bend Region. The Phillips 66 Refinery is celebrating 100 years of operations. The name has changed a few times, lots of workers have passed through the gates over the years, but the investment the refinery continues to make in this facility has been a time-honored commitment to our region. Shell News, an old-time publication that was developed by the Shell Oil Refinery for the workers, described Roxana as “THE VILLAGE THAT SHELL BUILT” on the front page of their publication in November 1941. This version of Shell News had many featured locations of Roxana pictured in the article describing the village. Lots of familiar faces and small community places that us “old timers”, who have made Roxana home throughout the years, still remember. Roxana was well described as a refinery town, and we are still proud of that today! Best wishes to all who enter the refinery gates and good luck in the next 100 years of operation!

We have completed several major infrastructure improvements, including new roads around the high school and surrounding neighborhood, and new sidewalks and street lights

and water main replacement along Route 111, the major roadway through Roxana. We have some additional water

main projects planned next year, and thanks to Madison County for helping to fund

that project that will begin next May.

We are working on some business development and considering a few additional annexations of land into our corporate boundaries in the near future. However, the most significant project underway is completing the design and beginning the construction of a new village hall and community center. This development will be on the Burbank Park property located at Route 111 and Thomas Street. This new facility has been in the planning stages for the past eight years, and we are looking forward to having more space for our public service departments to utilize in our day to day operations. We anticipate the construction of the facility to begin in the spring of 2019, and take approximately eighteen months to complete. It will be an exciting time for our community.

Mayor Report - Marty Reynolds, Village of Roxana


Today businesses are finding it more difficult to recruit and retain top performers. Maintaining a solid, engaged work force is critical to the continued growth and success of any corporation, small business or association. Employee turnover is expensive and extremely time-consuming, which can directly affect employee morale, productivity and profitability.

The top reasons employees give for seeking alternative employment are: • Ineffective leaders • Limited professional development training • Resistance to new innovative technology and processes • Better compensation elsewhere What is most important to and desired by employees? • Recognition and appreciation

• Ability to make a difference and truly feel part of the company • Investment in their professional development – ongoing structured training programs • Opportunity for advancement • Autonomy – freedom to assess situations and make decisions • That management treat all employees alike and fairly regarding adherence to company policies and procedures

It is up to you, to model and create an environment that inspires guides and engage employees.

Consider adding a few of these practices to your company’s culture: • Create mentor programs. • Establish ongoing

professional development opportunities. • Develop a structured orientation program. • Host welcoming luncheons or coffee gatherings. • Create clearly defined job descriptions and standards by which employees will be appraised. • Encourage and contribute financially to employees seeking training opportunities. • Encourage and recognize employees who tap their skills and talents beyond the scope of their job description when appropriate. • Create a “We are all equal yet different” philosophy. • Maintain ongoing communication with employees. • Recognize achievements – acknowledging special accomplishments or actions

in the presence of co-workers and administration can be extremely effective. • Establish a committee of employees and management representatives.

To ensure greater success in retaining highly effective, motivated employees, create and maintain a culture that applauds ambition, challenges employees to test their abilities and take risks, and encourages thinking outside the box.

© Richard J. Avdoian, MS, MSW, CSP (2009)

Richard J. Avdoian, is the Founder & CEO of Midwest Business Institute, Inc. a business coaching and consulting firm located in Metro St. Louis. Richard works with businesses committed to training and retaining highly motivated productive employees. Richard can be reached at [email protected].

Retaining Highly Effective, Motivated Employees

Ameren Illinois Donates Utility Truck to Bethalto

RBGA Members IN THE NEWS

Ameren Illinois presented Bethalto Mayor Alan Winslow with the keys to a 37-foot aerial bucket truck the utility is donating to the Village. The Ford F550 Super Duty model was recently retired from the Ameren Illinois fleet after nine years in service.

Ameren Illinois has nearly 3,300 vehicles including trucks, trailers and equipment. Vehicles that are being rotated out of the fleet and require minimal repairs or refurbishing can be made available for donation to a local municipality or community organization. Last year, Ameren Illinois donated six vehicles to entities in central and southern Illinois.

“Village leaders reached out to us and indicated that they had a need,” said Jason Klein, Director of Division Operations, Ameren Illinois, covering Madison County. “We’re glad to keep this reliable, heavy duty vehicle in service for the people of Bethalto.”

Bethalto will use the truck for tree trimming, light pole maintenance and general maintenance around the community. The bucket truck is especially useful for projects that require workers to safely reach heights.

“For a community of our size, this is a major asset to acquire,” Village Mayor Alan Winslow said. “It’s in great

condition. We are grateful to Ameren Illinois for their generosity.”

Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200

communities and 43,700 square miles, and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.

growth association volume 16 | issue 9 · lori artis. lewis and clark community college. john...

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