Communicator

The Masonic Temple inFreeport has long served thecommunity as a center forcivic pride, ingenuity andentrepreneurial enterprise,but surprisingly few folksreally know the backgroundof the facility.

Masonic Temple BuildingManager Dean White saidthat the first temple wasbuilt in 1904, but waseventually torn down.

“They laid the cornerstonefor the current building in1927,” White said. “Itsoriginal cost was $750,000and estimated replacementcost on the building rightnow is about twelve million.It was a pretty goodinvestment.”

He said the firstperformance in theauditorium was by JohnPhillip Sousa.

“He was a Mason and didthe first program in the newbuilding,” White noted.

He said that over theyears, the Masonic Templebecame a cultural centerhosting numerous musicaland theatrical events.

“Our auditorium on thewest side of the buildingseats a little over 1200people and has a stage large

enough to allow forbackdrops and scenery,”White said. “We do a lot ofmusical performances andplays in the auditorium.”

White said the currentcalendar for the MasonicTemple includes a concertin April by the Oak RidgeBoys.

“The Oak Ridge Boys willbe coming in April 29,” hesaid. “Seats are all reservedand are $45 on the mainfloor and $35 for everythingup in the balcony. Ticketsare available fromwww.freeportmasonictemple.org or by phone at815.233.0513.

He said the MasonicTemple works inpartnership with Big Radiosponsoring the concerts.

“They handle themarketing and we have thefacility and we sell thetickets,” White explained.“We’ve had four concerts inthe series so far and it’sgoing very well. Our goal isto bring qualityentertainment to Freeport. Itgenerates business for thearea and it’s nice to be ableto stay in town.”

White said the MasonicTemple has an agreementwith the nearby HamptonInn in downtown Freeport

for those event participantsinterested in staying thenight. Call the Inn for roomavailability.

White also noted that theMasonic Temple offersmeeting rooms for day ornight time gatherings.

“We can provide

projectors and have wirelessInternet throughout thebuilding and if folks needequipment we usually canhelp locate most of whatthey might need,” he said.

In addition to the meetingrooms, the Masonic Templefeatures a 70x20 ballroomon the lower level.

“That’s where we have

most of our weddingreceptions and dinners,”White said. “We’ve justfinishing repaintingdownstairs and properlyarraigned, we couldprobably seat 650 to 700people there. There is asmall stage on that level

and there is a bar.”He said that on the main

floor, there is anotherbanquet room called theCrystal Room that allows usto accommodate another165 people for a receptionor a dinner.

He added that there is a

Tony CartonCommunicator Editor

CommunicatorCommunicatorMARCH 2011 • Freeport, IL

The Masonic Temple serves Freeport

6 8 10MEMBER NEWS4 GOLD MEMBERSPOTLIGHT RIBBON CUTTING MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

Inside...SEE FREEPORT PAGE 3

WorkforceDevelopment

Coalition

FREEPORT AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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!

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

Phone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Grimes [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Tiffany King [email protected]

RECEPTIONIST: Julie Huber

COMMUNICATION EDITOR: Tony Carton

ow! Are we excited about ourAnnual Chamber Dinner nextweek! We are going to have a

record breaking crowd of over 400chamber members in attendance. Welook forward to a great dinner, video ofthe past years events, our annualawards, and an inspiring messagefrom our speaker Dr. Patrick Hardy.We really appreciate the support ofeveryone and especially all of oursponsors including our PlatinumSponsors Berner Foods, FHN, FairwayFord and Lincoln Mercury, and TheJournal Standard. We look forward toseeing over 400 of you next Thursdayat the beautiful Masonic Temple.

We also look forward to hosting theState of the Schools Luncheon April21 at the Freeport Country Club. It isvery exciting to have Dr. Chris Koch,the Illinois State Superintendent ofSchools as our keynote speaker as hewill discuss the current state of theschools and the impact of the currentstate government problems. This is arare opportunity to have Dr. Koch inFreeport and we look forward to seeingmany of you there.

Later this spring we look forward to hosting our second Leadercast on

May 6. Thisis will be agreatopportunityfor you tohear fromsome of thecountriesleadingmotivationalspeakers.

We want to thankHighland College and Highland CollegeFoundation for hosting this monthsRise ‘N Shine Breakfast at the Wind-Tech Building and we also want tothank the Hampton Inn for hostingtonight’s Business after Hours.Special thank you our newestmembers F.A. Read Center, Steve’sCatering, One Stop Wireless/VerizonWireless, The Cheese Market,Downing’s Remodeling Contractors,Inc., and Heilman Properties. If youare ever wondering what is going onwith the Chamber remember to checkour websitewww.freeportilchamber.com for themost updated information.

F R E E P O R T A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

MARCH 17

Business after Hours

Hampton Inn

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

MARCH 24

Chamber Ambassador Meeting

Steph. Co. Farm Bureau

7:30 a.m.

MARCH 24

Chamber Annual Dinner

Masonic Temple

5:00 p.m.

APRIL 6

Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast

Walker Mortuary

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

APRIL 7

Executive Board Meeting

Chamber Conference Room # 2

7:30 a.m.

Allen’s MenswearAuto Repair Specialists • Bocker Group

Book World • Brown’s ShoesCaptured Memories Photography

Cellular Connection • Cimino’s Little ItalyCulligan Water Conditioning • Deininger’s Floral Shop

Diamond Dave’s Mexican Restaurant • Eilert’s • Fitness NutritionFlachtemeier Monuments • Flack Sewing • Floor to Ceiling Store

Four Seasons/Freeport Lanes, Inc. • Freeport Shopping NewsFurst McNess Co. • Freeport Glass Co. • Freeport Lawn & Leisure

Happy Joe’s Café • Higher Grounds Coffee • Hillside StudioImperial Palace • Iron-T Junction • Jiffy Lube • Joe’s Pizza • Kent BankKurt Koester Studio • L.P. Scientific • Lindo Theater/Classic Cinemas

Loescher Heating & A/C • Luecke Jewelers • Maurices Merle Norman Cosmetics • Ross Auto Glass

Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance • Sanitary Cleaners • Skate Station Slumberland Furniture • Soundwerks Plus • State BankStone’s Hallmark • The Bargain Box • Town House Motel

Wagner Business • Whole Body Studio

FreeportFreeportSHOP

FIRST

DATES TOREMEMBER...DATES TOREMEMBER...

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FIRST

WKim’s Korner


afterH URS

Rise’n’ShineRise’n’Shine

The Chamber gatheredat Highland CommunityCollege’s Wind TurbineTech. Center for their Rise‘N Shine Breakfast inMarch. It was great gettingto see how this one of akind program is developingat Highland. Great job!

Business after Hours washosted by Highland CommunityCollege’s Ray & Betty Stamm ofthe Health Science NursingWing. A great group of peopleattended to network, enjoy somefood, and look around the wing.Our thanks to Highland for theirhospitality and sharing thiswonderful addition to theircampus with us!

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MATTRESS

main kitchen down with theballroom and another smallkitchen up on the secondfloor.

“We have Jeff Krogull asour in-house caterer,” Whitesaid. “He holds the liquorlicense for this address andJoe Geider of Tower Soundhandles the lighting andsound for the auditorium.”

White said that one of thebiggest ongoing projects atthe Masonic Temple is athirty-second degreeMasonic Learning Center upon the third floor.

“It is one of our charities,”he explained. “It is an after-school tutoring program forchildren with dyslexia. Itoperates Wednesday andThursday from 4 P.M. to 8P.M. and is free to the

families.”H said there are

somewhere in theneighborhood of thirtychildren in the tutoringprogram right now.

“It is a one-on-onetutoring program,” Whitesaid. “It is not a classroomsetting. We have a directorand a number of tutors thatuse the Orton-Gillinghammethod of tutoring. It is allfree to the families. Theironly responsibility is to getthe children here and thenback home. It generallytakes about two years tobring a child up to his gradelevel in reading. Sometimesthey stay for a third year,but usually we can get themin and out in two. It is oneof our biggest programs, andwe would like more peopleto know it is here.”

FREEPORT continued from page 1

Photos by Michael Gunderson




www.freeportilchamber.com

Alwayz Cookies

By Leslie Manthei

Alwayz Homemade, AlwayzGone! A motto that perfectlysums up Alwayz Cookies mail-order and delivery service forhomemade treats! Thissummer will mark the 10thAnniversary for the Freeportbusiness. One can onlyimagine the number ofcookies Owner, Leslie Mantheihas made since she firststarted her business.

Since opening the home-based business in 2001,Leslie has baked and shippedcookies fromcoast to coast, aswell as, to manyservice men andwomen overseas.Hundreds ofdozens of cookiesand other treatshave been

delivered to Freeport areabusinesses and residents.Leslie is thrilled by theamount of repeat businessshe receives from hercustomers in Freeport. “Itmeans they enjoy getting thecookies just as much as Ienjoy making them.”

For the fifth year in a row,Alwayz Cookies is providingthe dessert trays for theAnnual Chamber Dinner,coming up on March 24. Thisyear’s dessert trays are goingto offer a sampling of themany different kinds of treatsthat Alwayz Cookies makes.

In addition to 24 differentcookie flavors, Always Cookiesalso offers many other itemsfor her Freeport customers.Various Dessert Bars,Chocolate Chip Pies,Cheesecakes, Coffeecakes,Chocolate Truffles, Muffins,and a family recipe CarrotCake, are just a few of the

growing list of treats that canbe special ordered fromAlwayz Cookies.

Whether ordering cookiesfor yourself, a gift box for aloved one, or a platter ofhomemade treats for agathering, Alwayz Cookies ishappy to help. Although you

may want to order extra,these treats will be gonebefore you know it.

For more information aboutAlwayz Cookies give Leslie acall at: 815-599-0305 or visit:www.alwayzcookies.com toread more about this businessor place an online order.


GoldMEMBERspotlightGoldMEMBERspotlight


Chapel Hill Memorial GardensJack Myers Consulting

Iron-T JunctionCaptured Memories Photography

Brown’s Shoes

LeBaron & Miller InteriorsWinter Construction Inc.

Fruth-Simmer Insurance AgencyFreeport Flite Center

Twice As Nice ConsignmentsFloor Covering Plus

Hulsebus-Gehlsen ChiropracticMaybe You Need Help...

Culligan Water ConditioningUnion Savings Bank

Bill George Plumbing & HeatingAquaLand

Dental ConnectionsFamily Health Quest

General CasualtySchofield Plumbing

State Farm – Jon SpachmanC. J. Vitner Co., Inc.

Saxer Accounting Services, LLCTender Loving Care

GOLD MEMBERS

SILVER MEMBERS

Alwayz CookiesRite-Way Furniture

& ApplianceReid Enterprises

Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTDFreeport Community

FoundationBomar Heating & Air

ConditioningStout Insurance Agency

Freidag Associates CPAs

Law Offices ofRalph E. Elliott

Rock River ValleyBlood Center

Berner Food & BeverageJohn H. Vogt

Fehr-Graham & AssociatesCountry Insurance

& Financial Services -Rick Wilson

Spherion Staffing GroupFreeport Insurance Center

Integrity InvestmentsSwift Hospitality Group, Inc.

Columbia CollegeWinter & Associates

Ultrasonic Power Corp.Freeport Park District

Eagles ClubPinewood Buffet & Grill

Monroe ClinicDowning’s Remodeling

Contractors,Inc.

BRONZE MEMBERS

2011 PREFERRED MEMBERSWe would like to give special recognitionto the following businesses that provide extra support to the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce.

2011 PREFERRED MEMBERS


Workforce DevelopmentCoalition provides Keys tothe Future

Workforce DevelopmentCoalition (WDC) is a group ofdedicated volunteers fromStephenson and Jo DaviessCounties whose mission is tohelp our area communitiesdevelop a skilled workforce.

The WDC is working tohave businesses selectnorthern Illinois for theiremployment base by buildinga skilled workforce that willhelp this area becomeincreasingly attractive to newcommerce while nurturinggrowth in existingbusinesses.

Certificate ofEmployabilityA Certificate of

Employability (COE) is anoutgrowth from NIDA’sWorkforce DevelopmentCommittee whose surveyrevealed that attendance,accountability, and attitude

are major issues for our localemployers. These threeaspects have been coupledwith academics within acertificate that high schooljuniors and seniors may earnat their respective schools.

All schools in StephensonCounty are endorsing thisCertificate of Employability,and the enthusiasm for thisprogram is spreading quicklyto schools in neighboringcounties. Not only dostudents perceive value in theCOE, but so do an increasingnumber of employers.

WorkKeys®WorkKeys® is the process

whereby individuals of allages assess those skills thatemployers considerimportant. The three basicskill areas are: Applied Math,Reading for Information andLocating Information. Anyindividual is able to be testedlocally in these three skillareas for $25 at HighlandCommunity College (HCC).Within 3 hours, not only isthe testing completed, but ifthe individual wishes, theyare also able to immediatelyreceive and compare theirscores with the score profilesof up to 400 different jobscategorized by AmericanCollege Testing (ACT) on anACT web site. By doing this,the individual is able to getan indication as to the type ofjob they may be best suited.

KeyTrainAfter taking the WorkKeys®

skills assessment tests, onemay find that certain skillsets need improvement. Toaddress this, one can accessan online tutorial training

program called KeyTrain®.With the PIN suppliedthrough HCC, these tutorialsare available through a PC atno cost.

NCRC®ACT issues the National

Career Readiness Certificate(NCRC®). Based uponWorkKeys® scores, anaspiring employee may earn aBronze, Silver, Gold, orPlatinum certificate. Thiscertificate is recognizednationwide. You may useKeyTrain® and retakeWorkKeys® tests in order toupgrade your certificatedesignation.

For a list of WDCmembers, school counselors,and area businessescurrently supporting COE,WorkKeys®, and KeyTrain®,or email:[email protected]. Toschedule your testingappointment, please contactAmy Johnson at HCC, 815-599-3678. And, for moreinformation, you may search:www.act.org andwww.keytrain.com.

Mon. & Tues. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Thurs. & Fri. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Second Saturday of each month7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

461 E. South Street • Freeport • 815-23BLOOD • www.rrvbc.org

Be someone’s HERO.Donate today.

MEMBERnewsMEMBERnews

WorkforceDevelopment

Coalition

FHN Burchard Hills Providers Offer ExtendedHours

Most people’s schedulesare so jam-packed these daysthat sometimes it’s hard to fitin a healthcare appointment.FHN is pleased to announceexpanded hours for threefamily practice and pediatrichealthcare providers at theFHN Family HealthcareCenter - Burchard Hills inFreeport.

Pediatrician Adam Angelilli,MD, is available forappointments through 7 p.m.each Monday.

Family Practice PhysicianDonald Hay, DO, offersappointments beginning at 7a.m. each Tuesday andthrough 7 p.m. eachWednesday. Dr. Hay cares forpatients of all ages and alsooffers women’s healthcare.

Family Practice NursePractitioner Tracy DySard,APN/CNP is available to seepatients beginning at 7 a.m.Mondays through Thursdays,including through the lunchhour on Mondays throughWednesdays. She also isavailable for appointmentsthrough 6 p.m. on Mondays.Tracy DySard, a certifiednurse practitioner, cares forpatients of all ages and offerswomen’s healthcare.

For more information onFHN’s healthcare providers,locations and services, visitwww.fhn.org. Call toll-free 1-

877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346) ext. 988 to book anappointment time with Dr.Angelilli, Dr. Hay or TracyDySard.

March is Girl Scout Month! Freeport business can now

help Girl Scouts in Freeportby purchasing cases ofcookies. Cases include 12boxes of cookies and can bethe perfect way to thankemployees, clients, andvendors-all while helpinglocal girls build courage,confidence, and character tomake the world a betterplace! If you’d like topurchase cookies by the case,please call Madelon at 815-962-5591, Ext. 7120 or [email protected].

All proceeds from the Girl

Scout Cookie Programdirectly benefit girls innorthern Illinois, supportingGirl Scout programs, campscholarships, volunteertraining, membershipassistance, and outreachprograms. Each troopreceives a portion of theproceeds as discretionaryfunds for troop activities. Infact, the Girl Scout CookieProgram is one of the fewyouth-oriented programs inthe country providing itsparticipants the ability todecide how to direct theproceeds generated throughtheir business activity. Formore information, visitwww.girlscoutsni.org.

Licensed Architect ScottWinter Joins WinterConstruction

Winter Construction ofFreeport is pleased toannounce the recent additionof licensed architect ScottWinter to their constructionmanagement team. Scott’snew position as VicePresident of Design/BuildServices will further enhancethe company’s abilities toprovide professional designand constructionmanagement services to theirclients in northern Illinois. Heis also the President andPrincipal Architect for WinterDesign, Inc., an architecturalplanning and design firm andwholly owned subsidiary ofWinter Construction.

“Our clients can now cometo us with their initial ideasof a building need, and wecan take them from siteselection and concept designthrough working drawingsand final occupancy,” saidWinter ConstructionPresident Mark Winter. “Scott

becomes involved right fromthe beginning to help developinitial concepts andbudgeting. When necessary,he will also facilitate andcoordinate the involvement ofother architects andengineers in the area, withwhom we have long-standingrelationships, to provide ourclients with the bestconsulting services available.”

A graduate of FreeportHigh School, Winter earnedfirst his bachelor’s degreethen his master’s degrees inboth architecture and civilengineering constructionmanagement from theUniversity of Illinois inUrbana-Champaign.

“My role doesn’t end onceconstruction starts,” Wintersaid. “I work directly with thecustomer and the


CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Carpets, Vinyl, Tile, Hardwoods, & Laminates

1308 South Armstrong Avenue,Freeport, IL 61032

Phone: (815) 232-9060Fax: (815) 232-9084

SERVICESELECTION

SATISFACTION


The Cheese MarketThe time is always right for

good specialty cheeses andwith the opening of TheCheese Market quality cheesebecame a little easier to findin Freeport.

“Right now we carry about80 different styles of cheese,”said Cory Engle who ownsand operates the business inpartnership with Barb Davis.“We stock specialty sausagesand beef jerky, and we haveAmish apple butters, salsas,mayo and mustards.”

Engle said they are alsostocking a full line ofspecialty popcorn from TheBlarney Stone as well assome gifting items.

The Cheese Market openedthe first week of March, butthe idea was actually bornmore than a year ago.

“My partner Barb and herhusband have a real grasp ofthe cheese business and oncewe realized our combinedpassion for quality cheeseswe decided to open a realcheese shop in Freeport,”Engle said. “Once herhusband shared his extensiveknowledge of the cheesemaking process and the

products that are availablewe began working to openthe shop.”

He said they’ve only beenopen a week, but they arealready seeing positiveresponse.

“Everybody’s been reallyexcited about our line ofproducts and we’re glad tobe able to offer thesespecialty cheeses into theFreeport community,”Engle said.

He added that for now,retail of specialty cheesesand sausage is their focusbut that they expect tobegin offering snack traysin the near future.

“Right now we are doingcheese trays on a very limitedbasis, but we know that willchange quickly,” Engle said.“Once we have our ducks in arow with our staffing we willstart to increase the tray sideof the business.

He added that customerservice is very important toThe Cheese Market.

“We are working hard to besure we are stocking a widevariety of fine products andcustomer service will alwaysbe our first priority,” Engle

said.“All our products are madelocally. We know that locallyproduced products areincreasing in popularity andthose items will continue tobe one of our strong points.

Stop in and pick up yourfavorite cheeses at TheCheese Market located in theold Freeport Advertiserbuilding at 1342 SouthHarlem Avenue. Hours are 10to 6 Tues through Fri, 8-6Saturday and Sunday 11-4,closed Mondays.

RibbonRibboncuttingcutting


Shear Design TeamA good hairdresser is not

impossible to find. You mayhave to search a bit, butlocating a hair professionalyou trust and admire is aseasy as stopping in ShearDesign Team Salon at 928West Galena Ave., Freeport.

“We are a salon thatspecializes in custom colorand cut, eyebrow waxing,pedicures and manicures,”said Shear Design Teamowner/operator TarahManthei.

She said custom haircoloring is a hot item rightnow.

“I think that since thebeginning of this year folkshave begun to spend a littlemore money on themselves,”Manthei said. “Folks werereally tied up with Christmasat the end of last year, butnow they aren’t as busy andthings are returning tonormal.”

Manthei said Shear DesignTeam opened almost a yearago and now after a year ofrenovation they are hosting agrand opening March 19.

“I’m from Pearl City and Ilive in Freeport now,” shesaid. “I’ve always worked forother people, but I wanted totry going into business formyself. I’m seeing signs of

economic recovery in Freeportand I really feel this is a greattime to start my business.”

Manthei has begun anincentive program for theyoung people that drop bythe salon.

“If a young person bringsin their report card I will givethem a $1 discount for an A,”she said. “I know a lot of kidsare really appearanceconscious and I’m thinkingthat if they are willing towork hard and get a decentgrade then the least I can dois find some way to rewardthem.”

She said she is justbeginning her school workincentives program and wordis just beginning to getaround, but already anumber of youngsters aredropping by and collectingtheir reward.

“I’m really gearing thisincentive toward the juniorhigh and high school kids

because that seems to be anage where they are becomingaware and want to look theirbest,” Manthei said. “It’stough enough when you’regrowing up and trying to beyour own person. I can help alittle and I’m willing to do it.”

She added that includingtanning facilities is probablyin the future.

Manthei said providing herclients with an experience toremember is what will carryher to success incosmetology.

“If you come in my salonyou can always count on agood haircut, she explained.“I’m willing to take the timeto give my clients the bestservice I can and the folks Iwork with count on that.”

For more information or tomake an appointment withShear Design Team contactthem at , 815.821.1466, orstop by the salon at 928 WestGalena Av, Freeport, 10-5 orby appointment Tues throughFri and Sat 10 to 3.Steve’s Catering, wherepassion meets the grill

Make a special event evenmore special with a call toSteve’s Catering. Steve’s is afull service caterer featuringhand-cut meats grilled toperfection.

“I do a lot of mobilegrilling,” said ownerStephen Tenley. “I dothe outings for FamousFossil Winery andother cookouts.”

Tenley said heperforms his grillingmagic on just aboutanything, but hisspecialty is steak.

“I cook for weddings,corporate events andother specialoccasions,” he said. “Ialso recently cateredthe Thanksgiving event forMalcom Eaton Enterprises atLincoln Mall in Freeport. Thatwas a large indoor event. Ilove to cook and am a fullservice caterer.”

He said he took the buy-out from the Chrysler Plantin Belvedere two years agoand decided to do somethinghe enjoys.

“I’ve been in and out of therestaurant business for yearsso I decided to cook,” Tenleysaid. “I started catering lastJune. I’m picking up newclients and business isgetting better and better.Now, I’m doing something Ireally love.”

He said he has alwaysbeen a people person.

“I’ve always liked working

with people,” he said. “I’vealways been around theFreeport area and I knowthere is an untapped marketfor my catering style. I cookon-site.”

He listed several upcomingevents he would be serving.

“I will be out at LakeSomerset Lodge on MemorialWeekend grilling steaks,”Tenley said. “I will be doing awedding reception right thereat the lodge and with mymobile grill I will be cuttingthe steaks right there byhand and cooking them toorder.”

Tenley also said that hewould be hosting an openhouse at Davis Hall in DavisApril 9 from 11 a.m. until 6p.m.

“I will be cooking samplesfrom my entire menu so thatfolks can see what I serveand it will all be free,” hesaid.

He said that his ultimategoal is a restaurant.

“I’ve always loved steakand my goal is to open asteak house,” Tenley said. “Ihand cut everything. I do mysoups from scratch and I usegrain fed beef. Catering isdifferent from opening arestaurant. It takes a largeinitial outlay to open arestaurant, so I’m dependenton catering right now, buteventually I want to have myown steak house.”

He said his customersalways come first.

“I cater to people,” he said.“I’m there for my customersand I fix what they want notwhat I want. Cooking is a

MEMBERspotlightsMEMBERspotlights



passion for me. It’s not a job.I love it and I love knowingthat when they go home theyare satisfied with what I do.”

For more informationabout Steve’s Cateringcontact Stephen Tenley at815.821.1554 or Email himat [email protected] be sure to visit andfriend Steve’s Catering onFacebook athttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Steves-Catering/134407889914118Baymont Inn & Suites®

Listening to guests andtreating them like neighborsis what they do best atBaymont Inn & Suites. Theycall it hometown hospitalityand it comes complete withall the comforts of home andmore. Whether traveling for aleisure getaway, a familyvacation or on business,Baymont has the right hotelaccommodations for everyneed.

“We offer 63 rooms, ameeting room with overhead

projector and screen,whiteboard and the entirehotel is Wi-Fi,” said FreeportBaymont Inn & SuitesGeneral Manager DeeKuhlemeier. “We have acomputer and printer in thelobby for our guests. We alsohave an outside grill andpatio. Our pool is open 24-hours a day and we offer ahot tub and fitness center.”

She said the rooms are

standard doubles and kings,with 11 suites and the facilitywas remodeled in 2009 withnew mattresses, bedding andcarpeting. All the rooms havemicro-waves and mini-refrigerators and theBaymont is a pet friendlyproperty.

“We offer continentalbreakfasts every morningfrom 6 to 10 a.m.,Kuhlemeier said.” And, for

meetings or other gatherings,folks can cater in or we canhelp make arrangements forcatering.”

In addition to discountingaccommodations for businessaffairs, Baymont Inn & Suitesin Freeport offers discountrates for group blocksincluding weddings,reunions, and forbereavement, and medicalemergencies.

“Our priorities are comfortand convenience,”Kuhlemeier said. “We’ve been

open 11 years at Highways20 and 26 North of Freeport,and we know folks expect acertain level of quality from aBaymont hotel. We work hardto see that their everyexpectation is met.”

She said that over the lastcouple years Baymont Inn &Suites in Freeport has beenworking to promote the JaneAddams Bike Trail.

“We are working with thevarious trailheadsparticularly Madison, Monroeand Pecatonica to make ourBaymont Inn & Suites adestination for bikers andsnowmobilers,” sheexplained. “We areexperiencing an increasingnumber of folks that ride thetrail and stay over to enjoyour Baymont and theamenities available inFreeport before they headback home.”

Kuhlemeier said thatBaymont Inn & Suites inFreeport is working withChicago-RockfordInternational Airport offeringdiscounted rates to certainair traveling guests.

She added that they arealways targeting newcorporate businesses andcontractors.

“We are a CorporateLodging Property and canhandle direct billingsituations so that when folkscall us for corporate rates wecan vary our pricingstructure based on howmuch their activity uses ourfacility,” Kuhlemeir said.

Kuhlemeier said that theirstrongest point is a friendly

continued from page 9

2009

All Mattress& Foundation

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staff that works constantly toprovide a homey atmosphere.

“Customer satisfaction isnumber one with us,” shesaid.

For more information,room rates, reservations andmeeting room availability callthe Baymont Inn & SuitesFreeport at (815) 599-8510 orstop in at 1060 Riverside DrFreeport for a free tour of thelodging or meeting facilities.

Remember, next time youare planning a trip; you arealways welcome at BaymontInn & Suites.CDM Business Machines

“We are a full-servicecomputer shop,” said CDMBusiness Machines ownerBrad Huber. “We doeverything from networkingto point of sale equipment.We fix computers, build websites, write programs andmenus and we get into theprinting thing a little bit.”

Huber explained that thebulk of their printing work isperformed professionally byEastrich Printing in Freeport

and added that repairs andoffice networking are theirstrong points.

He said he chose to openhis business in Forreston 14years ago because he likedthe small town atmosphere.

“I’ve always been a smalltown type of guy,” Hubersaid. “Forreston is more thanjust a small town to me, it’smore like a big family.”

He said his newest projectis working with BillRosenberg producing videoand stills for the area fire

departments.“Bill and I are

working to providetighter coverage of thework firefighters andother emergencycrews do around thisarea,” Huber said. “Inaddition, I operate thesite, Forreston.comand the web site forthe River Demons.”

The River Demonsare a roller derbysister-team with theRockford Rage, andare on a winningstreak. Huber and

Rosenberg do thephotography, video and website work associated with theteam.

“They skate four nights amonth as a sanctioned team,Huber explained. “The derbything has gotten pretty hothere lately. The River Demonsskate at the Lear RiverComplex on a flat track. Theyfilled the gym for their lastmatch and folks just love it.”

To learn more about theRiver Demons and find a

game schedule, visitwww.riverdemons.com

Huber said his competitivepricing keeps folks comingback.

“One of the reasons I gotinto this business is that Iused to run a 65-unitapartment complex and mycomputer was always at theshop,” he said. “It wascosting me an arm and a legjust to keep it running so Istarted taking classes tolearn how to do the workmyself.”

He said he can do mostrepairs within 24 hours andat prices folks can afford.

“I’m quick and I’mthorough,” Huber said. “Thisis a tough field becauseeverybody hates thecomputer guy, but I’mdependable and find work allthrough the area.”

Huber said customerservice is the key to hissuccess.

“It’s important to me toknow that my customers aresatisfied,” he said. “There isso much technology available


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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

now and so many people aredoing things that requiremaintenance. I’m glad to beable to help folks out withtheir computer issues.”

For more informationabout the services availablethrough CDM BusinessMachines contact BradHuber at 815.938.2068 orstop by the shop at 205 WestGreen St., Forreston.Newfen’s

The approach to food atNewfen’s in Freeport is just alittle different from otherplaces. Everything is made-to-order, so you will alwaysget a hot, fresh selection fromtheir expanding menu.

“Danny Newberry and Iopened Newfen’s in November2010,” said co-owner NolanFenwick. “We went to highschool together and we’vekind of grown up togetherover the years. We bothworked at Cannova’s wherewe got a lot of goodrestaurant experience sowhen the opportunity to openour own restaurant presenteditself we decided to give it atry.”

Fenwick said Newfen’sspecialties include gyros,Italian beef, Chicago-style hotdogs, sausages, salads andchicken sandwiches.

“We will be hosting a

Rubin’s special for StPatrick’s Day later thismonth,” he said and for adaily dessert treat, we offerour signature fried Twinkie orthe fried Oreo. They are alittle different, but they arereally good.”

Fenwick said they coat aTwinkie or an Oreo with theirspecial pancake batter anddeep fry them for a mostunusual treat.

“They are a little rich, butthey really are great,” he saidadding that Newfen’s offersfree delivery for downtownFreeport.

Newberry said thatMondays are chilidog days atNewfen’s, but the rest of theweek they add new items tothe menu and see whatworks.

“We are pushing our pageon Facebook because it givespeople a chance to see whatwe have for specials everyday,” he explained.

He credits friendship andtrust as their key to asuccessful operation.

“We are always looking forsomething new to put on the

menu,” he said. “Butmore important is thateveryone that workswith us is friends.We’ve all gone to highschool together andgrown up together andit’s really nice knowingthat we aresurrounded by people

we can trust.”Newberry said that growth

is in their future and withtime they hope to build toanother outlet and moredining space.

“We have good people onstaff and we are thinking thatwe will be ready for a biggerbuilding and a fuller menu inthe future,” he said. “We’rejust building slowly so thatwe learn to do thingsproperly and then we willexpand.”

Be sure to log on toFacebook and friend Newfen’sto get information on theirdaily specials.

Stop by Newfen’s at thecorner of Galena Avenue andDouglas Street in downtownFreeport open Mondaythrough Friday at 10:30am.Or, too busy to get out forlunch at work today well,Newfen’s delivers!!! (815)235.8811 and Newfen’s isavailable for take-out from10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. onSaturdays.


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construction team to makesure that the client getsexactly what they areexpecting. I’m focused onensuring high-qualitycraftsmanship, reducedproject costs and quickercompletion.”

Winter’s professionalexperiences range fromhealth care, commercial officeand retail to religiousbuildings. He is also a LEEDAccredited Professional, amember of the AmericanInstitute of Architects, andthe American Society forHealth Care Engineering.

He worked for architecturalfirms in both Champaign,Illinois and Portland, Oregonbefore moving back toFreeport with his wife andchildren.

“This is a great communityto be a part of and we lookforward to getting moreinvolved and doing our partto help it prosper,” Wintersaid.

continued from page 7


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