Tony CartonCommunication Editor

The Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its accomplishments, its members, and its hopes for the coming year throughout the evening of March 30, at its 2017 annual banquet held again this year at the Masonic Temple, Freeport. Tiffany King, Executive Director of the Chamber, said the annual dinner is one of the organization’s two main fundraisers, the other being the group’s fall golf outing. She said the dinner is themed as Learn from the Past Build for the Future and offers a variety of benefits for those in attendance. “Our banquet is a great networking opportunity, an outstanding dinner, and the evening is capped off by a message from this year’s keynote speakers, United Way Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Nieman and Director of the Highland Community College Leadership Institute Alan Wenzel,” said King. Nieman came on board as United Way of Northwest Illinois

Chief Executive Officer in March of 2013. Her responsibilities include overseeing the daily operations of the organization, working to build partnerships that meet vital human service needs in the community, facilitating strategic planning, develop key partnerships in the business community, fundraising, and many other activities. She also served as Chair of the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce Board in 2016 and said in an earlier interview advocating for a business friendly environment was a priority during her time as Chamber Board Chair. “Business advocacy is one of the areas we really felt our members were asking us to kind of spearhead,” said Nieman. “I think that involves keeping our

membership in tune with local, state and federal issues that impact businesses while helping our member’s voices to be heard.” Wenzel has been an HCC speech communication instructor for 31 years and has earned an Illinois Community College Trustees Award and Faculty Excellence Award in 1984 and 1998. Nearly every year the community members nominate him as one of Highland’s outstanding instructors. Alan’s classes are designed to encourage students to interact with one another while they learn and apply effective communication principles and strategies. Since 1991, Alan has added to his campus teaching duties, by directing the Leadership Institute and the Jo Daviess County

Leadership Forum. The Institute and the Forum strive to identify and encourage emerging and potential leaders in the northwest Illinois region. Their combined advocacies will serve as a foundation for the presentations they will offer at the Chamber dinner where they will discuss the collaboration programs underway across the Freeport community. “Those projects include City Center Freeport, The Small Business Collaborative, the All In branding effort, and Collaborate Freeport,” said King. “We also looked back at the history of Freeport and realized many of the best things that happened here were born of grassroots collaboration and that’s what these current collaborations have in common.” She said United Way has seen dramatic change in their business model under Nieman’s guidance and that observation led to a proactive approach to the issues faced by the city. “Also, Alan has done a tremendous job of establishing leaders in our community, so we thought they would be two really

Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce to Host Annual Dinner

9 job listings

Continued on page 3

7 member news5 member spotlights4 gold member spotlights

Communicatormarch 2017 • Freeport, IllInoIs

job listings

dAtes to rememberMArCH 30

Chamber Annual DinnerFreeport Masonic Temple

Social Hour 5-6 pm, Dinner 6-7 pmAwards & Program 7-8 pm, Mix & Mingle 8-9 pm

April 4

Ribbon Cutting at Rosati’s Pizza2725 IL Route 26 S, Freeport • 11 am

April 5

Rise ‘n Shine Breakfast at Heritage Woods of Freeport1500 South Forest Rd • 7:30-8:30 am

April 11

Customer Service Training SeriesHighland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd

Building H, Upstairs room 201 • 5:30-7:30 pm

April 18Customer Service Training Series

Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City RoadBuilding H, Upstairs room 201 • 5:30-7:30 pm

April 19

Maximize Your Membership WorkshopStephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 West Spring St

11:45 am-1 pm

April 20Business After Hours at

Monroe Clinic Highland Women’s Care3103 W. Kunkle Blvd • 5-7 pm

2 Freeport area chamber oF commerce

I hope everyone is excited as I am about the warmer weather we are having this week. I can’t wait for it to return and stay around for a while. We are finishing up a very busy first quarter at the Chamber. Of course, our area has elections underway for races including the Mayoral Office, Freeport City Council, Freeport School Board, Highland Board of Trustees, and the Freeport Park District Board. The Business Advocacy Committee would like to urge you all to get out and vote on April 4. Every vote counts. Thank you to all of the candidates running for public office. We have our annual dinner on March 30, at the Freeport Masonic Temple. Thank you to those who are able to attend and a special thank you for all of the support from our Sponsors. There is still some room available so if you would like to attend please contact us. We are excited to hear our keynote speakers, Tiffany

Nieman and Alan Wenzel, speak about “Learn from the Past, Build for the Future” and the power of collaboration in our community. Don’t forget we have a “Maximize Your Membership” workshop scheduled for April 19, which I will present. This workshop is a great way for new and existing members to learn about everything your Chamber has to offer so that you can maximize the value of your membership. We’ll even buy you lunch! You can register for this event online by going to freeportilchamber.com where you can view an entire list of upcoming events, or by calling Julie Huber at the office. In closing, we want to thank the Masonic Temple and Children’s Dyslexic Center for hosting this month’s Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast and Fairway Ford for hosting our Business after Hours. Mark your calendars for the April Rise ’N Shine Breakfast hosted by the Heritage Woods on April 5 and Business after Hours at Monroe Clinic-Highland Women’s Care on April 20. We hope to see you all there.

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

phone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038

exeCuTive DireCTorTiffany King • tiffany.king@freeportilchamber.com

MeMberSHip DevelopMenT SpeCiAliSTCorey Engel • corey.engel@freeportilchamber.com

ADMiniSTrATive ASSiSTAnT Julie Huber • julie.huber@freeportilchamber.com

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!

Visit us online atfreeportilchamber.com

with Tiffany King

Chamber Chat

Freeport area chamber oF commerce 3

good people to discuss the power of collaboration,” King said. “We started strategic planning several years ago and I think that has provided us with a road map showing both where we are and where we want to be. We’ve been listening closer to our membership and are working to find new ways to provide them with the value they are not only looking for, but need in order to be successful. And, we are striving to implement strategic best practices and become the voice of advocacy for the close to 600 businesses and private individuals that look to us for leadership.” The banquet will also feature recognition of the Chamber’s membership with awards honoring winners from categories that include Business of the Year, the Chamber Ambassador of the Year, the best Not-For-Profit Organization and the Rising Star Award which recognizes young professionals dedicated to making a positive difference in the community.

King said the Chamber will also award its annual Dale LeBaron Award which has traditionally honors those persons who have “selflessly served the community with persistence, dedication, and enthusiasm.” The dinner will also stage asilent auction featuring 30-40items avidly collected by Membership Development Specialist, Corey Engel. Don’t miss the opportunity to latch onto the World Champion Chicago Cubs tickets. There are fewer than 20 seats remaining available at press time. Lock in yours ASAP by calling the Chamber Office 815-233-1350 or online at freeportilchamber.com/events/details/chamber-annual-dinner-5383

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Our Rise ‘n Shine Breakfast this month was hosted by the Freeport Masonic Temple and the Children’s Dyslexia Center NW IL. We had a great turn out! Everyone was able to do some networking and still had time to take a tour as well. We would like to say a special thank you to Dean White, Pat Ludewig and their entire staffs for working so hard to make this event a success. Thank you! If you would like more information on the Freeport Masonic Temple please call 815-233-0513 or the Children’s Dyslexia Center NW IL call 815-235-9353.

rise ‘n’ shine

The folks at At Freeport Home Medical Equipment understand that living with certain medical conditions and disorders or recovering from injuries and surgeries can be difficult to cope with. They also understand that shopping for specialty products can be frustrating. It is this understanding that leaves them confident that their trained and experienced consultants will help you find the right solution for managing your condition and regaining your independence. Freeport Home Medical Equipment provides quality care and products in a comfortable and professional setting, and offers educational information designed to help you come to a better understanding of your condition and its methods of treatment. “We are a provider of what is called durable medical equipment

or home medical equipment like walkers, canes, wheelchairs, oxygen, and we have a mastectomy boutique,” said Carolyn Sluiter, President of Freeport Home Medical Equipment. “We do try to work with insurance companies. Granted, there have been a lot of changes in everybody’s insurance coverage over the last few years, but we try.” She said those insurance changes have made it very difficult for insured people to find somebody to

go to for the equipment they need. “We are in our sixteenth year and when I first started we could take all the insurances, but the changes started about five years ago and as a result it has become very difficult for us to work with most insurances, but folks can still come here and get whatever they need using their health savings accounts and or cash and still come some place close to home, so they don’t have to mail order things or leave our area to find what they need,” Sluiter said. Freeport Home Medical Equipment also does home modifications. “Those are another of the areas where folks can work with a local source for bathroom remodels with walk-in showers and tubs, wheelchair lifts and standard walking ramps, stair lifts and widening of doorways,” said Sluiter. “And we work with all of the social service agencies in Freeport and sometimes funding is provided for those services through them. Freeport Home Medical Equipment is JACHO accredited, the industry-wide stamp of approval which allows them to bill insurance providers for services. “We have two licensed mastectomy fitters on staff and we provide compression-wear and again we have certified fitters so we measure and fit compression-wear,” she said. “We also have two licensed respiratory therapists on staff and so we work with insurance and provide those services.” Freeport Home Medical Equipment is licensed to bill insurance and run a client’s insurance to find out if people are in or out of network and to get authorization so before a client takes a product they know if they have any financial responsibility. “That is a service,” Sluiter said. “Not all companies do that. In many cases you take equipment and then in six months you’ll get an astronomical bill. Before you get equipment from Freeport Home Medical Equipment we do all the leg work and that is increasingly important. Insurance is changing daily.” Staying at the cutting edge of

technology is what keeps Sluiter and Freeport Home Medical Equipment in front of the pack. “I have always been a leader in technology,” she said. “We have always provided the new technology before any of the companies within a 50 or 100 mile radius had it. I’m always looking to improve the lives of the people we service and if it is with equipment, which turns over into technology. We really try hard with customer service. I think my staff is very experienced. They are very well educated about our products and about insurance. We try to respond in a very timely fashion to help our clients feel safe and comfortable. Learn more about the services available through Freeport Home Medical Equipment at freeporthomemedical.com or call (815) 297-0504 or visit the store at 307 W. Main St. Freeport.

Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD and its predecessor firms have provided legal services in the Freeport community since 1911. Currently legal services are provided by Attorneys John B. Whiton, Dan G. Fishburn Judd D Thruman, and Sara Stephenson Peska. Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, specializes in legal services for business and corporate law representing all-sized businesses and not-for-profit corporations in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Their transactional attorneys have decades of experience in a wide range of services including assisting clients with entity formation and corporate structure, acquisitions, mergers, business succession planning and corporate governance. Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD currently represents major area manufacturing, construction, banking, communications and

4 Freeport area chamber oF commerce

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Camelot Costumes is your premier Northwest Illinois costume headquarters for incredible, affordable costume rentals. “Camelot Costumes LLC is a year-round costume rental store, said owner Linda Adams-Foat. “There are temporary stores that pop up around Halloween, but I am open year-round usually by appointment.” Camelot provides unique, one of a kind costumes. “I always say you won’t find yourself in the situation of someone else having the same costume as you when you are at a party,” Adams-Foat said. “Of course, there are exceptions. I do a lot of theatre and so for example, I have a whole bunch of nuns’ costuming. If someone wants to be a nun, I cannot guarantee there will not be another nun at their party because that is a pretty common costume and they can easily buy a nuns’ costume, but mine are rentals.” She said there are stores where you can purchase costumes, but Camelot Costumes is a rental store.“I do have some items marked for retail such as make-up and small props and those sorts of things, but for the most part, we are rental,” said Adams-Foat. Camelot Costumes LLC opened in 1987. “I was born and raised in Freeport and decided some 30 years ago to open Camelot,” she said. Spring is the theatre season and Camelot Costumes LLC is ready.“The schools and churches have their plays this time of year, but there are always parties and events, for example the big United Way event is coming up and that is usually themed, so I’ve had people come in lining up costumes for their themed table,” Adams-Foat said. “Of course, there are always

birthday parties and we a talent that goes out and does birthday parties; they are Elsa and Belle and Snow White. We also do parades and mystery dinners, and there is always something going on that someone needs a costume for.” Camelot is adding custom design to their offerings. “I have a degree in costume design and sometimes people want something designed specifically to their specifications and they purchase that costume,” she said. “I’m doing more of that recently, and I see myself going more to that type of

work. I buy quality and make quality costumes.”Customer service is always a priority at Camelot Costumes LLC.

“I bend over backwards to give my customers the most fun experience that they can have with their costumes,” said Adams-Foat. “I always try to give my customers a little something extra. For example, if you would go to buy a flapper costume you would get a flapper dress and you might pay anywhere from $30 - $60 for that dress, but you can come to my store and find a hand-made flapper dress with real fabric not stuff that is going to tear or break and you have a chance to try it on to make sure it fits. Not only will you get the dress, but you’ll get the gloves, the headband, the boa, a necklace and that all comes with it for $40.” Adams-Foat acquired a B.F.A. in Performing Arts/Costume Design emphasis from Rockford College, Rockford IL. She has taught Introduction to Stage Make Up, Introduction of Stage Costume and Theatre Practicum as well as designs all of the Theatre departments’ stage productions and maintains the Music department’s wardrobe. Linda has over 30 years experience and has costumed shows for the Highland stage as well as numerous shows for Rockford

professional service businesses. As a result of their breadth of experience, they are able to focus on both legal and practical business solutions for our clients. The Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman banking practice represents numerous lending institutions in Northwest Illinois. The firm advises in commercial lending and real estate, bank regulatory matters, trust administration and consumer financial services. In addition, their broad experience with financial institutions allows them to serve as counsel on general corporate and operational matters including governance and Board of Director issues. Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD regularly assists banks in the areas of structuring and documenting loans and leases and dealing with defaulted loans. The firm’s real estate practice provides full service representation to their clients in virtually all aspects of real estate acquisition, development and management. They are experienced in representing contractors, owners, common interest associations, landlords, tenants and prospective buyers of commercial and residential real estate. Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD regularly advise clients about the relative advantages of various estate planning and administration alternatives, including the use of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, structured charitable giving techniques, optimal use of the estate tax exemptions and lifetime gifting opportunities. A substantial portion of their practice is dedicated to facilitating the smooth administration of estates or a person’s assets while disabled. They provide counseling and representation throughout the probate and trust administration process. In complex matters, Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD help to resolve issues regarding the disposition of real property, closely-held businesses, and investments, and have extensive experience in

representing trustees, executors and beneficiaries in various trust and estate disputes. In addition, Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD is committed to giving their clients efficient and quality legal service, and try to practice “preventive law” to keep their clients out of court to resolve matters before they reach the courthouse, but do not shy from trial when it is the best or only route to assist their clients. They are experienced with a full range of business-related claims and disputes for individuals and business entities including:• commercial and residential real estate related litigation• construction disputes• mechanics lien foreclosures• credit defaults• Uniform Commercial Code• injunctions, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary and permanent injunctions• declaratory judgments• equitable remedies• corporate dissolution and reinstatements, including limited liability entity and partnership disputes The firm also serves as the corporate attorney for many municipalities and special districts. Their clients include villages, park districts, fire protection districts and others forms of local government throughout Northwest Illinois. They advise in matters such as the drafting and enforcement of ordinances, contract bids, taxation, personnel management and intergovernmental agreements. Learn more about the professional services available through Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD by visiting www.fishburnlaw.com or calling 815-235-2511 for an appointment.

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Linda Adams FoatDesign and Rental

815-233-1861www.Camelot-Costumes.com | Camelot7@comcast.net

1321 S. Demeter Dr. ~ Freeport, IL 61032

Freeport area chamber oF commerce 5

6 Freeport area chamber oF commerce

Chris Schneiderman is a member of the Chamber board of directors. He serves as Board Secretary/Treasurer. “As a board, we are tasked to adhere to our budget, work to assure the Chamber’s financial success and do as much as we can for the Chamber’s membership” Schneiderman said. “We do what we can with membership dollars making sure that they see their full value.” Schneiderman said the area’s economy continues to challenge the Chamber and its membership. “Our economy and our ability to attract younger people to the community and assure they can find meaningful work remain our biggest challenges,” he said. He said there are a lot of good things going on with the Chamber’s Young Professionals

Network and the Business Advocacy Council. “I think YPN is one part of the solution,” he said. “It’s getting younger people more involved and gives them a sense of belonging and an opportunity to meet other young professionals and hopefully, future leaders of Freeport. It gives them a sense of community.” “I think we need to continue to look for ways to improve and we need to continue to add value for our Chamber members. Our members need to see our value added services and we want to give them the resources they need to succeed and be there for them,” Schneiderman said. Chris Schneiderman is an Executive Vice President with State Bank in Freeport.

A Message from the board...Chris Schneiderman

2017 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. • Flachtemeier MonumentsCarl Larson – Stephenson County State’s Attorney

Eagles Club • The Salvation Army FreeportFishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTD • RAMP

Carlson Canine Camp • United Way of NW Illinois, Inc.Dr. Eric Luke - Chiropractic • Bomar Heating & Cooling

Winter & Associates • M45 Marketing ServicesHughes Resources • Stout Insurance Agency, LLCFreidag Associates CPAs • Altman Automotive Inc.

Swift Hospitality Group, Inc. • Liberty Village of Freeport Above and Beyond Associates • NWIL Friends of the NRA

Freeport Community Foundation • Brown’s ShoesMonroe Clinic • Holman/Dahms Insurance Agency

Furst Staffing • Spherion Staffing ServicesFehr-Graham & Associates • Bamberg PlumbingHighland Community College Foundation • Seaga

Schofield Pluming • TB & B Accounting & Tax, Inc. Freeport Home Medical Equipment • Two Men and a Truck

Plager, Krug, Bauer & Rudolph, Ltd • Proto-CutterAmerican Quality Windows Inc. • DeLuna Fine Art Gallery

Freeport Church of Christ • Freeport Insurance CenterHighland Community College • Beggin Tipp Lamm LLC

gold members

Tim’s Auto Care • Oakland Cemetery & MausoleumFreeport Family Chiropractic

Bill George Plumbing & Heating

sIlver members

Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency Hulsebus-Gehlsen Chiropractic Clinic • Sanitary Cleaners

Floor Covering Plus • Union Savings BankChristensen Home Town Realtors • Family Health Quest

Dental Connections • Dakota Plumbing • Family Affair Café Duke Herrling • State Farm Insurance – Steve Johnson

Stephanie Helms – Stephenson County Treasurer

bronze members

College, Keith Country Day School, Rockford Dance Company, Arts Academy of Dance, Studio 121 and various area High Schools. Linda is professionally affiliated with the National Costumers Association and has won numerous national awards including the C.Arthur Landes /Joseph R Landes Memorial Award for Outstanding Theatre Costume 2002, First place in the First Showcase 2002 (NCA), First

place Theatre costume (NCA) 2003 and Second place Holiday costume (NCA) 2003, and has been listed in Marquis’s Who’s Who in Entertainment since 1991. Learn about the services and little extras available through Camelot Costumes LLC by visiting www.camelot-costumes.com or call 815-233-1861 for hours and an appointment. The shop is located at 1321 South Demeter, Freeport.

Visit us online atfreeportilchamber.com

CorporATe CHiroprACTiC SoluTionS Corporate Chiropractic Solutions is among the Freeport area’s premier resources for Chiropractic and Functional Movement Rehabilitation. Whether you are seeking increased health, performance or relief from pain or injury, or simply a higher quality of life, Dr Eric Luke and staff can help achieve your goals. The clinic is committed to getting to the root of your problem and taking a multi-therapeutic approach to solve your issues and prevent them from returning. They understand that a higher quality of movement equals a higher quality of life.Dr. Luke provides chiropractic services for a variety of muscle and joint conditions. His clinical goals go beyond pain relief. He works with patients to re-establish proper muscle function, restore proper joint mechanics, and return patients to their daily activities while minimizing the risks of recurring injuries and doctor visits. As a comprehensive manual care chiropractor, Dr. Luke offers spinal adjustments, extremity adjustments, soft tissue treatments, physical rehabilitation, and patient education. By providing evidence-based, individualized treatment programs coupled with active patient participation, patients enjoy unparalleled care at a reasonable cost.Benefits A 10-year study on on-site corporate chiropractic programs demonstrated statistically and clinically significant differences in employee health factors, a reduction in long-term health risks, and reduced company costs.As a result of incorporating an on-site corporate chiropractic program, the following outcomes were achieved:• Enrolled wellness participants’

health care costs decreased by 55 percent.• Program participation grew to 97 percent of employees.• Short-term disability costs decreased by 24 percent.• Spousal healthcare costs decreased by 18 percent.• Hospital, procedural, and drug costs decreased by 12 percent.• Employee turnover rates decreased by 60 percent.• 60 percent of employees in the program had perfect work attendance. Dr. Luke graduated Cum Laude with a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in October, 2009. He also earned a Master of Science in Sports Science and Rehabilitation from Logan College of Chiropractic and a Bachelor of Science in General Science from Palmer College of Chiropractic. In addition to his formal education, Dr. Luke holds a certification as a Chiropractic On-Site Employee Health and Safety Specialist from Northwestern Health Sciences University, a certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a certification in spine adjusting, extremity adjusting, and functional rehabilitation from the Motion Palpation Institute. Dr. Luke’s work experience includes over 7 years in professional chiropractic practice, 3 months as

a student intern in the Rockford Orthopedic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, 3 months as a student intern in the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, 12 months as a student intern in Palmer College’s Academic Health Center, and over 5 years of active duty experience in the United States Army, serving three years stateside and one year tours in both Korea and Iraq. The Corporate Chiropractic exclusive on-site chiropractic services are designed to help companies minimize work-related injuries, reduce healthcare costs, and maximize employee health and productivity. Understanding the importance of employees performing at their best, Corporate Chiropractic Solutions offers a variety of different services including chiropractic spinal and extremity adjustments, soft tissue treatments, physical rehabilitation, and health education.

Getting started with our on-site corporate chiropractic services is easy. Visit the clinic online at www.drericluke.com or call Dr. Eric Luke at (815) 266-1078 to schedule an appointment.

ClArenCe MiTCHell librAry AnD nATurAl SCienCeS AnD MATHeMATiCS DiviSion AT HigHlAnD preSenT A SCienCe CAFé Highland Community College’s Clarence Mitchell Library and Natural Science and Mathematics Division are pleased to offer “Science Café: Bioremediation Technologies and Implementation Strategies” at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29. Dr. Jim Mueller of Provectus Environmental Products, Inc. will introduce the topic of bioremediation and describe how

membernewsFreeport area chamber oF commerce 7

Continued on page 9

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

thank you for your continued support!52 years

chapel hill memorial gardens

37 yearsbrown’s shoes

25 yearsForreston state bank

24 yearssojourn house

member Anniversariesmarch 2017

23 yearscivil constructors • sjostrom & sons

19 yearsabWa Jane addams chapter

17 yearsFreeport arts museum • subway

twice as nice consignments

16 yearsgeorge l. Walker orthodontics

15 yearsshockey & cox llc

14 yearsall american cleaning & restoration, Inc. • Us cellular

allstate Insurance • Freeport public libraryopen bible day care & learning center

12 yearsthe salvation army Freeport

comfort Keepers-comforting solutions

11 yearsFarmers Ins. group/lynn Kempel agency

richard drogosz • Faith United methodist churchlebaron & miller Interiors • little cubs Field

titan tire corporation of Freeport

10 yearsh & r block • Inertia machine

eilert’s • Integrity Financial services, IncUltrasonic power corporation

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Financing with Wells Fargo for18 months No Interest.

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bioremediation technologies have been developed and employed to remediate contaminated environments from local gas station releases to open-ocean releases of crude oil such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill. There will be time for questions, answers and discussion of the topic at the end of the presentation. Dr. Jim Mueller is the president of Provectus Environmental Products, Inc. where his work with bioremediation technologies focuses on environmental applications of antimethanogenic compounds. The event is free and open to all audiences. The Clarence Mitchell Library is located on the second floor of the Marvin-Burt Liberal Arts Center at Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road in Freeport. For more information, contact Laura Watson at 815-599-3456 or laura.watson@highland.edu.

ClArenCe MiTCHell librAry AT HCC preSenTS ‘A SHAMeFul AFFAir: THe 1908 SpringFielD rACe rioT’ Highland Community College’s Clarence Mitchell Library is pleased to offer a program with guest speaker Kathryn Harris who will speak about the history of the 1908 Springfield, Illinois race riot. The conflict made national headlines and provided much of the impetus for the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). “A Shameful Affair: The 1908 Springfield Race Riot” will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28 at the Clarence Mitchell Library in the Marvin-Burt Liberal Arts building. The riot started because a white woman claimed that she had been raped by a black man. She would later confess that her account

had been false, but not in time to prevent a deadly race riot from erupting in the hometown of the Great Emancipator in the summer of 1908. Kathryn Harris, a regional historian and retired library services director at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, will relate the history of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot and lead a discussion about current race relations in Springfield, Illinois, and the United States. The event is being produced in part by the Illinois Humanities Council’s Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, a program that provides organizations statewide with affordable, entertaining, and thought-provoking humanities events for communities. A roster of speakers, hailing from 20 different towns and cities across Illinois, present topics in history, culture, literature, music, politics, law, science and more.

The Clarence Mitchell Library is committed to the success of the Highland community, students, faculty and staff in learning, teaching and research. The Illinois Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. The IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal and private funds. The event is free and open to all audiences. The Clarence Mitchell Library is located on the second floor of the Marvin-Burt Liberal Arts Center at Highland Community

Continued from page 7

Freeport area chamber oF commerce 9

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10 Freeport area chamber oF commerceCollege, 2998 W. Pearl City Road in Freeport. For more information, contact Laura Watson at 815-599-3456 or laura.watson@highland.edu.

FirST ever rAMp DAnCe MArATHon The first ever RAMP DANCE Marathon will be Thursday, April 13, at the Community Building 111 W First Street in Belvidere, IL. This is a fun Dance party marathon event for all students and families from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The event includes: A dance party marathon with DJ from Big B Productions, 50/50 raffle, food for purchase and more fun! Purchase tickets in advance ($5/adult or $3/student) or fundraise $25 or more for admission and a t-shirt. All of this can be done online at give.classy.org/rampdance. All funds received/raised will be for RAMP’s services and advocacy for individuals with disabilities in Boone County. For more information or questions please contact Kayla Scheffer, kscheffer@rampcil.org 815-968-7467.

HigHlAnD CoMMuniTy College HoSTS AnnuAl Job FAir The 2017 Highland Community Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 29, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. Current students, graduates, and area residents seeking employment are all invited to attend. This free event is an excellent networking opportunity for job seekers, typically featuring

more than 30 employers in northern Illinois. The 2017 Job Fair will be held in the Newell Room, located on the second floor of the Student/Conference Center. Business casual attire is highly recommended at the Job Fair. The following employers will be participating in this year’s Job Fair:• Anpec Industries, Inc.• Berner Food and Beverage• Business Employment Skills Team• Columbia College of Missouri• E. D. Etnyre & Co.• Everwell Business Solutions• Exchange Communications• Fehr Graham & Associates• FHN• Freeport School District #145• Girl Scouts of Northern IL• Good Samaritan Society• Grande Cheese Co.• Hughes Resources• Lena Living Center• Manor Court of Freeport• Midwest Medical Center• NonProfitTHRIVE• Parkview Home of Freeport• Pearl City Elevator, Inc.• Pinecrest Community• QPS Employment Group• Stephenson Nursing Center• The Workforce Connection• U. S. Army• Vasayo• Wesley Willows• Winnebago County Sheriff ’s Office

More THAn 120 SCHolArSHipS Are AvAilAble AT HigHlAnD CoMMuniTy College A very special Highland Community College Foundation internet website — highland.thankyou4caring.org — opens with the following words:“We are nothing without the previous generation. So we would simply like to say “Thank You,” to the past, future and present donors. Many of our students, yesterday, today or tomorrow would not

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Freeport area chamber oF commerce 11be here without your generous support.”Those are heartfelt words from the students of Highland Community College and the Highland Community College Foundation, who are grateful to the hundreds of scholarship donors who through their continuing generosity make the dreams and goals of education attainable.This is an ideal time to wave the flag about scholarships at HCC. Let’s shout out that there are more than 120 scholarships funded by individuals through endowments, annual memorials or annual contributions. We thank you very, very much!The deadline for applying for these scholarships is April 1. (Deadline for all nursing scholarships is June 1 and Sept. 1 for fine arts scholarships.) The foundation’s search engine of available scholarships is at highland.edu/admissions/scholarships.asp. It’s very easy to use, and you can search by academic interest (major), part-

or full-time student, grade point average (GPA), county of residence, gender and ethnicity.Along with those scholarships granted by Highland College and the foundation, there are more than another 100 that are funded by corporations (for their employees’ children, for example), local churches, civic organizations (Lions and Rotary, for example), clubs and more. Students — and their parents — should contact their high school counselor who can provide details and deadlines. All scholarships combined, the HCC Foundation distributes more than $350,000 each year in scholarships. And since its initial charter in 1962, the foundation has distributed more than $7 million to students of all ages. All of the above is possible because scholarship donors understand the importance of education. Education is one way to foster change and enrich society. Furthermore, most HCC Foundation scholarships

do not indicate a requirement that the recipient will or will not be transferring to a four-year institution. The scholarships are designed to assist the student’s financial obligations while attending Highland. Overall, there are three types of financial aid available to students: grants and scholarships, loans and employment. Grants and scholarships are gift aid or “free” money. Loans must be repaid at some time in the future. Employment offers students an opportunity to work on campus and earn a portion of their educational expenses. Federally-funded programs available through Highland include Pell Grant (gift aid), Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (gift aid), College Work-Study Program (employment), Federal Direct Loan Programs, VA — G.I. Bill, and V.A. Vocational Rehabilitation. State-funded programs available through Highland include MAP — Illinois Student Assistance

Commission Monetary Award Program (gift aid, subject to funding); IVG — Illinois Veterans’ Grant (gift aid, certain criteria must be fulfilled); ING — Illinois National Guard Grant (gift aid); and MIA POW (gift aid). Students must apply each year for most financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted to the Department of Education. Students must contact the HCC Financial Aid Office concerning federal and state processing deadlines. In addition, all financial aid students must submit additional forms available on the college website at highland.edu or in the Financial Aid Office. Advice from our foundation team: apply for scholarships, ours and others. It’s free money. Apply for work study programs. It’s earned income and good experience for your resume. Finally, Pat Dunn, foundation director of operations and scholarship coordinator, says, “Be leery of loans. They may add to

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your financial woes, have to be repaid and may mortgage your future financially.” Dunn said that “scholarships are a gift of opportunity,” an opportunity provided by a generous donor who wanted to be sure students of all ages would benefit.

HCC FounDATion AnnounCeS SCHolArSHip DonATion on beHAlF oF roberT l. JoHnSon The Highland Community College Foundation recently received a $100,000 donation to the Edna Hayden Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund from General Mills on behalf of former board member Robert L. Johnson. Johnson served as a member of the General Mills Board of Directors from June 1999 to October 2004. “In recognition of Robert Johnson’s service as a board member of General Mills, the company is proud to make the donation on his behalf in connection with its former Director Planned Giving Program that recognized board service through philanthropy,” said Ben Backberg, assistant corporate secretary. Named after Robert L. Johnson’s mother, the Edna Hayden Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2001, supports women of African descendants pursuing career fields that develop the nation’s children. The scholarships are awarded to students pursuing degrees and certificates in professional education, nursing, early childhood education, or cosmetology at Highland Community College. Edna Hayden Johnson was born and raised in Good Hope, Mississippi, where she worked as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in the Good Hope community. After a consolidation of the schools in Hickory, Mississippi, Mrs. Johnson continued to teach

elementary grades at a “colored school” in Hickory. She relocated to Freeport, Illinois with her husband, Archie Johnson, in the late 1950s. In Freeport, she raised 10 children, including Robert L. Johnson, and three grandchildren while working, volunteering, and remaining active in her St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. According to her family, education was a priority for Edna Hayden Johnson; she encouraged all of her children and grandchildren to complete school. Many Johnson family members have attended Highland Community College. Robert L. Johnson spent the majority of his childhood in Freeport. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1964 and went on to study history at the University of Illinois, in Champaign-Urbana. He completed a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University in 1972. Johnson founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1979 and served as the chairman and CEO of the first cable network targeting an African American audience. He became the first African American billionaire upon selling the network to Viacom in 2001. Johnson has since started the holding company and asset management firm, The RLJ Companies, and has invested in numerous businesses, organizations, political causes, and campaigns.For more information about the Edna Hayden Johnson Memorial Scholarship, or Highland Community College Foundation, call 815-599-3413 or email foundation@highland.edu.

rAMp oFFerS loCAl buSineSSeS viSiTAbiliTy ASSeSSMenTS RAMP can assist your business with identifying opportunities to become more accessible for

12 Freeport area chamber oF commerce

The Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors serve to create and administer an integrated awareness of and involvement with this area’s business community. They represent the Chamber with an optimistic approach and set an example for the existing and new members by being pro-active with members and introducing new ideas to promote, improve, and grow the Chamber. Kim Boldt made the decision to join the Chamber Ambassadors when a co-worker left the area and a spot opened with the organization. “I enjoy getting out into the community and being an extension of the Chamber, and welcoming new businesses and people to town,” Boldt said. “It is a time commitment so we have to be willing to put the time in attending the different events, ribbon cuttings and things like that, but it is fun networking, meeting people and working with the other Ambassadors.” She said the opportunities are good for business. “It’s important to meet other professionals in Freeport and trade business cards,” said

Boldt. “And, finding ways to help each other is the foundation of the Chamber Ambassador program.”Boldt has been with the program for seven years and intends to stay with it. “I really can’t say how long I will be with the program,” she said. “I’m glad to be an Ambassador and as long as I have the flexibility to remain a part of the organization I will step aside and let somebody else take over.” She lists the Annual Chamber Golf Outing and the Chamber Dinner among her favorite Ambassadorial activities. “Those two events require a lot of assistance on the part of the Ambassadors,” Boldt said. “We put in a lot of time and energy helping the Chamber with those annual events. They are important Chamber activities and have been among the more successful activities over the years.” Boldt works with Winter and Associates, is married and the couple has two children. They live in Freeport.

Ambassador Spotlight...Kim boldt

individuals with disabilities. Statistics show that one in five individuals have a disability (20% of the population). That’s a lot of potential business! Like you, RAMP wants a booming business community and we can assist in being a part of the solution too! Our goal is to work with you and create opportunities where WE as an entire community can all come together! It’s easy to set up a Visitability Assessment:Call or email Eric Brown, RAMP’s Education & Advocacy Coordinator to schedule your assessment.Assessments are $50/hour. The length of an assessment will depend

on the number of buildings or spaces we are asked to look at.RAMP staff will meet with you to discuss ways to make your business a destination for the disability community by utilizing the Illinois Accessibility Code Checklist as a tool to identify opportunities for improvement. RAMP will also provide a list of the potential improvement opportunities with the resources to make increased accessibility a reality. We look forward to your scheduled assessment!

HCC CelebrATeS HigH SCHool ServAnT-leADerSHip’S 20TH AnniverSAry On Saturday, March 11, Highland Community College honored and celebrated 20 years of the High School Servant-Leadership program with a special training and anniversary event. More than 200 current and former Servant-Leadership participants, mentors, and special guests were in attendance to help recognize the success and growth of the program. What began as a dream and vision of the late President of Highland, Dr. Ruth Mercedes Smith, has truly become a “Highland distinctive” program in the region. Training generations of young people on Servant-Leadership philosophy, personal, team, and community development has helped to strengthen our community of future leaders. The program has generated over one million hours of community service to people in need and organizations within our communities. Monthly training sessions at Highland continue to provide students an opportunity to become aware of and strengthen their leadership skills and abilities.The day opened with a breakfast followed by a two-hour training session. Afterward, guests gathered for a luncheon followed by keynote speaker Tammy Abell, who led an interactive session for all current and former Servant-Leadership participants. Kim Pool, Director of HCC’s High School Servant-Leadership program, explained, “Tammy has been the program’s keynote, motivational, inspirational, and educational trainer for over 18 years.” She added, “Tammy has gifted Highland with her ‘Servant Heart’ over the years, and the motto of HCC’s program ‘to change the

world, we must touch the world,’ was first birthed out of training she facilitated. It also captures her heart of service as a trainer and a longtime friend of Highland.” Illinois State Representative Brian Stewart presented HCC with a

certificate of recognition from the Illinois House of Representatives in honor of the program’s 20th anniversary. Freeport Mayor Jim Gitz read a proclamation from the City of Freeport recognizing the

program for its “continuing work in developing leadership skills in area students and preparing them for leadership involvement that adds to the fabric of our entire community.” Larry Spears, Servant-Leadership Scholar at Gonzaga University and President of the Spears Center in Indianapolis, stated, “Over the past twenty 20 years, HCC’s Servant-Leadership program has been a shining example of a servant-led program that unites those who are committed to both education and community. While the Servant-Leadership program has grown through the work of so many people, I would like to offer my special appreciation for Kim Pool — someone who truly ‘dwells in possibilities’ — and one of the most gracious servant-leaders that I have ever met.” The legacy and impact of Highland’s High School Servant-Leadership program are echoed by participants. Current graduate research assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and 2011-2012 Servant-Leadership Eastland Chapter member Abbey Grisham, explained, “Servant-Leadership helped me stand out when I graduated high school. I would never have thought when I graduated high school that I would be working on my master’s degree. I couldn’t be where I am today without all of the scholarships and people who helped me along the way, which included the community service I did through Highland Servant-Leadership. That helped me get to know the people in my community.” For more information about HCC’s High School Servant-Leadership program, contact Kim Pool at kim.pool@highland.edu or 815-599-3574.

Freeport area chamber oF commerce 13

Tony Carton PhotoThe Aquin High School chapter of the Highland Community College Servant

Leadership program attended the March monthly training and Twentieth Anniversary celebration on the HCC Campus in Freeport.

Courtesy PhotoMore than 200 current and former Servant-Leadership participants, mentors, and special guests were in attendance to help recognize the success and growth of

the program. From left to right: Tom Huffcutt, first Coordinator of the High School Servant-Leadership program; Tim Hood, HCC President; Kim Pool, current

program Coordinator; Joe Kanosky, HCC President Emeritus; Brian Stewart, Illinois State Representative.

14 Freeport area chamber oF commerce

Tony CartonCommunicator Editor

An internet scam resulting in theft of bank, credit card and other personal information is underway in the Tri-State area. Be on the alert and do not cooperate or participate on any level. If you are contacted by the scammers, hang up immediately, shut down your computers and notify the police. The scam is best known as “Ransomware” or Spora or the “Cryptolocker” exploit; a type of software that computer hackers use to hold an individuals’ data hostage by encrypting or otherwise blocking access to files unless the victim agrees to pay a ransom. Again, do not participate in any offered remedies. Shut down your computers and notify police, then begin contacting your banks and credit card companies (by phone not online) because the thieves will

already have your data including passwords and have likely begun to drain your accounts. You will most likely need a professional computer repair service to restore your equipment. When an attack is instigated, a popup message comes up on the computer screen saying that you have a Trojan or your files have been encrypted and you need to call customer service. The scammers state they see that some of your files have stopped working and will even show you a broad list of non-operating files and extensions. They then tell their victims that they will restore the computer and fix the problem (a webroot program) for a fee. Ransom demands have ranged from a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand and if you agree to pay, your equipment will likely be restored, but that first payment is just the be-ginning. There will be

other contacts and further attempts to steal your personal and financial information. The F.B.I. doesn’t have complete data on how often these attacks occur. Computer security researchers estimate close to a million users have been hit globally during the last year and one tech firm estimates more than a quarter of the victims pay the ransom. The simplest answers are preventative measures; always use a reliable anti-virus service and back up your data regularly. There are backup sites and software available. Some will back up your data automatically others require you to start the process, but the key to surviving a ran-somware attack is BACKUP! If your data is backed up somewhere beyond your own equipment you will be able to tell the hackers to keep what they have and an IT professional will be able to clean your machinery and restore

your files. Here are a few tips to protect yourself going forward:• For basic protection, use anti-virus and anti-malware software and keep it up to date. • Keep your browsers, applications and plug-ins up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. • Be sure to do this at home on your own secure connection.• When using Wi-Fi at a hotel or other public hotspot, make sure you are using the real Wi-Fi connection. • Some scammers try to lure people to a fake Wi-Fi connection that can steal your info.• When using public Wi-Fi of any kind, don’t access your financial institutions or do any kind of bank transaction.

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Freeport area chamber oF commerce 15