A Century of Success

ChamberReportwww.peoriachamber.org

April 2012

A publication of the

Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce

Volume 20 Issue 4

Building Customer Relationship & Business Process Outsourcing

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Chamber Members!Employee Size Code - (number of full-time equivalent

employees in the tri-county area): (A) 1-10 (B) 11-25 (C) 26-75 (D) 76-150 (E) 151-300 (F) 300+

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WelcomeNEW

New ideas are the sparks that ignite success New 2-hour Brandstorming sessions now available. For more info visit www.adcoagency.com/campfi re

1302 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria, Illinois | 309.692.7880

Want to schedule a ribbon cutting? Call us to schedule yours today! 309.495.5900

Blissful ImagesPO Box 5305 Peoria, IL 61601p. 309-369-0099Web: www.BlissfulImages.come. jenni@blissfullimages.comMs. Jenni Merrill - We’re outgoing, energetic and create beautiful portraits of weddings, families, children, pets and HS seniors. One of the only Certified Professional Photographers in Peoria. (A)

Componenta7800 North Sommer Street, Suite 103; Peoria, IL 61615p. (309) 691-7000 f. (309) 691-7070Web: www.componenta.com e. us.sales@componenta.com Mr. Raymond Burnes - Componenta is a major cast/machined components provider based in Europe. With our local presence, we are able to provide our customers solutions from engineering to components. (A)

DME ACCESS, LLCPO Box 275;Groveland, IL 61535p: 309-370-5127Web: www.dmeaccess.come. cgrant@dmeaccess.comMs. Carrie Grant - DME brings 35 Years of Accessibility Equipment and Elevator Installation & Service Experience to the Central Illinois Region. (A)

Employment Plus926 SW Adams Street; Peoria, Il 61602p. (309) 495-9600Web: www.employmentplus.com e. mhedgepeth@employmentplus.com Ms. Melanie Hedgepeth Employment Plus offers its clients a full range of HR Solutions including Staffing Services,Technical Recruiting, Coaching and Training, Assessments and Screening, Safety Tools and Supplies, HR Admin Support. (A)

Excel Recycled Office Furniture931 North Sheridan Road; Peoria, IL 61606p. (309) 573-8408Web: www.excelrecycledoffice.come. excel@excelrecycledoffice.comMr. Steve Rouland - We specialize in buying and selling used office furniture and furnishings, including child care furnishings. We carry a nice selection of quality products in stock. (A)

Illini Supply Inc 111 Illini Drive; Forsyth, IL 62535 p. (217) 877-6551 f. (217) 877-6646 Web: www.illinisupply.com e. customerservice@illinisupply.com Ms. Donna Mauzey - For over 61 years, we have proudly provided furniture solutions for educational and commercial customers throughout Illinois. Our dedicated staff of professionals will guarantee your complete customer satisfaction. (A)

Illinois Valley Plastics300 N. Cummings Lane; Washington, IL 61571p. (309) 444-8884 f. (309) 444-8883Web: www.ivplastics.come. dlindemann@ivplastics.comMr. Darryl Lindemann - IVP is led by its team of talented employees, regarded as a trusted global partner, providing high value, innovative solutions for thermoplastic components and assemblies. (D)

PeoriaHelpWanted.comPeoria, ILp. (309) 241-0429 f. (309) 296-6040Web: www.PeoriaHelpWanted.com e. lisa.secrest@peoriahelpwanted.com Ms. Lisa Secrest - www.PeoriaHelpWanted.com is the leading online hiring source throughout the Peoria area assisting employers in hiring qualified candidates in all markets from entry level to executive positions. (A)

Peoria Pest Eliminators (continued) 1403 NE Adams; Peoria, IL 61603

Peoria Pest Eliminators (continued):p. (309) 637-1717Web: www.bugsrus.come. sfulkerson@bugsrus.comMr. Scott Fulkerson - We have been providing commercial and residential pest and termite elimination solutions for over 80 years. All of our pest services are 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We specialize in bed bug solutions. (A)

Salt4542 N Prospect Road; Peoria Heights, IL 61616p. (309) 966-1035Web: www.saltpeoria.com e. info@saltpeoria.comMs. Joni Staley - A modern American style restaurant and bar. Salt provides steak to seafood and beyond. Entrees prepared from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (A)

Secure Dental3127 N University Street; Peoria, IL 61604p. (309) 681-8888 f. (888) 293-9991Web: www.secure-dental.com e. securedental@gmail.com Dr. Noel L. Liu - Dr. Liu and Dr. Jafri offer dentistry for all by providing high quality dentistry to patients from all walks of life with care, passion and professionalism. (A)

ServiceMaster of Central Illinois501 Meadows Ave; East Peoria, IL 61611p. (309) 694-9821 f. (309) 694-9825Web: www.ServiceMasterCI.come. jack@servicemastercl.comMr. Jack Kellerstrass - ServiceMaster of Central Illinois is a family owned, nationally owned disaster restoration company serving the tri-county area and beyond. (C)

Our comprehensive printing and marketing services makes for smooth navigation through marketing waters. That’s why more companies work with PIP.

Hitting rough water on your way to business growth?

Call 309-691-6500 or www.go2pip.com

We’ll scout out a smart course for you.

Peor ia Area Chamber

SAM’S CLUBare sponso red by

www.samsclub.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

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New ideas are the sparks that ignite success New 2-hour Brandstorming sessions now available. For more info visit www.adcoagency.com/campfi re

1302 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria, Illinois | 309.692.7880

RibbonCuttings

Want to schedule a ribbon cutting? Call us to schedule yours today! 309.495.5900

General Manager Callie Price of Best Buy Mobile conducted a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening! They are located by the food court of Northwoods Mall. To learn more, call 309-685-8041.

Dr. Lindsey Ma, Donna Brenenstall, APN and Rachel Moser of Illinois Women’s Health Center conducted a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening. This practice specializes in gynecology featuring timely appointments, convenient same day availability and lower fee-for-service rates. Visit us at www.IllinoisWHC.com or call 683-0200.

Best Buy Mobile

Illinois Women’s Health Center

Our comprehensive printing and marketing services makes for smooth navigation through marketing waters. That’s why more companies work with PIP.

Hitting rough water on your way to business growth?

Call 309-691-6500 or www.go2pip.com

We’ll scout out a smart course for you.

APRIL

Chamber University

• Thursday, April 12• Hosted by Simantel• 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. • 321 SW Water St., Peoria, IL 61602

Come see how Simantel helps businesses build momentum, hear about they recently expanded capabilities and be introduced to ROOM–our new and creative meeting and conference space. Delectable food from Cyd’s, and beer, wine and non-alcohol refreshments will be provided.Door prizes include:• A gift certificate to ROOM. Be one of the first to experience ROOM! Opening in May 2012.• A Simantel branded product, valued at $100.• And more exciting prizes – no one will go home empty-handed!

Business After Hours is free for members and $25 for non-members.

Speed Networking

• April 24, 2012• Peoria Civic Center• 2:00 p.m.

Log on to www.peoriachamber.org for more information or to register.

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Business After Hours

• Wednesday, April 18• Topic: Business Advocacy 101• 3:00 p.m.• Heartland Partnership Board Room 100 SW Water St.

Did you know that the Chamber is very involved in government affairs and business advocacy? Attend this session to learn how we do this and how you can participate.

Business Showcase

EVENTS

• April 24, 2012• Peoria Civic Center Ballroom• 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Attend one of Central Illinois’ largest Business Expos, the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase. Browse exhibitors’ displays and enhance those important B2B relationships! Come learn about the newest food, products and services offered in Central Illinois. The 2012 Business Showcase will set your course for the coming year with advertising and marketing opportunities for your business and a tune-up for your sales team.

For more information, contact Terry Best or call 309-495-5926. *Sponsored by: Sora Technologies, Mordue Moving, Digital Copy Systems, and June Restaurant

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*This is a paid advertorial. For more information, contact Kylie Rupe at (309) 495-5927.

The number of Customer Relationship and Business Process Outsourcing companies (call centers) is growing each year, providing specialized talents to all types of markets all over the world by employing a variety of talent to service their clients. These call center careers can provide people with a fun work environment, attractive compensation and benefits packages, as well as a career path into the corporate world.

This type of opportunity offers a choice to entry level jobseekers like fresh graduates, or those who may not have had the chance to finish complete an undergraduate program. These days, it is rare for many companies to provide above average compensation and career advancement to employees who do not have experience in a given field. In the outsourcing industry, it may only require an applicant to have a basic degree and good communication skills. It is also a great way to achieve the training and experience one may need to further their career path, though practical on the job training. These companies look for someone who seeks challenges, as the job in itself can be challenging. For motivated individuals who apply themselves, they can learn to be team leaders of a small group, and advance into a manager’s position that requires them to manage lead a team consisting of hundreds of team members. He or she is provided the training to develop the skills and personality required to motivate employees toward giving to do their best as an individual and as a team player, and in turn, advancing their learning and career opportunities. These are essential ingredients in developing a successful career in the outsourcing industry.

In addition, because of the customer service and reporting that outsourcing companies provide to some of the most recognized brands and companies in the world, it gives their employees the experience and information on the ethics and core business of just about every industry. This allows employees to pursue positions with the knowledge to make a difference for that company, without the time it usually takes to acclimate. HGS, formerly known as Affina, located right here in Peoria since 1973, is just such this type of company. As one of the top 10 largest employers in the greater Peoria area, not only has HGS provided jobs to boost and help sustain the economy here in Peoria, but over the years, a large number of employees who started as telephone agents have advanced to management and executive management positions within the company, as well as in other major corporations.

One example of what an HGS outsourcing employee said: “I used to work mostly labor jobs, and one summer was laid-off due to a work shortage. I took on a job as a call center agent thinking I would stay there until I was called back. Not only did I learn the job and like it, it took me on a completely different career path into the corporate world, and 20 something years later, I hold an executive position that has allowed me to have a nice home and send all three of my children to college.”

In addition to providing jobs and careers in Peoria for nearly four decades, HGS is also a supporter and sponsor of many charities and associations such as Children’s Hospital of Illinois, the Center for Prevention of Abuse, American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, the Crittenton Center, and the Wildlife Prairie State Park, just to name a few.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in a career in one of the fastest growing industries, contact HGS at (309) 589-7525, or visit our website at www.teamhgs.com

Building Customer Relationship & Featured Article | HGS

Business Process Outsourcing

BusinessBriefs

Advanced Correctional Healthcare welcomes Alan Bagby to the Medical Operations Department as Regional Nurse Manager.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare welcomes Julie Painter to the Accounting Department as the company’s Payroll Coordinator.

Jacqueline Mauer joined Busey Wealth Management as a Private Client Banker, working out of the Becker Building at 107 SW Jefferson Street in Peoria.

CSE Software is pleased to announce its corporate relocation and expansion to Peoria. Expanding to almost 20,000 feet in the Maxam building downtown, the new corporate office will house the management team, multiple development teams, service desk support and accounting; as well as sister company Simformotion’s sales and marketing teams; and a simulator showroom.

CWTC, Community Workshop and Training Center, Inc., is proud to announce that Rick Stephenson has been named Communications/PR Coordinator.

Jessica Kober is the new Executive Director at Family House, Inc.

Heart Technologies, Inc. welcomes Jill Lochbaum as an Account Manager.

Hospice Compassus is pleased to welcome Erin Miller as the new Volunteer Coordinator for Peoria and Galesburg service area.

Mangieri Companies, Inc. welcomes several new employees: Charlie Miller – Project Manager, Tom Grimm – Project Manager, Pete Perez – Project Manager, Niki Holland – Office Manager, Ron Stake – Associate Project Engineer, and Mike Couri – Project Manager/Estimator.

McGladrey & Pullen, LLP was recently accepted as an exclusive Microsoft Cloud Accelerate Partner – a status held by fewer than one percent of Microsoft partners around the world.

McGladrey & Pullen, LLP recently announced the promotion of Courtney Hampton to senior associate and Erin McKenzie

to assurance senior associate.

Midwest Engineering Associates, Inc. is excited to announce the addition of Philip J. Lane, S.E., P.E.

Princeville State Bank is pleased to welcome Amy Thornton as Mortgage Loan Processor servicing clients in both the Peoria and Princeville locations.

Royal Oaks and Four Seasons Mobile Home Estates is pleased to announce the promotion of Amy Ford to Assistant Property Manager and welcomes and announces the addition of DJ Aronhalt as the Sales Manager.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare thanks Sandi Lehman for her continued service as she celebrates her 5th anniversary with the company.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare is celebrating its 10th anniversary in business.

Advocates for Access is proud to report that Executive Director, Melody Reynolds, has been appointed to the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

Bard Optical is pleased to announce that the Grand Prairie

office celebrates 6 years of providing Vision Care Excellence in the Peoria area.

David Vaughan Investments would like to congratulate Deanna Baele for successfully achieving her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Easter Seals announces 2012 award recipients recognized for their advocacy to advance the Easter Seals mission: The Chairman’s Award – Mark Scott; The Easter Seals Advocacy Award – Senator Dale Risinger and Senator Dave Koehler; The Easter Seals Distinguished Service Award – Dr. Reid H. Hansen.

Getz Fire Equipment has received the honor of being named an ANSUL Triple Diamond Alliance Partner.

Illinois American Water is pleased to announce that the company has been selected by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to receive the 2011 Communications Achievement Award for the company’s outreach regarding proper pharmaceutical disposal.

Jennifer Hamm, a realtor with Keller Williams Premier Realty, was honored with the coveted Rookie of the Year award at the Peoria Area Association of Realtors awards

banquet.

Medi Weightloss Clinic patients have surpassed the 3000 lbs lost mark since their opening in September 2011.

Midstate College congratulates all the students who achieved the Dean’s List for Winter Quarter.

Douglas Shannon, a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual and Waite Financial Group, recently was awarded 2nd Place in the Bronze Award by Northwestern Mutual Life.

Josh Waite and Sunil Oberoi were honored to present a grant in the amount of $12,000 to the local Easter Seals organization from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation to help fund a new Autism program in the Peoria area.

John Dill, a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, recently was qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) “Court of the Table”.

Sunil Oberoi, a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual and Waite Financial Group, recently was qualified for the Lives Leaders Summit by Northwestern Mutual Life.

business moves

The Business Briefs are an excellent marketing opportunity offered to Chamber members. Submit items of interest to Megan King at mking@chamber.h-p.org. Information must be received by the 10th of the month

awards and recognition

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The Chamber Report (USPS-097-250) is the official publication of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. It is published monthly at 100 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, phone: 309.676.0755. An annual subscription is $10. Periodical postage paid in Peoria, Illinois 61601 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER - Send address changes to: The Chamber Report, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 SW Water Street, Peoria, Illinois 61602.

OSF Healthcare System is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a $290,000 grant by PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation. The grant will help fund three programs: the pediatric school program at Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria; the new Birthing Center at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington; and the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center (JTSEC), a collaborative effort between OSF HealthCare and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP) currently under construction.

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is pleased to announce the most recent winners of the DAISY Award – The November DAISY Award was present to Morgan Harris from Roanoke. The December DAISY Award was presented to Mary Pence from Galesburg. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center was recently awarded $291,387 from the Saint Francis Auxiliary-Service Guild.

Quest Charter Academy has received a $2,600 grant from Rotary International Foundation and the Downtown Rotary Club of Peoria to purchase the research-based Study Island software. The program helps students stay on track and gain confidence when taking and passing the ISAT and PSAE.

Quest Charter Academy earned 5th place overall in the Junior schools division

of the Concept Schools’ 9th Annual Science and Engineering Fair at Cleveland State University. The nineteen students who represented Quest Charter Academy at CONSEF received outstanding results: 1 Best in Show Award (chemistry category), 11 gold medals, 2 silver medals, 3 bronze medals and 2 honorable mention. Student Imani Johnson was one of the top 10 finalists in the design contest. Rotary Club of Peoria-North Rotarian Ron Riggins received the prestigious Ed Peterka Leader Bell Award for Service and Leadership.

With only 3 agencies in the state of Illinois qualifying, Traders Insurance Agency was recently awarded Pinnacle Agency status by Columbia Insurance Group for the 3rd consecutive year.

Dr. Sara Rusch, Regional Dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP), received the 2011 University of Illinois at Chicago Woman of the Year award by the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women.

The Boy Scouts of America, W.D. Boyce Council honored nine outstanding volunteers with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award: Donald Ackerman, Paula Cirone, Paul Ernst, Roberta Hudson, Lonny Johnson, Rita Kress, Denny Lane, Lee Poor, and Todd Volker. The Silver Beaver award is the highest award given to volunteers

who demonstrated Scouting service and gave back to their local communities.

The W.D. Boyce Council congratulates the Peoria Fire Department and Woodford County Sheriff’s Office for receiving the William H. Spurgeon III Award for an Organization for contributing significant leadership to the Exploring program.

The W. D. Boyce Council recognized Marvin Roderick, Peoria Fire Department and Kenneth Ober, Peoria Park District Police with the William H. Spurgeon III Award for an Individual for outstanding leadership in the Exploring program.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare has acquired two new health care contracts for county jails in Kentucky and Missouri.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare is exhibiting at the Illinois Chief Deputy/Jail Administrators Conference, the Nebraska’s Corrections Exposition, and the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association’s Training.

Advanced Correctional Healthcare is providing the training at the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association’s Jail Medical Seminar in Indianapolis. The seminar is produced in partnership with the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association.

Advocates for Access is currently recruiting new board members and will be holding info meetings on April 9 and 11 at 5:30.

Altrusa International of Peoria is pleased to announce that they have donated $150 to purchase books for 10 students in District 150 through the “Look, it’s my book” program and volunteer to help distribute books at the schools.

The Easter Seals Telethon set all-time record to support programs and services for people with disabilities in Central Illinois. The Telethon went off the air with more than $2,382,243 in pledges and donations.

Family House, Inc. is pleased to announce Nikki Garcia, Karen Kendall, Rhonda Litwiller and Leslie Williams-Seiler have joined Family House, Inc.’s Board of Directors.

First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. had a successful 2011 with growth in earnings, earnings per share, dividends, capital and reserves, and reduced levels of non-performing assets and past due loans. Net income for 2011 amounted to $11,372,000 and diluted earnings per share increased to $1.29 per share in 2011.

Goodwill of Central Illinois accepts electronics for free recycling. Electronics can be dropped off at any of Goodwill’s nine stores or four donation centers.

Heart Technologies, Inc. is again giving away $10,000 grant to a local non-profit organization. Vote today at www.thegreatheartgive.com. Voting ends on May 4th. The planned integration of Ottawa Regional Hospital & Healthcare Center into OSF HealthCare System continues to progress after Corporate Members in Ottawa unanimously approved going forward with the proposed arrangement. The affirmative vote was one of two final approvals needed for the integration to be completed.

Dr. James De Salvio, Corporate Medical Director for Caterpillar, Inc., and James Hefti, Vice President of Human Resources for Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS) have been appointed to the Quality Quest for Health of Illinois Board of Directors.

news

Business Briefs continued...

PPG AD

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Contact us! Please notify the Chamber at 309.676.0755 or

editor@chamber.h-p.org of name and

A Century of Success

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