1. art and entertainment
2. shows and events
3. classical concert

Spring 2015
morrisonchamber.com
Chamber Connection
MORRISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A newsletter highlighting member milestones, achievements, photos and articles
contents
Morrison
Chamber
of Commerce
pg.2
pg.5
pg.6
Everyone Joins the Chamber for a
Different Reason…What’s the Benefit?
Come to our first Lunch & Learn and find out
how to use your chamber membership to
promote your business!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
pg.8
Morrison Chamber of Commerce
221 W. Main Street
Morrison, IL 61270
815-772-3757
[email protected]
We’re Making
Things Happen!
Odell Public Library
Community Room
RSVPs to (815) 772-3757 or via email to
[email protected]
appreciated, but not required.
Please bring your own lunch.
pg.1
morrisonchamber.com
Chamber Update
from the Morrison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
As I write this article for the newsletter the sun is shining and it’s finally getting
warm! I am nearly finished with six months here in Morrison and cannot believe
what we have accomplished thus far.
To date the Chamber Board of Directors has implemented some new policies,
created committees and even developed a new member affinity program.
Details for our committees and our new Member 2 Member program are included in this newsletter
and are great ways to get involved.
We are very excited that we are beginning a lunch and learn series for members. These workshops
will take place quarterly over the lunch hour and will be on various topics that will benefit you. Our
first one will focus on how to utilize your Chamber membership and make it work for you! Please
RSVP to the Chamber and bring a friend with you. If you know someone that is interested in joining
the Chamber, or if you think they should consider membership, please extend an invitation to them
as well. A portion of this seminar will be dedicated to networking and sharing ideas for promoting
business, so don’t miss your chance to sign up!
I am fortunate to be able to work for your wonderful organization and this community. Rebecca
and I are excited to hear from members. Please email us your suggestions for seminars, new events,
fundraisers, etc… The first ten people that email us your ideas will be entered for a special drawing!
I look forward to hearing your ideas and can’t wait to announce if we can implement one or even
all of them!
This is only the beginning, and the possibilities for what we can do at the Chamber and with local
economic development are exciting! We hope with each newsletter we can continue to bring you
information on new events, ideas and membership tips (which will be featured in this space next
time).
Enjoy the warm weather!
Kim
SAVE THE DATES!
Harvest Hammer - September 19
Paint the Town - September 19
Halloween Parade - October 31
Christmas Walk/Parade - December 5
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Chamber Connection - Spring 2015
Come support the community’s
most innovative youth at the
CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial
Opportunities) Trade Show!
Thirteen area high school juniors
and seniors will be displaying
their very own businesses at the
Northland Mall in Sterling on
May 6. Be sure to stop by
Morrison’s own CEO
Entrepreneur...Ashley Stralow!
We would like to say THANK YOU to all of our current supporters,
especially these new and renewing members!
——— New Members ———
Fulton Chamber of Commerce
L K Design Source
One-Stop Marketing
Pinney Printing
Prairie Ridge Golf Course
Prairie Advocate
St. Mary's Catholic Church
——— Renewing Members ———
1st Gateway Credit Union
American Piping Group, Inc./
Vegter Steel Fabrication
Angie VanderVinne Agency/
Farmers Insurance
Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church
Bogott Plumbing Inc./BPI Pool Supply
Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
Business Employment Skills Team, Inc.
Carillon Communications
Casey's General Store
Children's Art Preservation Association
(CAPA)
Community State Bank
Country Financial
Co-Z Corner Convenience Store
Cross Creek Golf Course
D & K Geothermal
DQ Grill and Chill
Emmanuel Reformed Church
Everett & Nancy Pannier
Farmers National Bank
Jo-Carroll Energy
John Prange
John Tomasino Jr. D.D.S., P.C.
Kophamer & Blean Realty
More Insurance Agency
Moring Disposal, Inc.
Morrison Christian Reformed Church
Morrison Community Day Care Center
Morrison Farmers' Market
Morrison Historical Society
Morrison Lions Foundation, NFP
Morrison Rockwood Restaurant and
Marina
Morrison Rotary Club
Morrison United Methodist Church
Morrison Veterinary Clinic
Nelson, Kilgus, Richey, &
Buckwalter-Schurman
Northwestern Illinois Center for
Independent Living
Parkview Motel
Resthave Nursing & Retirement Home
Schuler Motors, Inc.
Shawver Press/Whiteside News Sentinel
Sterling Federal Bank
Sullivan's Foods
Tegeler's Amish Furniture
thecity1.com
TLC Country Store - Timber Lane
Christmas Tree Farm
Triumph Community Bank
United Way of Whiteside County
Ward, Murray, Pace, & Johnson, P.C.
White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian
Center (WHOA)
Wiersema Charter Service, Inc.
Yoga with Martina
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morrisonchamber.com
Introducing M2M Benefits!
The Morrison Chamber of Commerce is announcing
a new program to encourage the support of
Chamber Members.
Our new Member to Member Benefits, or M2M
Benefits discount program will allow Morrison
Chamber Members to offer discounts to other
Morrison Chamber members and their employees.
The program is designed to work as an incentive to
keep dollars spent locally and to entice people to
purchase from and recognize our Chamber Partners.
It is an additional benefit to you and your employees.
Each member has the option to participate. Participants may offer a one-time discount,
discount per product or service, or promotion they may have. Promotions may be changed
or cancelled on a monthly basis. Examples are below:





Jo’s Coffee House: 50 cent discount on cup of
coffee
Larry’s Automotive: 5% discount on full service
oil change
Your Bank: Free month of online banking with
new account
Frank’s Restaurant: Free pop with purchase of
entrée
Bob’s Heating and Electric: $50 off yearly
maintenance plan.
In order to redeem the discount, members and their
employees will have to state at the time of purchase that
they are either a Morrison Chamber member, or an
employee of a Morrison Chamber Member. Businesses may
ask the Chamber for a current list of members to verify
membership discount.
Registering for
M2M Benefits
is EASY!
Inserted in this
newsletter is a
registration form.
Complete the form
before May 20 and
email to the Chamber
at morrisonchamber@
morrisonil.org.
Each month a dedicated section of the newsletter will list the latest M2M additions and
changes. A summary of all participants will be listed on the Chamber’s website at
www.morrisonchamber.com.
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/morrisonchamberofcommerce
Tell your co-workers and friends to do the same!
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Chamber Connection - Spring 2015
Because Nice Matters!
The Morrison Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize
individuals or businesses in our community that provide
exceptional customer service - not because nice is easy,
but Because Nice Matters!
January 2015
Ellen Callihan,
HVP Vending LLC, Morrison
Ellen was nominated for being helpful, kind and compassionate
for a customer during a stressful move; and accommodating
the needs of each and every customer.
Ellen Callihan
February 2015
Jim and Jeff Workman, former and current owners, respectively
Workman Heating & Cooling, Inc., Morrison
Jim and Jeff were nominated for going above and beyond
helping someone in need.
March 2015
Beth Ronnaw, Sales and Service Associate
U.S. Postal Service, Morrison
Ronnaw joined the Postal Service in October 1992 and worked
in Erie, IL. She was transferred to the Morrison office in April 2012.
Ronnaw was nominated for her friendliness and her ability to go
the extra step to help customers.
Jim and Jeff Workman
April 2015
Ed Karvelius, owner
D & K Geothermal, Morrison
Ed was nominated for “going above and beyond helping
someone in need,” not because nice is easy, but because
nice matters.
Beth Ronnaw
Congratulations to all of our award recipients!
Have You Received Exceptional Customer Service?
If you’ve received exceptional customer service from a business in
Morrison, contact the Morrison Chamber of Commerce and tell us about
your experience. Please be specific with the circumstances that occurred
that are the reason for the nomination. Also, include the name of the
nominee, name and address of the business, and your name and phone
number. The business does not have to be a Morrison Chamber
member, preference will be given to Chamber members.
Ed Karvelius
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morrisonchamber.com
Update from Springfield
Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Jim Schultz, originally from
Effingham, as Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity. Schultz’s experience in agribusiness and as a
banking entrepreneur gives him the breadth of knowledge to
develop and support businesses across the State of Illinois. He will
bring 30 years of experience to the position.
Schultz is currently the chairman of Open Prairie Ventures, Inc., a company he founded in 1997.
Open Prairie provides private equity services and manages more than $135 million in fund
commitments.
Prior to founding Open Prairie Ventures, Schultz was the chairman and CEO of Telemind Capital
Corporation. The company provides merger and acquisition guidance, and financial consulting
services to businesses. Schultz assisted clients in a number of industries, including: software
development, banking, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and entertainment.
Schultz earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University
in 1980. He holds a law degree from DePaul University and an MBA from Northwestern University.
For more information on Director Schultz and his initiatives please visit www.illinois.gov/dceo.
Chamber Members in the News
Joe Mills (right) presents a check to
Peter Becerra, Morrison Community
Hospital Rehabilitation Director,
on behalf of the Morrison Area
Community Foundation. This money
will be used to purchase a new
cardio treadmill in preparation
for expansion into a new
Cardiac Rehab department.
If you have news to share about your business, please email [email protected]
and/or include us in your press release distribution.
pg. 6
Chamber Connection - Spring 2015
Items for Welcome Bags Needed!
One of the special benefits for Morrison Chamber of Commerce members is
our Welcome Bag Program! Members have the opportunity to add their
marketing materials to our bags FREE of charge! The Welcome Bags are
prepared and then handed to each new family that moves into Morrison or
signs up for water service. This is a great way to reach new members of the
community!
We invite ALL Chamber members
to bring 25 promotional items
to our office by May 15
to be inserted into our next
batch of Welcome Bags.
If we run out, we will contact you
for more items. Thank you!
MORRISON, ILLINOIS
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP & RECYCLING DAY
Saturday, June 6, 2015
8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
West Route 30 ~ Behind KAS eRecycling
NO EARLY DROP OFFS
For more information, call (815) 772-3757
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morrisonchamber.com
Ribbon Cutting
The Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting for White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian
Center (WHOA) on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at the Whiteside County Fair grounds, Morrison, IL. The ribbon
cutting celebrated the return to the former location of this organization's therapeutic riding services.
Member Spotlight
White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center
(WHOA)
WHOA began two decades ago, born of the desire to replicate the success Kay and Larry Richmond
saw in their dyslexic son, after his experiences at a therapeutic riding center. In 1995, the Richmonds
moved back to Morrison, and Kay implemented her dream of a similar riding experience, for those
age four through adult. The site was the Richmond home.
WHOA Marketing Director Kendra Kophamer stated, "Our greatest need is helping assist financially with
scholarships for class time. It costs $30 per class and $180 for a six-week season. A full scholarship for an
entire 20 week season is $600. In addition, we always need volunteers. You must be 14 and older to
work with the animals. Other ongoing tasks include cleaning stalls and fundraising.”
On Saturday, June 20, there will be an Open Horse Show fundraiser at the Fairgrounds, to benefit
WHOA. Over 85% of WHOA's participants require financial assistance. Public support will help provide
student scholarships, enhancement activities, educational materials, lesson participation, and special
equipment.
White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a not-for-profit organization, established in 1995 for the
purpose of providing recreational, educational, therapeutic, and social opportunities for persons with
disabilities. For more information or to make a donation go to rideatwhoa.org.
pg. 8
Chamber Connection - Spring 2015
Message from IL Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO, Todd Maisch
Congress Must Act on TPA Now
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is a strong proponent of international trade. Illinois home to
businesses of all sizes that compete on the global level and as a result, we benefit from the influx of
business that passes through our state. However, there are threats to this important component of
our economy.
In mid-April legislation was introduced in both chambers of the U.S. Congress that would allow
President Obama to use Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). This would allow the president to
negotiate free trade agreements (FTAs) with other countries and then submit these agreements to
Congress for an up or down vote. Congress would still have input by setting objectives and requiring
the president to consult with them during negotiations while providing the necessary space to come
to an agreement.
This ability is not new. Every sitting U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has had TPA and
President Obama should be no exception. Without TPA, American companies are at a competitive
disadvantage as competing countries have similar authority. As a result, it is more difficult to enter
into free trade agreements and sell American goods and services to 95% of the world’s population
that lives beyond our borders.
FTAs ensure that U.S. exports do not encounter as many barriers or face extremely high tariffs. FTAs
allow U.S. companies to compete in the global market and our success rate shows it. America’s FTA
partners buy nearly half of our exports despite accounting for only 10 percent of the global
economy. As a result of trade with these 20 FTA partners, new jobs have been created right here in
Illinois.
In 2013, Illinois exports totaled over $95 billion and directly supported more than 156,000 jobs from a
variety of fields from manufacturing to agriculture. Nationwide, one out of every three
manufacturing jobs depends on exports while more than 97 percent of the companies that export
their products are small- and medium-sized businesses.
Allowing TPA is essential for Illinois and the U.S. to grow our exports abroad. Currently there are two
trade deals under negotiation: the Trans-Pacific Partnership pact and the Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership. Without TPA, completion of both of these agreements is impossible and U.S.
goods will continue to face significant challenges when competing on the global market.
While divisions within Congress remain, we are continuing to work with allies across the country to
ensure that the president is granted TPA authority and that the introduced legislation is signed into
law as soon as possible.
For more information about TPA and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, please visit
www.ilchamber.org
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morrisonchamber.com
Chamber of Commerce
2015 Board of Directors
Scott Stocker, President
Security Plus Wireless US Cellular
Angie VanderVinne, Vice President
Angie VanderVinne Agency
Farmers Insurance
Barry Dykhuizen
City of Morrison
Join a Chamber Committee
Are you ready to get more involved in the Morrison
Chamber of Commerce, but just aren’t sure how?
We would love to help! The Chamber now offers various
committees for our members to serve on. Working with a
committee is a great way to network and meet people, be involved in an
issue that interests you, and learn and practice leadership skills. Our new
committees include: Annual Dinner, Christmas Walk, Fundraising, Halloween
Parade, Membership, New Events, Girls Night Out and Recycling Event.
If you are interested in helping, please contact the
Chamber office for more information!
Jean Eggemeyer
Carillon Communications
Calendar of Events
Pam Pfister
Morrison Community Hospital
Brandi Renkes
Wells Fargo Bank, NA
Joe Robbins
MCUSD #6
MAY
7
11:30 p.m.
Lunch & Learn at Odell Public Library
7
1:30 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting at Treasures of The Blue Iris
11
12 p.m.
Fundraising Committee
Katie Coates Selburg
Friend of the Chamber
18
9:10 a.m.
Chamber Exec on WSDR 1240 AM
Heather Toppert
More Insurance Agency
20
4 p.m.
Cash Mob (meet at Chamber office)
21
8:30 a.m.
Executive Committee
Stephanie Vavra
thecity1.com
23
8-11 a.m.
Morrison Farmers’ Market Opens
Dana Verdick
Community State Bank
28
Jan Roggy
State Farm Insurance
We’re Making
Things Happen!
25
Memorial Day (Chamber Office closed)
12 noon
JUNE
6
8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
12-13
Morrison Chamber of Commerce
221 W. Main Street
P.O. Box 8
Morrison, IL 61270
Phone/Fax: (815) 772-3757
[email protected]
www.morrisonchamber.com
pg. 10
Chamber Board Meeting
Clean Up and Recycling Event
Citywide Garage Sales
15
9:10 a.m.
Chamber Exec on WSDR 1240 AM
18
8:30 a.m.
Executive Committee
25
12 noon
Chamber Board Meeting
See the full listing of events on the Chamber
website: http://morrisonchamber.com/calendar.
Send us your events at [email protected]