September 2010

Chamber NewsA QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER DECATUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Decatur Leadership Institute is goingback to the future with a Rewind to 1985theme for its 26th annual class, which beginsSept. 10.

DLI began in 1985 as a Chamber initiativeunder former Metro Decatur Chamber ofCommerce President Rick Lutovsky. Theintent was to provide a ready pool ofcommunity leaders to serve on nonprofitboards, civic committees, and as candidatesfor elected office.

Greater Decatur Chamber of Commercemembers and DLI graduates CarlaBrinkoetter, Julie Moore, Gretchen Murphyand Mirinda Rothrock are working withChamber staff to restructure the current DLIprogram, taking it back to its original "100-percent community-focused" concept.

The 26th DLI class will take place over ashorter 12-week schedule and will kick offwith the popular "trust course" bondingexperience at Rock Springs Nature Center.Other sessions will give DLI participants aninside view of industries and issues thatshape our region, including agriculture,manufacturing, and public safety —featuring a trip to a local farm, a factorytour, and police ride-alongs. The statelegislature day in Springfield, a staple of theDLI program, will be retained, as will theservice-learning project component.

Service learning is an integral part of theDLI experience. Participants work in teamson projects to make the community a betterplace to live and work. One of the first DLIservice projects was an idea to restore theLincoln Square Theater. Today, the theater isoperational and a valued communityresource. Other early projects includedlandscaping the county building, signagefor the city of Decatur, downtownChristmas lighting, and the Reach for theFuture community image campaign.

Proposed categories for service learningprojects for the incoming DLI class includecommunity image, government, leadershipand education. Projects will be needs-basedand address tangible community problemswith a goal toward actual implementation,rather than conceptualized solutions.

The price for DLI participants will windback significantly for the new program –dropping from $1,200 to $485 for this year’s

September throughDecember course. Theformer classroom-basedprogram requiredparticipants to completehomework. Other thancontributing to theirservice-learning project,participants will learnabout community andmunicipal services,instructed by key leaders —without the homework.

Civic leadership programs

Decatur is not alone inrecognizing the value ofcivic leadership programssuch as DLI. Philadelphiadeveloped Leadership, Inc.in 1959, which is believed tobe the first communityleadership program in thecountry. However, Leadership Atlanta,founded in 1969, claims to have the longestsustained leadership program in the nation.The Georgia program grew out of aleadership vacuum following a tragic 1962plane crash that claimed the lives of over100 of Atlanta’s most outstanding civicleaders.

In 2003, Entrepreneur.com reported therewere over 700 civic leadership programsoperating across the United States. Theseprograms share the common goals oftraining and inspiring current and futureleaders to serve their communities asproblem-solvers for civic-related issues andin volunteer roles such as members ofnonprofit boards and appointees togovernmental commissions.

Leadership programs often mix classroomteaching with hands-on learning activities tofoster the skills and knowledge needed forindividuals to lead the community. Theseprograms place focus on creating anunderstanding of the community’sdynamics, such as the demographics,events, and organizational structures thatshape the community.

Entrepreneur reports that studies haveindicated, "Communities with strong civic

engagement and strong local leadershiptend to have lower crime rates, betterschools, and more effective governmentinstitutions."

DLI’s community contribution

Dan Brintlinger, co-owner of Brintlingerand Earl Funeral Homes, was in DLI’s firstclass in 1985. Since Brintlinger had workedfor 15 years in his family’s well-establishedbusiness, he was already quite familiar withthe community. However, he says DLIopened his eyes even more. He got involvedwith the Clean Community System andSalvation Army as a direct result of his DLIexperience.

Employers also benefit from sending theiremployees through DLI. Corky Nicholson,president of Hickory Point Bank and Trustand a member of DLI’s original formationcommittee, notes, "As an employer, I havealways strongly supported DLI. I havewatched (participants) become moreinvolved in the civic fabric of Decatur due tothe community exposure they gainedthrough DLI."

One prime example of Nicholson’sobservation is Debbie Seitz, vice president ofmarketing at Hickory Point Bank. Seitz, a

1990 DLI graduate, has since served on theboards of Decatur Sister Cities, DowntownDecatur Council, Easter Seals, JuniorAchievement, Macon Resources, March ofDimes, Project Success, and the Rotary Club,as well as serving on numerous committeesfor local nonprofit organizations.

Seitz was is active in the DLI AlumniAssociation, serving as president in 1997and honored as Outstanding Alumni in1998. She continues to be one of DLI’sbiggest fans, stating, "I’m excited every yearwhen I see it’s time for another group ofpeople to experience DLI. Our communityis only as strong as those who are leadingit!"

DLI’s future

The original vision of the DLI steeringcommittee has been fulfilled. If you lookaround Decatur, you will see many DLIgraduates in leadership positionsthroughout the community. However, theneed for leaders is continuous. Applicationsfor the Decatur Leadership Institute’s 26thannual class are being accepted.

For more information on DLI, visitwww.decaturchamber.com/decatur-leadership-institute/ or call the Chamber

DLI Rewinds to 1985

Business Journal

September 2010

Acciavatti, DebbieAcciavatti, TonyAchason, TondaAdams, Ada M.Akerlund Adell, Karen J.Akers, Thomas W.Al-Amin, RamonAllen, CurtisAllen, RichardAlpi, Sharon T.Althoff, George T.Anderson, LawerenceAnderson, RichardAnderson, William W.Andrews, JerryAndriesen, Timothy J.Andrieson, MarilynAnselmo, SallyApplebee, JillAshby, Cathy L.Ashby, Keith L.Aspy, RobertAupperle, RyanAustin, Ronald C.Avis, Joan A. (Rolf)Bachman, GaryBacuita, KellyBainbridge, Steven G.Baird, JanetBaker, Seth Balamos Ganley,Katherine E. Ballinger, Carol A.Bammel, PaulBandy, DebbieBanse, WhitneyBarber, Donn W.Barr, Jack R.Barrie, SandraBarsema, LeslieBaskerville, TammyBauer, Gerard J.Bauer, Phillip R.Bean, RichardBeatty, Sharon L.Beavers, MattBeck, MattBehrends, Gail M.Bellmio, PeterBenda, John R.Benjamin, KarenBennett, JenniferBetzer-Grady, KarinBeube, BrianBiedler, JohnBjorkman, Karen

Blakey, BarbaraBland, DonnaBland, Roberta Blickensderfer, LauraBlount, Betty LouBoersma, Cynthia M.Bogle, DeborahBohn, JillBolen, BentleyBond, CoreyBonnett, JefferyBorders, Donna A.Borders, RichardBostick, LarryBouc, Gary L.Bowers, PhoebeBowman, SandraBrace, Brian K.Bragg, DaneBrewer, KevinBrey, TomBrinkoetter, Carla J.Brinkoetter, TomBrintlinger, Dan H.Brintlinger, KirkBrisson, GeorgeBrooks, Dr. Randy M.Brooks, JeriBrown, Britt A.Brown, Jr, JamesBrown, KarenBrown, RonaldBrown, WillardBrownlow, KarlaBrunner, Jon L.Brunson, AnnBuckler, RichardBuckley, KevinBullock, LoriBurgener, DavidBurns, MaryBurse, Carla J.Bushey, ScottButler, CarolynButtz, Barry AllenCaldwell, SteveCallahan, KeithCalvin, CynthiaCampbell, ElizabethCampbell, FranCampbell, JennaCampbell, KevinCampbell, P. BruceCampbell-Hein, LisaCampillo, Fred GroverCapati, WilliamCardinal, EllieCardwell, John S.Carlton, Sylvia

Carroll, LeahCarter, KathyCassell, MikeCausey, JulieCave, AndyChambliss, E. AnnChapman, Larry E.Chiligiris, CarolClark, David A.Clark, RosemaryClevenger, Candace V.Clevenger, William l.Cobb, LisaCocagne, Denise M.Colbeck, EllenColee, Dale E.Colee, Rita L.Collins,II, WilliamsCombes, PaulCondon, CarolConnolly, Jean J.Cook, Jr, Harry M.Cooper, Nancy A.Cordts, Rick D.Cordulack, JohnCortright, RuthCoulter, CathyCox, JodyCrooks, PeterCrookshank, GailCrossley, Kenneth V.Crotty, HollyCrouch, JeremyCruz, WandaCulton, RyanCumbo, AdamCunningham, TeresaDalluge, MichelleDanbury, JuliaDaum, JohnDavis, AnneDavis, Don A.Davis, MarilynDavison, DennisDeadrick, Cynthia AnnDeadrick, TimothyDel Signore, MichaelDelanois, PaulaDelatte, Daniel E.Demirjian, KaraDemirjian, RichardDeVore, LeslieDexter, Herbert J. “Jay”Diggs, MichealDixon, Joyce E.Dobbins, Gail D. Dolly, KendallDombroski, MarkDonegan, Daniel T.

Donley, LoriDoolin, JosephDoran, J. BradDowning, GeraldDoxie, John R.Drain, MatthewDrayton, John R.Dressen, EdwardDriver, RussellDrobisch, Suzanne M.Dudley, SusanDudley, TimothyDuffy, PhillipDuncan, NoraDurnil, MaryEarl, RandyEastman, Jr, William G.Eberhard, JefferyEichenauer, JustinEkstrom, KathyEldridge, EileenEnder, Dr. KennethEndsley, J. PaigeEngland, Ronda LeeEngland, Thomas R.Enz, Todd A.Evans, JadonFarney, DouglasFaulkner, Dave Feller, BrandonFenton, DennisFenton, KarenFerguson, HelenFichter, Jacqueline Fischer, JohnFishel Jr., David D.Fisher, Lee AnnFitch, PennyFlanigan, JamesFleming, CathyFleming, MarshaFlick, EricFlider, JeanFlider, KyleeFlock, Bernard J.Flora, JohnFlorian, GregFouse, KimberlyFrank, VickieFransen, RandalFrazee, DanielFritz, CarlaFritz, CarolFritzsche, KevinFuentes, DanielFunk, ChristopherFunk, John R.Funk, John W.Garretson, Rachel

Garrett, Frank B., IIIGarrett, KenGarwood, ScottGauble, Lance E.Gifford, DavidGiger, TysonGillen, LisaGillespie, TimGilmore, Willie L.Ginos, Willian N.Gira, TimGoodman, DougGoodwin, C. KevinGoveia, JenniferGower, JamieGramley, DeannaGreanias, StephanieGreen, H. A. “Andy”Greene, RodGreenwell, DavidGregory, DebraGrohne, ValerieGrossman, MichaelGschwend, RichardGulledge, Micheal R.Gutteridge, CindyGuy, Laura A.Hackel, Barbara A.Haezebroeck, KevinHair, Brian T.Hale, ClarkHaley, JeffHammel, TeriHandley, Marjorie J.Hanks, SusanHardin, Terry L.Harp, H. David, Jr.Harrison, ChrisHarrison, LindaHaru, TerryHaun, MarcellaHause, GinnyHavis, JosephHawbaker, ScottHawkins, Elizabeth JaneHawkins, JeffHawthorne, Dennis E.Hayes, JoshHazenfield, KellyHead, SusanHeckman, JohnHendley, Robin L.Hendren, Jean C.Hendricks, TylerHensley, Larry A.Herring, Maulin ChrisHickey, TimothyHill, BettyeHill, Merlean J.

Hill, TimHillibaugh, Bruce J.Hoban, PatrickHodges, KathyHodges-Graham, PamelaHogan, KellyHolemann-Shipp, DebbieHomann, DanHornickle, Carol SueHorve, Steven K.Hotchkiss, AnthonyHubert, JohnHughes, Rita A. (Schwake)Hughes, Roger D.Hunt Bandy, SuzanneHunt, Jefferson L.Hunt, John W. Hunt, LaurenHunt, MikaelaHunt, TeresaImhoff, RickIrons, ShirleyIrwin, KellyJackson, Bradley M.Jackson, CarrieJacob, BarryJacobs, Lou AnnJames, BrianJarrett, Sr., TyroneJefferson, CoreyJelks, Ora LeeJenkins, DebraJensen, CarolynJensen, DianaJerger, Rita M.Jerger, Tracey A.Johnson, Jane E.Johnson, R. G “Jerry”Johnson, Rolanda E.Johnston, BillJohnston, Jeffery C.Johnston, MikeJones, Jerry D.Jones, Laura Joy, RachelJustice, Kim S.Karch, ChrisKehart, Linda K.Kelley, JefferyKent, Jr., Charlie T.Kernan, WendyKerns, Joseph S.Kidd, Louise E.Kiefer, JimKillion, AllanKim, KiKing, EugeneKing, MikeKing-Nobles, Pastor Kent

Kirby, ShannonKirby, Janice E.Kirk, AlanaKlemm, MarieKlepitsch, David G.Klink, ShellieKnaebe, DianaKnerr, DebbieKonich, Jr, LeonardKramer, Norma A.Kramer, RyanKrasicki, RobertKrows, JanetLackie, WayneLake, Steven D.Lambdin, MichaelLambert, Charles E.Lappi, Jr, Ronald M.Leach, ThomasLebo, EricLee, MaryLegee, ColleenLeurck, PaulLevi, George R. Lewis, Jerry M.Leyden, JennyLines, CharlesLingle, AnastasiaLippolt, DarinLittle, GarryLittle, LindaLock, RheemLohnes, Rebecca RaeLohrstorfer-Cox, TeresaLong, JeffLourash, BennyLowery, DavidLuecke, Roy A.Luttrell, Tracey AnneMabry, DorisMacken, TimothyMalone, Sharon M.Mann, KenMansur, CathyManugian, Richard L.Marcinkowski, Jr., EugeneMargenthaler, MartyMarques, MelindaMarshall, Debra SueMarshall, Gloria JeanMartin, Daniel K.Martin, LeroyMason, ChristinaMason, J. BradleyMason, Judith A.Matiya, Mary E.Matthews, DanMatusiak Jr., Louis W.Maxey, Bruce

McCarrick, Anthony L.McClellan, KellyMcCormack, KarenMcCoskey, DuaneMcDaniel, MickeyMcElroy, BarbaraMcEvers, DebbieMcFarland, Stephen A.McGee, DeborahMcGuire, Daniel J.McKee, ErinMcKinney, Camilla A.McKneight, LauraMcLaughlin, ElissaMcMillin, KarlaMcNabb, Bruce A.McReynolds, SandraMeadows, CathyMehmen, DavidMikell, G. LeeMikeworth, Bryan K.Miller, AndrewMiller, RyanMills, SteveMittelberg, Kent N.Molloy, James E.Moore, BruceMoore, EmmyMoore, JulieMoore, MeganMoore, TeriMoorman, John A. Mooth, RochelleMorgan, DeeMoroney, CathyMorthland, LeeMounce, Charlene V.Muehlebach, MargieMumm, Micheal J.Murphy, Gretchen K.Murphy, MichaelMurton, RoseyMyers, PeggyMyers, Terry L.Myles, VictorNaber, MattNelson, Steven S.Nelson, GaryNewlin, JudyNewton, Teresa A.Nims, BruceNolan Stewart, Lousie F.Norman, Marsha J.Norman, Roger L.Norris, HankNorton, BrianO’Bryan, MichelleO’Connor, Mitchel D.Oakes, Julian D.

Oakes, William C.Oakley, JohnObert, BeverlyOberto, Norman V.Oldweiler, BethOleson, SusanOliver, StephenOlsen, ChrisOnyett, Kerry GeorgeOwens, Ada Pals, JasonPansch, RalfPatterson, Kent E.Patton, Virginia L.Payne, MartinPearson, Lora E.Peck, DavidPeck, SusiePerkins, Paul C.Perkins, SherriPerry, ScottPfitzer, AnthonyPhillips, ChrisPhillips, JohnPhillips, John R.Phillips, Marcia W.Pierce, BrianPodeschi, AmandaPoe, Candace Pointon, SandraPointon, ScottPotts, MaryPratt, JustinPriddy, Robert F.Prince, Randall DavidPutnam, MarkRagsdale, Dr. Roy L.Rainey, PamelaRapp, MelanieRathje, David W.Rathje, KellyRawlings, Glenda M.Ray, Michael D.Reed, GussieReimers, PamReinhart, DennisReising, JeffReynolds, DanReynolds, Robert D.Rhodes, AngelaRhodes, Don K. Rice, James L.Rich, AthenaRichardson, PattieRichars, AndrewRickey, LanceRiley, KirkRinggenberg, DennisRisby, Kyle

Risby, LeslieRitchie, EllenRobbins- Forbes, MariseRoberts, Gary K.Robinson, TerryRobinson, TimothyRoemer, JillRogers, StephanyRoginski, RobertRoney, Stephen D.Rose, BartRoss, RonaldRosser, Ralph V.Rothrock, MirindaRoyston, Norma J.Rueter, MelindaRueter, ScottRunyon, CraigRyan, Jeffery T.Ryan, Wallace E.Sadomytschenko, GeorganneSanderfield, LisaSanders, LisaSanner, Randall Santori, James P.Sauer, Virginia A.Sawyer, GarySchanefelt, KathySchmahl, JohnSchniederjan, DebbieSchollmeier, JoanSchroeder, James W.Schultz, Tracy A.Schwarz, James Z.Scott, Winfield P.Scoville, LynnScranton, Mark A.Seidl, James C.Seitz, Deborah K.Seppala, DavidSevier, Richard E.Sexton, MichaelShade IV, WilliamShade, JaneShade, Jeffrey L.Shade, Yvonne “Eve”Shaw, ShirleySheehy, LizSheets, ToddShelton, Christine L. Shephard, Cynthia L.Shepherd, StuartShort, Gordon B.Shuparra, VernaShupenus, SarahShuppara, James A.Sickbert, Gary L.Sieplinga, DarylSilotto, Brian

Sitton, Stanley L.Skaggs, SueSkinner, Paula SueSmiley, Jim W.Smiley, Susan A.Smith, BruceSmith, Bryant K.Smith, David J.Smith, Denean V.Smith, J. PaulSmith, KatherineSmith, LucySmith, Robert C. Smith, Robert W.Smith, ShelleySmith, Terry M.Smith, Thomas E.Smith-Phillips, PattieSmithson, Cathy Snyder, ArtSober, DebbieSommerfeldt, Daniel R.Sorensen, Mark W.Spayer, RogerSperry, FrancesSpires, WilliamSpycher, Ellen A.Stahl, MarkStallard, MarjorieStanzione, PaulStaudenmaier, RobertStauffer, Ruth G.Stead, Larae S.Steers, MichaelStephenson, RichardSterling, DawnStevenson, HelenStewart, R. JoanStewart, RebeccaStivers, ReneeStock, TimStrader, MichealStrohl, CindyStrong, RobertStrum, Anthony NicholasSturgill, LoriSullivan, DanSullivan, NancySullivan, TinaSwartz, BradSwinford, Troy D.Szumski, AngelaTaraszewski, WilliamTatham, Thomas J.Tatman, TomTaylor, Henry L.Taylor, JeffTaylor, JudyTaylor, TimTenarvitz, PaulTewell, David T.Thacker, RandyThomas, CindyThomas, HeatherThomas, Jack W.Thomas, Richard M.Thompson, DrewThompson, JeremyThompson, Mary KayThygesen, JudithTingle Shaw, MelindaTipsword, PatTruck, WilliamTrueblood, Julie

Tyrolt, DavidTyus, BillyTyus, JeromeTyus, LindaVan Orden, Louis Van Steenhuyse, Steve Van Tress, Jon R.Vandiver, SteveVest, SherylVirden, BonnieVlachos, NickVoss, KevinWakeland, MikeWalker Van Tress, MarybethWalker, JillWalker, MattWare, RobinWarfield, LarryWarfield, Walter H.Warnick, Peggy S.Warren, MildredWatkins, Betty A. G.Watkins, JenniferWeber, DavidWeber, JohnWeeks, RodWeidinger, CindyWeildlich, Jonathan A.Weis, DavidWeis, DebbieWeldy, Eric AugustusWene, Jr, Thomas R.Wenneker, Donald W.West, GregWest, RandallWestwater, MelindaWidenhofer, StephenWilcott, RobertWilde, David J.Wilkes, Beverly L.Wilkins, TonyWilliams, JacquelynWilliams, Patricia KayWilliams, ZeldaWilliamson, GlendaWilmeth, Denene Wilson, Kevin R.Wilson, RonWingard, KellyWinkleblack, Lee AnnWinter, DanWinter, TaraWolf, KathleenWolfer, Mark A.Womack, DavidWomeldorff, MichaelWood, SherylWoods, LorenaWorkman, Betty Workman, NicoleWortman, MichaelWulf, SylviaWylder, JohnYeakley, TimYotter, JohnYoung, ShannonYoung, StaceyYowell, EvelynYuhas, DawnYuhas, Robert J.Zarndt, SaraZeilman, MikeZemke, DouglasZindel-McWilliams, Teena

Decatur Leadership Institute

1985 Rewind

DLI ALUMNI 1985-2010

To say education is the backbone of acommunity is not an understatement.

Businesses look for communities that havean educated work force and an educationalsystem that can continuously provide workerswith up-to-date training. Developers eagerlybuild residential housing in good public schooldistricts. More businesses increase demand formore housing, which equals more tax dollars.And more tax dollars equal better infrastructureand better schools, which perpetuates the cycleof attracting and retaining business andresidential development to a community.

The importance of education to ourcommunity’s economic health is not lost on theGreater Decatur Chamber of Commerce. In fact,it is central to the Chamber’s mission statementto provide “…service, political advocacy, andleadership to strengthen education, communityimage, and local businesses.”

The Chamber takes a two-pronged approachtoward strengthening education by supportingexternal endeavors for the youngest and oldestresidents of our community and by providinginternal continuing educational opportunities toenrich the area’s business environment.

External educational endeavors

Recognizing the need for a concentrated,community-wide approach to improving thearea’s educational systems, in 2007 the GreaterDecatur Chamber teamed with the DecaturBoard of Education, the Economic Development

Corporation for Decatur and Macon County, theCommunity Foundation, the United Way andother stakeholders to create the Decatur AreaEducation Coalition.

The education coalition’s mission is to makeDecatur and Macon County one of the mosteducated regions in the state. To that end, thecoalition has set the following goals:

• Prepare every child for kindergartensuccess

• Ensure every student masters grade-levelwork

• Equip each high school student with theskills and resources needed to enroll in collegeor enter the work force upon graduation

To achieve these goals, the educationcoalition has divided into three teams whichfocus individually on kindergarten readiness,student achievement, and young scholars andworkers. These teams meet monthly to examinegaps, research and discuss methods, andfacilitate activities that keep the educationcoalition’s mission on track.

The Chamber is also involved in thePartners in Education program. Shellie Klink,the Chamber’s director of membership, sits onthe organization’s advisory board. This group’smission is to foster alliances that exposestudents to the world of work. Partners inEducation facilitates programs including theYouth Leadership Institute, Decatur AreaCollege and Career Fair, American EducationWeek, Eighth Grade Career Fair, and Partners’Salute.

Additionally, the Chamber participates innational forums to keep abreast of currenteducational developments. Interim ChamberPresident Christine Pinckard recently attended aconference in Washington, D.C. centered on thepossible reauthorization of the Elementary andSecondary Education Act, formerly known asNo Child Left Behind.

President Obama’s blueprint for educationin spelled out in the act, challenging the nationto “embrace education standards that wouldput America on a path to global leadership.”This plan provides incentives for states to adoptacademic standards that prepare students tosucceed in college and the workplace andcreates measurements and accountabilitysystems that track student progress toward thegoal of achieving graduation and collegesuccess.

Internal educational activities

In addition to supporting traditionaleducational endeavors in the community, theChamber strives to provide continuingeducational opportunities for its members andtheir employees.

The Chamber publishes a weekly e-newsletter, which keeps members updated ontopics of interest to the business community, aswell as current Chamber events and membernews. While the newsletter contains items suchas legislative calls to action, IRS updates, andcity of Decatur news releases, it also includes

original articles, such as a six-part series onpandemic preparedness. This fall, the newsletterwill begin a series that provides information onstroke awareness in the workplace, includingtips for reducing the incidence of stroke andcreating a healthier work environment.

The Chamber distributes its newsletter via e-mail to designated member contacts. If you area Chamber member, or an employee at amember business, you can submit a request tobe added to the distribution list by contactingDavid Fishel, Jr., director of marketing andcommunications, atdavid.fishel@decaturchamber.com .

The newsletter keeps members updated onfurther educational opportunities the Chamberoffers, such as monthly Business Breakfasts andquarterly Ag Cafes. Both of these events provideinformative speakers on current topics.

Business Breakfast speakers focus on topicsof interest to the general business community.Future topics include legislative updates andincome tax changes for 2011.

Ag Cafes feature topics of interest to theagri-business community.

Additionally, the Chamber sponsors specialinterest seminars and forums, such as EnergyCo-Op informational sessions and downtownDecatur quarterly meetings and the recentlyhosted Health Care Reform Forum.

If you have a topic you would like to seepresented, please call the Chamber at 422-2200to share your suggestion.

Education drives economic success

MEETthe leaders and staff

DIRECTORSChairman ........................................Keith Casteel

attorney, Samuels, Miller, Schroeder, Jackson & Sly

Vice chairman ......................................Randy Earlvice president, Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Homes

Second vice chairman ............................Kevin Kast chief executive officer, St. Mary’s Hospital

Treasurer ........................................Erik Brechnitzsenior vice president, Brechnitz Group

of Raymond James & Associates

Secretary ....................................Mirinda Rothrockmanager of community engagement,

Archer Daniels Midland Co.

Assistant secretary/treasurer ............Gretchen Murphy senior vice president, Soy Capital Bank & Trust

At-Large ......................................Darren Reynoldssenior vice president and general manager,

Consociate-Dansig

Interim president..........................Christine PinckardGreater Decatur Chamber of Commerce

Honorary past chairwoman ....................Beth Stringerpublisher, Decatur Magazine

BOARDWole Adeoye, owner, Victory Pharmacy of Decatur, Inc.Mark Avery, publisher, Grain JournalGary Birschbach, owner, Decatur Area McDonald’sCarla Brinkoetter, president, Brinkoetter & AssociatesPhil Cochran, principle/owner, Cochran Engineering Gloria Davis, superintendent, Decatur School DistrictCindy Deadrick, owner, Shop on MainPatrick Dienslake, market president-Greater Illinois,

Regions BankJ. Richard L. Dunsworth, vice president for enrollment,

Millikin UniversityPhil Hazenfield, partner, Homer L. Chastain & AssociatesSteve Horve Sr., president, Horve BuildersWalt Hupe, general manager, Caterpillar, Inc.George Justice, manager-Division III, AmerenRobin King, CEO, EPL Bio-Analytical ServicesDave Moran, general manager,

Refreshment Services PepsiTodd Nelson, publisher, Herald & ReviewChris Olsen, director of community

and government relations, Tate & LyleTom Pistorius, president,

Bendsen Signs and Graphics, Inc.Ron Pulera, vice president and

general manager, WAND-TV Gayle Saunders, president, Richland Community CollegeDave Weber, president, Macon-Shelby market,

Busey Bank Craig Coil, president, Economic Development Corporation

for Decatur and Macon County (ex officio member)

STAFF

Randy Prince, presidentChristine Pinckard, IOM, interim president /

senior vice presidentDavid D. Fishel Jr., director of marketing

and communicationsLaura Fishel, director of finance

and business develoopmentShellie Klink, director of operations and human resourcesJan P. Mohr, audit and finance managerKaralee Misner, public and government affairs managerStephanie Irby, events and meetings managerMichael Ammons, information technology coordinator

CHAMBER MISSION STATEMENTThe Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce is a pro-business networkproviding service, political advocacy, and leadership to strengthen education, community image, and local businesses.

NEW MEMBERSAll Windows Direct

Silver LevelJoel Jaros, president

3134 N. Water St.Decatur, IL 62526

877-6010www.allwindowsdirect.net

American DigitalSilver Level

Steve Shoemaker210 Landmark Dr., Suite D

Normal, IL 61761309-862-0741

Chevrolet Hall of Fame MuseumSilver Level

Lavelle Hunt3635 US Route 36 East

Decatur, IL 62521454-4583

www.chevrolethalloffamemuseum.com

Collette VacationsBronze Level

Lora Carlson180 Middle St.

Pawtucket, RI 02860866-513-6225

lcarlson@collettevacations.com

East Park Baptist ChurchBronze Level

Ryan K. Banman1919 S. Baltimore Ave.

Decatur, IL 62521422-1033

www.eastparkbc.org

Friends of Adam BrownBronze Level

Shawn McGady101 N. Main St.

Decatur, IL 62523422-2010

www.brownforillinois.com

Hill & White L.L.CBronze LevelDavid White

132 S. Water St., Suite 500Decatur, IL 62525

425-4800www.h-wllc.com

It's Just A Little Prick Tattoo Company

Gold LevelFrank Whittington

1051 W. Eldorado St., Suite 1 and 2Decatur, IL 62522

423-8282

LRS Web SolutionsBronze Level

Ron Howerter2401 W. Monroe St.

Springfield, IL 62704793-3800

rhowerter@LRS.com

McGorray’s Indoor Golf & GrilleSilver Level

Charlie McGorray, owner2927 N. Water St.Decatur, IL 62526

330-6764www.mcgorrays.com

Michael Wilhoit Accounting & Tax Service

dba Sherry Palmer TaxSilver Level

Michael WilhoitOne Ashland Ave.

Mount Zion, IL 62549864-9100

Unique SolutionsBronze LevelBob Luther

650 Country Manor Dr.Decatur, IL 62521

429-6673

Shades of Ireland TripOctober 2–11

Explore Ireland and its businesses.Highlights of this international experienceinclude stop in Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney,Limerick, the Ring of Kerry and visits toWaterford Crystal, Blarney Castle, Cliffs ofMoher, Galway Castle and a jaunting car ride.

For more information about how you canbe a part of this fantastic trip, contact theChamber at 422-2200.

Chamber Business BreakfastOct. 6, 7 a.m., Decatur Club

Get the scoop on the upcoming electionfrom Larry Klugman, professor of politicalscience at Richland Community College.

The Chamber Business Breakfast takesplace on the first Wednesday of each month

and brings over 100 business professionalstogether for breakfast and the opportunity tolearn about important community issues first-hand from informative and timely speakers.Bring plenty of business cards! Meet and learnabout various businesses through exhibitorswho will take the stage to feature theirproducts/services.

Cruisin’ EldoOct. 7, 4-8 p.m.

The Chamber brings back a city traditionas cars “cruise” up and down Eldorado Street.Participate in a night full of nostalgia with livemusic, food and drinks filling parking lots fora 3-mile stretch. A portion of proceeds willestablish a grant fund for Eldorado Streetbusinesses to improve the physicalappearance of their buildings.

The event is FREE to spectators. Want to show off your wheels and be in

the running for some prizes? Be a part of thecar show. The entry fee is $10.

Hot Rod RaffleEnter for your chance to win a 1927 Ford

Roadster pick-up by calling 422-2200 orstopping by the Chamber office at 111 E. Main

St. Tickets are $20 each. A portion of theproceeds will be granted back to EldoradoStreet businesses for facade improvements.

The winner will be announced on Oct. 9during the Hunnert Car Pile Up at ProgressCity.

Chamber Business BreakfastNov. 3, 7 a.m., Decatur Club

Hear from the winners of local races forstate senate and representative.

Annual Community Thanksgiving LuncheonNoon, Nov. 23Decatur Civic Center

Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast while givingthanks for that which makes this communitygreat at the 58th edition of this annual event.

Chamber Business Breakfast7 a.m., Dec. 1, Decatur Club

Downtown Christmas Walk4 p.m. Dec. 1Downtown Decatur

Downtown comes alive with this long-loved tradition. Enjoy late shopping hours,

SAVEDATEthe