Computer Dynamics Enters Tablet and Phone …...from phone and tablet repair to computer service to network maintainence to video surveillance and more. “We’ve just started repairing

Tony CartonCommunication Editor

Computer Dynamics is a friendly local one-stop service catering to all your computer and digital technology needs by offering a wide range of IT and digital services to small businesses and corporations as well as to homeowners. They know you’re probably not as crazy about computers as they are and that’s why they’re the go-to guys for everything from phone and tablet repair to computer service to network maintainence to video surveillance and more. “We’ve just started repairing cell phones and tablets,” said Computer Dynamics director of sales and marketing Jim Torrisi. “A lot of people have broken screens and when we realized there is a shortage of qualified repair services around town we thought we might be able to fill that gap.” Phones under contract cost anywhere from five to a thousand dollars and instead of buying a new phone Computer Dynamics can put a new screen on one for $130 or $140 and its back to new. “I have two teenage daughters

and it seems like every one of their friends has a cracked screen,” Torrisi said. “We saw an emerging market when we kept getting calls asking if we fixed cracked tablets and phones. We started about a month ago and now we’re getting calls on a daily basis.” The repair team at Computer Dynamics doesn’t throw a band-aid on a cracked phone. They use OEM products approved by phone manufacturers and trained repair people who do the job right the first time. “This is a new direction for us, but we have trained repair people and there’s room for growth,” Torrisi said. “So whether you have a battery life problem, performance issue, or screen malfunction, we’ve got you covered.” Computer Dynamics is no stranger to opportunity and subsequent growth. “We started selling and installing computers 31 years ago,” Torrisi said. “We branched into networking and maintaining networks, mostly businesses, but we do residential as well. We have dedicated account managers for businesses in the Freeport area and we’re doing the

repair and maintainence work. We’ve been doing that for many years.”Services & Solutions The Computer Dynamics Managed Services team provides support services that monitor a client’s network for them. When the team sees something veering off kilter they fix it before it breaks instead of waiting for you to call. They then send you messages telling you potential problems have been addressed. “If dealing with the unforeseen cost of technology has become too much to handle, IT Support from Computer Dynamics is the solution,” said Torrisi. “A flat-rate monthly service plan from Computer Dynamics provides your

company in Freeport, Rockford and Pecatonica with budget consistency and predictability for your IT Management and IT Support, and Computer Dynamics’ keen understanding of your technology requirements allows them to customize a program that completely works for your business. You can make your core business your top priority knowing your network maintenance is in qualified and competent hands.” What if you had to face the consequences of an internal threat due to lost USB drives and laptops? Computer Data Security has affordable solutions that will provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your business

15 TECH BYTES

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9 GOLD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT8 GOLD MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT4 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

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Computer Dynamics Enters Tablet and Phone Repair Market

DATES TO REMEMBER...APRIL 24

Ribbon Cutting - Quiznos • 10 am

APRIL 25Ribbon Cutting - Park Hills Golf Course • 12 pm

APRIL 28

Executive Board MeetingChamber Office, Conference Room #1 • 7:30 am

APRIL 29

Utilizing your Chamber BenefitsStephenson County Farm Bureau • 12 pm

MAY 1

Ribbon Cutting with ABATE Freeport/Stephenson County CVB • 11:30 am

MAY 6

Rise ‘N Shine BreakfastHighland Community College • 7:30-8:30 am

MAY 8

YPN Trivia Night - Cimino’s • 5-7 pm

MAY 21Chamber Finance Meeting

Chamber Office, Conference Room #2 • 7:30 am Chamber Membership Meeting

Chamber Office, Conference Room #1 • 12 pm Business after Hours - Fairway Ford Lincoln • 5-7 pm

MAY 26

Chamber Board MeetingChamber Office Conference Room #1 • 7:30 am

2 Freeport area chamber oF commerce

I hope everyone is excited as I am about the warmer weather we had last week. I can’t wait for it to return and stay around for a while. We have had a very busy first quarter at the Chamber. As we announced in the February Communicator, we have implemented a new leadership team approach. We are well on our way with these changes to improve our operation and the benefits we deliver to members. Of course, our area just had elections for four very highly contested races including the Freeport City Council, Freeport School Board, Highland Board of Trustees, and the Freeport Park District Board. The new Business Advocacy Committee met with many of the candidates and shared their perspective with Chamber members. Congratulations to all of our newly elected officials and a big thank you to outgoing candidates that have given many years of their time serving the citizens of our area. We appreciate all of you. We had a great Annual Dinner in March at the Masonic Temple. Thank you to those who were able to attend and a special thank you for all of the support from our Sponsors. The keynote speaker, Jason Anderson of the Greater Rochelle Economic Development Corporation, had a wonderful message of simple principles and practices small towns can use to create big business opportunities. Our hearts go out to our friends in Rochelle affected by the recent tornados. Please lend a hand financially or otherwise if you are able to, I know it will be appreciated. We hope you have noticed some of the changes within the Communicator. We are focused on bringing you articles that are timely and business-related. We want our members to receive value from everything we do at the Chamber. We are

here to serve you. We will be distributing a survey by the end of the month regarding your thoughts and opinions of the Communicator, as well as communications from the Chamber in general. Kim and I meet with Chamber members throughout the year to get input and feedback regarding Chamber membership and our value-added services. We can only improve by listening to what our members want, and we love to hear from you. If you would like to sit down with either Kim or myself, please call the office at (815) 233-1350 to set up a meeting. Don’t forget we have a “Utilizing your Chamber Benefits Workshop” scheduled for April 29, 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 www.freeportilchamber.com where you can view an entire list of upcoming events, or by calling Julie Huber at the office. One of the new value added services that we will discuss at our workshop is our advertising packages. By partnering with area Chamber businesses we are able to provide our members with an affordable way to advertise that encompasses print, radio, social media, and website. This is an annual package that you can work into your businesses’ marketing plan in order to provide affordable advertising resources all year long. Please contact myself or Kim Grimes for more information about this opportunity. In closing, we want to thank Heritage Woods for hosting this month’s Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast and Forreston State Bank for hosting our Business after Hours. Mark your calendars for the May Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast hosted by the Highland Community College Alumni Association on May 6 and Business after Hours at Fairway Ford Lincoln on May 21. We hope to see you all there.

Chamber Chat27 W. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032

www.freeportilchamber.comPhone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION AND OPERATIONS:

Tiffany King • [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SALES:

Kim Grimes • [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Julie Huber • [email protected]

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!

with Tiffany King

Freeport area chamber oF commerce 3

is completely safeguarded.

Hi Speed Internet “Computer Dynamics purchased a wireless internet company about ten years ago in the Lake Carroll area and we saw it had potential for those rural areas without high speed options,” Torrisi said. “We’ve managed to grow those original 150 customers into almost 3000 in the three-county area where we provide internet.”

Security Whether you need to protect your warehouse or showroom from potential problems with employees or you want to ensure that your business is safe from vandals or break-ins Computer Dynamics can help “We do a lot of work with surveillance systems,” Torrisi said. “The Freeport Public Library has our full system and we’ve been able to help them with property stolen in their parking lot and with stopping

vandalism. We don’t advertise our security services as heavily as our internet, but it is an area we are beginning to promote more aggressively.” He said Computer Dynamics works with industry leaders and are authorized by Samsung Security, Genetec and Axis Communications to provide advanced video surveillance, site access monitoring and intrusion technology to businesses just like yours. Office Move Computer Dynamics also offers flexible Office Moving and Office Cable Installation services and provides those services with room to grow for businesses in the Freeport, Rockford, and Pecatonica areas. “We had some companies that were moving from one location to another and everything should work, but it seems inevitable that when there is a move you can’t just unplug from one place and plug into another without some problems,”

Torrisi said. Computer Dynamics expert technicians can provide the office cable management services and office moving solutions that will meet your company’s changing demands now and in the future.

Cloud Services You’ve heard about the Cloud, but do you really know what it is, or more importantly, how it can help your business? Computer Dynamics has all the answers, with the IT and business expertise to simplify your transition to the cloud. “We offer a Cloud-based backup for a disaster recovery situation,” said Torrisi. “Of course, that’s a worst case scenario when say, a storm comes through and destroys your whole business. If you have a backup, it probably got destroyed with it, but if you have a Cloud-based backup all you basically need is an internet connection and you’re back up and running.” Transferring your technology to the cloud simply means that

the physical aspects of your IT - along with their management and maintenance - are delivered via the Internet on a pay-as-you-go pricing structure, and because your hardware, software, servers and applications are hosted in the cloud, you’ll be able to free up office space, save money, eliminate storage and cooling costs, upgrade your IT on the fly and say goodbye to frustrating technology management for good. “We love digital equipment and we love solving IT issues,” said Torrisi. For more information on tablet and phone repair and all the services available through Computer Dynamics visit them online at www.computerdyn.com or call (815) 233-2641, or (866) 620-3725, email [email protected] or visit the shop at 451 West South Street, Freeport, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays are by appointment only.

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Savant Capital Management, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor. State Bank and Savant’s marketing material should not be construed by any existing or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if they engage the advisor’s services. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments offered are not deposits, obligations or guaranteed by State Bank or Savant Capital Management. They are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency. These types of investments carry risk, including the possible loss of value.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1


The Young Professionals Network held a Lunch ‘N’ Learn Friday April 17 featuring a presentation by Ingrown Farms Director of Administration Emily Wilcox.

Ingrown Farms has been awarded license to construct and operate a medicinal cannabis cultivation center in Stephenson County.

“InGrown Farms is a startup,” said Wilcox. “We are based in Ottawa, Illinois and this is a very new venture for us.”

She said construction of the facility is underway at Mill Race Crossing and they expect to begin

limited operations as early as June 2015. “We are constructing a much larger facility next to the one currently nearing completion and expect it will open in the fall,” Wilcox said. “Both are contingent on the state and before we can do anything in this program we have to pass rigid inspections with the state.” She said the inspections will cover everything from installation and full operation of close to two hundred security cameras to on-site armed guard personnel to assuring the facility is set up and operating in accordance with their submitted

application. By legal definition, a cultivation center is a facility operated by an organization or business that is registered by the Department of Agriculture to perform necessary activities to provide only registered medical cannabis dispensing organizations with useable medical cannabis. There are no registered dispensing organizations in Stephenson County. MedMar Rockford LLC and Mapleglen Care Center also of the Rockford area are licensed to dispense medicinal cannabis products. “This program is unlike any other program in the United States,” she said. To date Illinois has only approved use of cannabinoids for debilitating medical conditions including: cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia/wasting syndrome, muscular dystrophy, severe fibromyalgia, spinal cord disease, including but not limited to arachnoiditis, Tarlov cysts, hydromyelia, syringomyelia, Rheumatoid arthritis, fibrous dysplasia, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Arnold-Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia, Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, Myoclonus, Dystonia, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, RSD (Complex Regional Pain Syndromes Type I), Causalgia, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndromes Type II), Neurofibromatosis, Chronic

Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Sjogren’s syndrome, Lupus, Interstitial Cystitis, Myasthenia Gravis, Hydrocephalus, nail-patella syndrome, residual limb pain, or the treatment of these conditions. There are a number of requests for the state to expand its list of approved uses, but the state has not acted on those requests. “This is for really sick people,” said Wilcox. “It is not for aches and pains. It is not for backaches. It is for really sick kids, for folks with cancer, folks who have AIDS and the applications are very limited in Illinois.” As yet, there are no dispensaries operating in Illinois. Most are waiting on state inspections and product supply. Wilcox noted the sunset clause written into the program by the Illinois legislature. “This is a pilot program for the State of Illinois,’ she said. “There is no guarantee the program will continue past its licensing period in 2017. Over the next two and a half years the state will assess the program and decide whether to continue it, but we have no guarantees our doors will be open January 2, 2018.” She said the folks in Stephenson County have been very supportive. “The county officials, the local folks we’ve met; everybody has just been so welcoming and I can’t say enough about that,” Wilcox said. “Every time we’ve needed something or needed help someone has come forward for us and we really appreciate it.”

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YPN Lunch ‘N’ Learn Hosts Medicinal Cannabinoid Presentation


National Volunteer Week was April 12-18, and in honor of that event the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network along with United Way and Highland Community College hosted a virtual volunteer fair. This will be followed up by an actual volunteer fair at Highland Community College on April 28, where they will highlight area not-for-profits and call attention to volunteer opportunities.

“Our goal is to try and link young professionals with those organizations that need volunteers,” said the Chamber Director of Program Development, Promotions & Operations Tiffany King.

The sponsor organizations sent a form requesting information about each organization’s volunteer needs to all the area not-for-profit organizations that are Chamber members. Those organizations include United Way, Freeport Downtown Development Association, The Freeport Art

Museum, Critter Camp, Freeport Jaycees, Highland Community College Servant Leadership, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Habitat for Humanity, RAMP and the Senior Resource Center. King said the sponsoring organizations have since come to recognize the wide variety of volunteer needs required by the area’s NFPs. “Some organizations are looking for volunteers for a certain event while other organizations are looking for volunteers that would come in for a couple hours a month and help,” said King. “There is really a variety of volunteer needs and what we wanted to get across to the young professionals as well as to anyone in the community who is looking to volunteer is that volunteering doesn’t have to take up a part of your life, it can become a part of your life.” She said volunteering does not require copious amounts extra time and effort; instead, volunteering can

become that part of a life where you simply give an hour or two a month to a special event. “I think that people are afraid to volunteer because everyone is so busy and folks just don’t feel like they have the time,” King said. “But really, the time and effort commitment can be minimal and what a person gets out of volunteering has much more value than what they are putting in.” The organizations polled are already returning the forms and those forms are posted on the Chamber Facebook wall. “We are seeing an increase in the amount of phone contacts the attending organizations are receiving,” King said. “I think that

people are taking notice and we are following up with the volunteer fair at HCC April 28,” she said. “We will have tables and booths and the visitors will be able to pick up brochures and pamphlets on area volunteer opportunities.” For more information about the volunteer fair is available at www.freeportilchamer.com or at the YPN website or by calling (815) 233-1350.

FACC Young Professionals Network and Partners to Host Virtual Volunteer Fair

YoungProfessionalsNETWORK

YPN CANDIDATE MIXERWe had a great turnout at our “Meet the Candidates Mixer” hosted by the Young Professionals Network located at This Is It Eatery in downtown Freeport! Everyone was able to enjoy the evening and learn more about the Candidates in the recent elections. Thank you for joining us! If you would like to learn more about YPN please contact the Chamber (815) 233-1350.


Tony CartonCommunication Editor

The votes are counted, the ballot boxes returned to storage and it’s time for the winning candidates to take the reins. Freeport voters moved decisively in favor of seating a city council that reflects a diversity of competencies and experience in the April 7 elections. The winning candidates have all shown the innovation and spirit of cooperation needed to make the difficult decisions necessary in the face of the issues currently facing the city, most notably the loss of state and local revenue streams.

FREEPORT ALDERPERSON WARD 2

Peter McClanathan won the Ward 2 race. A Freeport native and practicing attorney, McClanathan said prior to the election he recognized the importance of transparency and believes in collaborative efforts and decision making. “Who gets credit is of no importance to me,” he said. He is conducting a “listening” campaign in the Ward and is oriented to service and results. Among his goals as Alderperson is respectful progress for the citizens of Freeport.


Businessman Art Ross defeated the incumbent for the position of 3rd Ward Alderperson. Ross has lived in Freeport for more than 50 years and describes himself as open, personable and interested in positive growth for the city and the Third Ward. He promises to forego his Alderperson salary and is committed to seeing those monies put to use in service of the citizens of Freeport.


Union Dairy owner Jodi Miller won the position of 4th Ward

Alderperson by a wide margin. She describes herself as a business minded servant and leader and will work to lead Freeport in a positive direction. Her focus in office will be economic development and crime prevention.

FREEPORT ALDERPERSON WARD 5 Patrick Busker defeated an incumbent while winning the race for 5th Ward Alderperson. Busker is a native of Freeport. He will continue to spend time studying the issues facing the Ward and is committed to making the difficult decisions necessary to benefit his constituents and make the 5th Ward safe.

FREEPORT BOARD OF EDUCATION (4 seats) Freeport voters spoke clearly in choosing the seats for the board of education. The voters said they want their board members to construct and live within a budget. The voters said they do not want to see increased property taxes to pad that budget. The voters said they want to see a focus on the students that will result in an improvement in student achievement. The voters also said they want further growth of workforce development programs. The winning candidates, Pete Norman, Abbe Hayner, Jack Sosnowski and Edward Finch are committed to leading the school district into the future. Norman brings a longtime educational background to the table. He comes to the board determined to move things forward. He will work for an increased number of teachers and a reduction in administration during his tenure with the board. Hayner, an incumbent, will bring experience into play when she undertakes a second term with the board. She stands against personnel cuts and will continue to demand accountability from district

administration. While in office she will continue exploring ways to provide student support in those areas where parental support is wanting. Sosnowski will implement his extensive business experience in making difficult budgetary decisions. That experience will come into further play as the board implements the strategies needed to put its budget into operation. He will focus on increasing parental involvement and the controls needed for continued accountability. Finch comes to office with a proven ability to scrutinize an issue from all sides. His past experiences with drafting and then implementing a budget will come into play when the board sits down to plan the district’s financial future.

FREEPORT PARK DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (2 seats) The two open commissioner positions on the Freeport Park District were filled by Tom Jungen and Dana Stewart, both incumbents. Re-election will allow Stewart to continue her focus on the enhancement of the quality of life in Freeport through the continued development of the city’s park district. Her priorities in office will continue to be implementation of a balanced budget, a focus on new projects and the undertaking of large maintainence projects. She cites the Read Park tennis courts, and trail development as projects that may be undertaken depending on funding. She will bring her board experience into play searching for partnerships and private funding for park district projects. Jungen will continue working to provide the district with a balanced budget while simultaneously holding the line on increased taxes. He is on record favoring the renovation

of the Read Park tennis courts and will work in support of a system of walking and biking trails designed to link Freeport’s parks and its schools.

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEE (2 positions) David Shockey and Robert Urish won positions as Highland Community College trustees. Shockey said he will focus on new degree programs that will increase enrollment and better serve the district. While in office, he will look for ways to cut operation costs without impacting student programs. He will also continue looking for ways to better serve taxpayers by training students for jobs available in the area. Urish cites the challenges facing HCC trustees as flat enrollment, funding and issues with state and local economies. He will build on the opportunities already available including the College Now and dual credit programs, and will work to implement further opportunities as they become available. In another matter, voters defeated the Stephenson County School Facility Sales Tax.

Freeport Voters Have Spoken


2015 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 MonumentsRock River Valley Blood Center

Berner Food & Beverage • John H. VogtFreeport Insurance Center • Alwayz Cookies

Rite-Way Furniture & ApplianceFishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTD

Schofield Plumbing • United Way of NW Illinois, Inc.Christian Supply Center • Bomar Heating & Cooling

Best In Sight • Winter & AssociatesTri-County Christian School • Stout Insurance Agency, LLC

Freidag Associates CPAs • Altman Automotive Inc.Swift Hospitality Group, Inc. • Liberty Village of Freeport

Above and Beyond Associates • NWIL Friends of the NRAFreeport Community Foundation • RAMP

NMD Media A Division of New Millenium DirectoriesFurst Staffing • BTL Capital Management

Bamberg Plumbing • Dimond Bros Insur. Agency, Inc.Eagles Club • Catholic Diocese of RockfordPearson • Jack Myers Consulting • Seaga

Highland Comm. College FoundationTB & B Accounting & Tax, Inc.

Plager, Krug, Bauer & Rudolph, Ltd.Fehr-Graham & Associates • Freeport TV

Blankenbaker’s Insurance Agency

gold members

QBE the Americas • Task TrainersLeBaron & Miller Interiors

Stephen Spyrison DDS • Tim’s Auto Care

silver members

Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency • My Church Twice As Nice Consignments • Laura WeltiFloor Covering Plus • Union Savings BankDental Connections • Family Health Quest

Sawicki Motors • Saxer Accounting Services, LLCState Farm Insurance – Steve Johnson

Skate Station • Sanitary Cleaners • Midtown CenterBill George Plumbing & Heating • Parkview

New Millenium Directories • Family Affair Café

bronze members

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast this month hosted by Heritage Woods. We hope you enjoyed yourself and will look forward to seeing you at our next event! We would also like to say a special thank you to the entire staff at Heritage Woods for all your hard work to make this event a complete success. Thank you for all your hospitality!

RISE ‘N’ SHINE

Bridget Trainor has practiced law in Freeport since returning to her home community in 2007. She graduated with highest distinction from the University of Iowa in Iowa City in 2003 with a degree in History and Secondary Education. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University Of Iowa College Of Law in 2007 where she was admitted to the Law Review. Trainor formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Freeport and Stephenson County (2008-2012), the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors (2007-2012), served as the 2011 Ambassador President and served as Chamber of Commerce board chair in 2014. “I was approached about serving as Chamber board chair and was very honored to be asked,” said Trainor, “I was certainly willing to serve in that capacity.” She said the main focus during her time as board chair was providing value to the Chamber members. “I think every year and that

includes the year I was board chair, the Chamber is always focused on what we can do to bring more value to the members,” Trainor said. “Kim [Grimes] and Tiffany [King] have worked together to not only increase membership, but to make the members aware of opportunities outside of just networking.” She listed the Chamber’s current advertising packages and educational opportunities as value added opportunities. “Of course, the networking opportunities are very valuable too,” Trainor said. “I think the idea is to always be trying to gauge what our members find valuable and what they want to see and then to try to deliver on that.” She said collaboration between the board and Chamber members is one of the keys to the organization’s continuing success. “Certainly as a board member we are always willing to entertain any ideas about how we can better serve our members,” Trainor said. Bridget and her husband, Peter Servatius, reside in Freeport.

A Message from the Board...Bridget TrainorImmediate Past Board Chair

Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD 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, Sara Stephenson Peska and Michael A Lyvers. Dan G. Fishburn received his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1974. He graduated from the Washington University School of Law and received his J.D. in 1977. His practice focuses on business, corporate, banking, construction law, real estate law and transactional matters as well as business litigation. John B. Whiton graduated from Freeport High School in 1964 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in 1968. He served in the U.S. Army in Military Intelligence from 1969 to 1971. He received his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Chicago and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1974. His law practice focuses on estate planning and disputed estate and trust resolutions; local government and Park District matters; business, corporate, and real estate law. Judd D. Thruman was born and raised in Northwest Illinois. He earned his J.D. from Northern Illinois University in 1999, graduating magna cum laude. From 1999 until 2002, he was an associate attorney with a law firm in suburban Chicago. In 2002, he joined the firm of Snow, Hunter, Whiton and Fishburn, Ltd., the predecessor of Ltd. Judd focuses his law practice in the areas of business and corporate transactions, estate planning and administration, banking and commercial transactions, real estate, and municipal law. Sara Stephenson Peska earned her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in

molecular and cellular biology, May 2005. She completed her J.D. at Northern Illinois University College of Law, May 2008. Since 2008, Sara has been licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a registered patent attorney. Sara’s practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate, business and corporate law, estate planning and administration, agricultural law and intellectual property. Michael (Mike) A. Lyvers was born and raised in Northwest Illinois. He graduated from Lena-Winslow High School in 2007 and Highland Community College in 2008. He received his B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the John Marshall School of Law in Chicago, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2014. Mike is a member of the Stephenson County Bar Association, where he has served as treasurer, and the Illinois Bar Association. He engages in the general practice of law with a focus on agriculture, corporate, banking, real estate, and estate planning/administration. Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD practice law in the areas of business and corporate law, banking, real estate, estate planning and administration, litigation and local government law. For more information on what Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman LTD can do, visit them online at www.fishburnlaw.com, call 815.235.2511 or visit their offices at 8 E Stephenson, Freeport.


Ryan Piechocinski serves on the YPN Planning Committee. He joined YPN last August after moving to the area to join the offices of the Stephenson County States Attorney. He said shortly after joining the YPN organization he received a notice calling for volunteers to work with the Planning Committee. “I was new in town so I jumped at the idea,” Piechocinski said. “I saw it as an opportunity to get to know people.” To date, Piechocinski and his planning skills have been assigned to organizing the Chamber golf program. “I’ve been asked to arrange for the golf lessons,” Piechocinski said. “If you are a Chamber member or a member of YPN we’ve set it up so you can pay $60 to have 6 lessons, then you’ll have the option to pay $40 more to get four 9-hole rounds of golf.” He said he thinks YPN is making an impact on the lives of younger professionals in Freeport.

“We try and do a lot of Lunch ‘N’ Learns,” he said. “We host them during the lunch hour and bring in a pretty diverse group of speakers.” Other YPN Lunch ‘N’ Learn presentations are on the horizon and will cover topics ranging from the preparation of resumes to how to survive an interview or how to ask for a raise. “Those are things young professionals might want to know about and YPN is on track to provide the information,” Piechocinski said, adding that the YPN focus continues to be on added value for its membership. “I think we were really able to focus on the recent elections with the Meet the Candidates event we hosted,” he said. “YPN is really getting out there and people are starting to take notice. We are trying to host more events so people will come to expect our regularly scheduled YPN activities and they can prepare instead of just going to one event and wondering if there will be another.”

YPN Spotlight...Ryan Piechocinski

The Ambassadors were on hand along with the Freeport Housing Authority to cut the ribbon and celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Empowerment Center located at Parkside Monroe Center 712 E. Orin Street in Freeport. Thank you for allowing us to be there on this special day! If you would like more information on the Empowerment Center or the Freeport Housing Authority call (815) 232-4171.

RIBBON CUTTING

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Tri-County Christian School Tri-County Christian School was founded because the Bible is clear that a Christian’s life cannot be divided into the secular and the sacred. All of life is religious. Put another way, there is no area of life (or school) that doesn’t have something to do with the God who created this world and who continues to guide it today and forever. Therefore, true Christian education means that all academic subjects must be taught from a Biblical world and life view. Rather than being in a school that teaches from a secular point of view, Christian children need to be in a school that agrees with the teaching of the Christian home and the church. When children are taught one set of values at school and a different set at home and in church, the result is often uncertainty and spiritual confusion in the minds of such children. Tri-County Christian School Association (TCCSA) was organized in 1981 by a small group of Christians representing six different denominations. Their aim was to assist Christian parents with their

God-given responsibility to train their children in the ways of the Lord. In 1983 the Association opened a K-3 program with 23 students based on a vision for a quality non-denominational Christian school that would support and reinforce the values of the Christian home and local church. The partnership between students, parents, local churches, and faculty has combined outstanding academics, spiritual training, and character development and has resulted in significant accomplishments by our students. Tri-County Christian School’s traditional classrooms focus on all commonly taught academic subjects while also offering Bible class (course content varies by grade), and training in Christian character development. Other distinctives include traditional phonics instruction in grades K-3, creative writing, public speaking, keyboarding proficiency and fine arts electives in the junior high. The overall quality of our academic program is evidenced by the many top honors our students have won in competitions against other private

and public schools. Each year, Tri-County students capture awards in district and/or area-wide spelling bees, math Olympics, speech meets, etc. Along with its quality academics, Tri-County Christian School seeks to “educate for eternity” by systematically integrating a Biblical worldview and value system throughout all of our academic instruction and student activities. To accomplish this goal, the school only employs certified teachers who are also committed evangelical

Christians. TCCS strives to present Christ as Creator, Savior, and Lord in every subject area and school activity. Enrollment in TCCS is open to preschool through 8th grade students with students coming from varying denominations. Uniquely, Tri-County Christian School is an independent and interdenominational Christian school drawing from over 30 different churches.

Please call the school office for further information about enrollment for the 2015-16 school year, including financial aid opportunities and discounts for new families. For more information about Tri-County Christian School visit them online at www.tricountychristian.org or call 815-233-1876. The school is located at 2900 West Loras Drive, Freeport.


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Visit us online atfreeportilchamber.com


BUDGET CUTS: NOT ALL ABOUT DOLLARS AND “SENSE” During his visits around the state both on the campaign trail and after he was elected Governor Rauner has said that he wants to help the state’s most vulnerable citizens, however, the current proposed budget could force some of those residents into nursing homes and institutions which will cost the State of Illinois even more money. This is simply not a cost savings. Disability Rights advocates in Illinois have been working together since the introduction of this proposed budget to understand the potential impact and educate our legislators and Governor on how essential the services are to individuals with disabilities. A $77 million cut to the Home Services program is part of Governor Rauner’s proposal to slash $1.2 billion from the Department of Human Services. The Home Services Program assists people, up to age 60, with physical disabilities by providing personal assistants services, home modifications, adaptive equipment, and therapy which allows them to stay in their homes, in the community or transition back into the community from nursing homes. The individuals that lose their services will likely end up living in facilities where they are not able to make their own decisions and will not be contributing members of their communities which will cost the State of Illinois more in the long run. With what the Governor is proposing, these essential services will no longer be an option. Many of the individuals served under this program will have to manage on their own or wait until their disability progresses to the point where they are again eligible for services. To receive services from the Home Services Program an individual must be evaluated with

an assessment tool called the Determination of Need (DON). The DON assessment asks several questions, looking at an individual’s impairments and their unmet needs. The more impairments and unmet needs an individual has, the higher that person’s score is. A 29 is the lowest qualifier for service and Governor Rauner wants to change that number to 37. Many individuals’ already receiving services have expressed great concern over the potential loss of their essential care. Richard Ross, an individual with a disability served through the Community Reintegration program and who most recently scored a 32 on his last assessment shared, “I know that I would end up back at the nursing home without home services which would then kill me. I cannot and will not ever return to the nursing home.” Currently, there are 30,000 people being assisted in the Home Services Program. If the eligibility requirements for the Home Services Program are changed as currently being proposed, 10,000 people will see their services reduced or eliminated, putting them in danger of nursing home placement which cost the State of Illinois on average $ 70,000 dollars a year per person.If these individuals are able to live in their community and receive services through the Home Services Program, the average cost per person is $38,000 dollars which is a $32,000 savings per person for the State of Illinois when compared to the average cost of a nursing home.Garry Guldin, who is an individual receiving services through the Home Services Program recently shared with the advocate working with him, “Without my personal assistant’s help I could not do the activities I do today. The relationship I have with my daughter is very important

to me and I would love to give her a good influence. I don’t believe this would be possible living in a nursing home.” As we approach the 25th Anniversary of the American’s with Disabilities Act on July, 26, 2015, we are asking Governor Rauner, our legislators, and the people of the State of Illinois, to do the right thing and maintain the essential services provided to individuals with disabilities through the Home Services Program. People with disabilities are one of the largest and fastest growing minority groups and the ONLY minority group that anyone can join at any time. While these cuts may not impact your life

or someone you know, that can change in the future. The State

of Illinois must balance the budget, but making cuts that impact the quality of life of the people of Illinois just doesn’t save money or make sense. RAMP empowers individuals with disabilities through services and advocacy to live an independent life. We accomplish this by partnering with them to make changes in their own lives, seek peer support and remove barriers. RAMP advocates for the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for individuals with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access.RAMP is a United Way Member Agency.

3RD BIENNIAL MINI MASTERPIECES FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION OPENS AT FREEPORT ART MUSEUM Featuring as Silent Auction of over 120 artworks by over 60 artistsBack by popular demand, Mini Masterpieces are coming to the Freeport Art Museum! Over sixty local and regional artists have signed

up to donate works measuring 6x6 inches for this unique fundraising exhibition. Held biennially, Mini Masterpieces challenges artists to create miniature works in a wide variety of media from painting and photography to sculpture. The opening reception is a ticketed event featuring gourmet appetizers, top-selling wines and an exhibition catalog. Each miniature work of art is for sale by silent auction during the evening event. Opening bids start at $25. This exhibition is designed to encourage the purchase and appreciation of original art work at affordable prices and all proceeds will benefit the Freeport Art Museum. Works are displayed within the main exhibition galleries. Winning bids will be confirmed with the buyer’s purchase of their pieces after the auction closes. All pieces will remain on display until the exhibition closes at 5pm on July 18th, after which all bid winners will be able to pick-up their purchases. This one-of-kind event is open to the public. Tickets are $10 and are available online at www.freeportartmuseum.org and at the door. Please call the Freeport Art Museum at (815) 235-9755 for more information. The Mini Masterpiece Exhibition will open Friday, May 1, 2015 and run through July 18, 2015. This event is sponsored by Wipfli, LLC. The Freeport Art Museum is located at 121 North Harlem Avenue, and is open Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 5:00 pm., and Saturday from 12:00- 5:00. Tours may be scheduled by calling 815-235-9755. Admission to the Museum is FREE however, donations are gratefully appreciated.

MEMBERnews

Freeport area chamber oF commerce 11FSD#145 NAMES TWO NEW ADMINISTRATORS Dr. Duane Meighan to be new Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction; Mr. Christopher Shockey to be new Director of Human Resources. Freeport School District #145 will welcome two new administrators following the departure of Interim Asst. Supt. for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Jody Ware and the retirement of Director of Human Resources Pat Norman. After a closed session at its regular meeting on April 7, the Freeport School District Board of Education voted to approve the contracts of Dr. Duane Meighan as the district’s new Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction and Mr. Christopher Shockey as the new Director of Human Resources. Dr. Meighan is hired with a 3-year contract for a salary of $125,000. Mr. Shockey is hired with a 3-year contract for a salary of $113,000. Both positions will start July 1. Dr. Meighan currently serves as Director of Teaching and Learning at Arlington Heights School District in Arlington Heights, IL. He was previously the Administrative Curriculum Coordinator at Oak Park Elementary School District. He has also had experience as an elementary principal, high school dean of students, special education divisional leader, and special education teacher.Dr. Meighan is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1994. He also earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University in 1998, as well as a Doctorate in Leadership and Administration from Aurora University in 2004. Mr. Shockey currently serves as the Assistant Regional Superintendent for the Regional Office of Education #8. He has previously served as principal of

Forreston and German Valley grade schools in Forrestville Valley CUSD #221, of Forrestville Valley Junior and Senior High School, and of German Valley and Leaf River grade schools. He has also had experience as dean of Forreston High School and as a middle school physical education and health teacher.

Mr. Shockey is a graduate of Luther College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Physical

Education in 1994. He also earned a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University in Education Administration and Supervision in 2002, as well as an Education Specialist degree from Western Illinois University in 2013. Interim Superintendent Peter Flynn remarked, “We were pleased to not only have an outstanding group of applicants for these two positions, but to also include Superintendent-elect, Mike Schiffman, in the process and be able to recommend these two individuals, who will join our administrative team as we continue our focus on the mission and strategic plan of our school district.”

HCC ADULT EDUCATION ESL SEEKS STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS Volunteer tutors facilitate an English as a Second Language (ESL) Group on Monday evenings at Highland. The purpose of the group is to allow adult learners whose first language is not English to participate in English conversation and pronunciation in an interactive, informal, no-pressure setting, using games and group activities. Esther Mayer, coordinator of volunteer services, said, “We offer an opportunity for non-native English speakers to come to Highland to see what a class is like

to improve their English speaking, reading and writing skills. We know there are people in our community who can benefit, who are not in our classes.” Pam Watter and Wendy Kundert are volunteer tutors for the English as a Second Language Group. Both women said they got involved with volunteering their time to help others succeed. “I had worked with mentoring younger students, but I wanted to work with adults and give back to my community. I learn as much from them, as they do by learning English,” Watter said. “It’s about giving them a forum to learn and speak English in a non-stressful way.” If you would like to participate in this group as a student or are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor for non-native English speaking adults, contact Esther Mayer at 815.599.3538 or [email protected]. This project was made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ILS), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using state funds designated for literacy.

HCC FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS TWO PIANO RECITALS A piano recital by two locally known, renowned pianists will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25 in the Fine Arts Theatre in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center at Highland. Presented to the public by the

Highland Fine Arts Department, Patrick Beckman and Kenneth Drake, the recital will feature original works by Patrick Beckman and the music of Beethoven by Kenneth Drake. Patrick Beckman will

be playing original compositions, including his new work, “Sacred Dances.” Kenneth Drake, Professor Emeritus of Piano at the University of Illinois, will perform Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major,

and Op. 53, “Waldstein.” The finale will be a collaboration of Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K 448 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Pianist and composer Patrick Beckman turned the eclectic experiences of his student years into a way of life. At the University of Illinois, Urbana, he served as music director for the Station Theatre, where he composed music for avant-garde theatre, dance, and musical groups. He also composed musicals for performance at the university, played gigs around Chicago with various R&B bands, and worked as a studio musician. Since that time, his choral music has been recorded and performed widely, as has his work for piano solo. He still writes music for the theater, including productions at the University of Illinois’ Krannert Center and Highland College. As a pianist, he has maintained an active schedule of recitals and performed as a soloist with the University of Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance under the tutelage of Claire Richards, Dean Sanders, Soulima Stravinsky, and Kenneth Drake, he joined the faculty of Highland College, serving initially as artist-in-residence. He has also held positions at his alma mater and at Rockford College. Kenneth Drake is Professor Emeritus in the School of Music of the University of Illinois, having taught previously at Evansville (Indiana) College (now the University of Evansville) and Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Kenneth Drake was an early exponent of playing music of the classic period on pianos of that time, doing recitals and workshops on such instruments for colleges and universities, the Cambridge Early Music Society and the Midwest Historic Keyboard Society. He is the author of two books, “The Beethoven Sonatas as He Played and Taught Them,” and “The Creative Experience,” published by Indiana University Press. Tickets are on sale at the Highland Box Office. Tickets are

$6 for students; $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. For reservations call 815.599.3718 or visit highland.edu for more information.

LOCAL HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR WINS STATE AWARD Candice Miller is a University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb and Ogle counties. Through her position as Horticulture Educator, Miller provides programming on a variety of home horticultural topics. Whether your interest is growing your own vegetables or if growing flowers is more your gardening style, U of I Extension has programs to fit your needs. The goal of our Horticulture programming is to educate and

inspire. Miller reaches out to her program participants through her various social media outlets, like Facebook and Twitter. Recently she won an award for a promotional piece she created to inform participants about her social media outreach. The Illinois Extension Agricultural Association awarded Miller a State Communications Award for her ‘Social Media Flyer’. This piece will now go on and be judged for a potential national award. Last year, Miller won this award for a factsheet she created on ‘Plants That Cause Skin Irritation’. Like Miller’s page on Facebook to stay up to date on programs in your area, as well as local gardening news. Facebook: facebook.com/ northwestillinoishorticultureTwitter: twitter.com/NWILExtHortHort in the Home Landscape Blog: web.extension.illinois.edu/ jsw/eb284

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/nwilexthort

STATE BANK ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR SPONSORSHIP OF HIGHLAND’S POSTSECONDARY AG STUDENTS (PAS) CHAPTER

State Bank and the Highland Community College Foundation are pleased to announce State Bank’s pledge to sponsor the HCC Agriculture Club’s participation in Postsecondary Agriculture Students (PAS) events for the next three academic years, beginning in Fall 2015.

Mary Hartman, bank president, states, “Our board is very interested in supporting the local agriculture community, particularly its next generation of leaders. We feel Highland is making great strides lately to update its ag curriculum, develop students’ leadership skills, and re-engage community partners.”

PAS holds two regional competitions in Illinois each year, and an annual national conference in the spring. This organization provides excellent opportunities for students to develop broader skills, such as leadership, analytical, and public speaking/communication skills — abilities which will serve them well, no matter which specific agriculture career path they may choose.

New agriculture instructor and club sponsor Justin Ebert has already begun cultivating a new vision of agriculture education at

Highland, and one aspect of this vision is having an active Ag Club which participates in Postsecondary Ag Students events. In fact, in February, the fledging club took part in the PAS state competition held in Quincy, and some of them placed in their events. “These students represented HCC very well,” said Ebert. “I hope that their success will spark some interest for other students to participate in PAS activities in the future. We are very grateful to State Bank for their support of Ag Club’s involvement in PAS, because we know what a learning experience it can provide for our students.” The agriculture program at Highland Community College is currently in a period of transition since the hiring of Ebert last

summer. Justin brings to HCC several years of personal experience as a farmer and 14 years as

an agriculture educator, mostly at Oregon High School. The AG Club’s primary objectives are to encourage leadership and fellowship among students with an interest in agriculture. The Highland AG Club participates in state and national post-secondary agriculture competitions, promote the agriculture industry within the Highland community, attend several agriculture related conferences and exhibitions, as well as provide community outreach to local agriculturally-oriented youth groups such as FFA. Any student with an interest in agriculture is welcome to join the Highland AG Club. State Bank sponsors the Ag Club’s participation in Postsecondary Agriculture Students (PAS) events.


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HCC PRESENTS SPRING BAND AND YOUTH CHOIR CONCERT

On Friday, May 8, the Concert Band and Highland Youth Choir will perform their spring instrumental and vocal music concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center located on the Highland campus.

Directed by Scott Stich, the Highland Concert Band will play an eclectic array of music with “Lincoln” by John Williams, and arranged by Jay Bocook, which is from the sound track of “Lincoln,” the motion picture.

Also being performed is “American Civil War Fantasy” by Jerry H. Bilik, which includes historic renditions of many songs of the Civil War period. This is in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, and in remembrance of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Also being played is “Smoke and Mirrors” by Robert Buckley, which is a swirling illusion of shadows and mystery, plus “Chorus Angelorum,” by Samuel R. Hazo, which is in memory of a young man and his grandmother. The final piece to be played is “William Tell Overture” by Antonio Rossini, and arranged by Erik Leidzen.

Under the direction of Dagny Brandt, and accompanied by Clarie Cifone, The Highland Youth Choir will present “Rock and Roll Forever — How it All Began,” a musical review by John Jacobsen and John Higgins. The choir will also perform favorite rock n’ roll tunes, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Tutti Frutti,” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.”

The concert is free and open to the public.

HIGHLAND STUDENT-ATHLETES RECEIVE ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION

James Boone was named 2nd team NJCAA All-American. He became the 18th Highland

Cougar men’s basketball player to be named an NJCAA All-American. The sophomore guard from Baltimore, MD, was also named 1st team All-Conference and 1stteam All-Region. James will graduate in May and has not yet decided where he will be transferring on to continue his academic and basketball careers. Alysha

Justice is the third women’s basketball player to be named honorable mention All-American. The freshman forward from Cottage Grove, WI was also named 1st team All-Conference and 1st team All-Region.

RAMP’S 10TH ANNUAL BOONE COUNTY WHEEL-A-THON ADDS TO THE FUNWITH A BAD PROM THEME IN ADDITION TO A 5K & KIDS FUN RUN! RAMP’s 10th Annual Boone County Wheel-A-Thon will be on Saturday, April 25th, at the Community Building in Belvidere, 111 W. First Street. This is a fun family-friendly event that now boasts a bad prom theme! We encourage everyone to have fun with this theme so now is the time to make use of old bridesmaid dresses, scan vintage stores for a bad suits or wear a tux t-shirt! In addition to our traditional wheel-a-thon we have added a 5K and a Kids Fun Run to the event! The wheel-a-thon takes an ordinary event (like a walk) and introduces a disability awareness aspect by focusing on the abilities of individuals using a wheelchair – the wheelchair can be shared by a team and decorated before the two mile route begins. Participants

pay a fee (the Kids Fun Run is free) and can collect donations to receive structured incentives from local community partners such as McDonald’s, Rockford Aviator’s and Magic Waters.SCHEDULE:8:30-9:30 am – Registration9:30 am - Kids Fun Run10:00 am - Wheel-A-Thon & 5K10:45 am – Wheel-A-Thon & 5K Award Presentation and Refreshments All proceeds from the event helps support the efforts of RAMP’s Boone County office and RAMP’s missionto promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by individuals with disabilities. Register online: www.classy.org/boonecountywheelathon All proceeds from the Wheel-A-Thon will benefit RAMP’s Boone County services provided out of the Belvidere office. RAMP empowers individuals with disabilities through services and advocacy to live an independent life. We accomplish this by partnering with them to make changes in their own lives, seek peer support and remove barriers. RAMP advocates for the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for individuals with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS At its regular meeting Tuesday evening at the Administration Building, the Freeport School District Board of Education: • Reviewed updates to two policies, Policy 316.05: Superintendent Evaluation and Policy 465.05: Emergency Closings. The purpose of the update to Policy 316.05 was to clarify the evaluation process by which the Board holds the superintendent accountable for district performance and compliance with board policy and state and federal regulations. The

update to Policy 465.05 added language to allow for superintendent discretion when conditions have a greater effect on students who walk than on staff members with access to transportation. Both updates were informational items that will return to the Board for approval on April 21.• Approved a revision to the 2015-2016 school year calendar. The calendar was previously approved by the Board on November 18, 2014. Eight School Improvement Days have been added to the calendar in an effort to deliver high quality targeted professional development and training that allows for teacher choice and collaboration.• Approved a 3-year contract for Dr. Duane Meighan as the Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction with a salary of $125,000, and a 3-year contract for Mr. Christopher Shockey as Director of Human Resources with a salary of $113,000. The contracts of these administrative positions will begin on July 1st, 2015. Dr. Meighan will replace current Interim Asst. Supt. for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Jody Ware. Mr. Shockey will replace current Director of Human Resources, Pat Norman.• Approved a pro-rated salary for Mr. Michael Schiffman to work up to 10 days before the start of his regular contract. Mr. Schiffman’s contract as Superintendent of Freeport School District begins July 1, 2015. The public is always invited and encouraged to attend Freeport School District Board of Education meetings. Meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The next scheduled regular meeting will be Tuesday, April 21st at 7:00 PM at the District Administration Building, located at 501 E. South Street.

boone

justice


YOUR NORTHWEST ILLINOIS NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1847www.journalstandard.comVolume 168, Number 83 $2.00

LOCAL

Mayor: Please help clean up FreeportMayor Jim Gitz details how city o� cials are cleaning up neighbor-hoods after the harsh winter and encourages residents to appro-priately clean up yard waste, debris and other garbage. A4

Man escapes blaze uninjuredKitchen fi re may have left house a “total loss,” according to fi re depart-ment. A6

Revisiting history found in ‘Volume I’Leslie T. Fargher’s left a colorful lesson of Free-port’s history. C1

Death NoticesLeaf RiverTimothy J. Mulford, 60

The rent is too high all over USAs demand for apart-ments surges, so do rental rates. D1

Get married, live longer?Study fi nds married men and women less likely to have heart problems. C4

Landslide suits may not go farUncertainty surrounds county’s potential liability after landslide in Washington. D3

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BET ON HIGHER TAXES FOR ILLINOISOPINION, PAGE A4

Sunday, April 6, 2014

By Jane LethleanThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — It was standing room only for some of the sessions as Money Smart Week kicked o� Saturday at Free-port Public Library.While many people attended sessions discussing Social Security and veteran’s a� airs, Gary Welz of Freeport was more interested in improving his credit score and learning how to become a first-time homebuyer. Welz and his family

currently rent a home but want to buy.“Basically, I am ready to buy my fi rst home, and I got insight on how to follow my credit score and how it can benefi t

Area residents learn about fi nancial planning

MONEY SMART WEEK

Hanaha Salazar (left) and Rachel Salazar read from the “Curious George Saves

His Pennies” as part of a session for Money Smart Week on Saturday at Free-

port Public Library. JANE LETHLEAN/THE JOURNAL-STANDARD

Eric Huffman, director of Over the Rainbow Asso-ciation, shows the new barrier-free building for the physically disabled that’s under construction Wednes-day on South Dirck Drive in Freeport. BILL ROSEMEIER/THE

JOURNAL-STANDARD

By Shannon IrelandThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — Work is nearing completion on a $3.2 million apartment complex at 1756 S. Dirck Drive that will become a home for people with physi-cal disabilities and mobility impairments when it opens Aug. 1.The facility will be man-aged by the Over The Rainbow Association, an Evanston nonprofi t devel-oper of special-needs housing. The apartment complex is similar in design

to its neighbor at 1760 S. Dirck Drive, a 23-unit apartment building for the elderly that opened in 2009 and is also managed by Over The Rainbow Association.Housing options for those with mobility and physical disabilities are few and far between in Freeport, said Over The Rainbow Execu-tive Director Eric Hu� man. “ This housing is so scarce — in Illinois and in the country — that once people know about it, it fi lls up really quickly,” Hu� man said. “If we built 50 of these, we could fi ll them up. If we

built 200, we could fi ll them up. If there wasn’t a market, we wouldn’t build them, but there is — a really big market.”The firm’s adjacent 23-unit apartment build-ing for the elderly is fully occupied and has a lengthy wait list, Hu� man said. The new apartment building is funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic

OVER THE RAINBOW

Housing for disabled to open Aug. 1

SEE HOUSING, A2

More Money Smart Week eventsGo to moneysmartweek.org for a com-plete listing of additional Money Smart Week events in the Freeport area.

SEE PLANNING, A3

By Chris KaergardGateHouse Media Illinois

PEKIN — It was intro-duced to the nation by a youthful , modern, game-changing presi-dent, championed after his assassination by his successor, the ultimate legislative insider.Its need was attested to at every segregated hotel or lunch counter; every job denied or school still separate and unequal; every protester who faced down a fi rehose or police dog; every church bombed or cross burned; every life lost.

But it wasn’t until a con-servative senator who once held Abraham Lincoln’s seat in Congress got his hands on it that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 could be assured passage into law or history.The measure outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender and national origin, required integra-tion of public facilities and sought to improve access to voting and integrated schools.

“ C i r c u m s t a n c e s i n early 1964 through June

CIVIL RIGHTS LEGACYEverett Dirksen, ‘legislative craftsman’The Pekin Republican was long a champion of equality for all Americans

President Lyndon B. Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen greet each other as they dis-cuss passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. At left is Sen. Hubert Humphrey, D-Minn. DIRKSEN CONGRESSIONAL

CENTER COLLECTION

SEE DIRKSEN, A3

SUN

60/36

MON

54/36

TUE

48/32Complete forecast, A2

Lady Pretzels win 1-0 over DeKalbDefense holds up after lone goal by Erica Hasken. B1

NATION/WORLD

SPORTS

Landslide suits may not go farUncertainty surrounds county’s potential liability after landslide in Washington. D3

Business ... D1-D4Classifi ed ....D5-6Classifi ed ....D5-6ClassifiLife&Style ....C1-6Lottery ............A2

Obits ...............A5Opinion ...........A4Sports ..........B1-6Weather ..........A2

By Jane LethleanThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — It was standing room only for some of the sessions as Money Smart Week kicked o� Saturday at Free-Smart Week kicked o� Saturday at Free-Smart Week kicked o�port Public Library.While many people attended sessions discussing Social Security and veteran’s a� airs, Gary Welz of Freeport was more

a� airs, Gary Welz of Freeport was more

a�interested in improving his credit score and learning how to become a first-time homebuyer. Welz and his family

currently rent a home but want to buy.“Basically, I am ready to buy my fi rst “Basically, I am ready to buy my fi rst “Basically, I am ready to buy my fihome, and I got insight on how to follow my credit score and how it can benefi t

my credit score and how it can benefi t

my credit score and how it can benefi

Area residents learn about fi nancial planningabout fi nancial planningabout fi

Hanaha Salazar (left) and Rachel Salazar read from the “Curious George Saves

His Pennies” as part of a session for Money Smart Week on Saturday at Free-

port Public Library. JANE LETHLEAN/THE JOURNAL-STANDARD

More Money Smart Week eventsGo to moneysmartweek.org for a com-plete listing of additional Money Smart Week events in the Freeport area.

SEE PLANNING, A3

at every segregated hotel or lunch counter; every job denied or school still separate and unequal; every protester who faced down a fidog; every church bombed or cross burned; every life lost.

President Lyndon B. Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen greet each other as they dis-cuss passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. At left is Sen. Hubert Humphrey, D-Minn. CENTER COLLECTION

Lady Pretzels win 1-0 over DeKalbDefense holds up after lone goal by Erica Hasken. B1

SPORTS

www.journalstandard.com

TheJ -STANDARD

OURNAL

50 W. Douglas Street, Ste 900Freeport, Illinois 61032815.232.1171 • 800.325.6397www.journalstandard.com

when you place an ad in the Communicator, that same ad can be picked up in The Journal-Standard and online.

when you place an ad in the Communicator, that same ad can be picked up in The Journal-Standard and online.

Advertising online lets you reach prospective customers in Freeport and the surrounding areas...Galena, Rockford, Monroe & more!

Find out more by contacting your sales representative directly or calling The Journal-Standard

advertising department at 815.232.1171.

Advertising online lets you reach prospective customers in Freeport and the surrounding areas...Galena, Rockford, Monroe & more!

Did you know...Did you know... Gordy Williams serves on

the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He became a Chamber member a number of years ago and while a member he became increasingly familiar with the Chamber’s mission within the city of Freeport.

“My interests multiplied and eventually I was asked to serve as a board member and I accepted,” Williams said. I saw becoming a board member to be a good thing and I was happy to be a part of that.”

He said the Chamber’s current drive to provide added value for its members is beginning to show results.

“I am definitely seeing a shift in the Chamber’s mission statement and also in the strategic plan of the board,” Williams said. “I see more folks taking advantage of advertising opportunities within the Chamber. The programs we have in

place are very economical for our members to take part in and as a result, we are seeing an increase in participation from our members.” Williams said the Chamber’s strategic plan is becoming increasingly adept at covering the areas of interest and he’s in agreement with it all. “We just need to take little pieces at a time to accomplish what the Chamber is setting out to do in Freeport,” he said. “My companies have always been actively involved with the Freeport Area Chamber and I’m very happy to see what the Chamber does for its members.” As Stephenson Service Company Energy Marketing Manager Gordy Williams oversees FS Farm Town in Freeport and Freeport Fast Stop Express. He said those companies like what they’re seeing from the Chamber and very much want to stay a part of the Chamber’s growth and successes.

A Message from the Board...Gordy Williams

The Ambassadors cut the ribbon along with Bethany United Church of Christ as they celebrated the Grand Opening of their Preschool located at the Church 2341 West Stephenson Street in Freeport. This project took many years to complete and it was our honor to be there to help celebrate this very special day. Stop by the Bethany United Church and see for yourself how wonderful this new addition is to the Freeport Community. Congratulations Bethany United Church Preschool! Welcome to Freeport!

RIBBON CUTTING

One careless error can compromise your company’s reputation and revenue. A stolen laptop, an employee’s flash drive, a cyber intruder or a virus can all lead to public embarrassment and disaster. The threat of data breach is real and a comprehensive plan that can be implemented immediately is essential to protect your brand and get back to business. Are you ready for the legal and public exposure that will result from a breach? A data breach can put your financial constancy at risk due to rising costs and a loss of revenue. Studies show significant damage from data breaches result from lost consumer confidence and lost business. That’s why it’s important for your company to anticipate the level of media exposure and consumer or employee response when deciding how to deal with a breach.

Determine what is compromised How about your customers and employees personal information; their plastic, their banking details, SS numbers? How will you learn what is taken and how will you respond? If the loss included credit card data, but did not include SS numbers, then a proper response

should include transaction monitoring capabilities, but not necessarily include the ability to identify new applications for new lines of credit. Likewise, if SS numbers were compromised, a breach response plan should include application alert capabilities.What will be your communications approach? Understanding your communications policy begins with understanding the size and type of breach as well and the implications of your exposure and the depth of the breach. An understanding of those elements can lead you to strategically respond to the ‘how,’ ‘what,’ ‘when,’ and ‘where’ questions inevitably related to any response. For example, develop an understanding of the quantity and style of communications you will engage, when you will deploy them, and what you will offer to the affected populace for protection. The law dictates what you must do, but your employees and clientele deserve and expect more. Meeting only the most nominal legal requirements could result in upper limit damage to your brand.

Your breach response actions determine your public image Are you ready to facilitate a fast

response? Has your organization developed the necessary incident response playbook and appointed a leader to manage it? Is your response team cross-efficient with a deep emphasis on communications and public relations? Does your team include: analytics to determine the impacted population; a scam group to recognize and put a stop to the infringement; a legal team to notify the necessary regulators; customer service personnel to handle inquiries and claims; and an identity theft protection unit to provide identity theft protection solutions?

Rebuilding trust is difficult after a breach. Don’t make it impossible by offering your customers limited protection. Actions speak louder than words. If you offer complete and comprehensive protection you will increase your potential for restoring trust. Prepare your managerial roles and responsibilities in advance and develop an understanding of the legal regulations and requirements in advance of a breach so your business will be ready to respond when disaster occurs.

TECHbytesFreeport area chamber oF commerce 15

How will you respond to a data breach?

Committed to your Success!

INTEGRITY TRUSTEXPERIENCE

COMMITMENTYEARS

Stop in to seeMark

Larry Shane

Luann Laura

Karen

These have been the pillars of our Bank for over

48 years. At Midwest Community Bank we are

dedicated to serving your business.

What are the qualities you look for in your Bank?A data breach is the intentional or unintentional

release of secure information to an untrusted environment. other terms for this

phenomenon include unintentional information disclosure, data leak and also data spill.

Source: Wikipedia

Documents

Computer Dynamics Enters Tablet and Phone …...from phone and tablet repair to computer service to network maintainence to video surveillance and more. “We’ve just started repairing