Monday August 19, 2013www.ivaced.org

Member Spotlight p. 3

Ribboncuttingceremonies p. 8

Steve Brust Memorial Golf Outing p. 4

Shapiro Group research study p. 5

IVAC Economic Development Committee Visits TEE Group Films

From IVAC Director/CEO:

IVAC’s Economic Development Committee is not only committed to our manufacturing 2020 retention/expansion visits, community distribution/ manufacturing, area business needs and what is happening, but also dedicated to keeping the fl ow of local, industry visits often and in depth to see how they have evolved in order to stay alive as a result of the recent recession. TEE GROUP FILMS is no exception – it is an Excellent success story showing Hard Driving Midwest Ingenuity and moving forward with a Global fl air. I am also very pleased with the cooperation of the committee – thank you Jay Baxter and Jeff Wagner for helping with the facts of this article.

Marci Duro

Current operation in Ladd dates back to the 1960s.

All products are based on different applications and uses

of plastic fi lms. Tee Group produces various types of fi lms and uses those fi lms to produce products ranging from:

• Typing ribbon used to print bank and account coding on checks • Films applied to carpet padding to make them water proof • Adhesive tapes used to hold nails together for nail guns • Coatings to protect and extend the life of corrugated pipes • Films to separate layers of rubber in tire manufacturing • Films used in the manufacture of motorcycle drive belts such as Harley Besides doing their R&D internally, TEE Group is continually trying to fi nd new uses and applications for its products. It has also funded research projects with Northern University and the University of Illinois at Champaign to develop new products and processes. Through a series of transactions from it’s humble beginnings as a manufacturer of “holland cloth” for the rubbery industry, TEE Group Films located in Ladd, IL has become a global player in the extruded sheet fi lm industry. With various operational patents (and patents pending), TEE Group functions as an industrial distributor, avoiding the

commercial distribution process. It has shown considerable growth over the years by combining a value added approach. Mr. Tom Malpass, President of Tee Group Films explained that its corporate mission is simple - “we offer customer service 101 that provides technical (on site) support to our clientele. This on site support allows us to engineer solutions for our customers, thus customer retention.” The average business relationship for Tee Group spans some 20 years. TEE Group employs approximately 65 people with low employee turnover. The facility, since locating in Ladd, IL has seen generations of long term employees. Not many operations can state “generations” of employees, so the plant operates (from what we viewed) as a family. This facility is one of the last makers on the planet for type-write corrective tape. Most of this corrective tape is exported. Products range from sheet extrusion for collation in the nail-gun industry to multiple adhesive layers of fi lm with proprietary blends for air fi ltration, capacitor fi lms and even for the weather stripping. The plant’s primary resin is polyethelene and the 24/7 operation consumes over 1

million pounds per month of thecommodity. To remain creative and environmentally sound, thefacility recycles everything. Scrap is re-ground, extruded back into pellet form (on site)and re-used in daily processing. Even the sheet fi lm cylinders are returned from their customerbase to be reloaded. The Economic Development Committee witnessed product being packaged and labeled forshipment to Scotland, Germany,France and other nations aroundthe globe. TEE Group Filmsis truly a global player in itsindustry, nestled right here in theIllinois Valley. It is worth noting the one cannotgrow without technology, quality and repeatability. With investments in all of these areas,we found it interesting to see 40plus year old machinery installedwith the newest state of the artcontrol processing equipment. The investment in research and development has been thecornerstone of the operation offering industry solutions to specifi c market problems by blending various commodities into an extrusion processcreating fl exibility to meet any customer’s specifi c needs.

IVAC Economic Development Committee visits TEE Group Films. Shown are: (center) Pam Furlan – BEST, (L to R) Bob Huber – Coldwell Banker Today’s Realtors, Jay Baxter – CPA, Tom Malpass – President TEE Group Films, Roger Marquis – Marquis Energy, Jeff Wagner – Eakas Corp.

2 Monday, August 19, 2013

GROCERY STOREMEAT

PRODUCEPHARMACY

HEALTH FOODGAS STATION

BAKERYDELI

CATERING

1651 Midtown Road • Peru815-223-5219

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Jack Wayland

613 First Street, LaSalle

815-223-7590

We provide Employee Benefits:

Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Business Insurance, Long Term Care,

Estate Planning Needs

Management ProfessionalServices, Inc.

Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Insurance Company (except in New York) and Principal Life Insurance Company. Securities offered through Principal Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. Wayland Financial Group is not an affi liate of any company of the Principal Financial Group.

Kathleen Wayland

613 First Street, LaSalle815-224-1889

WAYLAND FINANCIAL GROUP

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PensionIRA Rollovers

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IVAC Economic Development Committee Visits

TEE Group Films

VAC E i D l t C itt i it TEE G Fil Sh

{ {

Monday, August 19, 2013 3

Helping children in ourcommunities live, learn and play to

their maximum potential.

Developmental Therapy • Speech Therapy • Free Developmental ScreeningsToddler Classes • Autism Resource Center

Easter Seals of LaSalle Bureau Counties | Ottawa • Peru • Princetoninfo@il-lb.easterseals.com | eastersealsLBC.org | 815-434-0857

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member spotlight{ {

Uptown Bar & Grill

Front seated are Rita and Ray Anderes, Owners. Back standing are general managers, (L) Jimmy Lannen and (R ) Ryan Anderes,

FOR 28 YEARS, ALWAYS HIGH ON TASTE!

A tried-and-true local (and tourist) favorite, Uptown Grill has been owned and independently operated by the same family since open-ing its doors in 1985. Owner Ray Anderes proposed the idea aft er having been raised in a restaurant family at Peru’s former Red Door Inn. Opting to off er a “casual” restaurant - a midpoint between fast food and fi ne dining - Anderes created his establishment in an old mini-mall. Aft er 10 years of success, the restaurant moved next door to its current location, an old Woolworths building, at the corner of LaSalle and Gooding Streets in Downtown LaSalle. Uptown Grill off ers a dining experience that is both low-key yet high on taste. Th e menu is dedicated to the same polished casual feel of its atmosphere. Patrons should feel comfortable ordering a half pound burger on a busy Saturday night or a four-course meal mid-aft ernoon. Paying special attention to detail on all menu off er-ings has been key to the restaurant’s success. Uptown builds all of its soups, sauces, and dressings from scratch. You will never fi nd frozen or canned vegetables, nor any pre-breaded or frozen products. Every-thing is prepared by hand to order. Tasty bar drinks and desserts help to round out the extensive menu. In addition to its large dining room, seasonal outdoor seating along with private and semi-private seating options are available. Uptown Grill also off ers a private banquet room with seating for up to 150 and a fully stocked bar. Th e banquet room plays host to the Uptown Playlist Th eater, a cozy concert venue that sees several musical per-formances each year. Uptown Grill is located at 601 First Street in LaSalle. Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week. Reservations are accepted. Learn more at www.uptowngrill.com or by calling 815-224-4545.

IVAC business after hours{ {

St. Margaret’s Health hosted an IVAC Business After Hours June 13, 2013 on their brand new third fl oor Surgery Department. Guests were able to tour the new third fl oor surgery department and view the new state of the art equipment.

St. Margaret’s Health Administrator/President and CEO, Tim Muntz, along with (L) Cindy Muntz, RN and (R ) Joan Kutz, RN

St. Margaret’s Health - New Third Floor - June 13, 2013

Jeff Perry Buick GMC – Grand Opening of new Showroom & Service Department- July 11, 201

(L-R) Nathan Bacidore, Jeff Perry owner and Marci Duro, IVAC Exec Director/ CEO

IVAC members enjoying the evening with conversation,refreshments and tours of the completely renovated Jeff Perry new facility.

4 Monday, August 19, 2013

ivjobmatch.com

ivjobmatch.com

815-223-3200

285644

IVAC Intro’s New Team{ {

Illinois Valley Area Chamber’s dynamic Team, (L to R) Amy Abbott, Communications/ Media/ Technical Coordinator, Audrey Bleck, Assistant Director, Marci Duro, Executive Director/ CEO and Carrie Coons, Receptionist/ Clerical.

{ {ribbon cuttingceremonies

Ribbon Cutting Green Life – May 2, 2013Green Life has opened at the north end of Peru Mall. Gathered at the new business for a ribbon cutting ceremony are (from left) Becky Sharkey, Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador; Shuange You Wu, massage therapist; Yun Cai, owner and massage therapist; Audrey Bleck, IVAC assistant director; Phil Hileman, mall manager; and Nikki Testa, IVAC ambassador. Green Life offers back and shoulder massages, body relaxing massages; foot refl exology and acupressure.

Ribbon Cutting Christie’s Kitchen – July 17, 2013Left to Right: Anna Lijewski,-IVAC Ambassador, Barb Harl, Dave Barltley-Peru City Clerk, Audrey Bleck IVAC Assistant Director, Marci Duro-Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director/CEO, Owners Michelle Olson and Christie Pasieka holding 3rd generation granddaughter, Peru Mayor Scott Harl, Peru Alderman Mike Sapienza, Bev Malooley-Director and Gina Czubachowski-Business Specialist both with IL Small Business Development Center at IVCC and Heidi Addis, IVAC Ambassador.

Ribbon Cutting Mareta Pasta & Deli – August 6, 2013Left to Right: Kurt Rimmele, IVAC Ambassador, Marci Duro, IVAC Executive Director/ CEO, Steve Villarreal, Owner, Audrey Bleck, IVAC Assistant Director, and Anna Lijewski, IVAC Ambassador. Missing from photo, Michael Villarreal, owner. Located at 148 Gooding St, La Salle.Mareta Pasta and Deli, part of a family owned and operated restaurant since 1956, serving pasta and sandwiches the whole family will love.

Ribbon Cutting Bayou Express – August 8, 2013IVAC Ambassadors, Executive Director/CEO and Assistant Director, along with Peru Mall Manager welcome Bayou Express owners Ivon and Mario Dias and their staff at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Peru Mall. Bayou Express serves a variety of freshly prepared Japanese and Chinese cuisine from crab Rangoon to orange chicken, spicy tuna rolls to shrimp tempura rolls. They also provide catering with a variety of catering options.

Monday, August 19, 2013 5

B R E N N A N & S T U A R T , I N C .

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PREMIUM VALUE AWARD®PREMIUM VALUE AWARD®

Most insurance companies don’t recognize their best policyholders. But West Bend Mutual does. If you don’t have a claim on your Home & Highway® policy for the entire year, we’ll send you a check for 5% of your annual paid premium. That’s a nice little surprise to fi nd in your mail box. And just another example of West Bend Mutual’s commitment to our policyholders.

Insurance ProfessionalsSpecializing in:

auto - home - personalWe’re here to save you money!

222 BUCKLIN STREET . LASALLE . ILLINOIS . 61301TELEPHONE 815.223.0137 . FAX 815.223.0999 . www.brennanstuart.com

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akeesee@brennanstuart.com(815) 410-2002

• Corporate Meetings and Retreats• Unique Location• Affordable Meeting Options• Tranquil Setting• Banquet Spaces• Custom Catering

Where thinking outside the box just

comes naturally.Starved Rock Lodge &

Conference Center

Whether you’re planning a multi-day conference, a day seminar, relaxing retreat or special event we have the perfect space for your event! Whatever the

occasion Starved Rock offers the perfect cuisine for your event.

Routes 178 & 71 • Utica, IL 61373815-220-7335

www.starvedrocklodge.com

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Legislative Luncheon June 12, 2013 at the Grand Bear Lodge Grand

Ballroom

Pictured above is Marci Duro, IVAC Executive Director/ CEO, Greg Himelick, IVAC Board President, State Senator, Sue Rezin, and State Representative Frank Mautino.

Guests enjoy a deliciously prepared meal in the Grand Bear Lodge Ballroom while listening to legislative guest speakers, State Senator, Sue Rezin ( 38th Legislative District), State Representative, Frank Mautino (76th Legislative Dirstrict), Representatives for U.S. Senate Assistant Leader Richard Durbin and Congressman Adam Kinzinger, 11th Congressional District, also gave an update.

She found Autumn Gourd 5018. Find your Soul Paint on

With our exclusive Clark+Kensington® paint+primer in one, you’ll find a harmonious color palette, not to mention help from people who really know their stuff. All so you can finally find that perfect color you can live with for a long time.

Debo Ace Hardware1713 4th St

Peru, IL 61354(815) 223-0461

www.acehardware.com

Store Hours: Mon-Thu 7-5:30, Fri 7-6, Sat 7-5

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Celebrating75 Years!

A big welcome to our NEW

and re-joined members 2013

Innovative Staff SolutionsAdvertising ConsultantsJohn’s Service & SalesUptown GrillLa Quinta Inn & SuitesPutnam County Govern-ment Offi ceLa Salle Business AssociationKing Landcare, Inc.Th e Farms GroupProgress Park Veterinary HospitalLori Janko Wilke State Farm InsuranceMcKean Pallet CoPutnam County Painting IncHamer Realty & Assoc., Inc. Korte TruckingEdward Jones-Steve Lamis Finanical Adv.

IVA

C 5

13

Community

Tickets $30/Person • $50/CoupleAvailable at IVAC Offi ce and from Chamber Board Members and Ambassadors

1320 Peoria Street • Peru, IL • 815-223-0227

Cocktails6:00-7:00 p.m.

Polynesian Dinner7:00 p.m.

Music, Dancing, Entertainment

7:30 p.m.

Royale Polynesian Revue

8:30-10:00 p.m.

Royale Polynesian Revue

Royale Polynesian Revue

Friday, August 23, 2013Senica’s Oak Ridge

POLYNESIANPOLYNESIAN

The Schapiro Group Study gives insight to the question

We at the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development have made it our mission over the past 3 years to make improvements and updates to your Chamber. We implemented a comprehen-sive database program that inter-acts with us and our members – written by chamber people to be intuitive to chamber busi-ness needs. We then connected our website to the same system – making a complete circle of service for our membership. We have just touched the surface of its’ capabilities but we are pleased with how far we have come and are working hard to get to the next level.

A question that many mem-bers and non-members frequent-ly ask themselves as a mem-ber of a Chamber or when con-sidering joining a Chamber is “What is the value in joining a Chamber?” And to be hon-est, this is a great question. The value of a Chamber should be able to be seen throughout the business community. The high visibility of a Chamber should also indicate that the particular Chamber has positive and active members who support their Chamber. After all, a Chamber is nothing without the members that drive it.

While some members (and non-members) can literally see the value in a Chamber by attend-ing networking events, having a booth at an event, having a listing on a Chamber website, advertising, submitting articles and receiving the monthly news-letter and actively participating on a committee among many

other things – others can not see the value so easily. And, this is okay! If a member is not seeing the value in those typesof par-ticipatory activities then perhaps what they really need to see are the statistics and hard facts that show the value in joining a Chamber of Commerce. After all, we all see and defi ne value in different ways, and Chambers strive to have all members see the value in their Chamber as it applies to each of them.

To help us in this endeav-or – we came across a study with factually data showing the value of Chamber membership. The study done by The Schapiro Group entitled, “The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce: A Research Study.”

The data is from a scientifi c web-based survey of 2,000 adults nationwide, and almost every question is part of one of sever-al imbedded experiments. This, as the research study explains, means that “respondents were randomly assigned to different groups at several points during the survey. Each group reads something slightly different

– like a description of a com-pany that changes only a little for each group – but then every-one is asked the same questions thereafter, regardless of which company description they just read. Therefore, when there are statistically signifi cant differ-ences in how different groups answered the same questions, we know exactly why it happened.”

A sampling within the study provided the below results among other data obtained by The Schapiro Group.

• Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local Chamber of Commerce is an effective business strategy

overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good overall practices and 26% more effective for communicat-ing that a business is reputable.

• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local Chamber (e.g. sits on the Chamber board), consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack-up better against its competition.

• When a consumer thinks that a company’s products stack-up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local Chamber of Commerce, it is because they infer that the company is trust-worthy, involved in the commu-nity and is an industry leader.

• When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a mem-ber of a Chamber of Commerce, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

• When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, they are 43% more likely to consider buying insur-ance from it.

• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or ser-vices from the company in the future.

There are many other more specifi c fi ndings within a specifi c business sector and/or categories such as: Chamber Membership as a Business Strategy, Chamber Impacts and Their Causes, Impact on Large Businesses and Impact on Small Businesses.

If you are interested in viewing the research study by The Schapiro Group in its entirety, please contact Your Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development to obtain a copy, or visit the website www.schapi-rogroup.com.

Monday, August 19, 2013 6

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SHOP LOCALShop Spring Valley!

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7 Monday, August 19, 2013

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250 Marquette Street • LaSalle, IL • 223-0700 1300 13th Avenue • Mendota, IL • 539-5656

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La Salle250 Marquette St.La Salle, IL 61301

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Peru2959 Peoria St.Peru, IL 61354815-223-9400

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Linda DoseSenior Care Advisor

Specializing in MedicareSupplements & Prescription

Plans for Seniors

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120 E. Walnut, Oglesby ~ 815-883-8616

IVAC 5th Annual Steve Brust Memorial Golf OutingDeer Park Country Club

June 6, 2013IVAC’s Annual Golf Outing brought in a record number of participants for the second year in a row. 2013 exceeded the previous year for a total of 168 golfers who are shown lined up for the shotgun start. Members and their guests enjoyed 18 holes of golf in a 4 person scramble format, beverages, games, dinner and trophies at the Deer Park Country Club June 6, 2013. Again, this successful event is not possible without the generous support of the many sponsors and dedicated volunteers.

The day started pretty chilly for June morning with even the threat of rain looming. Above is part of the golf committee are Greg Vaccaro, co-chair, Bob Suarez, & Dick Martuzzo

Very much appreciated volunteers manning the fundraising table

Steve Olson, Double D Warehouse Manager holds their cart sponsorship sign.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, the sun was out the chill had left the air. 4-some: Kayla Samolinski, Mary Batty-Jasper, Judy Shaw-Feyerham, , and Ardene Peterson enjoying a day fi lled with sunshine and fun.

4-some: Pat Hart, Pat Brust, Jeff Borelli Mike Hart ready to test their skills hitting their drive while sitting on a commode.

Golf Committee has an assist from student volunteers in assembling the golfer goody bags.

The 2,400-square-foot wound center building is now under construction on a vacant lot on the north side of IVCH, across Sixth Street from the hospital’s emergency department. The wound center will have hyper-baric oxygen therapy — a ser-vice not now available in the Illinois Valley, according to Tommy Hobbs, IVCH chief executive offi cer — as one of its treatments. The center will use two hyperbaric chambers to treat up 20 to 25 patients per day and relieve them of long drives

for daily treatments in Peoria, Bloomington or Rockford

8 Monday, August 19, 2013

Peru 815-223-7500

925 Shooting Park Rd.

Oglesby 815-883-8473501 W. Walnut St.

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815.883.9822 • 170 E. Walnut Street • Oglesby 2453

47Eye Exams • Prescription Filled • Glasses & Contacts

Low Vision Aides • Designer & Fashion FramesSun & Sport Glasses • Accessories & Repairs

“Fun Night”sponsored by

the IVAC Ambassadors!March 8, 2013

Senica’s Oak Ridge

The annual IVAC Ambassador Fun Noght was held at Senica’s Oak Ridge 658 E. Route 6 in LaSalle, March 8, 2013/ A night fi lled with fun and anticipation for the luck of the draw! This year there was a special treat...Music by “BarFly’s”.

{ {ground breakingceremonies

Illinois Valley Community Hospital – May 8, 2013

New Wound and Hyperbaric Center opening in August

Holding shovels are (L to R center) are Scott Stavrakas-Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Executive Vice-President, Kris Paul-IVCH Board President, Tommy Hobbs-IVCH President/CEO and Bill Etzenbach-IVCH Board Member. They are fl anked on the left and right by IVCH physcians, offi ers, staff, IVAC and construction managers.