THE CHAMBER Q98.1FM, SuperWash Bruketta …3A712A47-3D50-49B4-9E78...As such, it’s a good idea to give your retail space a new coat of paint, ... He is currently working towards

5 Fresh Ideas for Spring Cleaning your Small Business

THE

April 2017

DATES TO REMEMBERMarch 28 Business Before Hours - Advanced Rehab 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

March 29 Chamber Coffee Crawford’s Home Furnishings 8:00 a.m.

April 4YWCA Dollars for DonutsYWCA 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

April 4ELECTION DAY - VOTE!

April 5Teen Job Fair Canton High School3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

April 13Workforce Development Training 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Graham Hospital Conference Room

April 22Community Work Day Meet at Jones Park - 8:30 a.m.

COURIERCHAMBER

Check out the full Calendar of Eventswww.cantonillinois.org

for more details and other events!

The monthly business publication for the Canton Area

Welcome New Members:

Bruketta Accounting, Q98.1FM, SuperWash

Continued on page 4

When the seasons change from winter to spring, there is a renewed energy in the air. The excitement and anticipation that had dwindled during the long winter is back.Not sure where to start? Here are five fresh ideas for spring cleaning your small business to achieve a renewed outlook, an improved plan and reinvigorated motivation.1. Refresh Your Marketing ActivitiesOne excellent way to take advantage of the renewed energy that spring brings with it is by trying something new, and marketing is one of the quickest ways inject some new energy into your business.There an endless supply of marketing activities that you can try, and since it often takes trial and error to create an effective marketing mix, trying new things is a great approach. Pick one new marketing activity to try this spring. Then, measure the results and decide if it has earned a permanent place in your marketing plan.2. Declutter Your Workspace (and Your Computer!)Yes, you literally need to do some cleaning with this one. You know what I’m talking about -- that growing stack of papers and files on the corner of your desk that you’ve trained your eyes to ignore. Now is the time to declutter and go through every document, file, paper, piece of mail and everything else that has been added to that pile over the past few months (years?), and give it a home or trash it. The Cloud is the new File Cabinet, CRM service for small businesses that offer cloud storage, with access to your information anywhere and anytime.Once your physical workspace is clean and organized, it’s time to get your computer organized. Start by filing or deleting some of the miscellaneous files on your desktop. Then, run operating system, software and virus protection updates to make sure your

THE CHAMBER COURIER April 2017 - Page 2

www.cantonillinois.org

Special Events

Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club15722 E Kenabeck Trail, Cuba

FRIDAY,

MAY 19, 2017

LUNCH - 11:00

TEE-OFF - 12:00

SAVE THE DATE

EXECUTIVE BOARDPresident - Kara Johnson, Ipava State Bank

Vice President - Harriett Williams, Red Oak EstatesTreasurer - Aaron Thum, Crawford’s Home Furnishings

Secretary - Dr. Tyson Klinedinst, Klinedinst Chiropractic

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSJon Johnson, Canton Park District

Mayor Jeff Fritz, City of CantonSuperintendent Rolf Sivertsen, CUSD #66

President Curt Oldfield, Spoon River College

STAFFExecutive Director - Amanda AtchleyAssistant Director - Brendon Bauman

209 East Chestnut, Suite 2 Canton, IL 61520

(309) [email protected]

Business & Community DevelopmentJodi Wilcoxen, MidAmerican National Bank

Member & Public RelationsBen Brewer, Graham Health System

Government Affairs Nick Tinsman, Barnhart, Tinsman, & Lane, Ltd.

Lisa Gardner, Jim Maloof RealtyRob Goebel, St. Peter’s Church

Zack Krulac, Bank of FarmingtonAnn Lockhart, United Way for Spoon River Country

Wendy Martin, Fulton DemocratRusty Melhouse, Edward Jones Investments

Lance Moring, Canton Park DistrictLori Oaks, Canton Family YMCA

THE CHAMBER COURIER

209 East Chestnut Street, Suite 2 ~ Canton, IL 61520 ~ (309) 647-2677

April 2017- Page 3

Official Time-Out in Canton was one of many businesses affected by the explosion that took place on November 16, 2016. Just two short months later, OTO was back open for business. On January 23, they held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony to show off the newly remodeled restaurant.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

It’s All About Me Boutique & Salon opened a women’s clothing shop inside the salon on March 1st. They are offering fashion for women of all sizes, along with monthly seminars and hair and skin products.

Just Teaz’n Hair Salon changed ownership on January 1, 2017. Stylist Denise McDonald purchased the salon. All of the same familiar faces of the former CJ’s Hair and Nail Salon are employed.

US Cellular moved to the former Advanced Rehab location right next door to their previous location. They now have a larger space and more staff to serve their customers!

The Breathing Tree Yoga Studio is a yoga and arts studio offering regularly scheduled classes for all ages. It is a donation based studio. All ages are welcome.


www.facebook.com/CACC61520

Continued from page 1

computer is current and optimized to run smoothly. Depending on your typical email management process, now might also be a good time to clean up your email inbox, and create rules for sorting and filtering messages.3. Clean Up Your Cash FlowAre you on top of how much money you have coming into and going out of your small business on a daily basis? Maintaining a healthy cash flow is vital in order to meet all of your financial obligations on time, and to make sure you have cash on hand when you need it.Even if you have a bookkeeper and an accountant who handle the overall management of your books, as a small business owner, you need to have a solid understanding of your financial position. Since business taxes are due in the spring, this is an especially good time to sit down with your financial professionals and get up close and personal with your cash flow. It’s also a great time to figure out what you could be doing on a regular basis to improve your cash flow and fine-tune your small business budget. If your reserves are low, consider liquidating old inventory, replacing your landline with a VoIP system and leasing rather than buying new equipment to loosen up your cash flow.4. Freshen Up Your Business GoalsGoals are the foundation of any successful business.If you’ve let your business goals lag since you worked on them at the beginning of the year, spring is the perfect time to analyze the progress you’ve made and take a hard look at where you’ve fallen short. If you’ve dropped the ball with your goals, figure out what you need to do to get back on track. Make sure your business goals can withstand the SMART goal criteria. Now is also the time to schedule one-month, two-month and three-month goal check-ins to keep yourself on track. The best business plans are those that are working documents you update and use on a regular basis in your business to keep moving forward toward your goals.5. Revitalize your web presence & brandJust as it’s important to give your physical space an update, it’s equally critical to freshen up your web presence on a regular basis. As an increasing numbers of consumers do the majority of their online shopping on mobile devices, companies that have websites that are laborious to navigate will be left behind. A mobile-centric website redesign is a short-term expense that will pay off in the long term. It’s not uncommon for small business owners to realize one day that their brand has gotten stale. As such, it’s a good idea to give your retail space a new coat of paint, reorganize the layout a bit, and even refresh your signage or logo to project an image of vitality and vibrancy.

Amanda & Kyle Flessner, Oakdale Vet ClinicChris Jump, Barnhart, Tinsman, & LaneColin Davis, Spoon River College FoundationDylan Whittin, MidAmerica National BankGabe Secrist, Ipava State BankJake Green, Graham Health Systems John Stinauer, Stinauer Family DentistryJordan Freeman, Advanced Rehab & Sports MedicineKaci Westrich, Hy-VeeKara Fitzjarrald, Kemper Construction Inc.Lucas Beoletto, COOK Polymer

Megan Putrich, Sedgwick Funeral Home & CrematoryMitch Coonradt, MidAmerica National Bank

Nichelle Marquis, Graham Health SystemRyan Deushane, Graham Health System

Stephen Clark, Town & Country InsuranceTaryn Mellert, Spoon River Electric

Tracy Chipman, MidAmerica National BankTrygve Meade, Beal Law Office

Zack Krulac, Bank of FarmingtonLance Moring, Canton Park District

Young Professionals



Bruketta Accouting opened their doors for business in 1970. David purchased the former Canton Hotel on East Elm (now Bistro 101) in 1997, and developed it into office space. The firm remained at this location until 2005, when learning that the former City Building (Ingersoll Library) was for sale. He then bought that building, made renovations. However, the building had more space than what was needed for Dave and the business. Fortunately Drewe and Stephanie Johnson, (Johnson & Johnson PC) stepped in and purchased the building. They have restored the building to its original elegance.Bruketta Accounting moved to the lower level of the old City building after the building had sold as it was right in the middle of Tax Season. They currently are still located at this location until construction and remodeling is completed at their new location, (former CEFCU) on the square is finished.

Bruketta Accounting can help clients with income tax preparation, accounting services, payroll and sales tax preparation, small business consulting, and tax audits. Greg Garrett works for the firm and provides small business advisory services for new and existing businesses. His primary focus in providing these services is to assist entrepreneurs with locating affordable financing for their projects, whether start-ups or capital expansion for existing companies. . In that capacity, Greg assists clients with general consulting, help clients develop bank required business plans, develop financial statement projections, cash flow projections and in some cases, business asset and entity evaluation. Greg works closely with local area bankers in efforts to streamline the bank analysis timeline and to help clients secure the best possible loan options and structure. In the past several years, Greg has helped over 20 new businesses in the Fulton, Knox and Mason county area with locally funded projects. Currently, Greg is involved with eight projects, for which four are in Fulton County, with two of these four targeting to start or relocate their business to Canton.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBER

Bruketta

Accounting

The Breathing Tree is a yoga and meditation studio in the heart of Canton, Illinois. We believe yoga and meditation are excellent ways to improve your mind, body and soul at once. With emphasis on breathing techniques and meditation, The Breathing Tree practices thoughtful and reflexive yoga to promote both physical and mental well-being. Nathan Taylor, Founder and Instructor, is a professionally-trained instructor with years of experience teaching and practicing yoga. Although he is rooted in a classical yoga practice, Nathan is committed to learn and grow in the many disciplines yoga has to offer. He is currently working towards his 500 Hour R.Y.T. certification through Vira Bhava Yoga, and studying with Dr. Gyanendra Mahapatra to teach Vedic meditation. Yoga’s profound impact on his life has lead him to open The Breathing Tree in hopes of creating a community of sharing and growth using the vehicle of creative and healing arts.Classes are all levels and donation based. Bring your friends and experience the transformational power of the asana practice.A L L A G E S W E L C O M ETue – 6a-7a, 5:30-6:45pThu – 6a-7a, 5:30p-6:45pSat – 9a-10:15aAvailable for private sessions by appointmentMon – 8:30a-9:30aWed – 8:30a-9:30a

17 E Side Square | Canton, IL | 309.338.4933https://www.thebreathingtree.net

to increase by $1 billion dollars next years to 8.8 Billion — with no planned new revenue to pay for the increased costs. To date the yearly pension costs for the state of Illinois now consumes 25% of the estimated 33 billion dollar budget—if one existed. To date the Canton School District has not received any mandated categorical payments for FY 17. If the state fails to make any mandated categorical payments this year it would be a catastrophe. This year mandated payments amount to nearly 1.5 million dollars to the school district. In the end, a lack of state revenue at the aforementioned magnitude creates a serious cash flow problem for Canton Schools.

What Can You Do? The time for action is now. Please make an effort to call both your local legislators and express your displeasure with this travesty to the children of Illinois. This crisis is beyond embarrassment and is now at a crisis phase. Thank you for reading this important Friday message.

Article provided by: Supt. Rolf Sivertsen

THE CHAMBER COURIER December 2014 - Page 6

45 East Side Square, Suite 303 ~ Canton, IL 61520 ~ (309) 647-2677


www.cantonillinois.org

Canton Union School District #66

State Continues to Operate in a Disfunctional Manner

This week many of you might have been hearing about the debate occurring in Springfield over the “Grand Bargain”. The Grand Bargain is legislation designed to end the budget impasse between Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and the Democratic legislature. Because of the impasse the State of Illinois now has the distinction of being the only state in US history to operate the longest without a budget. What a disgrace!! As reported in U.S. News and World Report Specifics of the bill include:“…….raising the personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.99 percent; freezing local property taxes as demanded by Rauner; and revamping public school funding to make state-dollar distribution fairer.” For the last couple of months Senate President John Cullerton and senate Majority Leader Christine Rodogno have worked together to cobble a bill that would be palatable to both parties. However, at the last moment, Gov Rauner withdrew support for the legislation amid allegations of the Governor calling individual senators and making political threats.

The Impact of a Lack of a Budget Bill

Currently the state has an estimated 12 billion dollars of unpaid bills in the comptroller’s office. In addition, the state pension costs are estimated

Chad Mayall, Farmington Community BankClay McConkey, Fairview State Banking Co.

Taryn Mellert, Spoon River ElectricScott Nuttall, Davis Sand and Gravel

Mark PirtleLewis Pigg, Ipava State Bank

Amanda Reed, Bank of FarmingtonJason Rockhold, Renaissance Care Center

Shawna Smith, Red Oak EstatesChastity Swope, Graham Medical Group

Harry Thakkar, Canton InnBrian Yontz, State Farm Insurance

Andrea Barbknecht, Spoon River CollegeJoe Christian, MidAmerica National BankStephen Clark, Town and Country InsuranceDr. Jennifer Daniel-Price, Chiropractic Wellness ConnectionBrooke Denniston, YWCASandy EdsallLaura Fidler, Illinois Beef Marketing ServicesTodd Fletcher, Shelter InsuranceHeather Geariety, Hy-VeeDr. Randy Klinedinst, Klinedinst ChiropracticDave Lewis, Dave Lewis Studio, Ltd.Cheryl Lockard, Wells FargoNichele Marquis, Graham Hospital



Membership Benefit

Member & Public RelationsChairman: Ben Brewer, Graham Health System

We want to thank our members for their commitment and investment throughout the year! The Ambassador’s Club and Member & Public Relations Committee are making their rounds to each Chamber Member business/organization. We are “Popping In” with a treat and to check in to see how business is and what resources the

Chamber can provide to you.

COMMITTEE OVERVIEW

Business and Community DevelopmentChairman: Jodi Wilcoxen, MidAmerica National Bank

This Committee is working with the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development on a statewide coalition to establish a comprehensive business expansion and retention program, CORE.

CORE, short for Creating Opportunities for Retention and Expansion, will provide an approach to economic development, identify and remove barriers to business growth, and increase investment in Illinois.

Government AffairsChairman: Nick Tinsman,

Barnhart, Tinsman, & Lane, Ltd. Hosting a Mayoral Roundtable prior to the April 4th election questions will be asked by a panel of local media. The event is designed to allow the mayoral candidates more time to express their views on a variety of topics of importance to the city and its citizens. The Roundtable discussion will not be open to the public but will be videotaped for playback on Canton Cable Channel 22, aired on WBYS, and in print by our local papers prior to

the April 4, 2017 election.Illinois Chamber’s Employer Action Day on April 26th. 10:00 AM to 3:00 PMWyndham Springfield City Center - 700 East Adams Street - Springfield, IL 62701

One of the benefits that the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce offers to its members is Job Postings. When members’ businesses have a job opening or an employment opportunity that they are looking to fill, they can send the Chamber the information about the position and we will post the information on our website. This

is a great opportunity for businesses, as the candidates that look on the Canton, Illinois website are dedicated and actively searching for job opportunities. Several Chamber members have commented on the excellent qualifications of the candidates they receive by using this service. Some Chamber members only post their

job opportunities through the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce because they always receive hard working, confident, and qualified applicants.

THE CHAMBER COURIER October 2014 - Page 11




150% CLUB MEMBERS

American Family InsuranceAmerican Legion Post #16American Pest ControlBig Brother Big SistersBig Racks SteakhouseBrew-N-CueCamille’s of CantonCanton Dental Professional BuildingCanton Harvester InnCanton Rotary ClubCanton VFW Post 1984CEFCU Canton Member CenterCFC Properties City of CantonCOOK MedicalCOUNTRY FinancialCrawford’s Home Furnishings Di’s Bridal BoutiqueFroehling, Weber & Schell, LLPFulton County Emergency Medical AssociationFulton County SepticHarold JumpHelping Hands Resale ShoppeHocker, Fitzjarrald & Richardson, PC CPAsHolthaus Companies, Inc.Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.

Mr. John ClarkJohn McCarthy Attorney at Law

Johnson & Johnson, P.C.Kevin Meade

Mass Mutual HeartlandMaurer-Stutz, Inc.

Mel’s Sporting GoodsMidAmerica National Bank

MidCentury CommunicationsMonical’s Pizza

Otto StephenitchPhillips & Associates Architects, Inc.

Progressive Vision CenterQ98.1FM - Spoon River Media, LLC

Sedgwick Funeral Homes & CrematorySherwin-Williams

Spoon River CollegeSpoon River Optical

Spoon River Pregnancy Resource CenterSt. Peter’s Church

State Farm Insurance, Dee ClarkTimbukTech, Inc.

Town & Country Insurance Agency, Ltd.TRAC Equipment Company, Inc.

Unity Point Clinic of Canton

The 150% Club is an optional membership upgrade that provides added exposure for your business. By paying 50% over regular membership dues at the time of your

dues investment renewal or new membership, your business can join the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce’s 150% Club.

150% CLUB

THE CHAMBER COURIER October 2014 - Page 11




We are looking for members of the community to volunteer to help with this project. Volunteers who participate will be assisting with projects at some of our local agencies, schools and Jones Park in downtown Canton.Projects will include:• Painting• Spreading gravel• Maintaining trails

To volunteer your time on April 22nd, please complete the registration form below and return it to the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce by Friday, April 14th to: 209 East Chestnut, Suite 2, Canton, IL 61520,[email protected], or fax to (309) 647-2712.

Business/Organization:__________________________________________________________________

Main Contact:_________________________________________ Number of Volunteers:______________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________

Phone:________________________________________ Email:___________________________________

*Please bring gloves, rakes, clippers, or any other gardening tools to help with the tasks mentioned above.

Community Work Day

***I agree that the work I am doing for the Community Work Day is being done voluntarily, of my own free will, and at my own risk. I agree that I will not hold the United Way for Spoon River Country or Canton Area Chamber of Commerce responsible for any injuries or damages that may result from my participation in this event.

I agree that any photos taken of me participating in the Community Work Day may be used for promotional pur-poses by the United Way for Spoon River Country and Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.***

• Cleaning Cabins• General landscaping• Cleaning gutters

• General clean-up• Smoke detector installment• Evacuation plan development

Signature__________________________________________________________________ Date_______________

Saturday April 22, 2017Rain Date: Saturday April 29, 2017

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Please check your preferred location:

American Red Cross Ingersoll Scout Reservation

Salvation Army

Jones Park

YWCA

Local Schools

Youth Acres



Return registration/sponsorship & payment by May 5th to:Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, 209 East Chestnut, Suite 2, Canton, IL 61520

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Main Contact/Player Address Phone Email

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Player Address Phone Email



________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Team Name: Amount Enclosed: $

Company/Organization:______________________________________

Contact Name: _____________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________

Phone:___________________ Email: ___________________________

$150 Hole Sponsor $500 Cart Sponsor $1,000 Major Sponsor Hole Prize - I will provide:

___________________________

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

TEAM INFORMATION: Team Fees = $300 and include Golf, Cart & Lunch

GOLFOUTING

ANNUAL

CHAMBER

Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club15722 E Kenabeck Trail, Cuba

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2017

LUNCH - 11:00TEE-OFF - 12:00

4 Man ScrambleTeam Fee: $300

Includes Golf, Cart, and Lunch

SPACE IS LIMITED!Questions: Amanda Atchley(309) 647-2677aatchley @cantonillinois.org

Documents

THE CHAMBER Q98.1FM, SuperWash Bruketta …3A712A47-3D50-49B4-9E78...As such, it’s a good idea to give your retail space a new coat of paint, ... He is currently working towards