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For more information about how your business can sponsor an e-newsletter, contact Meghan Whalen at MeghanW@champaigncounty.org. |
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Happy Holidays from the Chamber!
The Chamber office will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will reopen on Monday, December 28. The office will also be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! |
Nominate an ATHENA
The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2010 ATHENA Award.
This award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment - women and men who excel in their chosen fields, have devoted time and energy to their community in meaningful ways and who actively guide or mentor women to become great leaders.
The ATHENA Award® Program is sponsored by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Worden-Martin, Inc. The receipient's lapel pin is provided by Busey Bank and Busey Wealth Management.
ATHENA recipients must meet each of three specific criteria:
· Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their businesses or professions;
· Provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community;
· Assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.
Nominations are due back to the Chamber by Friday, January 22, 2010 at 5 p.m. Late nominations will not be considered. Click here to download the 2010 ATHENA nomination form.
The 2010 ATHENA Award recipient will be named at a luncheon on Thursday, February 18, at the Champaign Country Club. To register to attend the luncheon, contact Norma Wesley at NormaW@champaigncounty.org or 217.531.4669, or download the registration form here.
If you are interested in being part of the 2010 ATHENA Award luncheon steering committee, contact Meghan Whalen at MeghanW@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791. |
Check Out Our New Web Site!
The Chamber Web site has a brand new look! We hope you enjoy browsing the new site, designed to be more user-friendly for Chamber members and visitors.
Want to advertise your business on the site? Have some feedback on the new design? Contact Meghan Whalen at MeghanW@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791. |
2009 Wage and Benefits Survey
The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has once again partnered with the Central Illinois Human Resources Group (CiHRG) in conducting the annual Wage and Benefits Survey. You can now receive a Word document showing the questions for each survey beforehand by e-mailing jstreit@parkland.edu. We hope this will help save time and allow for more complete participation than ever before. The first survey is Part 1: "Benefits Survey," available here. After completing the first part of the survey, you may complete Part 2: "Wage Survey," located here. Please be sure to complete both surveys, as the two surveys cover different information. The survey is now open - and the deadline for participation is December 23, 2009. As always, if you submit your responses on time you will receive a complimentary participant copy. If you have questions or comments regarding the 2009 Wage and Benefit Survey, contact Joe Streit, Chair Student Chapter Affairs, Central Illinois Human Resources Group at 217.353.2103 or jstreit@parkland.edu. |
Out With the Old, In With the New
If your New Year's resolutions include reducing costs, saving energy and helping the environment, why not begin with those inefficient T12 light fixtures?
The federal government has mandated that T12 lamps be phased out of production in 2012, so businesses will eventually have to upgrade all T12 lighting. To help you get a head start, Act on Energy is offering bigger incentives to upgrade to high-efficiency T8 or T5 lamps.
For a short time, businesses with qualified lighting projects will receive a special 10 percent incentive (that's in addition to the existing incentive). But don't delay - this limited-time offer is only available for applications submitted between November 16, 2009 and January 31, 2010. To submit your application or for more information, visit www.actonenergy.com. |
Do Business with the Government
Each year, local, state and federal governments purchase more than $300 billion in goods and services from small businesses. The Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) of Central Illinois was established to help small businesses understand and profit from government contracting. Through sponsorship from the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, your business can receive one-on-one counseling, technical information, marketing assistance and training to existing businesses that are interested in selling their products and services to local, state or federal government agencies.
Services include: · Help targeting appropriate government agencies · Automated bid lead matching services · Access to government specifications and standards · Guidance with quality assurance issues · Assistance with certifications · Identification of sub-contracting opportunities · Government standards and specifications · Bar code and packaging information · RFID (radio frequency identification) · UID (unique identification) · Contract administration information · Central contractor registration assistance · Review of bid packages For more information, contact Mary Turner at the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce at 217.359.1791 or MR-Turner@wiu.edu. |
Membership News
- Homewood Suites by Hilton is offering a special rate of $69 per night from December 20-30, which includes complimentary hot breakfast and a nightly "Welcome Home" reception from Monday-Thursday. Download the coupon here (must be presented at check-in). - The I Hotel and Conference Center will be hosting a New Year's Eve bash, featuring live rhythm and blues music by SIB, a champagne toast at midnight, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and open bar with beer and wine by University Catering. For more information, click here.
- The Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center is now taking reservations for their Holiday Brunch on Christmas Day. The brunch will feature carved ham, carved roast beef, shrimp on ice, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, potatoes and vegetables, salad bar, crudités with dip, full breakfast buffet, made to order omelets and waffles, desserts and a glass of champagne. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. For more information or make your reservation, call 217.328.7900.
Does your business have an anniversary or important event coming up? If you'd like to have it featured in the Membership News section of the e-Connection, contact Meghan Whalen at MeghanW@champaigncounty.org or 217.359.1791. |
Get Out Your Calendar...
December 24-25 - Christmas holiday, Chamber office closed
December 31-January 1 - New Year's holiday, Chamber office closed
January 21 - Business After Hours, Devonshire Group
February 18 - ATHENA Award Luncheon, Champaign Country Club
February 18 - Business After Hours, Ramshaw Real Estate
March 31 - East Central Illinois Business Expo, Assembly Hall
April 8 - Chamber Breakfast, Kennedy's at Stone Creek
For more information about these and other upcoming events, visit the Chamber calendar. | |
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