Business EDGE - RiverBend Growth AssociationTank Service,Inc. Karen Wilson, State Farm Insurance ......

Over 25 primary care physicians and specialistsfor your healthcare needs.

Same-day appointments available: 618-462-2222The Science of Medicine. The Heart of Healing.

Saint Anthony's Physician Group

the

BusinessEDGENOVEMBER 2014VOLUME 12 • I S S U E 1 1

IN THIS ISSUE

A monthly publication of the RiverBend Growth Association - Your Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Agency

RiverBendGROWTH ASSOCIAT ION

Serving the communities of Alton,Bethalto,East Alton,Elsah,Foster Township,Godfrey,Grafton,Hartford,Roxana,South Roxana andWood River in Southwestern Illinois.

Business After HoursNetworking Event

Lewis & Clark Community College andTony’s Restaurant hosted the October 23rdBusiness After Hours networking event atLewis and Clark Community College’sBethalto Education Center. More than70 people were educated on the varioustraining programs offered by LCCC andenjoyed delicious beverages from Tony’s.The L&C Bethalto Education Center

is located at 1136 E.Airline Drive in EastAlton (on the grounds of the St. LouisRegional Airport.) This center hosts avariety of training, including contractorsafety orientation, PowerSafe orientation,Fire Crew Ice and Water Rescue,TrafficSafety, Forklift/Power truck, Rope RescueOperations, Food Service SanitationReview and more.Tony’s Restaurant has been in business

for 60 years. They still have their “World

Famous Pepperloin Steak,” on their menuwhich also includes seafood,pasta andmore. Their Prohibition Lounge seats 75and has a sidewalk café.Tony’s Restaurantis located at 312 Piasa Street in downtownAlton.Mark your calendar for the next Business

After Hours on Thursday,December 11th atSpectators Bar & Grill, located inside BowlHaven Lanes at 3003 Washington Avenuein Alton.

Picture Left: Thank-you to Lewis & Clark Community

College andTony’s Restaurant for hosting the October

2014 BAH networking event.

Pictured Middle: KathyWillis of LCCC Corporate &

Community Learning and Chris Merli of the Safety Council

of St. Louis

Pictured Right: Schiber Truck Company was one of the

many RBGAmembers in attendance at the BAH event.

MeetYour Ambassadors.... 2

Small Businessof the Month ...................... 3

Welcome NewestMembers .......................... 3

The RBGA’sCurrents Magazine............ 4

Ribbon Cuttings ................ 5

The RBGA is a Resource .... 5

State of RiverbendLuncheon .......................... 6

Wood River TownshipReport............................... 8

President’s Report ............. 9

Business Spotlight ........... 10

Upcoming Events ............ 11

Community Updates ....... 11

RiverBend Growth AssociationServing Business, EncouragingGrowth in Southwestern Illinois

5800 Godfrey Road - Alden HallGodfrey, Illinois 62035Phone: 618-467-2280Fax: [email protected]

| November 2014 | The Business Edge

Meet Your Ambassadors Chairman John Keller,Carrollton Bank

Past Chairman Jake Bodi,Ameren Illinois

Chairman Elect Karen Cooper,Illinois AmericanWater

Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald,Scheffel & Company,P.C.

Jeff Allsman,Village of Bethalto

Tom Berry,Sandberg Phoenix &Von Gontard P.C.

David Braasch,Alton Memorial Hospital

Stephanie Dykstra,Imaging Center of Alton

Melissa Erker,Phillips 66Wood River Refinery

Mike Farrell,Helmkamp Construction Co.

Kevin Hamilton,Carpenters Local 664

Pam Heepke,Raifort Commerce Park

Ed Kasten,Liberty Bank

Charlie Linnemeyer,Alton Steel, Inc.

Alan Meyer,1st MidAmerica Credit Union

Dave Miller,St. Louis Regional Airport

Cindy Roth,City of Alton

Ed Ryrie,Regions PrivateWealth Management

Kent Scheffel,Lewis and Clark Community College

Diane Schuette,Saint Anthony’s Health Center

Cas Sheppard,Sheppard Morgan & Schwaab, Inc.

Cindy Smalley,Cope Plastics, Inc.

Sam Stemm,WBGZ Radio

Dave Stevenson,Quality Buick GMCCadillac

Dan St. Peters,St.Peters Hardware & Rental, Inc.

Al Suguitan,Greater GatewayAssn.of REALTORS®

Steve Thompson,CNB Bank &Trust,N.A.

Martha Warford,Beverly Farm

Dwight Werts,WertsWelding &Tank Service, Inc.

Karen Wilson,State Farm Insurance& Financial Services

Denise Wolff,Southern IllinoisReal EstateTitle Center

Jess Woodman,Woodman Collision Center, Inc.

Charlie Yancey,IBEW Local 649

2014 BOARD OFDIRECTORS

LEEMCRAVEN is a proud Mission Partner with the SaintAnthony’s Foundation. In her role as development specialist, sheis able to do the things she loves – coordinate events, fundraiseand help the community. She originally started foundation workfor Pride, Incorporated,where she served,among other positions,as executive director. It was through Pride, that she discoveredher passion for working with others for the betterment of theRiver Bend.When the opportunity at the Saint Anthony’s Founda-tion became available, it was a natural fit. In her first year, the

Foundation has already raised over $100,000 for Saint Anthony’s Cancer Center ofExcellence.And she is looking forward to the added resources that the merger be-tween Saint Anthony’s and OSF HealthCare will bring to the community. Lee grew upand currently lives in Godfrey with her two children. She is a graduate of Alton HighSchool and Lewis & Clark Community College.

BRENDAMILLER grew up on the family farm in Car-rollton, Illinois and graduated from the High School there. Shecontinued her education by attending Illinois College in Jack-sonville and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree with majors inBusiness Administration and Spanish.After working as a generalaccountant at Peavey Barge Company for seven years, Brendabegan her employment at Beverly Farm Foundation in Godfrey,where she has now been employed for twenty-three years. Sheis honored to serve as their Finance Director, and enjoys her co-

workers and the friends she has made there over the years. In addition to serving asan Ambassador with the Riverbend Growth Association, Brenda also serves as thePianist and Treasurer of Berdan Baptist Church, located north of Carrollton. Brendahas been married to her husband Kent for twenty three years, and they are avid St.Louis Cardinal fans.They enjoy many trips to the St. Louis ballpark, as well as travel-ing to the Major League Stadiums across the United States.

BROOKEMILLER moved to Wood River 47 years ago,andbegan her career at Olin Brass after her daughters Ashley & ShannonKnight were in school. After working there for seven years, she decidedshe wanted a career of her own,and became an insurance agent forAllstate in the Old Sears Building. An opportunity then arose to haveher own State Farm agency, but it was in North County, as State Farmwas not yet hiring female agents in Illinois. Brooke was the 5th femaleagent hired in Missouri. During her years in St. Louis, Brooke was amember of many organizations and was the President of the National

Association of Business Owners for 2 years. She received numerous awards and recogni-tions, including being the 1st female agent in Missouri and its five state region to havereceived Crystal Excellence, State Farm’s highest award based on quality and profitability for20 years. In 2013, Brooke retired after 30 years as an agent. Four years ago, Brooke was onher yearly trip to Ft.Myers, Florida and discovered that her favorite restaurant there, Rib City,was offering franchise opportunities. Knowing that her daughter and son and law, Shannonand Dean,were seasoned restaurateurs, she realized it would be a perfect opportunity tobring Rib City home. Rib City Alton is wholly owned and operated by Brooke and her family.Now in her “retirement,” Brooke is active in the marketing and advertising aspect of Rib City.She is a member of Zonta and serves on the Board of Directors of the Alton Regional Con-vention and Visitors Bureau. She has enjoyed her time as an Ambassador for the RBGA.

Choose trained repair professionals.Because safety matters.

4515 N. Alby Rd Godfrey, IL 62035Phone: 618-466-1450 • woodmancollisioncenter.com

Like us on Facebook

RiverBend Growth Association | November 2014 | PAGE 3

Welcome To OurNewest MembersOF THE RIVERBENDGROWTH ASSOCIATION

BrickhouseCardio ClubStacey Mitchell,OwnerP.O. Box 824Godfrey IL 62035508 West DelmarAlton, IL 62002(618) 604-1778

Brickhouse Cardio Clubis the new place to getfit and have FUN whileyou’re at it!!! We offer avariety of group fitnessclasses such as ZumbaFitness and Body Pumpin a friendly, supportiveenvironment. From thefirst time you walk throughour doors we will makeit our priority to help youachieve your fitness goals.No more dreading animpersonal treadmill orsweaty weight machines.Our classes will have youfeeling great and havingfun!

Find us on Facebook bysearching BrickhouseCardio Club-Alton, IL.Opening early Novemberbut taking appointmentsnow to help you establishyour fitness goals.Ask forStacey at 618-604-1778.

.............................................

Granny’s UniformsWork Fashions&MoreSheila Curry,Owner2525 College Ave.Alton IL 62002(618) 462-2669

grannysworkfashions.comOpening in November2011, Granny’s Uniformscarries a large inventory.If we need to order yoursize or color there’s noextra cost to you.We alsocarry and can order acomplete line of Dickiesand Walls FRC, pants,NEWEST MEMBERS Continued on page 4

Schiber TruckCompany

OCTOBER2014 | Small Business of the Month

Congratulations to theteam at Schiber TruckCompany for beingawarded the October2014 Small Business of theMonth from the RBGA.Schiber Truck Company

is a full service commonand contract carrier ofhazardous materialsand hazardous wastes.They are in their 60thyear of business, have 66employees, 55 trucks and182 specialized trailers.They operate in 38 statesand five terminals.For more information on

Schiber Truck Company,

visit schiber.com or call618-254-2514.

RBGA members celebratedwith Schiber Truck Companyon the Small Business of theMonth award: Tom Hoechst ofCNB Bank & Trust, Sheila Goins ofShell Community Federal CreditUnion, Leslie Schobernd of 1stMidAmerica Credit Union,AmySchaake of the EdwardsvilleIntelligencer, Karen McAtee andMatt Kotzamanis of TheBANKof Edwardsville, Schiber TruckCompany Vice President RobSchiber and President Neil McInnis,Mitch Cannel of LogoIt and PatSchwarte of Riverbender.com.


NEWEST MEMBERS Continued from page 3

jeans, shirts, shorts, bibs,coveralls, painters’ wear,outer wear, socks, belts,sunglasses and more.-FRC: Dickies and Walls-Scrubs: www.grannysworkfashions.com-Medicals supplies:Littmann, Stethoscopeaccessories, scissors,instruments, Dr. Scholl’ssupport and more.-Foot wear: athletic, oxfordsand boots-School Uniforms: pants,polos, socks and shoes allsizes available as well aspreschoolsThe Williams-DickieManufacturing Co.,better known as Dickies,was founded in Bryan,Texas, in 1918 and isheadquartered in FortWorth. C.N.Williamsonand E.E.‘’Colonel’’ Dickiestarted the U.S. overallCo. out of a small shopin Bryan, selling mainlyoveralls. During World War

II, the company thrived,producing millions ofuniforms for the nation’sarmed forces.Today,Dickies sells its apparelall over the United Statesas well as South Africa,Australia, Russia, China,Chile, Japan, Iceland,Canada, Europe andMexico. Hours at Granny’sUniforms are 10am-6pmTues-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat.,closed on Sunday andMonday.

Why rent, when you canown. Dickies…Dress forSuccess!!!

.............................................

Law Officesof Katherine SmithKatherine Smith18 Woodland Hills CtAlton IL 62002(618) 406-2856

Kathy Smith of the LawOffices of Katherine

Smith helps families andindividuals in the areasof Estate Planning suchas preparing Wills,Trusts,Healthcare Powers ofAttorney, Durable Powersof Attorney, and ProbateAdministration. Kathy alsohas experience helpingbusiness owners protectone of their most valuableassets, their business.Kathy forms Limited LiabilityCompanies, Corporations,Business SuccessionPlans, and ShareholderAgreements. Kathyprepares and analyzesContracts and helpsLandlords with Leasesand Evictions. Kathy haspracticed for nearly 20years and is licensed inIllinois and Missouri. Kathyreceived her law degreefrom Saint Louis University.

.............................................

Stock Auto BodyCARSTAR

Kent and Suzanne Eberhart263 S 6th StreetWood River IL 62095(618) 254-9163

stockautobodycarstar.comStock Auto Body CARSTARoffers full-service autobody and collision repairfor drivers in the WoodRiver area.We offer 24/7accident assistance,towing assistance andcustomer pickup andvehicle delivery at yourrequest.We also offerrental car service, aCARSTAR nationwidewarranty on all of ourautomotive repairs andwe are willing to work withmost insurance providerson your repair. Stock AutoBody CARSTAR is hereto help you with yourautomotive repair needsas well as window tint andpaintless dent removal.Hours are 8am-5pmMonday through Friday.

The RBGA’s CurrentsMagazines ready foryour Reception Area

The RBGA’s most recent editionof the CURRENTS magazineis available and ready foryour reception area. Thismagazine highlights each ofour communities and manyof our long-term businesses.The magazine covers ourhistory, available housing andrecreation opportunities. Eachof our school districts, Lewis& Clark Community College,SIUE and Principia all havearticles that tell what’s goingon.Currents showcases theRiverbend,and everyone should

take a look and be proud of ourcommunities. In addition to thestories, there are great pictures!The RBGA wants one of these

books in every reception area inall of the Riverbend. We thankthose advertisers who makethis publication possible andwe encourage everyone topatronize them. If you’d like tohave a supply of Currents foryour waiting rooms or receptionareas, give our office a call at618-467-2280 or stop in between8 a.m.and 5 p.m.Mondaythrough Friday.


RIBBON CUTTING

SPECTATORS BAR & GRILLAT BOWL HAVEN LANES

The RBGA is a ResourceforYOUR Business.

Mark your calendarsto attend the BreakfastConnections networking eventon Wednesday,December10th, at the Atrium Hotel &Conference Center at 8:00am.This networking breakfast willprovide you and your businessthe opportunity to showcaseyour products, services, staffand community involvementthrough an organized andentertaining atmosphere.

Attendees will have at leasttwo opportunities to presenttheir message, to engagein a participation activity,to become educated on atopic pertaining to marketingyour business and more. Thisnetworking breakfast will not

disappoint you!For more information

regarding the BreakfastConnections networking event,contact Joell at 618-467-2280.Reservations are required bycalling 618-467-2280 or byemailing Dawn at [email protected].

Pictured Top: Cora Miller,representing the nonprofitorganization Legendary MustangSanctuary participates in thecandy bar game. Yes,we hadchocolate for breakfast!Pictured Bottom: Stacey Mitchellof a new business in the Riverbendcommunity, Brickhouse CardioClub, visits with Joe Colyer ofWorking Class Benefits.

Congratulations to BowlHaven Lanes owner, KathySaffo and her staff, on therenovations to SpectatorsBar & Grill, located insidethe bowling alley at 3003Washington Avenue inAlton.

If you haven’t been intoSpectators Bar & Grill, youneed to make it a priorityto visit. It is completelyupdated with a new bar,seating area with leathercouches and fireplace,new table tops, chairsand flooring, a privategaming room and a newmenu.

Kathy and her staffshowcased SpectatorsBar & Grill at a ribbon

cutting ceremony onWednesday,October 29,2014.

For more informationon bowling at BowlHaven Lanes or onSpectators Bar & Grill, visitbowlhavenlanes.com orcall 618-465-2695.

Pictured above: Spectators Bar& Grill has been renovated andlooks fantastic! Pictured areJohnny Aguirre of AdVantageNEWS, Dick Propes, DebbieSimmons and Nancy Bivens ofWBGZ Radio,Therese Kuddes ofKuddes Advertising Specialties,Alton Mayor Brant Walker, SheilaGoins of Shell Community FederalCredit Union,Owner Kathy Saffo,Gregg Pasdiora, Bill Netzhammerand Gina of Bowl Haven Lanes,Pat Schwarte of Riverbender.com,RBGA President Monica Bristow,Tom Hoechst of CNB Bank & Trustand Linda Funk of Regions Bank.


State of the RiverBend Luncheon

SAVE THE DATE for our ANNUAL DINNER

The Captain of the RiverbendAwards were created by the GrowthAssociation to identify and honorthe many ways in which localorganizations have enhanced theRiver Bend region. These awardsare presented to businesses, bodiesof government and individualsthat have demonstrated anoutstanding commitment to publicenhancement, community serviceand /or economic enhancementof the region. Our five winners for2014 were CNB Bank & Trust, NA,Cope Plastics, Scott Credit Union,Village of East Alton and the Villageof Godfrey. Each company waspresented their award at the Stateof the RiverBend luncheon heldOctober 30, 2014.

CNB Bank & Trust, NA is the oldestcontinuously run bank in Illinois byvirtue of its charter of the former

Greene County National Bankwhich was founded in 1854. Theyhave had their presence in theRiverbend since 1999. CNB has 13locations and 215 employees.

They are involved in many local,state and national organizationswhich occur through employeeswho are actively engagedin leadership roles in theseorganizations. Some of thoseorganizations are Alton MemorialHospital, Alton Athletic Association,Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club,East Alton Ice Arena, MadisonCounty Urban League, Lewis& Clark Community College,Pride and several banking tradeorganizations.

In addition to the time theiremployees volunteer, CNB givesmore than $40,000 to area non-profits including Saint Anthony’s

Foundation,VFW Post 1308, SCORE,Alton Main Street, Jacoby ArtsCenter and many, many more. Inaddition to the cash contributions,they provide more than $25,000 inin-kind donations.

Cope Plastics is one of thosecompanies that could take thisaward home every year. Youcan count on their support ofcharitable causes year afteryear. As an example….Cindy’srole with the United Way. Not onlydoes she serve on that Boardas a leader, she has headedcampaigns, chaired events, andsponsored special events to raisefunds for United Way. Her sisterJane serves in leadership rolesat SIEA, Saint Anthony’s hospitaland Lewis & Clark CommunityCollege. Cope has representativesin many organizations such as

Pictured Top Left: Cope Plastics was a Captain of the Riverbend Award winner in the area of Community Involvement: Bryan Cox,Teri Higgins,Cindy Smalley,Joyce Loadholtz, Shere Boeck,Mark Boeck and David Smalley Pictured Top Middle: Scott Credit Union was a Captain of the Riverbend Award winner the inthe area of Community Involvement: Frank Padak, Jennifer Hess, Jamie Slaten,Carol Wylie and Adam Koishor Pictured Top Right: CNB Bank & Trust was aCaptain of the Riverbend Award winner in the area of Community Involvement: Darlene Ward, Lori McCoy, Larry Franklin, Rick Imhoff, Steve Thompson,AmyRoady,Mark Haggard, Sheena Pierantoni and Craig Gamrath Pictured Bottom Left: Village of Godfrey was a Captain of the Riverbend Award winner inthe area of Government and Public Enhancement: Kimberly Caughran,Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick and Jim Lewis Pictured Bottom Middle Villageof East Alton was a Captain of the Riverbend Award winner in the area of Government and Public Enhancement: Debra Angleton,Allen Hale, Phil Keasler,Mike Lundy, Joe Silkwood,Eddie Stechschulte,Mark Stroker,Denny Weber and Roger Werts Pictured Bottom Right: RBGA volunteers: Michelle Blackwood ofChallenge Unlimited, Sheila Goins of Shell Community Federal Credit Union and Matt Kotzamanis of TheBANK of Edwardsville


Pride, Inc., the Illinois Chamberof Commerce and the RBGA. Inaddition to giving their time andtalent in the community, they givenearly $60,000 annually to localorganizations and more than$15,000 in in-kind donations.

Although founded in 1943, ScottCredit Union is a relative newcomerto the Riverbend, first with a facilityin East Alton and then with theirnew facility in Wood River. Theyserve more than 2,000 members inthe Riverbend area.

Scott’s community relationspersonnel contribute their time tomany area non-profit organizations.That department exists to facilitatethe company’s commitment to thecommunity. In May of this year,they hosted their 8th annual golftournament which raised morethan $20,000 to benefit the UnitedWay of Greater St. Louis. They alsosponsored the 2014 Mardi GrasBall which benefitted the AmericanCancer Society. In addition to

more than 500 volunteer hours, theevent raised nearly $90,000. Cashcontributions to area organizationstotaled $55,000. Many volunteerhours and in-kind contributionswere given to more than 40different non-profits.

East Alton looks a whole lotdifferent today than it had justa few short years ago. UnderMayor Bright’s leadership, manyderelict homes and buildings havebeen torn down, parks and parkequipment has been upgraded,and they have actively soughtnew owners for buildings that werepreviously owned by out-of-townlandlords.

The latest improvement, andmost likely the largest, is theEmerald Ridge development. Theformer “Defense Area” is beingdemolished and replaced with23 two-bedroom homes, 11 three-bedroom homes and 12 four-bedroom homes. All homes meetEnterprise Green Communitiesstandards, making the producthighly efficient, healthy andaffordable on a long-term basis.In addition to this $15.7 millioninvestment, East Alton is developinga central park at the site for theuse of the entire area and repavingNorth Drive, East Drive and OhioStreet.

In Godfrey, the primary focus forthe elected officials and employeesis to ensure that it is an amazingplace to live, work and play.Godfrey has recently implementedboth a TIF (Tax Increment Finance)and Business District along theirmain corridor to finance furtherimprovements in infrastructure.They have organized an Adopt-A-Highway program and host a widearray of community concerts andfestivals.

Where their citizens will see themost tangible improvements is atGodfrey’s Glazebrook Park where$1.7 million has recently beeninvested. The scope of the projectwas to provide state-of-the-art,family-friendly recreational space.They have added 4 ball fields,a concession stand, additionalrestroom facilities, and improvedaccess and sidewalks. Most of themoney for these projects camefrom a grant from the Metro EastParks and Recreation District anda grant from the Department ofNatural Resources using very littleof the Village’s funds.

Thank-you to the RBGAmembers who sponsored thisyear’s State of the RiverBendLuncheon: 1st MidAmerica CreditUnion, AdVantage NEWS, AltonCommunity Unit School District,Alton Little Theater, Alton MemorialHospital, Alton Steel, AmerenIllinois, American Water, America’sCentral Port, Andy’s Auto Body &Car Care, Associated Bank, Argosy,Beverly Farm, Carrollton Bank, Cityof Grafton, Clark Properties, CNBBank & Trust, Contegra ConstructionCompany, Cope Plastics, FirstClover Leaf Bank, GlenhavenGardens of Alton, Illinois AmericanWater, Lewis & Clark CommunityCollege, Liberty Bank, MorrisseyConstruction, Phillips 66 WoodRiver Refinery, Phone Masters,Quality Buick GMC Cadillac,Saint Anthony’s Health Center,Scott Credit Union, Senator Haine,Sheppard Morgan & Schwaab,St. Louis Regional Airport, St. LouisRegional Chamber, The Telegraph,TheBANK of Edwardsville,Villageof Godfrey,WBGZ/AltonDailyNews.com,Wegman Electric Company,WellSpring Resources and WertsWelding & Tank Service.

Thursday, January 22, 2015 • LCCC Commons

Pictured Top: RBGA volunteers: Marlene Lewis of Alton Memorial Hospital, Karen Baker Brncic of Alton Marina and Martha Schultz of First Clover Leaf BankPictured Bottom: 2014 Captain of the Riverbend Award winners: RBGA 2015 Chair elect Karen Cooper of Illinois AmericanWater, Larry Franklin and SteveThompson of CNB Bank & Trust, Jamie Slaten of Scott Credit Union, from theVillage of East Alton: Allen Hale, Phil Keasler and Joe Silkwood,Cindy Smalley ofCope Plastics,Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick and 2014 RBGA Chairman John Keller of Carrollton Bank

Celebrates Successes of Our Community

NEW 2015 CadillaC aTS 2015 all NEW GMC CaNyoN

1020 E HomEr AdAms PkwAy www.qualitygmcars.com 1-877-608-2476

2 Door Coupe piCkup“Just ArriveD”

in stoCk now!

PAGE 8 | November 2014 | The Business Edge

The townshipwas establishedNovember 2, 1875.Its purpose was toassist the neighboringcommunities byproviding services ina way that connected

them together andhelped their families.Some of the servicesprovided includedGeneral Assistanceas well as roaddevelopment and roadrepairs.

Over the last 100years, we have growninto so much more. Weprovide many moreservices to the public.Our parks, BrowningPark off Stanley Road,and Kutter Park offCenter Street, areutilized by many in thecommunity. They areboth used for baseball,softball and footballpractice and games.Frisbee golf is ournewest sport which is

being installed andshould be ready forall interested aroundDecember 2013.

Our “Movies in thePark” program hasbeen very successful.Many of the neighborsin the community haveindicated how muchthey have enjoyedthis program and aregrateful that they cancome with their familiesto watch the moviesfree of charge.

At Wood RiverTownship, we striveto serve people ofour community andprovide them withsafe parks, streets,general assistance,property assessments

and overall servicesto make our townshipa great place to liveand work. Townshipresidents are welcometo call our office forassistance and we willconnect them with theappropriate peopleto help with theirconcerns.

Thank you for trustingyour township. Weinvite you to come tothe township boardmeetings on the lastTuesday of each monthat 6:00 p.m. in theWood River TownshipHall. Public commentsare welcome as long asyou sign in before themeeting begins.

Make it a great day!

Wood River Township Report:MIKE BABCOCK, SUPERVISOR

Let us know by submitting an article and we will publish it in an upcoming issue. Send to [email protected].

Have you or your business recently won an award?Have you been recognized in your industry?

©2014, Carrollton Bankwww.carrolltonbanking.com

“Business owners appreciate a quick decisionfrom their bank, quite frankly, whether theanswer be yes or no.”

John Keller, Carrollton Bank


The RBGA does morethan what you readabout here in the BusinessEdge. The economicdevelopment side of theorganization works onmany projects and has

meetings that we justcan’t talk about or publish.I was talking to an

attorney about a possibledevelopment in thecommunity, and he said,“This is in the strictestconfidence. Please don’tdiscuss it with anyoneelse.”I went on to explain

to him that my businesswas very much likehis. Although we don’thave an attorney-clientprivilege, we do treateverything in confidenceuntil it becomes public bythe developer or investor.Many people will askme,“what’s the buildingon ABC Street?” and ifit’s public knowledge, I’lltell them. If it’s not been

announced, I can’t sharethat information.In addition, we are the

voice of business in theRiverbend on CommunityAdvisory Groups for IDOTprojects. We’ll makerecommendations to themabout various stakeholdersand communicate withvarious groups and makearrangements for themeetings.If a member has a

legislative issue, state,federal or local, we’ll workwith them to communicatewith their representatives,perhaps write a letter insupport of a project, orhelp them write a letter ofrequest.We get hundreds of calls

a month from members

wanting to know who theyshould call for a specificissue or problem. Weusually have the nameand number of a personwho can help them.We sit on boards of

other non-profits; we workwith other communitygroups such as the NorthAlton Godfrey BusinessCouncil, the Alton AreaBusiness DevelopmentAssociation, LeadershipCouncil SouthwesternIllinois and many others tohelp them where we canin promoting their eventsand programs.If you need business

assistance, give us a call.We’ll find an answer foryou.

President’s Report: MONICA BRISTOW

2502 State Stalton, Il 62002

www.stpetershardware.com618-466-6931

ST. PETERSHARDWARE & RENTAL

www.illinoisamwater.com1837 Homer AdAms Pkwy

Alton Il 62002618.462.1081

http://www.beverlyfarm.org

(618) 466-0367

��

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� ��

Do you know of a localbusiness that has gone aboveand beyond the call of duty?

Nominate them for theRiverBend Growth Association’sSmall Business of the Monthaward.

Call us at 618-467-2280.

PAGE 10 | November 2014 | The Business Edge

NOVEMBERSPOTLIGHT

is a professional custompicture framing business.Established in 1992,we are located in theNorth Alton shoppingdistrict in Alton.We offera complete spectrumof framing services fromdecorative framingto museum qualitypreservation of pricelessitems and art. As ourspecialty, we are widelyrecognized for our uniqueshadow and memory boxdesigns.Preserving family

memories has becomea primary focus of ourbusiness. In addition toshadow/memory boxframing, we offer DigitalPhoto Restoration, Photo,Negative and SlideScanning, DVD Slide ShowProduction, and DigitalMedia Transfer Servicesof film, video (VCR), andaudio to CD/DVD/Blu-

Ray discs. Now you canuse today’s technologiesto enjoy yesterday’smemories.Our business was

established on thepremise of providingquality products, ataffordable prices withexceptional customerservice.Twenty-two yearslater, we still believe inthese principles. To us,you’re not just anothersale.We want you toenjoy the experience andbe happy with the resultfor years to come.In June 1999 and

again in July of 2012,Picture This and Morewas awarded the SmallBusiness of the MonthAward from the RiverBendGrowth Association.Wefeel honored to receivesuch an award twice andthank our customers forhelping us achieve this

recognition.Together, Ken, Glenda

and staff have more than70 years of experiencein the custom framingindustry. The entire teamroutinely attends tradeshows and advancededucation seminars tostay current with the latestdesign trends and state-of-the-art techniques tobest serve your needs.

Our store isconveniently locatedin the Piasa CenterShopping mall.We’reeasy to find and we haveplenty of free parking.Stop by to see how wecan assist you with yourframing and preservationneeds or to just say hello.We’re happy to see youanytime.

PICTURE THISAND MORE


UPCOMINGRBGA EVENTSDecember 10, 20148:00amBreakfastConnectionsAtrium Hotel &ConferenceCenter

December 11, 20145-7pmBusiness AfterHoursBowl Haven

More details onRiverBend GrowthAssociation eventscan be found at www.growthassociation.com.

Community Updates

The RBGA hosted itsquarterly RiverBendEconomic Issuesnetworking event onThursday, October 16th atthe Jacoby Arts Center,with speakers Mayor FredUfert of Wood River andMayor Mike McCormick ofthe Village of Godfrey.

Twice a year, the RBGAoffers the mayors theopportunity to updatethe RBGA membership

on happenings in theircommunities. All 11community mayors areinvited to showcasetheir communities; 5were available andtook advantage ofgetting before the RBBAmembership and talkabout the great thingsthat are happening intheir municipalities. TheRiverBend EconomicIssues networking events

were held on August 6and October 16. Theywill be scheduled for thesame months next year sowatch for the notices!

Pictured left:Wood River MayorFred Ufert and Village of GodfreyMayor Mike McCormickPictured right: Alton MayorBrant Walker,Grafton Mayor TomThompson and Bethalto MayorAlan Winslow

Business EDGE - RiverBend Growth AssociationTank Service,Inc. Karen Wilson, State Farm Insurance ......

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