Tony CartonCommunicator Editor

The attitude of change rings as true today as it did in 1964 when folksinger Bob Dylan sang that The Times, They are A-Changing. If anything, technology has sped the pace of that change and through it all, Freeport based Swift Hospitality Group has remained at the forefront of the hospitality industry. “Swift Hospitality Group is a family owned business,” said patriarch, CEO and President, David Swift. “We started in the hospitality business in 1995 and have many milestones over the years. I think of myself as a product of the opportunity that the United States offers people because my wife, Jan and I started our business careers from nothing. We are a fi rst generation fi rm and we’ve never inherited or had the opportunity to build on an existing family business. We’ve had to build our business on our own.” He said they are actually enjoying a second career.“We were in the automobile business for 27 years prior to

this,” Swift said. “The culture of our company has been inspired by many people. I had the privilege in my earlier years of working for some very entrepreneurial folks and in my younger days I tried to be like a sponge and soak that up the best I could; it kind of established a basis for my standards and those standards are extremely high.” Swift said the hotel industry proved to be a good fi t for his family because it requires high standards to be successful.“One of the observations that I had was that many good businessmen have a sense that they are going to live forever and they don’t make a transition plan,” he said. “I knew from a practical perspective I needed to make sure that I had a transitional plan and I wanted to create a company that would have generational value for my children and my grandchildren and for my family members going forward. It was also important to me to inspire and give back to people that would associate with us and give them opportunity for growth.” He said time has also taught him that success would only be realized if he set about

surrounding himself with a young energetic team that brought innovation and talent to the table. “I’ve been very dedicated to promoting from within,” he said. “I try to surround myself with talent and then give them the opportunity to grow in the company.” Swift Hospitality currently employs a staff of about 700 and manages a portfolio of over $154 million in hotels, either open, under construction, or in

various stages of development in many locations throughout the United States including Illinois, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. “Last year we opened the fi rst Cambria Suites hotel in Rapid City South Dakota and this year we opened the Mainstay Extended Stay Suites right next to that,” Swift said. “We represent a little over 200 rooms in that market. That was a new market for us to be involved in and those properties have been extremely successful.” He said the company will soon be opening the fi rst “Generation 4” Country Inn and Suites for Carlson in Springfi eld.“It’s a completely new look; a completely new business model and we are very excited and honored to be the fi rst company to develop that project in Springfi eld,” Swift said. He said they are also working on two new development platforms for Radisson Hotels and have projects underway in Schaumburg and Normal Illinois. “We want to create opportunities and that is an important factor in our

4

Communicator

UNION SAVINGS DONATION 6 FESTIVAL OF TREES 7 MEMBER NEWS 10 RIBBON CUTTINGS

Inside... CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

NOVEMBER 2013 • FREEPORT, ILLINOIS

Swift Hospitality GroupCEO and President David Swift

Swift Hospitality Group and Highland Community College Join Forces to Educate Hospitality Professionals

FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

27 W. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032www.freeportilchamber.com

Phone: 815.233.1350Fax: 815.235.4038

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Grimes kim.grimes@freeportilchamber.com

DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES:Tiffany King tiffany.king@freeportilchamber.com

RECEPTIONIST/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Julie Huber

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!

DATES TO REMEMBER...

Thursday, November 28 -Friday, November 29Thanksgiving Holiday

Chamber Offi ce Closed

Wednesday, December 4Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast

Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 7:30-8:30 am

YPN Lunch N’ Learn

Stephenson County Farm Bureau11:45 am-1 pm

Thursday, December 12

Finance Committee MeetingChamber Offi ce, Conference Room #2

7:30 am

Tuesday, December 17Chamber Board Meeting

Chamber Offi ce, Conference Room #1

7:30 am

Thursday, December 19Business after Hours

Stewart & Associates, 5-8 pm

I want to congratulate Dave Swift and his staff from Swift Hospitality and the Freeport

Country Inn and Suites for their long time success in the hospitality business. I bought cars from Dave when he was in the automobile business and knowing how professional he always was in that business I knew he would be very successful in the hotel business as well. Dave is a local entrepreneur who has enjoyed lots of success with his businesses all around the country but he has kept his roots here in the Freeport area by keeping his offi ce headquarters here in Freeport. Dave served on the Freeport Chamber Board of Directors for six years and has always been a big supporter of our Chamber. We salute Dave, Jan and their staff for their success in their business and thank them for their kind support of the local community and the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to tonight’s Business after Hours hosted by Dave and the staff at the Freeport Country Inn and Suites. Tiffany King and I recently attended the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive’s (IACCE) – Annual Fall Conference on the banks of the Mississippi River in East Peoria. This conference attended by 120 chamber executives

from around the state serves as an excellent opportunity to hear from nationally known Chamber speakers. This year Keynote Speakers were excellent talking about the rapid changes and challenges facing the business community as well as Chamber of Commerce’s. Tiffany and I heard of many new ideas and concepts that will make our chamber even more effective for our 500 members. Our staff is constantly working hard for our members to supply them with benefi ts and value they deserve as members and we are excited to implement some new ideas that our members will experience in the coming months. I want to thank Eric Miller from LeBaron and Miller Interiors for hosting October’s Business after Hours and thank the staff at Butitta Brothers Automotive Service for hosting this month’s Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast.

Kim’s Korner

Business

after HOURS

Business after Hours this month was hosted by LeBaron & Miller Interiors located at 9 West Main Street in downtown Freeport. We had a great turn out! Everyone enjoyed all the wonderful food and conversation. We would like to say a special thank you to Eric Miller and everyone at LeBaron & Miller Interiors for doing such an awesome job hosting this event! If you are remodeling your home why not stop by LeBaron & Miller Interiors and see what they have to offer.

2 FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

company culture,” he said. “To inspire and create opportunities are core philosophical items that are important to us. We also have a sense of responsibility when it comes to community.” Swift is no stranger to community involvement. When in Lena he served as president of the business association, was on the advisory board of Citizens State Bank and was involved with the Lena Community Foundation. In Freeport, he’s a driving force with the Chamber and NIDA and is currently a board member of the Stephenson County Visitors Center. He said pursuing an entrepreneurial lifestyle has led his family to recognize the importance of job creation and in keeping with its philosophy of preparing future hospitality industry leaders for the challenges they will encounter, Swift Hospitality is joining with Highland Community College to develop a new curriculum that focuses on the experiential, theoretical and analytical study components required to prepare graduates for success in the wide and rapidly changing hospitality industry. “We are involved with the establishment and structure of the curriculum and we will be fi nancially supporting that program along with others,” Swift said, adding that the hospitality industry embraces more than just hotels. “It is every retail business; restaurants and retail stores, everyone has a certain element of hospitality that is required to be successful. As I understand the curriculum, there are going to be two elements to it. Successful students will be able to get certifi cation as well as a two-year degree, depending upon what their interests are.”He said they hope to be able to not only serve Highland’s current core demographic, but they hope to attract students from other parts of the country because hospitality is a very unique program for a community college. “It is actually a unique offering for any college,” he

said. “There are not that many colleges in the country that teach hospitality and this may be the fi rst in a community college anywhere.” Swift said the company’s decision to involve itself stemmed partially from his own decision to drop out. “I went one day and it dawned on me that I was in the generation that needed to make money,” he said. “I was so anxious to get into the marketplace that I went one day and decided it wasn’t for me; I’m going to go work.” He said he now regrets that youthful decision. “Now, I look back and refl ect on things and that’s something that I regret because especially in today’s world, education is everything and if you give people the right tools they can succeed at anything they want to do.” He said the proposal for a hospitality program was very well received by the college.“It’s gone through a year or so of planning and fi guring out what the offering would look like,” Swift said. “We’re now getting to the fi nal stages where we will have to start raising some funds to supplement the program for the fi rst couple years and of course, Swift Hospitality will take a major role in that process.” They plan to have the program in the fall curriculum of 2014. “The only thing I’ve asked is that we would like HCC to recognize us as having provided the inspiration as well as the fi nancial support of the curriculum,” Swift said.

“One of my staff members, Matt Jacobs, who is our senior director of operations, worked directly with the college to write the curriculum. He spent months working with them to do that.”Swift said they are not looking for name recognition. “This is going to be a project where we can inspire and we can take a defi nite lead role both fi nancially and administratively,” he said. “There will be many others that will hopefully see the value and want to be part of it. We will

be working through the foundation and we’ll be reaching out to many of my business partners and my banks and my brands and hopefully get some interest from them.” He said Swift Hospitality is hoping to discover good candidates for its own enterprises and, at the same time, provide well trained hospitality professionals to every level of the industry. “You have to invest in training and you have to invest in opportunity,” Swift said. “From my perspective, we hope to have good candidates for my properties come out of

that program. We will be able to create summer programs for them to come and work internships in the hotels and learn hands-on because we’ve got that capability. The existing hotels around the area could send people for advanced training in their fi eld and make that investment. In the long run, we hope the program will be embraced by more than just hoteliers. I think that’s a great opportunity and I’m happy to be able to be part of it.”

We would like to thank everyone who came to our Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast hosted by Butitta Brothers Automotive located at 1334 W. Galena Avenue in Freeport. The rainy weather didn’t stop our members from coming out and enjoying a hot breakfast catered by Aubri’s Market and Deli. We would like to say a special thank you to Owner, Jon Thompson and everyone at Butitta Brothers Automotive for all the hard work making this event a complete success. Thank you for all your hospitality! The Chamber would also like to say Congratulations to Seth DeVoe for being appointed the new Service Manager for the Freeport Branch. If you are in need of automotive repair why not stop by Butitta Brothers on Galena Avenue and see what they can do?

Rise ‘n’Shine

FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Union Savings Bank, one of the area’s oldest financial institutions, is showing its support for downtown Freeport and local area veterans with a major commitment of support for the Stephenson County Soldiers Monument. Union Savings Bank has donated $5,000 to the Civil War Monument Fund to assist with rebuilding efforts. “We are proud to be an independent bank with roots that began right here in downtown Freeport,” said Union Savings Bank Chairman of the Board and CEO Thomas Huber. “The Stephenson County Soldiers Monument is a significant piece of local history that should be preserved for future generations and we are happy to help with the efforts to rebuild.”

The Civil War Monument Fund is a non-profit

corporation formed to consolidate fundraising efforts

and coordinate the repair and future maintenance of the Stephenson County Soldiers Monument.

About UNION Savings BANK Established in 1883, UNION Savings BANK is an independent community bank serving the Northern Illinois area. Branches are located in Freeport, Belvidere, Rockford, and Mount Morris. UNION Savings BANK offers a wide variety of banking, mortgage, investment and trust services to both individuals and businesses.

4 FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Community Tree LightingHelp us “flip the switch” to light up Freeport’s holiday tree!Sunday, November 24 • 5 p.m.Stephenson Street side of FHN Memorial HospitalRefreshments • Holiday caroling • Special guests

Holiday Family Movie SeriesSaturday movies start at 10 a.m.November 9 Free Birds (PG) $3.50November 16Thor: The Dark World (PG) $3.50November 23Labyrinth (PG) FREE

November 30Frozen (PG) $3.50Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Avenue, FreeportNo advance tickets • Limited seating • Holiday surprise from FHN for all kids

BONUS MOVIEWednesday, December 18 1:00 pm and 7:00 pmWhite Christmas (1954) Free-will offering and/or food drive contribution

Highland Community College Children’s Choir PerformanceEnjoy holiday carols and tour the FHN Community Festival of TreesMonday, December 9 • 5:30 p.m.Freeport Public Library, Freeport

Singin’ at the KingLocal school choruses Wednesday, December 11 • 5:30 p.m.King Community Campus gymnasium • Suggested donation of one non-perishable food item for entry

Community Festival of TreesEnjoy holiday trees decorated by local service organiza-tions, clubs and church groups competing for prizes. Vote for your favorite through Saturday, December 21!December 8 – January 2 Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas StreetHosted by FHN and the Freeport Public Library

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Join FHN this holiday season to celebrate kindnesses great and small!

Happy Holidays from your friends at FHN!Happy Holidays from your friends at FHN!Happy Holidays from your friends at FHN!

Enjoy holiday carols and tour

tions, clubs and church groups competing for prizes. Vote for your favorite through Saturday, December 21!December 8 – January 2 Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas StreetFreeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas StreetFreeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas StreetHosted by FHN and the Freeport Public LibraryEnjoy holiday carols and tour

tions, clubs and church groups competing for prizes. Vote for your favorite through Saturday, December 21!December 8 – January 2 Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas StreetHosted by FHN and the Freeport Public Library

No charge for any event unless noted. Visit www.fhn.org for more info as well as a complete listing of Festival of Trees events, including Santa’s visiting schedule and holiday storytelling at the Freeport Public Library.

Especially at the holidays, actions speak louder than words. We hope you will join us at one or all of FHN’s Festival of Trees events – there’s something for everyone! This season, let your words be kind...and your actions shine.

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CEO and Chairman of the Board of Union Savings Bank Thomas Huber presents the check for $5,000 to Civil War Monument Fund spokesperson Austin Bower.

Union Savings Bank Major Donor to Civil War Monument Fund

FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5

2013 Preferred Members

We would like to give special recognition to the following businesses that provide extra support to the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce.

GOLD MEMBERS

SILVER MEMBERS

BRONZE MEMBERS

Elliott & Trainor, P.C.Rock River Valley Blood Center

Berner Food & BeverageJohn H. Vogt

Spherion Staffi ng GroupFreeport Insurance Center

Alwayz CookiesRite-Way Furniture & Appliance

Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTDPrecision Landscape

Bomar Heating & CoolingOdds and Ends

Stout Insurance Agency, LLCFreidag Associates CPAsAltman Automotive Inc.

Swift Hospitality Group, Inc.Schofi eld Plumbing

Liberty Village of Freeport Above and Beyond Associates

Freeport Community FoundationFurst Staffi ng

Winter & AssociatesEagles Club

Flachtemeier MonumentsDimond Bros Insur. Agency, Inc.

PearsonJack Myers Consulting

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

Plager, Krug, Bauer and Birkholz, Ltd.Fehr-Graham & Associates

Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens QBE the AmericasLeBaron & Miller Interiors

Tim’s Auto Care

Fruth-Simmer Insurance AgencyFreeport Massage Center

Twice As Nice ConsignmentsFloor Covering Plus

Hulsebus-Gehlsen Chiropractic

Union Savings BankDental ConnectionsFamily Health Quest

Midtown CenterSchofi eld Plumbing

Saxer Accounting Services, LLC

State Farm Insurance – Steve JohnsonSkate Station

Sanitary CleanersPresence Saint Joseph Campus

Bill George Plumbing & Heating

6 FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Especially at the holidays, actions speak louder than words. We hope you will join us at one or all of FHN’s Festival of Trees events — there’s something for everyone! This season, let your words be kind ... and your actions shine. Happy Holidays from all of us at FHN!

Holiday Movie Series The fun begins Saturday morning, Nov. 16 with the first showing of our Holiday Movie Series. Join us at 10 a.m. each Saturday through Dec. 15 for a family movie at a special price courtesy of FHN. All children attending will receive a holiday gift; seating is limited and there are no advance ticket sales. This year’s movies are:Nov. 16 – Thor: The Dark World PG-13 ($3.50) Nov. 23 – Labyrinth PG (FREE) Nov. 30 – Frozen PG ($3.50) This year, we’re adding a surprise for classic movie-lovers of all ages — a special showing of White Christmas — starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen — at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. FHN welcomes Alan Wenzel and Ed Finch to White Christmas! Wenzel and Finch, hosts of the popular Classic Movie Series at the Lindo Theatre, will welcome movie-goers at both shows with historical tidbits and movie trivia about the film, and will lead a brief discussion about this holiday classic following each showing. Admission is a free-will offering and/or a food drive donation (barrels available for food contributions — monetary contributions will also go to the food drive). Designed to offer movie-goers the experience of viewing time-honored American Film classics on the big screen, the Classic Movie Series is hosted every spring and fall by the Lindo Theatre in Freeport

in partnership with the Stephenson County Historical Museum and Highland Community College.

Community Holiday Tree We’ll officially kick off the holiday season after Downtown Freeport’s Mistletoe Walk on Sunday, Nov. 24 by lighting the Community Holiday Tree in front of FHN Memorial Hospital. Cookies, cocoa and some special visitors — including Father Christmas — are a great way to start the season!

FHN Casino Loyale Holiday Gala We’re betting you’ll love our casino this year as much as you did in 2012! Join us at FHN’s Casino Loyale Holiday Gala Saturday, Nov. 23 for casino-style fun. The event is open to the public and will feature Vegas-quality games, food, music, dancing, and silent auction shopping at the Freeport Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson Street. Proceeds benefit FHN’s Beyond Words therapy dog program and 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Friends Forever Humane Society.

Community Festival of Trees Head to the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas Street, Freeport, to enjoy the Community Festival of Trees. This popular, free event brings non-profit organizations together to decorate trees and compete for cash prizes. A panel of judges will award prizes in a number of categories, and you can vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice competition. The trees will be on display Dec. 8 through Jan. 2.

HCC Children’s Choir Each year, during the first week of the Community Festival of Trees, we celebrate with a special free performance by the

HCC Children’s Choir. Join us at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at the Freeport Public Library for some lovely holiday music and cheer.

Singin’ at the King Singin’ at the King will bring school choruses from across northwest Illinois together for a night of music beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the King Community Campus, 511 S. Liberty Avenue, Freeport. The suggested admission price is one canned good or other food item for the FACC food pantry per person. (Santa will be there, too, so make sure the kids have their list ready!)

Freeport Community Luminaria Night Enjoy the beauty of Freeport’s Stephenson Street and Lincoln Boulevard on Luminaria Night Sunday, Dec. 15. Residents of the neighborhood around FHN Memorial Hospital decorate their sidewalks with luminaria to celebrate the season.

Santa Visits Santa has set aside some time to visit with area children — every child who visits with Santa as part of a Festival of Trees event will receive a small holiday gift from FHN. There’s

no cost to visit with Santa, and he can usually be found at the Freeport Public Library.Holiday Storytelling and Santa Visits Listen to a holiday story or two in Santa’s visiting area. Hosted by FHN and the Freeport Public Library. (no charge) 4:30 – 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport.December 3December 10December 17

Santa’s Pajama Party and Storytime! Join Santa at the Freeport Public Library. (no charge)December 18 • 7 pm

Santa Visits at the Freeport Public Library Visit with Santa and receive a holiday gift from FHN. (no charge)November 24 • 1 – 4 pmDecember 3 • 5 – 7 pmDecember 5 • 5 – 7 pmDecember 7 • 1 – 3 pmDecember 8 • 1 – 3 pmDecember 10 • 5 – 7 pmDecember 12 • 5 – 7 pm.December 14 • 1 – 3 pmDecember 15 • 1 – 3 pmDecember 17 • 5 – 7 pmDecember 19 • 5 – 7 pmDecember 21 • 1 – 3 pmDecember 22 • 1 – 3 pm

2013 FHN Festival of Trees – Something Fun for Everyone

FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 7

INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CLASS Above and Beyond Associates, LLC of Freeport will host a Leadership Development Class, “GPS for Success” beginning January 15, 2014.The two-track/13-session leadership development program is designed to boost leadership skills by developing both a personal and professional plan of action that takes leadership to the next level. If your company has someone needing leadership development or if you are an executive wanting to develop and grow your own leadership skills; this class is for you. For more information, call 815.275.4106 or email Vicki@aboveandbeyondassociates.com

RFS IS WORKING FOR AMERICA Adkins Energy receives $500,000 grant to expand biofuel offerings with corn biodiesel plant Adkins Energy LLC has been awarded a $500,000 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to begin construction on a $4.5 million biodiesel plant on the east side of its Lena campus. The 2-million-gallon facility is expected to begin production in spring 2014. “We are excited to add biodiesel to our product offerings and thankful that the USDA sees the value in this project,” said Adkins Energy General Manager Ray Baker. “This project is another example of how the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is working for Americans; it is encouraging continued investment in advanced bio-refi neries and creating new jobs which are helping to revitalize rural communities like ours.” Adkins Ethanol currently

produces about 1.5 million gallons of distillers corn oil annually, which is sold either into the biodiesel production market or as a supplement to the animal feed market. Adkins will use this feedstock to produce the biodiesel in its facility, a process which will be fully integrated into existing ethanol operations, creating signifi cant operating effi ciencies in the production of biodiesel. WB Services of Kansas is partnering with Adkins to create this fi rst-of-its-kind integrative project. The new plant will be small compared to the rest of Adkins’s structures-about 8,500 square feet- but designed to add more equipment to double its production capabilities if opportunity allows. Baker estimates the new plant will create a number of immediate new job opportunities as well as temporary construction jobs. We are committed to renewable energy and to northwest Illinois,” Baker said.

“Biodiesel fuel, like ethanol, offers drivers a renewable, home-grown source of fuel that’s good for the environment, good for their budget and good for our nation, and it

provides a direct benefi t for our members and the community.” At the same time Adkins announces its expansion based on the merits of the RFS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency is considering lowing the amount of renewable fuel that will be required in 2014. “The EPA’s proposal to lower corn ethanol requirements and keep biodiesel mandates the same when the markets are responding to the RIS’s call for growth in both fuels is mindboggling,” Baker said. “Our investment, like many others in the industry is being made in response to the

RFS, a policy that promises market access for ethanol and other advance biofuels like biodiesel. If Congress or the EPA changes course now, what does that mean for the future of renewable energy jobs and agriculture? So, as we break ground on this facility, we are trusting that Congress and President Obama will stay the course and won’t mess with the RFS.” Adkins Energy LLC is owned by approximately 275 general members of the former Adkins Energy Cooperative and its partner Pearl City Elevator (PCE). Adkins Energy shares are available to the public and any area producer can sell grain to Adkins Energy through PCE. Pearl City Elevator, established in 1918, is a local, farmer-owned cooperative that supplies grain, seed, fertilizer and other farming goods to local farmers at seven servicing locations across northwest Illinois. It recently expanded its facilities in Lena, IL with a state-of-the-art liquid and dry fertilizer storage facility.Adkins Energy is a corn-to-

ethanol dry mill facility located in northwest Illinois. Since it started production in 2002, Adkins has processed more than 165 million bushels of corn to produce over 460 million gallons of ethanol and 2,300,000 tons of wet and dried distillers grains. For more information on E15, E85 and ethanol, contact Adkins Energy (1-888-ETHANOL) or visit adkinsenergy.com

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT CONTACT INFORMATION On October 1st HealthCare.gov -- the new Health Insurance Marketplace where people can fi nd and apply for affordable health insurance plans as part of The Affordable Care Act opened for business nationwide. As you may have heard, the website launch hasn’t gone nearly as smoothly as it should have. And with nearly 20 million visits to the site in the fi rst several weeks, the problems were aggravated by the website’s popularity. It’s important to remember

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FREEPORT DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION TO HOST BATTLE OF THE BANDS The Freeport Downtown Development Foundation and Main Street Bistro announce a Battle of the Bands set for this winter. It will be held at the Bistro, 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport each Sunday in January. Registration is going on now through November 29th. Applications can be picked

up at Main Street Bistro or by emailing drogersfddf@yahoo.com. Area bands will play one of three Sunday’s in January for a chance to play at Music on Chicago this summer. Battle of the Bands is a popular event all across the country. FDDF invites local and regional bands, of all genres, to apply to play. Each battle will lead up to a finale on January 26th when a winner will be chosen. It will be open to the public to cheer on their favorite band. Bands will be judged on musical talent, vocals, stage presence, appearance and crowd reaction. Freeport’s downtown is the core of the economic health of the city. With over 180 businesses, it is FDDF’s goal that the downtown district be a prime place to live, work and shop. Interested volunteers can contact the office at 815-232-9000.

KIPERS TO RETIRE Culligan Water Conditioning of Freeport announces the retirement of long time owner Darvin Kiper and wife Denice.

“It doesn’t seem like I joined the Freeport business community 25 years ago,” Kiper said. “I’ve enjoyed working with our great customers over the years and our involvement in the Freeport community. Thanks for allowing me to serve you.”Kiper said his son Brad would be taking the helm at Freeport Culligan. Brad served as service manager and in sales at the dealership for over 17 years. Brad and wife Jennifer along with their staff will continue to provide northwestern Illinois with the same great water treatment services that the 55 year business has always provided. The Kipers, Darvin and Denice will be sightseeing and enjoying more time with their children and six grand kids, all who live in this area.

COMFORT KEEPERS OF ROCKFORD AWARDED “PROVIDER OF CHOICE” Comfort Keepers® of Rockford and the NW Illinois area is pleased to be the recipient of two awards from Home Care Pulse®: the 2013 “Best of Home Care Provider of Choice” and the 2013 “Best of Home care Employer of Choice.” Agencies with the highest quality receive the 2013 Best of Home Care Award® from Home Care Pulse, the leading quality assurance firm for home care. This award is based on third-party client satisfaction scores from several categories, including Compassion, Work Ethic, Communication, and Training. To qualify for the Best of Home Care Award®, agencies must first enroll in the Home Care Pulse Quality Management Program and become Home Care Pulse Certified™ for six months or longer. Comfort Keepers of Rockford and the NW Illinois area has proven that they provide the highest level of quality, professionalism, and

expertise in home care. The 2013 Best of Home Care Employer of Choice ranks Comfort Keepers of Rockford and NW Illinois among the nation’s top employers in one or more caregiver satisfaction categories, showing their exceptional commitment to quality. This award recognizes the vital role that caregivers play in a home care agency,” says Anne Wilson, owner of Rockford Comfort Keepers. “Satisfied caregivers provide higher quality of care to those they work with, therefore insuring the stability of your home care business.” Comfort Keepers’ highly trained staff provides interactive caregiving, engaging the mind, body, and good nutrition all while ensuring the utmost safety of the client. Comfort Keepers’ mission is to treat each client with the respect and dignity they deserve, as though they are caring for a member of their own family.

EPISCOPAL CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AND GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Freeport will be presenting checks at the Annual Mayors Hunger Luncheon in support of Hero House. This FACC program is the only one of its kind in Northwest Illinois and provides six units of permanent supportive housing to serve chronically homeless veterans.

FREEPORT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $33,460.00 IN GRANTS October 29, 2013 - The Freeport Community Foundation Board of Directors

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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10 FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Ambassadors along with FHN and Lori’s Gifts were on hand to cut the ribbon for the Grand Opening of the new FHN Hospital Gift Shop. FHN has partnered with Lori’s Gifts to bring a new and improved Gift shop available to everyone at FHN Hospital on the fi rst fl oor next to the public elevators. Why not stop by FHN Hospital and check out the new gift shop for yourself? They offer everything from gifts to postage stamps and snacks. While you are there don’t forget to ask about the new Rewards Program! Hours are Monday-Friday 9 am-7:30 pm and 11 am-6 pm on weekends and holidays. Congratulations! May you have many years of success to come!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Ambassadors cut the ribbon along with the NICAA to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new offi ces located at 27 S. State Avenue in downtown Freeport. Why not stop by and see all the beautiful changes for yourself? Congratulations NICAA! May you continue to serve the citizens of Freeport well into the future!

The Ambassadors were on hand along with Slumberland Furniture to cut the ribbon celebrating the new and improved Slumberland Furniture store. The entire store has been upgraded from inside to outside. Why not stop by and see all the beautiful improvements yourself? Congratulations Slumberland! May you continue serving Freeport well into the future!

The Ambassadors cut the ribbon along with the Regional Offi ce of Education to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new offi ces located at 27 S. State Avenue in downtown Freeport. Congratulations Regional Offi ce of Education! It was our honor to be there to help celebrate this special day!

The Ambassadors along with Generations Boutique cut the ribbon to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new store which is located at 21 South Chicago Avenue in downtown Freeport. Looking for Christmas Gifts? Why not stop by and see all the beautiful things for yourself. They have everything from seasonal decorations, clothes, home décor and more! Congratulations Generations Boutique and welcome to downtown Freeport!

FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 11

awards seven grants totaling $33,460.00 to area non-profit organizations that provide a variety of programs and services benefiting Northwestern Illinois. These grants were presented at a Grant and Donor Reception on October 24, 2013. Fall 2013 grants were awarded from the Freeport Community Needs Fund and the Matthew A. Marvin Fund. Five grantees were awarded a total of $26,460.00 from the Matthew A. Marvin Fund. The amounts and the projects these grants will fund are: • CONTACT of Northern IL Mental Health First Aid Training $2,850• FHN Family Counseling Center Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program $1,500• FHN Family Counseling Center Parent Enrichment Program $4,960• Senior Resource Center Programs, Services, and Activities Guides $1,350• Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home Broken Innocence Program $15,800From the Community Needs Fund, the Foundation’s unrestricted fund, the Board of Directors awarded two grants totaling $7,000.00. The grants were awarded to:• FACC Chicago Avenue Mission Security Cameras $3,000• Public Health Foundation of NWIL All Our Kids Network $4,000The Foundation announced the creation and presentation of the inaugural Matthew A Marvin Community Impact Award. The award recognizes

the importance of philanthropy and giving back to residents of Northwest Illinois. “We are proud that this year’s award was presented to Matthew A.

Marvin for the impact his gifts have made to our community in the past 20 years,” stated Dan Schmitt, Executive Director of the Foundation. The Freeport Community Foundation has a 38-year history as a community-based charitable organization guided by community leaders that are dedicated to providing financial solutions for current and future community needs. 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organizations from Freeport and the surrounding communities are eligible to receive funding. Freeport Community Foundation grant cycles are awarded two times annually. For information or to apply for a Freeport

Community Foundation grant, visit the website: freeportcommunityfoundation.org , or call 815.801.3035. The foundation is located at 524 West Stephenson Street, Suite 102, in Freeport, IL.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION IN FREEPORT Habitat for Humanity is nearing completion on their latest Freeport project, a house on 1345 Locust Street (across the street from the Junior High Parking Lot.) R Squared Construction is working on the framing along with a host of volunteers and the future home owner. The organization said the Locust St home is 1 of 3 they will be building over the next few years, with the second one slated to begin construction next year. In its 2013 fiscal year, Habitat for Humanity built, renovated or repaired 124,946 homes internationally, marking the first time that Habitat served more than 100,000 families in a single year, significantly surpassing the previous record in 2012 of 94,618 families served. This equates to a family being served on average every 4 minutes. Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates improving access to decent

and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. For more information about Habitat for Humanity in Freeport and how you might help; contact them at 10 South Cherry Av in Freeport of call 815.297.9706.

URISH NAMED TO HCC FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christeen “Chris” Urish of rural Freeport was appointed to the Highland Community College Foundation Board of Directors at its recent annual meeting. Urish taught numerous grade levels from kindergarten through high school for 28 years and is retired from the Eastland School District. She also served for 12 years on the Pearl City School Board.Urish and her husband John have been active in the Stephenson County Farm Bureau at both the county and state level. In 1995, she was recognized as a “Women in Excellence” recipient in Education. Urish graduated from Pearl City High School in 1972 and began her college career at Highland Community College. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University in 1975 and a Master of Arts in Education from Rockford College in 1990. She was a recipient of the HCC Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

The Freeport Community Foundation awarded grants to 7 non-profit organizations at a reception held on October 24. The grant

recipients, from right: Susan Lambert, Senior Resource Center; Julie Asche, FHN Big Brothers Big Sisters; Dean Wright, FACC; Beth Johnson, FHN PEP; Dana Keim, Public Health Foundation; Pamela Werntz, CONTACT; Ame Ellis, Public Health Foundation;

Cara Williams, Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home; and Dan Schmitt, Executive Director-Freeport Community Foundation.

12 FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Todd Weegens, HCC Foundation Board president, welcomed Chris Urish to the Board. Twenty-six directors from around the Highland College District makeup the Foundation board. In other HCC Foundation Board news, directors also approved Mark Winter, of Freeport, as a Director-at-Large and a member of the Foundation Executive Committee. Winter, a Foundation board member since 1996, is president of Winter Construction in Freeport.

FREEPORT MAYOR JIM GITZ TO HOST ANNUAL FACC FUNDRAISING EVENT For the past 22 years, the Freeport Area Church Cooperative has been blessed to have the mayor of Freeport host FACC’s largest fundraising event of the year. That tradition continues this year as Freeport Mayor Jim Gitz will host the 23rd Annual Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held on

Thursday, December 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Masonic Temple Ballroom in Freeport. This time-honored event--with its simple lunch of soup and bread—serves as a reminder that there are people in our community who go without enough food for themselves and their families. Proceeds from this important event support FACC’s efforts to reduce hunger and end homelessness in northwest Illinois. Local musical talent is also a regular highlight of this event. This year the Hunger Luncheon will feature the musical and singing talents of Steve McMillan, Michael Shore, Michelle Stubbe, and Rachael Leverton. A check for $5,000, the first installment of a $15,000 grant donation to be paid over three

years, from Episcopal Charities and Community Services will also be presented to FACC in support of Hero House—a permanent supportive housing program for chronically homeless veterans. In addition, Grace Episcopal Church, Freeport will present

a check from the church’s 2013 Lobsterpalooza fundraiser, now in its 9th year. The drive-up

event involves the selling, securing, and

cooking of Maine

Lobsters in the church

parking lot. Over the years, the community

has supported this event which has

generated some $25,387 in past donations to FACC. “The Mayor’s Luncheon is a wonderful opportunity for this community as we become aware and confident of the fact that our common efforts call us to reach out to people who desperately need help in finding ways out of poverty, and as a consequence of that, find their way out of hunger,” says Reverend Eldred George, Rector of Grace Episcopal. Tickets for this luncheon are just $25 apiece and can be purchased at the door the day of the event. Additionally, local businesses, churches, and

community organizations can sponsor the event and reserve a table for 10 guests for $250. For more information on how to purchase tickets in advance, call Rebecca Leopold at FACC at 815-233-0435. Each year, FACC serves over 3,000 men, women, and children in need of food in our community through its food pantry. FACC also provides emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing to over 200 homeless

individuals through our various homeless programs. With the Freeport economy still recovering from the

recent recession, the need for food and shelter is still great in our community.

PARKVIEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IS HOME TO 24 VETERANS AND ASSEMBLED 20 OF THEM FOR A VETERAN’S DAY PHOTO. Thank you all for all you’ve given. - Front row: Joseph Dame, Army Air Corp; Betty Gantzer, Navy Wave; Kenny Weigand, Army; Second row: Malcolm Coomber, Army Air Force; Matthew Marvin, Army; Larry Peck, Air Force; Larry Herbig, Navy; James Cloud, Marines; Wayne Demuth, Army; Back row: Orland Walker, Navy; Casey Mayer, Air Force; Dick Luthin, Army; Ted Pierce, Navy Air; Gene Burton, Army; Bruce Janes, Army; Ferm Schweble, Navy Air; Ed Schweble, Navy Air; Don Mergen, Army; Lyle

Reedy, Navy; and John Viele, Navy. Not pictured: Sylvia Blankenhorn, Marines; Maxine Patterson, Navy Wave; Fred Peterson, Army; and David Wright, Army

FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 13RSVP OF NORTHWEST ILLINOIS PRESENTS ANNIVERSARY QUILT TO HCC In celebration of Highland Community College’s 50thAnniversary and 40 years as sponsors for the RSVP of Northwest Illinois, a quilt was presented, to be hung in the Student Conference Center at Highland Community College.The quilt top was designed and constructed by Mike Shore, RSVP director, and quilted by RSVP quilting volunteers. The traditional log cabin quilt is in the HCC school colors featuring the HCC logo in the center and refl ects how the college founding members built the campus one step at a time. It is quilted in a starburst pattern refl ecting how knowledge centers on the campus and expands outward to the college district and beyond. The quilt will be hung in east entrance of the Student/Conference Center. RSVP is a federally funded program by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Illinois Department on Aging and Highland Community College. RSVP provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to adults 55 and

older for over 60 non-profi ts in the Highland Community College District. For more information about RSVP, please contact Director Mike Shore at 815-599-3491 or Coordinator Cindi Mielke at 815-599-3564.

THE AMERICAN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE is looking to raise awareness of how local businesses benefi t your community and lead more people to #ShopSmall, get the FREE “Building ‘Buy Local’ Campaigns that Shift Culture and Spending” publication from American Independent Business Alliance. Visit them on the web to get your FREE copy: http://www.amiba.net/about/primer-formAMIBA is a non-profi t organization dedicated to helping communities and independent businesses thrive. We help citizens, independent businesses and communities prevent the displacement of locally-owned businesses, ensure ongoing opportunities for entrepreneurs, and advance citizen engagement in directing the development of their community.

PHOTO SUBMITTEDIn celebration of Highland Community College’s 50thAnniversary and 40 years as sponsors for the RSVP of Northwest Illinois, a quilt designed and constructed by Mike Shore, RSVP

director, and quilted by RSVP quilting volunteers was presented and will hang in the Student Conference Center at Highland Community College. PICTURED (left to right):

Helen Alden, Freeport, Janet Townsend, Stockton, Lucille Alden, Freeport, Dorothy Ellinor, Stockton, Mike Shore, RSVP Director, Dr. Joe Kanosky, HCC President, Therma Smith,

Freeport, Eloise Pierce, Stockton, Cindi Mielke, RSVP Director, Sue Young, Freeport, Virginia Rinehart, Freeport, Mary Stevens-Laesch, Shannon, Linda Comeau, Freeport

NEWRock River Training Corporation • Lumbre Mexican GrillYour Core Being • Tangles Salon • The Villa/Hair Salon

RENEWEDFreeport Massage Center • Stout Insurance Center

Pretzel Fan’s Club • Zealous Art Studio • FS FarmtownStephenson Service Co. • Freeport Fast Stop Express

Randy’s Electric • Sanitary Cleaners • Cathy’s Custom CakeryDeGrote Television & Appliance

Producers Financial Group MidwestM45 Marketing Services

Computer Dynamics of Northwest Illinois • SeagaFreeport Animal Hospital • Northwestern Service Co.

Flachtemeier Monument • Higher Grounds CoffeeQBE the Americas • Cornerstone Credit Union

Stephenson County Fair Association • Allen’s MenswearAll Veteran’s Memorial Park • Jitterbug EventsVerde Solutions • Stephenson County Board

Culver’s • Plager, Krug, Bauer and Birkholz, Ltd.Springleaf Financial Services • Jimmy John’sWillet, Hofmann & Associates • Best in Sight

New Horizons Counseling Center • Furst-McNess CompanyMechanical Inc. • Bowen Oil Co.

Freeport Rehabilitation & Health Care CenterCitizens State Bank • Peter FlynnKnowlton Motors/Mark V Rentals

City of Freeport • 21st Century LightingStewart & Associates • Fehr-Graham & Associates

Flack Sewing Center • Family Health QuestBenning Group, LLC • Eagles Club

Lincoln Douglas Society • Connie GeiterToni’s Plumbing Service, Inc. • K C Erickson Dental Lab

Family Affair Café-Nachiifuu Ltd.Freeport Cycle & Machine • Pizza Hut/Wing Street

Behr Iron & Metal • Laura Welti • VogueSchofi eld Plumbing • Boss Carpet One

WQRF/WTVO-17 • Immanuel Lutheran Church & SchoolGametime Screen Printing • Generations Boutique

RK Dixon • Aaron’s Sales & Lease OwnershipH. B. Wilkinson Title Company of Stephenson County

Kolb-Lena, Inc. • Above and Beyond AssociatesThe Dog House Salon • Tom & Joanne Lammers

Tender Loving Care • Timber Lake PlayhouseManpower • Midwest Community BankLemanski Heating and Air Conditioning

Gill Business Group • Fairway Ford LincolnSullivan’s Foods • Beggin Tipp Lamm LLC

Christensen Home Town Realtors • Kurt Koester Studio

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for November

Visit us online atfreeportilchamber.com

14 FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHANGES PLACE By addressing the whole person, Changes Place wants to help individuals and families achieve a greater quality of life.Established in 2001, Changes Place has over 12 years experience working in outpatient substance abuse counseling, with an emphasis in DUI services. Professional staff members help individuals identify the nature and extent of the issues which led them to the agency and help develop lifestyle, attitude, and behavioral changes to avoid future substance-related issues. Changes Place was established to help both individuals and families address issues stemming from alcohol/drug use. Intervention services (i.e. education, self exploration, and group counseling) as well as outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment services are offered for the purpose of identifying and addressing alcohol and/or drug use disorders. Changes Place

believes that every person has individual needs and has standardized services established, but whenever feasible they strive to address the individual’s need/circumstance. Changes Place is staffed by certifi ed counselors and is licensed by the Illinois Department of Human Services Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (DHS-DASA).

DUI Services A full spectrum of DUI Services is available at Changes Place to include DUI Evaluation, Remedial Education, and Early Intervention/Treatment services. Their DUI Program is

licensed by Illinois DHS-DASA and recognized by Illinois court systems and the Illinois Offi ce of the Secretary of State. Clinical staff has been thoroughly trained in the Illinois driver’s license reinstatement process and will work with individuals to make positive lifestyle changes necessary to be considered an eligible candidate for driving relief.

Substance Abuse Services A variety of Substance Abuse Services are available to help meet the needs of individuals and families seeking services through Changes Place. It is the Changes Place ultimate goal to help individuals and families achieve a greater quality of life through a positive counseling experience.

Specialty & Counseling Services Changes Place offers specialty services tailored to meet the growing needs of their client population. MISA Counseling is available for people with dual-diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Gender Specifi c Counseling, Family Counseling, and Individual Counseling are also offered through Changes Place.

Anger Management Anger Management is the newest addition to specialty services offered at Changes Place. Due to the strong and unique correlation between substance use issues and anger control problems, Changes Place seeks to provide the greatest level of Anger Management Services available to our clients and families.

We would like to say thank you to everyone who attended the YPN Young Professionals Network Lunch N’ Learn this month at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau. We hope you enjoyed the Luncheon! We would also like to say a special thank you to our Guest Speaker Rick Kesler, Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at Honeywell for taking the time to come give us tips on the Art of Negotiation and Strategic Planning. Thank you!

YPN Lunch & Learn

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For more information contact Changes Place at 773 W. Lincoln Blvd, Suite 101 in Freeport or call 815.232.1913 or visit them on the web at www.changesplace.com

TANGLES SALONTangles Salon of Freeport,

IL provides top quality and professional beauty care services at affordable rates. Their team of experienced beauticians and licensed massage therapists can provide you the best service possible. Tangles Salon is located in the Lincoln Mall for your convenience and comfort.

Services include:• Hair cut, color, perms - we do it all• Relaxing massage therapy• ManicuresGift certificates always available. Appointments preferred. Walk-ins welcome.Your beauty care needs is our primary concern. Call Tangles Salon for an appointment today at 815-599-1152, or visit them at 1251 W. Galena Ave, Freeport, IL.

YOUR CORE BEINGIt’s All About Strength - Being Strong in Mind, in Body, and in Spirit

When was the last time you talked with someone about your health and received the personal attention you deserve?

It’s rare for anyone to get an hour to work on their nutrition and goals with a trained professional. As a Health Coach and Yoga teacher, Pat Leitzen-Fye creates a supportive environment that will enable you to achieve all of your health

goals. Leitzen-Fye has studied all the major dietary theories and uses practical lifestyle coaching methods to guide you in discovering which

approach works best for you. Leitzen-Fye said she is now in what could be called her “third or encore career.” “I’ve spent many years in other professions - social work, community and economic development, private business and politics,” she said. “I’ve been a life partner to my architect husband for 31 years and his business partner for 20 years. We have three fabulous adult children and last year added a daughter-in-law to the family which brought me great joy - now for grandchildren, I hope.” She said her life path keeps her strong, sane, healthy and happy and provides the opportunity to meet and work with folks who also seek to spend their days being as well, content and as peaceful as possible. “I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I was trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods,” Leitzen-Fye said. “Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “Roadmap to

health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.” Ask yourself; have you ever received good advice that you were unable to follow? Has your doctor ever recommended a lifestyle change that you found to be unsustainable? Have you ever wanted something in your life, but found you couldn’t achieve it alone? Most approaches to nutrition dwell on calories, carbs, fats, proteins. Instead of creating lists of restrictions and good and bad foods, Leitzen-Fye coaches her clientele to create a happy, healthy life in a way that is flexible, fun and free of denial and discipline. No one diet works for everyone, but Leitzen-Fye will guide you to find the food and lifestyle choices that best support you. She will also help you to make gradual, lifelong changes that enable you to reach your current and future health goals. To decide if health coaching is right for you, schedule a free initial consultation with

Pat Leitzen-Fye. During this session, you will discuss your health and lifestyle to determine how she can best support you in achieving your goals Contact her at: Your Core Being, 107 West Main St, Freeport or call (815) 291-9000, or like Your Core Being on FaceBook.

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