View the Newsletter - Vermilion Advantage
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View the Newsletter - Vermilion Advantage
Inside this Issue: Page 2: Vermilion County Workforce Development Recognized Nationally Page 4: Member Profiles Page 11: Events Page 15: Welcome Home, Welcome Here R P U R O I Y C E E M sales event! A SOLD N CONS IDER IT... WHERE HUGE 2015 Model year Clearance in progress! WE MUST SELL THESE VEHICLES IMMEDIATELY TO CLEAR OUR LOT! EVERY OFFER WILL BE GIVEN FULL CONSIDERATION! 0% FINANCING COURTESY FORD/LINCOLN IN DANVILLE! WHEN NOW THRUth Saturday, April 30 PL CUST US MERS GET AO APPLICLL THE FACTOABLE INCENT RY IVE! JUST ANNOUNCED $500 TRADE-IN FOR 72 MONTHS ASSISTANCE CASH NOBODY SELLS FOR LESS... GUARANTEED! ^ ++ www.LowestPriceFords.com + NEW 2015 FORD F-150 MSRP............. $49,155 REBATE ............. $4,750 DISCOUNT........ $4,072 STOCK #5582 $ 40,333 SALE PRICE NEW 2016 FORD EXPLORER STOCK #6279 MSRP............. $32,990 REBATE ............. $1,450 DISCOUNT........ $1,325 $ 30,215 SALE PRICE NEW 2016 FORD FUSION STOCK #6401 MSRP............. $24,705 REBATE ............. $2,000 DISCOUNT........ $1,322 $ 21,383 SALE PRICE 217-442-1840 3533 N. Vermilion St. DANVILLE A MEMBER OF THE COURTESY AUTO GROUP www.courtesyforddanville.com ^On select models to qualified buyers. 0% for 72mo = $13.89/mo per $1000 financed on select models. Rebates may be in lieu of special financing. +Will beat any publicly advertised price on identically equipped in-stock model. Offer ends April 30, 2016 ++On select models to qualified buyers. New car prices include all factory rebates and dealer discounts. All prices plus tax, title, license and doc. fee. Offers cannot be combined with any other offer. Must qualify for all financing and payment offers. With approved credit. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. Offers for a limited time only. Prior sales ineligible. N E W S & V I E W S Vermilion Advantage, through membership value, provides strategic leadership on critical business issues - leading economic & workforce development, anticipating and responding to members’ needs, addressing quality of life issues and providing a network of information & business contacts – advocating the pursuit of opportunities to strengthen the local economy and Vicki L. Haugen business environment. President & CEO Tinisha Shade-Spain Economic Development Director Machelle Dykes Director, Membership Services Jo Doggett Data and Finance Manager Rachel Haun Administrative Assistant Kim Kuchenbrod Workforce Development Consultant Logan Cronk Rural Community Development Coordinator Phone 217.442.6201 Fax 217.442.6228 [email protected] www.vermilionadvantage.com www.vermilionadvantage.com/job-board ON THE COVER: Kickapoo State Park Hiking Trails 1 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N Vermilion County Workforce Development Efforts Recognized as one of the Most Progressive in the Country Vicki Haugen and a team of business and workforce development leaders recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to share our area’s industry-leading work to address the skills gap. The innovative initiatives, which have been occurring in Vermilion County for nearly the last 20 years, have been recognized as some of the most effective in the country. We recently caught up with Vicki Haugen and some of the business leaders who attended. Their insights shed a unique light on this important community work. You recently attended the National Workforce Conference. What is it? This was the second conference held by the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation to address the skills gap challenge. This year’s conference brought together and underscored the work of the 7 Learning Network locations, of which Vermilion County is one, to determine next steps needed. The goal is to expand this initiative across the nation into other employer-led efforts. Where was it held? Who else attended from our area? It was held in the Hall of 2 A D V A N T A G E L to R: Moderator: Jason A. Tyszko, Executive Director, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation Center for Education and Workforce; Vicki Haugen, President and CEO, Vermilion Advantage; Sara J. Dunnigan, Executive Director, Virginia Board of Workforce Development; and David Adkisson, President and CEO, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce The National Workforce Conference was hosted in the Hall of Flags in the US Chamber of Commerce Building in Washington, DC. Flags at the US Chamber of Commerce building in Washington DC. Not a bad address – looks directly at the White House! Others that joined Kim Kuchenbrod, from our office, and me were: Donnie Robinson, thyssenkrupp Presta; AnnMarie Cross, Watchfire; Brian Hensgen, Local Workforce Investment office; Mike Baker, Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; Stepheny McMahon, an eco- N E W S nomic development counterpart from Sullivan, IL, one of the regions with whom we have been working; and two individuals from Northern Illinois University who have been a part of the State piece of our partnership. How did Vermilion Advantage get involved? After the first conference, the state of Illinois basically begged us to apply to be considered as one of the Learning Network sites. In reality two of the key persons involved in the process through the USCCF Jason Tyszko and Professor Bob Sheets – are both from Illinois and had been aware of what we were doing with our Business Clusters in the area of Jobs Projection Surveys. Our long-time work mirrors the TPM priorities of working with Employer Collaboratives and Demand Planning. So we applied and were selected. Interestingly, we were the smallest location selected. Others were (1) State of Arizona; (2) State of Kansas; (3) Northern Kentucky; (4) State of Michigan Utilities; (5) State of Virginia; and (6) the greater Houston area. & V I E W S of the pilot sites and the desire to replicate the skills and practices in the pilot communities all across the country. This can have bold implications for communities in Illinois and Indiana. What does this mean for Vermilion County? Well, first of all, we have been recognized as a national leader in this effort and have authors, academicians and businesses looking at us to understand and emulate the process. That puts our County in a very positive light. It has also given us a Network to continue to learn from, as well. This year, as an example, as we put out our annual Jobs Projection Survey, we have been asked by the National Manufacturing Institute and the NIMS Credentialing organization to be their beta site for gathering information from our local manufacturers about required or desired competencies in Machining areas. There is a national movement to place more emphasis on common competencies and then to align credentialing and shorten the learning curve as much as possible. What comments/questions did you get from attendees about what is happening in Vermilion County? There is a lot of amazement about the fact that we have been doing this for 18 years and have such a strong partnership with our education institutions, the Workforce Investment Board and our employers – long before it was a national hot-button topic. You were a presenter at this national conference. Tell us about the session. I was on a panel with the representatives from the State of Virginia and the State of Kentucky. Our role was to talk about how to take what we have each done at our own “local” levels and grow it. What will come next for Vermilion County? The funder of this initial project is a group called USA Funds. At the conference, USA Funds announced another round of funding to continue to grow this effort. One of the key objectives of the next phase is for the USCCF to create an “Academy” that will basically provide curriculum and other tools, taught by experts in the field, to grow this initiative of developing employer-led solutions. We have been asked to be a part of that Academy development. Jason Tyszko reminded us recently that the Academy will be built on the experience L to R: Antonio Soave, Kansas Secretary of Commerce; Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade; Jim Schultz, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce; and Moderator: Cheryl A. Oldham, Senior Vice President US Chamber of Commerce Foundation Center for Education and Workforce 3 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N A D V A N T A G E Insights from Area Business Leaders who Attended The National Workforce Conference AnnMarie Cross, Director of Human Resources, Watchfire Signs On leading the way – “I was astounded to learn that none of the other organizations were even remotely as far along in the TPM process as Vermilion Advantage. I knew we were ahead of most places in the country, but did not realize we were so far ahead even of the other 6 that were selected as fellow national leaders on this critical topic. “We are the template, the leaders, the path others are seeking to follow. No other presenter was remotely close to what we’ve done here, and all were hanging on Vicki’s every word about the lessons we have already learned.” On the next step – “It is so critical to get all of us to the table, working on this challenge together. Vermilion Advantage is ahead of the entire country- by about 5-6 years ahead of 2nd in line behind us! – but getting all employers of more than 100 people to the table working together on this challenge would catapult us so much farther. Many of our fellow employers have NO idea how incredibly lucky we are to be so far along, or the benefits they are receiving from these astounding programs whether they are members or not of this great organization.” Donnie Robinson, Global Training Manager, thyssenkrupp Camshafts On the national skills gap issue – “The burden of a depleted or poorly-skilled workforce is a national issue and not unique to only certain communities. Addressing the so-called ‘skills gap’ is only possible with an extensive collaboration to identify root cause, systemic problems. Time and time again, individual companies, economic development corporations or educational institutes who try to address symptomatic problems are not successful in sustainable solutions.” On what will make our community successful – “A common theme at the event was the necessity of inclusion of all stakeholders around a common goal that is to develop our communities through workforce development. A mature and objective community will be leaps ahead of the next community if a common, agreed-upon goal is established that does not promote the success of one organization, group or institute but rather the common good of our community as a whole.” For more information: www.uschamberfoundation.org/talent-pipeline-management Member Profiles Morgan Stanley’s Dean Crandall Dean Crandall, a Financial Advisor in Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Danville office, has seen it all in the securities industry, guiding clients through the highs and low of the financial markets. After 30 years in the securities industry, the last 7 with Morgan Stanley, Crandall knows the market can be unpredictable and to be successful you need to place your trust with the right people. “The past ten years have battered investors, with recovery from the Great Recession to fears of global terrorism and unprecedented central bank intervention,” he says. “Clients, more than ever, need disciplined investment strategies to reduce risk 4 and minimize taxes.” Crandall, CFP(r), CRPC(r), advises clients as a Morgan Stanley Portfolio Management Director, First Vice President, and Family Wealth Advisor from his Danville and Champaign offices. “Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm,” says Crandall, “providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 43 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. I divide my time between the office in Danville at 2832 North Vermilion and my N E W S office in Champaign.” Crandall attributes his success to the support and infrastructure of Morgan Stanley. “Managing capital on the scale we do today simply was not possible fifteen years ago,” Crandall says. “We are able to deliver sophisticated solutions to help families manage significant wealth. Whether it's financial planning, trading, research or online capabilities, Morgan Stanley is an industry leader in technology.” Amidst the volatility of the financial industry, Morgan Stanley and Crandall’s staying power is a sign of good standing with clients and the communities they serve. “People may be surprised how high a failure rate we have in this industry,” he says. The basic questions to be answered by a personal financial plan are: 1. Do I have enough to retire? 2. Do I have any blind spots? & V I E W S “It is very competitive and very volatile. It takes decades to build trust.” Crandall’s commitment to the Danville area spans nearly the length of his career in the securities industry. “We are able to deliver sophisticated solutions to help families manage significant wealth.” “I've been involved in just about everything for the past 27 years in Danville,” he says. “DACC Foundation, Danville Symphony Foundation, Rotary to name a few. But my passion is having the privilege of serving as an elder at Second Church of Christ for the past 25 years.” He brings his personal values with him to work, placing a priority on building trust with his clients. Crandall’s goal is to work with each client’s family as a trusted advisor for generations to come. “The privilege of advising the matriarch/patriarch, their children and their grandchildren through a well-coordinated financial plan is the most gratifying experience in my career,” he says. “Helping families have meaningful conversations about their wealth and managing their family enterprise is the pinnacle of a well-seasoned financial advisor.” Crandall’s 5 recommendations when selecting a financial advisor: 1. Seek an advisor who is competent and well-credentialed. 2. Require a few decades of experience. 3. Check out their background on the FINRA web site. 4. Work with someone your personality meshes with. 5. Hire an advisor who is not afraid to ask clients difficult questions. Restored Counseling in Catlin Offers Hope to Individuals who have Experienced Trauma Melaine Easton is here to help. Whether you’re a survivor of sexual assault or suffer from depression, the owner of Restored Counseling in Catlin is ready to offer counseling services to begin your healing process. “Restored Counseling is a place for individuals who have experienced trauma,” says Easton, “It is a place for people who live with depression, anxiety, or relationship difficulties to come to explore these issues in a safe environment and begin to find healing and restoration through those experiences.” Comfortable Space Easton, a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, values creating a comfortable space for her clients. She recognizes the importance of feeling safe when beginning the healing process. “It is important to me to create an environment where people can feel safe and secure,” she says. “A place where they can share and challenge themselves. My hope is that the individuals and families I come in contact with will find wholeness in the midst of their brokenness.” In keeping pace with an ever-changing social landscape, she incorporates up-to-date technology into her services. Easton says she works to provides services that work in today’s mobile environment. That includes things like using technology for scheduling and for session reminders. 5 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N Hope after Trauma Easton provides services for a range of issues but focuses on survivors of sexual assault and trauma. “While I have experience working with individuals across the age spectrum and many diagnoses,” she says, “I specialize in working with those who have experienced trauma. My post graduate training and specialty is sexual wholeness, overcoming barriers for those who have been sexually abused or who have unhealthy views of sexuality that negatively affect their relationships with others. It is possible for victims of sexual abuse to move forward and find wholeness A D V A N T A G E again. It is my privilege to join them on this journey.” Easton does not expect clients to immediately open up to her and works to build trust. As part of creating a comfortable environment, she remains patient and respectful of her clients’ healing process. “I think people would be surprised how easy it is to talk about their struggles and work towards their goals in a warm and inviting environment,” she says. “I know that opening up to a stranger can be awkward and it is never expected that people bare their deepest, darkest secrets upon meeting me day one.” Melanie Easton on the Benefits of Counseling: In a world where a lot of people talk, sometimes all that is needed is a quiet listener. Counseling is a place that is non-judgmental. Counseling is a place where it is safe to be who you are. Where you can journey together with your counselor and become who you want to be. The first session is an opportunity for the individual and the counselor to get to know one another and decide if they are a good fit for one another. If the individual does not feel comfortable, they do not need to return, but if they feel like they may be able to begin this journey with their counselor they can return and work toward the goals they have for themselves. Counseling Help For Anyone Despite focusing on trauma, Easton believes counseling can be for anyone, regardless of life experience. “I find that people of all walks of life, all ages may need counseling at some point in their lives,” Easton says. “It may not be a severe mental illness or a significant traumatic event like death or abuse, but we all go through difficult periods. The advantage of talking to a counselor is having a non-biased ear to listen and give a new perspective or to suggest some tools that may help during that time.” The public is invited to an Open House May 6 at 5:30 PM at the Restored Counseling office 106 E Davis St. in Catlin. Slumberland to Open at the Village Mall Shoppers at the new Slumberland store may be surprised by what they find. The, familyowned and operated Midwest retailer will offer a wide variety of furniture for the living and dining room, bedroom, and home office. Andrew Daily, the Store Manager, says there are unique aspects of the business. “People will notice our ability to customize many of the items we sell. We’re all about providing you with choice at a price you can afford. I think people will see that comfort and appealing design, whether through color, finish, size, construction or configu- 6 ration, is well within any budget when you shop at Slumberland.” The Company Slumberland opened its first store in 1967. Corporate offices are located in Little Canada, Minnesota, in the Twin Cities area. The company has expanded to 12 states with over 120 locations. The Danville store is one of about one-third of the corporatelyowned locations. Customer convenience is one of the main reasons the company decided to open a location in the former Sears location at the Village Mall. “We sincerely appreciate our customers who travel from Danville to shop our other locations,” he says. “One of our aims as a retailer and community partner is to be a convenient place to shop. The Village Mall provided the right location for us and we’re excited to become part of the surrounding community.” Daily explains that the company tagline, “It’s a Good Life,” gives a glimpse into what the company stands for. “Merchandise purchased from us will be a big part of the quality of life people enjoy in their homes,” he says. “Consider, for instance, the com- N E W S plexities a consumer faces when buying a mattress. Offering a positive mattress buying experience is a critical point of differentiation for us. We absolutely consider ourselves experts in getting a good night’s sleep. As we’ve grown, our buying power as a bedding retailer is a benefit that we happily pass along to our shoppers. We buy and sell enough volume from major mattress brands to offer excellent discounts and value added elements to our bedding shoppers.” The company doesn’t just focus on sleep. “We’re proud to have a long history as one of the nation’s largest La-Z-Boy retailers, with our La-Z-Boy gallery being a core element to our locations,” he says. “Finally, an emerging area of differentiation is our concept of ‘Your Choice, Your Way.’ We work with a number of suppliers to offer cus- & V I E W S tomizable furniture, particularly for the living room. We have a growing number of choices for fabric colors and patterns - and even sizes and configurations for certain pieces - that will make your furniture purchase the perfect match for your home.” Daily says everyone should visit the company’s website. “Our website and YouTube channel feature our two video series, Design Clips and The Re-Arranger. We also have a room planning tool. We very much enjoy sharing decorating and room configuration ideas with viewers who want to maximize the comfort and enjoyment of their homes.” something we don’t brag about, but it’s an important part of who we are,” Daily says. “Since 1993, Slumberland has been helping children get the restful sleep they require by giving new beds to families in need. Through our 40 Winks Foundation and our Homes for the Holidays donation event, we've given more than 20,000 beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor.” Daily relocated to Danville in mid-April from Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a BBA in Marketing. He says he has always found sales, marketing and consumer behavior fascinating. After graduating from college and learning of an opening at Slumberland, he researched the com- pany’s core values and mission and knew it was a fit for his career path. His role at Slumberland will be varied. “Managing a retail store is an all-compassing occupation,” he says. “I have store associates to manage in terms of scheduling and performance; overseeing back room operations and home delivery excellence; operat- Giving Back Slumberland has a long legacy of giving back. “Our commitment to charitable giving in the communities where we do business is Slumberland Furniture’s Grand Opening event will run from June 5th -July 2nd. The Grand Opening event will include special purchases on select products, discounts unique to Danville shoppers and a 5-year financing option. Slumberland’s Andrew Daily Andrew Daily, the store manager for the new Slumberland store, sees himself as much more than the person in charge of running the operation. “I am the local ambassador of the Slumberland brand,” he explains. “So it’s my name that’s attached – along with Slumberland as a company – to our reputation as a good neighbor and citizen.” “By listening to our customers, we make the process of choosing the right bed a very positive experience.” 7 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N ing a clean, safe and welcoming store environment; understanding how all the systems and equipment works, and so much more. I basically have to understand every detail of the business to ensure that our guests have the positive, personal experience that we promise.” Daily’s favorite part of the job will be invaluable to the sleep-deprived in Vermilion County and the surrounding areas. “The A D V A N T A G E thing I love most is being able to help customers get a quality night’s sleep with a new mattress,” he says. “Sleep effects our entire day and having a mattress which allows you to sleep soundly throughout the night has a profound effect on our lives. Most people rely on sleep aids at night or caffeine in the morning when all they really need is a mattress that provides the proper support. I think shoppers will also be impressed that mattress shopping needn’t be an ordeal. By listening to our customers, we make the process of choosing the right bed a very positive experience.” In his free time, he looks forward to taking advantage of some of the county’s greatest assets as he enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, reading, and play board games with friends. First Institute Training & Management As Director of First Institute Training & Management (FITM), Ariel Nievas sees his role as helping shape the next generation of Danville’s workforce. He explains it this way. “First Institute Training & Management, Inc. meets the needs of its customers, employers, and the community at-large by combining education, industryrecognized credentials, and the support to build self-sufficient independence.” FITM, located on 407 North Franklin in Danville, opened in 2005 and serves clients ages 16-24. The company prepares its clients to enter the workforce through a range of services that are applicable to both specialized and unskilled positions. “FITM offers job readiness training, career exploration in a variety of fields, paid/unpaid work experience, educational support, and customized occupational skill trainings in healthcare, manufacturing, and computer applications,” Nievas says. 8 If a client is willing to work, Nievas and the FITM team are happy to put in the extra effort to ensure every person succeeds. “FITM will go above and beyond to see a customer succeed in his or her desire to be better than when we found him or her,” says Nievas. “FITM is able to provide the aforementioned services for free for those individuals that meet certain eligibility criteria.” FITM partners with public, private, and faith-based organizations that support youth workforce development such as Vermilion County Works, the YMCA as some examples. Nievas believes the entire Danville community benefits from their services. “Some of the benefits of working with FITM,” he says, “are to tap into a wealth of experience working with youth and adults in the areas of workforce and skill attainment and resources, assistance with hard-to-serve youth — ex-offenders, parenting and/or pregnant teens, basic skills deficient youth, etc.” The passion for serving Danville’s youth extends throughout the entire organization. Nievas sees FITM’s mission reflected by his staff. “FITM staff is a group of individuals who love youth and understand their challenges,” says Nievas. “Although there is a fun and welcoming learning environment, the staff is also focused, intentional, and caring towards seeing customers achieving their planned goals.” The commitment to local youth development allows Nievas and FITM to work towards a better community, by educating and training the next generation of Vermilion County’s workforce. Their vision is to have a labor force equipped for high skill/high wage employment that meets the needs of employers competing in the global marketplace. N E W S & V I E W S Career Corner Brock Gale wasted no time in pursuing his manufacturing career. The Research and Development Manager at Towne Machine and Tool laid the foundation for his career path as a student at Danville High School. Gale was part of a career-readiness program focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related fields. “DHS MERIT set me on the right track to head into Electrical Engineering in college and gave me a small taste of what manufacturing in Danville was like,” Gale says. “I had fantastic teachers at Danville High School and I really credit them with helping to get me to this point in my life. I use what I leaned in the Cad Cam class daily and have for the entirety of my career. I also distinctly remember the monthly mentoring lunch where members of the community (Manufacturing Cluster) would come in, have lunch and talk to us one on one.” Gale received support from the Vermilion Advantage Manufacturing Cluster while in the program. The Manufacturing Cluster is a collective of Danville area professionals who work with students interested in STEM careers. “The Manufacturing Cluster was always supportive of MERIT at Danville High School,” says Gale, “and that support continued on to the Engineering program at DACC. I got the honor of an internship with Aqua Illinois through DACC. It was not only a fantastic learning experience but I believe that work experience gave me a springboard into my future career after I graduated college. Right now I am also a member of the Leadership Tomorrow Class through Vermilion Advantage and I cannot recommend it highly enough.” Founded in 1947, Towne Machine and Tool, a machine manufacturing company headquartered in Danville, is still family-run. Gale believes that working for Towne requires flexibility and a constant desire to learn. “The Towne family is a great family to work for and interact with,” says Gale. “They truly care about their employees and want the best for them. At our facility we look for someone with a High School or a technical degree, such as the ones offered through DACC, for our most common positions. Most importantly we are looking for someone with the ability and willingness to learn. Being a selfstarter is a huge plus.” Gale’s path from the MERIT program at DHS to a full-time position at Towne illustrates the growing career opportunities in Danville. From first-hand experience, he knows the area has plenty to offer for those willing to put in the work. “The great thing about manufacturing in Danville is there is something for everyone,” says Gale. “There are so many wildly varying paths and careers that everyone can find their niche. Vermilion County is a great area full of fantastic opportunities.” 9 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N A D V A N T A G E WELCOME NEW VERMILION ADVANTAGE MEMBERS JOINING IN APRIL, 2016! FIRST INSTITUTE TRAINING & MANAGEMENT, INC. Contact: Ariel Nievas 790 McHenry Ave. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 773-344-7435 www.firstinstitute.com Product/Service: First Institute provides youth workforce development services coupled with occupational skills training in industry recognized credentials. MIDWEST PRINT & SIGN SPECIALISTS, LLC Contact: Leon Odendaal 3410 E. University Ave. Urbana, IL 61802 217-714-8425 www.midwestspecialists.com Product/Service: They offer the highest quality digital printing and specialize in rush delivery of printing projects. Whether it’s brochures or business cards; posters or postcards; signs or banners or anything in between, they will get it printed on time and on budget. They also offer the newest technology in apparel printing. MORGAN STANLEY Contact: Dean Crandall, CFP®, CRPC® 2832 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834 217-477-0025 www.morganstanleyfa.com/thecregroup Product/Service: Offering wealth management, financial planning, retirement planning, and corporate retirement plans. 10 JOHN SPEZIA’S REACH 1 COACH 1 Contact: John Spezia 2510 E. Main St. Danville, IL 61832 217-274-8898 www.facebook.com/coachspeziainc Product/Service: Coach John Spezia hosts 3 basketball camps during the months of May and June. He provides instruction on the fundamentals of the game of basketball, individual workout programs, videos on fundamentals, and history of the game. In addition, the camps also include prizes and speakers. TODD LEE Contact: 9994 E 2150 North Rd Danville, IL 61834 217-474-4626 Product/Service: Retired individual JIM PICILLO Contact: 3295 E. Main St. PO Box 827 Danville, IL 61834-0827 217-477-9271 Product/Service: Individual Professional N E W S & V I E W S Events Friendly Town Needs Your Help Friendly Town, the long-time safety education project located in Danville’s historic Lincoln Park, is in need of a makeover. The Danville Police Department is looking for local businesses and individuals to lend a hand. “Friendly Town has been around in Lincoln Park since 1970,” says Chad Turner, one of four Danville Police Officers overseeing Friendly Town. “It is open to all children of Danville and Vermilion County, grades 1-3. It is hard to find someone in Danville who hasn’t either been through it or their children have been through it. It helps demonstrate to the community and the public in general the genuine concern the police have for the safety of our young people. It lets children interact with officers, firemen, and paramedics and learn that we are all here to help. It also helps kids learn how to be safe in an increasingly unsafe world. We are just trying to make the community better one child at a time.” Officer Wasson with students Alexsa Foley and Bella Salinas 11 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N A D V A N T A G E Officer Turner, along with Officers Amy Wasson, Beth Damilano, and Josh Long are School Resources Officers (SRO) in District 118 during the regular school year. During the summer, each SRO is assigned to Friendly Town as an instructor on a rotating schedule. The Program The program serves between 250-300 kids from May to August each year. Students attend for one week, from 8:30-11:30am or 12:30-3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. During the course of the week students learn about traffic and pedestrian safety, cyber safety, fire safety, stranger danger, bully resistance, and calling 911. A few of the concepts are recent additions to serve the needs of kids in today’s world. “The addition of cyber safety, as well as stranger danger and calling 911, are especially important in today’s society,” explains Turner. “All too often children are left at home alone with access to the internet, but no instruction as to its dangers.” Officer Wasson handing Connor Smith his graduation certificate. 12 In Need of Repair The iconic location includes a classroom, garage, Police station, Fire station, house, barn, church, railroad car, and train station, and a D118 building. There are working traffic and railroad signals as well as regulatory signs. The roads are paved, with both sidewalks and crosswalks. Turner says all of the buildings are in need of repair and upgrades, with a couple in need of total replacement. Currently, the students ride around on pedal cars when learning and practicing traffic safety. Turner says 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of Friendly Town. The vision is to have at least two more buildings and a fleet of electric cars. They plan to host a celebration and invite “alumni” back to Friendly Town to see the changes and share their memories. N E W S & V I E W S How You Can Help Sponsor an Electric Car “When it was established, there were electric cars that were modeled after 1960’s Ford Mustangs,” says Turner. “Unfortunately, those were phased out and replaced with pedal cars. The goal is to purchase a fleet of electric cars for Friendly Town.” The actual cost for each of the new go-cart style cars, which include seat belts, is $420 plus additional costs for replacement parts to have on hand to keep the fleet running. “Anyone can sponsor a car. The cost to sponsor is $500. With that sponsorship donation, the sponsor gets their name, logo, or slogan on both sides of the car. We have a donation form that the sponsor can fill out.” Make a Donation Turner says Friendly Town operates on a modest budget, with half going to alarm services. Donations for classroom supplies such as: handouts, pencils, crayons, activities, snacks, and giveaways would be greatly appreciated. They are also seeking financial gifts to be used towards repair of the facilities. Danville Township, Lowe’s, Meijer and Wal-Mart are among the businesses that have already made a gift. If you would like more information about how to become a “Friend of Friendly Town” and sponsor a car or donate to this community treasure, please “like” Friendly Town on Facebook or contact the Danville Police Department. • Powerful 350-watt electric motor • 8-inch knobby pneumatic tires • Durable tubular steel frame; padded bucket seat with seatbelt • Hand throttle and brake controls; requires no fuel to run • Supports up to 120 pounds driver weight • Unit price $419.99 • Replacement parts available • Sponsorship signs can be placed on both sides of the vehicle 13 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N A D V A N T A G E Registration Now Open for Global Leadership Summit After an overwhelmingly successful first year, this August 11th and 12th the Global Leadership Summit will again be offered in Danville at Second Church on Lynch Road. “The Global Leadership Summit is a two-day, world-class leadership event experienced by more than 260,000 leaders from around the world,” explains Dale DeNeal, Executive Pastor, Second Church. “Each August, the event occurs at Willow Creek Church near Chicago and is simulcast in many different host locations.” The 2016 Event The topics presented at the GLS impact leaders in all of areas of life. Some of the topics that will be presented this year include: executing ideas that matter most, virtues that accelerate teamwork, navigating effectively through cultural differences, harnessing the power of emotional intelligence, ingredients of successful turnarounds, and building cultures that value efficiencies. Among the speakers confirmed for 2016 are: Melinda Gates, CoChair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Alan Mulally, President and CEO of the Ford Motor Co.; Horst Schulze, CEO of Capella Hotel Group; Patrick Lencioni, bestselling author; and John Maxwell, leadership expert. This year, multiple Summit Partners have signed on for the 2016 GLS: Chittick Family Eye Care, DND Witzel Enterprises, Inc., First Church of the Nazarene, Greenwood Inc., International Greenhouse Co., and Presence Health. How Businesses and Organizations can Benefit Linda Darby Dowers of Greenwood Inc., a Summit partner, says, “This is some of the best time and money you can spend on your people and your business,” she says. “Your business is only as good as the leaders in the organization. The access to speakers of this quality without having to pay travel expenses for our entire management team is a steal of a deal!” Second Church’s leadership team has been involved with GLS for over twelve years, and according to Pastor DeNeal, their leader- 14 More than an event, the Summit is a resource to be leveraged for community transformation. Leaders are discovering that by attending the Summit and utilizing its content and tools, their teams are increasing their impact. In fact, independent research shows that 83% of leaders who attended the Summit in consecutive years feel improved teamwork increased job satisfaction and productivity. REGISTER TODAY AT WILLOWCREEK.COM/SUMMIT ship ability has grown significantly, which in turn has impacted the growth and vision of the church. “In 2014, we were presented with the opportunity to be a host site, and we envisioned two positive outcomes from bringing the GLS to Second Church. First, we believed that more of our people from the church could be exposed to this catalytic event. Second, we believed the GLS could also positively impact our community.” They were right. “2015 was our first year to host the GLS, and we were told that a first year site in our size of community might have a hundred people. We were delighted that our first year saw an attendance of 220 people. Based on the 2015 attendance, it has been suggested that we could expect 400 in 2016.” Bring Your Team While anyone can attend this event for $189, groups of ten or more have a discounted rate of $149 per person to encourage entire working teams to attend. There is a special discounted rate of $89 for students, educators, and military personnel. “Experiencing the GLS as a team is a big plus,” adds DeNeal. “The team comes back from the GLS equally inspired and often N E W S possessing a shared vision. It’s much easier for the entire team to get energized than for a leader who experiences the GLS alone to try to ignite his/her team.” & V I E W S If you or your team are interested in attending, registration is now open at http://www.willowcreek.com/summit. If you have questions or would like more in- formation in Danville, call (217) 442-7306 or email inquiries to [email protected]. Welcome Home, Welcome Here Frank Farrelly is trading the airways for the roadways. For as long as he can remember, Farrelly was fascinated with airplanes. He graduated from the School of Aeronautics at Florida Institute of Technology in 1981, and then began his career at American Airlines, followed by over ten years at an aeronautical manufacturing firm. And now, after three decades spent working for aeronautical companies, Farrelly is changing paths. In March, he was hired as the Purchasing Manager at thyssenkrupp Presta Camshafts, a leading automotive manufacturing supplier located in Danville. “I started my career with American Airlines in 1986 and held several positions before I retired in 2005,” he says. “Thereafter, I was hired by the Purdy Corporation in 2005, which was bought by the Timken Company in October 2007. The name was then changed to Timken Aerospace, one of the largest manufacturers of gear components for the Black Hawk and Apache Helicopter fleets to US Government and Boeing. I started from the ground up holding several positions which was essential for me as I learned the manufacturing process.” While his background is in aeronautical manufacturing, Farrelly had a positive impression of thyssenkrupp Presta Camshafts during his first visit. “When I walked through the doors for my interview,” Farrelly says. “I had a good feeling about the atmosphere. Every person I met was open with a greeting. I was impressed by how engaged and transparent the “Being from the northeast, it’s a hustle, hurry-up environment. Everyone I meet here takes the time to wave and say, ‘Hi.’ It's a great hometown feeling and I am humbled to be part of it.” management team was. When I returned home and spoke to my wife, she could hear it in my voice. The offer came and I accepted.” He arrived in Danville four days before starting work. “I arrived in town February 27th, 2016 and began my new position on March 1st,” Farrelly says. “I am currently looking for real estate within the community and eagerly waiting for my family to join me after my daughter graduates in early June.” Farrelly’s role is to oversee the Purchasing Department and work with the Global team. “My position has overall responsibility for the Purchasing Department and the personnel within,” says Farrelly. “I am a member of the Staff/Management Team. I work closely with all departments at the Danville campus and the thyssenkrupp Global team in Germany to support the organization’s requirements.” His position also extends beyond the purchasing department, which allows Farrelly to get a better sense of the organization as a whole. “I am not just involved in purchasing activities,” says Farrelly. “I am involved and 15 APRIL 2016 V E R M I L I O N interested in all aspects of the business. thyssenkrupp Presta offers growth opportunities to those who seek to be challenged and desire to be the best.” Building on several decades of manufacturing experience and his personal mantra, A D V A N T A G E Farrelly knows how he’ll operate in this new position. “A saying taught to me at a very young age that I still use is, ‘If this is was your business how would you run it, if it were your money how would you spend it? Farrelly adds that growing up in a family- owned, auto repair shop business gave him two perspectives that he has used all of his life - what it takes to run a business and the meaning of Integrity. All A’s Harry Brockus has accepted the position of Vice President of Regional Health, in addition to his current role as CEO of Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center. McDonald's brand, their local community and their customers. Harry currently serves as CEO of Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center and its five clinic locations. Harry’s administrative responsibilities also include the Danville clinic locations and the MattoonCharleston locations. As the new Vice President of Regional Health, Harry will add the remaining regional clinics (Rantoul, Tuscola, Monticello) to his leadership scope. In recognition of his efforts to promote economic growth and tourism in Central Illinois, State Representative Chad Hays (R-Catlin) received the Legislator of the Year Award at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Springfield. Hays was nominated for the award by leaders from the Champaign County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Danville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Schomburg & Schomburg Construction Incorporated was recently selected as one of 22 US winners of the prestigious 2015 Best of the United States. US Builders Review recognizes construction and building companies from across the country that have committed their enterprises to success, satisfied employees, and superior products and services through the annual Best of the United States awards. This year, the 22 winners were selected from nearly 500 eligible featured companies, due in large part to their industry contributions and forwardthinking nature. Bill Jenkins with Classic Homes Realty was named 2016 REALTOR® of the Year by Danville Area Board of REALTORS®. He will receive special recognition during the Illinois Association REALTORS® Business meetings and Realtor of Year in June. Don and Deanna Witzel, Owner/Operators of the Vermilion County McDonald’s received the 2016 McDonald’s Ronald Award for the Chicago Region. They were given the award at the corporate meeting in Florence, IN. The Ronald Award is one of the highest honors for owner/operators in a region, as it is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Bill began his career as a REALTOR in 1996 and in 2014 opened Classic Homes 16 Realty with Heather Cunningham-Jenkins. Bill is married to Heather CunninghamJenkins and they have three sons and two grandchildren. The REALTOR® of the Year award is given annually to one member of the Association who best exemplifies the professional qualities of a REALTOR®. It is based on a person’s service and leadership in the community and civic affairs as well as activities in the Association. The Vermilion County War Museum has recently completed several projects: the World War 2 area expanded dramatically with additional displays, the Civil War area has a major change in its displays with many new items added, and a new permanent display of Trench Art was built. The museum also added additional display cases and changes to the lighting. The museum is a member of the family of Blue Star museums. This program is collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and thousands of museums across the country. Leadership support is provided by the MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. CERTIFIED ® ““FAST FAST FFACTS” ACTS” 300,000 square ffeet ee eet under one roof ! Food grade certified since 1983 ! Located at Illinois I-74, exit 220. CSX rail served. 25 dock doors. Electronic inventory data management. On-line inventory visibility. Transportation service available. Cross-docking services. ISO 9001: 2008 facility . Let us show you how we get things DONE! RIGHT! NO NOW! W!® ® 3401 Ly Lynch Creek Drive Danville, Illinois 61834 Call C all Jo Joee Mollica Mollica at 1-866-678-0887 or email email [email protected] [email protected] tto o discuss yyour our ou ne eds. V Visit isit our w websit ebsite: w ww.ccs-distt.com needs. website: www.cs-dist.com Joe Mollica Director - Business Development Talented, tech-trained individuals encouraged to apply online. Visit watchfiresigns.com/careers for more information.