GROWTH ASSOCIATION JUNE 2018 • Volume 16 | Issue 6€¦ · with Wedding Videography. Over the...

www.GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE June 2018 | page 1

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

JUNE 2018 • Volume 16 | Issue 6 Serving Business, Encouraging Growth in Southwestern Illinois

RiverBendG R O W T H A S S O C I AT I O N

IN THIS ISSUE

Small Business of the Month• Alton Physical Therapy

Ambassadors Q & A• Lee McRaven• Dick Propes• Martha Schultz

Mayor Report• Grafton

Welcome our new members• Megyme Productions• Riverbend Dental• San Gabriel Memory Care

Showcases• Riverbend Family

Ministries• Senior Services Plus

RBGA Members in the News• Grafton Winery & Brewhaus

RiverBend Growth Association5800 Godfrey Road - BGM

6722 Godfrey RoadGodfrey IL 62035(618) 467-2280

June’s Business After Hours in the Streets of Downtown Alton

All enjoyed networking, food, beverages, and prizes thanks to our two June hosts -- Catdaddy’s Tavern and Olive Oil Marketplace.

Enjoy a social evening at Catdaddy’s Tavern:

203 W. 3rd Street Alton, IL 62002618-462-8090

Experience shopping and cooking in a new fun way at Olive Oil Marketplace

108 W. 3rd StreetAlton, IL 62002618-304-3769https://oliveoilmarketplace.comhttps://www.facebook.com/

oliveoilmarketplacealton

More photos on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RiverBendGrowthAssociationIL


Located in Upper Alton, Alton Physical Therapy provides patients with care that is delivered in a compassionate, respectful, confidential way.

1719 ClawsonAlton, IL 62002618-462-1133

http://www.altonpt.comhttps://www.facebook.com/AltonPhysicalTherapy

More photos on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RiverBendGrowthAssociationIL

Congratulations to Alton Physical Therapy - June 2018 Small Business of the Month

CHAMBER REPRESENTATIVEJune 2018 winner

Jeff Lauritzen is a Financial Representative with COUNTRY Financial in Godfrey. He enjoys meeting new people and being active in the community. At the office, he helps PROTECT his clients from the “Big Risks” in life that can ruin them if they are not prepared with; Auto, Home and Life Insurance as well as Retirement Services. Jeff works with clients of all ages whether they are just starting out buying their first house or having their first child to those getting ready to retire and everyone in between.

Jeff Lauritzen | Country Financial®3001 Godfrey Road | Godfrey IL 62035

618-466-2128 | [email protected]

Member Jeff Lauritzen is being spotlighted because he attended June’s Business After Hours at Olive Oil Marketplace and Catdaddy’s. Join us at next month’s Business After Hours on July 19, 2018

at Alton Marina with your business card for your chance to become a Chamber Representative.


Welcome our newest members to the RiverBend Growth Association

Board of Directors John Roberts, Chairman

Roberts MotorsRob Schwartz, Chairman Elect

TheBANK of EdwardsvilleAugie Wuellner, Past Chairman

Alton Securities & Asset Advisors

Mike Fitzgerald, TreasurerScheffel Boyle

Lori ArtisLewis and Clark Community College

John BarnerdSimmons Hanly Conroy

Dale BlachfordLiberty Bank

Greg Caffey City of Alton Doug Cobb

Carpenters Local 664Karen Cooper

Illinois American WaterMelissa Erker

Phillips 66 Wood River RefineryBrad Goacher

Alton Memorial HospitalMark Haggard

CNB Bank & Trust, N.A.Mat Hanley

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center

Pam HeepkeRaifort Commerce Park

Jennifer JacksonHelmkamp Construction Co.

Tim KuebrichLake Drive Logistics

Eric McRoyAdvantage News

Alan Meyer1st MidAmerica Credit Union

David MillerSt. Louis Regional Airport

Stephanie MonroeRiverbend Chiropractic Center

Scott ReichmannBarberMurphy Group

Don RetzlaffArgosy Casino Alton

Dan St. PetersSt. Peters Hardware & Rental

Terry ShewmakeIBEW Local 649

Jim ShraderThe Telegraph

Cindy SmalleyCope Plastics

Sam StemmWBGZ/AltonDailyNews.com

Dave StevensonQuality Buick GMC Cadillac

Steve ThompsonCarrollton Bank

Vicky VogtBeverly Farm

Dwight WertsWerts Welding & Tank Service

Karen WilsonState Farm Insurance

Denise WolffBerkshire Hathaway Home Services Elite Properties

Jess WoodmanWoodman Collision Center

Megyme ProductionsMegan Fairless Videographer/PhotographerGodfrey [email protected]

Megan Fairless started Megyme Productions in 2011 with Wedding Videography. Over the past 7 years she has added Business Films, Music Films and Photography. Megan learned her craft from Michael Gebben and a few other mentors. She decided to skip college to pursue her dreams. Megan still continues to educate herself in Film, Photography and Social Media. She loves her Community and being able to help show off how amazing it is. Community over Competition is Megan’s motto now. We can grow much faster by helping each other.

Riverbend Dental215 E Center Drive, Suite EAlton IL 62002(618) 462-3330www.riverbenddentists.com

At Riverbend Dental, Dr. James Nativi and Dr. James Reinersman will provide you and your family outstanding, comprehensive dental care that you deserve. Your dental health is our top priority! With state-of-the-art technology, we offer many services that include cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, bridges, crowns, dentures, and extractions. Our friendly staff is proud to continuously provide excellent service in a comfortable environment. New patients are always welcome! Please visit us at www.riverbenddentists.com or Riverbend Dental on Facebook.

San Gabriel Memory CareKyle Pennington813 Lars Hoffman CrossingGodfrey IL 62035(618) 466-6447sangabrielmemorycare.com

San Gabriel Memory Care is a family-owned and operated assisted living residence dedicated to serving the unique needs of adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory-related illnesses. By becoming part of the family at San Gabriel, residents continue their life’s journey in an environment that supports their continued health and well-being, as well as their experience of and enjoyment in life. At San Gabriel, our residents enjoy a bright and engaging environment featuring small neighborhoods and even smaller areas for activities. This model, known as “clustering,” limits group sizes to minimize distractions and commotion, while maximizing peace and calm. San Gabriel’s specialized care and dementia-friendly building design provide a quality choice for families looking for residency options for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018Total Networking Luncheon

Bluff City Grill

Thursday, July 19, 2018Alton Marina

$5 admission at door

Thursday, October 25, 2018LCCC Commons

11:00 a.m. registration

SAVE THE DATE - RBGA Upcoming Events

Visit our website calendar for event details. www.GrowthAssociation.com


Lee McRaven

AmbAssAdor Q & A

Lori NikonovichDick Propes Lori NikonovichMartha SchultzWhere do you work?

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center - Foundation

About how long have you been an ambassador?

4 years

What’s your favorite Riverbend restaurant?

Bluff City Grill is always a great place to have lunch or dinner!

Where do you like to visit for vacation?

We go to Chicago a couple times a year.

What do you like most about your job?

Right now we are preparing to build a new Cancer Center – it is a very exciting time!

What are your hobbies?Shopping, spending time with my

kids.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?

Water, Sunblock, Knife

What is one of the things on your bucket list?

I would like to hike in a rain forest.

Where do you like to Shop Local?I like to get coffee at The Post

Commons and Germania Brew Haus.

Where do you work?Retired Educator - Elementary

Principal - Alton Community School District


Member for 20 (ish) Years

What’s your favorite Riverbend restaurant?

Castelli’s at 255 - Moonlight


Europe and Florida

What did you like most about your job?

Really enjoyed working with the children

What are your hobbies?Volunteering and Traveling

What is your favorite sport to watch?

Baseball -- GO CARDINALS


Return trip to Italy

Where do you like to Shop Local?Wherever there is a comfy bench -

love to watch other people shop

Where do you work?First Mid Bank & Trust


6 years


Sanibel Florida

Name one of your most important leadership skills.

Listening

What do you like most about your job?

Assisting the customers with all their financial needs.

What are your hobbies? Reading

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring?

Books, a knife & vodka

What is your favorite sport to watch?

KC Football


traveling to all 50 states with my husband Mark & my puppies

Where do you like to Shop Local? Anywhere that is locally owned

(Small Business)


Senior Services Plus’s Pathway to Wellness GroundbreakingSenior Services Plus broke

ground on May 17, 2018, for their new Wellness Center. The Wellness Center being constructed will be a state-of-the-art 9,900 square foot wellness center which will include: a 6,400 square foot gym, indoor walking track, and a 2,000 square foot exercise classroom for group fitness classes. The Wellness Center will have an impact on the community by helping to improve the quality of people’s lives.

The Wellness Center started in 2007 and was originally open only for senior citizens. It is now open to anyone 16 and older and offers a wide variety of classes and personal training. Senior Services Plus has been raising funds for the Wellness Center building the past several years, and now the ground has been broken.

“SSP is grateful to our many donors and the community for supporting the project, we are tremendously excited to provide the communities need

for an affordable community center,” according to John Becker, Executive Director.

Impact Strategies will be the general contractor and Sheppard, Morgan, and Schwaab Inc. will perform the civil engineering. Both firms are experienced professionals that offer great experience and expertise to the Pathways To Wellness Campaign.

According to Senior Services Plus’s research, “in Madison County, there will be 30% more people over age 60 in the next 16 years. And with that reality is that they will live 20 years longer than they did just a few decades ago. All across the country, communities are scrambling to figure out how to take care of this aging citizenry. With longevity comes chronic health problems that collectively will put an enormous strain on . . . quality of life.”

Associate Executive Director, Theresa Collins said, “(the) groundbreaking ceremony is a monumental point for our

organization and the whole community. Through the Pathways to Wellness Campaign and this expansion, Senior Services Plus, Inc. will be able to provide affordable wellness to our growing population for many years to come.”

If you would like to know more about Senior Services Plus and all they offer, you can visit them online at www.seniorservicesplus.org or in person at 2603 N Rodgers Avenue, Alton, IL 62002. Senior Services Plus continues to have many positive things happening at their agency. Alison Krauss is returning as the headliner for their

9th annual Feed The Need Concert on September 29, 2018 at the Alton Liberty Bank Amphitheater. Remember you can still be part of the expansion by pledging your support for the matching gift challenge to make a larger impact and double your gift!

The RiverBend Growth Association supports Senior Services Plus and its members by offering a Showcase to member businesses.

Please visit http://www.growthassociation.com/page/member-benefits/ if you would like to know more about this member benefit.

RBGA Members Connect and Bridge with the Importance of Non-Profits A successful Breakfast

Connections was held at Best Western Premier as RBGA members networked and heard from Michelle Blackwood of Challenge Unlimited about the importance of both having and being involved with non-profits.

Join us on July 18, 2018 for our next networking event - Total Networking Luncheon. Event is held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bluff City Grill.

More event photos on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RiverBendGrowthAssociationIL


Riverbend Family Ministries, a Collective of Tools and ResourcesBefore Riverbend Family

Ministries opened its doors ten years ago Tammy Iskarous had a kernel of a vision to serve families in the Riverbend. She wanted to create something that would help children and families in the Riverbend who have experienced a trauma, most often due to violence, addiction, poverty, and homelessness. That kernel of a vision has grown into a collective of Nonprofits that calls 131 East Ferguson Avenue in Wood River, Illinois home, and many volunteers who also believe in the vision of Riverbend Family Ministries.

When Riverbend Family Ministries first opened their doors in 2007 they served 51 families. This past year they have helped over 1,800 families! Tammy Iskarous, the Executive Director, said that “the thing each of our families has in common is they’ve reached a point in their lives where they need a little extra support. Whether it may be help paying for their utility bills, rent, mortgage, working on their resume and finding a new job, or just having someone to talk to and pray with; we’re happy to be that safety net.”

Riverbend Family Ministries has been able to grow and help families all around the Riverbend over the past ten years. Under their one roof the collective of Nonprofits work together as a team, a community that is there for families of the Riverbend. The collective of Nonprofits includes: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Client Service Department, Pathways Counseling, Refuge, Youth Development, Group Intervention, Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, and their

newest, Amare. Under the roof of Riverbend Family Ministries, these Nonprofits are able to collectively work together to holistically provide families and individuals the resources, training, and tools they need to be self-sufficient.

This collective of Nonprofits focuses on trauma-informed care. This means they don’t focus on the disease or focus on telling someone they are bad for doing something. They ask, “What’s going on in your world? What is your story?” They do this in order

to better understand the children and families, and the better they understand, the more they are able to help and give resources to those in need. Iskarous beamed, “that is how

we are supposed to treat people. It is innate in all of us to love, genuinely love. We are not born with hate, we are not born with criticism, we are not born with the prejudices, and things that we see today. So to be able to genuinely lean in with expertise on trauma, be able to lean in and say, ‘what’s your story?’ and then with the collective work together to figure out how to get the family with trauma to the next level. And that’s what (Riverbend Family Ministries) does.”

Riverbend Family Ministries recently expanded their space, adding more rooms for therapy and offices for the collective of Nonprofits. Refuge has been able to grow at Riverbend Family Ministries, and Riverbend Family Ministries was able to update and expand their space for their therapy needs. Another reason for the expansion was the

collaboration with Amare. “Madison County has the

highest rate of kids in foster care per capita in our whole state. We have a real big problem,” Erin Bickle of Refuge remarks. Refuge works to prevent childhood exposure to violence and abuse through direct therapeutic work with families, supportive services for child-serving organizations, and community-wide prevention education. Their primary focus is on children from birth to 11 years old, as they are the age groups with the biggest gap in violence prevention and intervention services in Madison County.

Amare’s mission is to achieve the highest standard in the involvement of the community to promote personal and public wellness. Amare will advocate, communicate and encourage change for those suffering from drug/alcohol addiction, depression, and/or suicidal tendencies along with the families and community. Amare, meaning love in Italian, focuses on just that, uncritical loving and helping those in active addiction or early recovery and becoming their resource.

According to Iskarous, “it only takes $26.00 to put someone on a train, to get them to Chicago, to get them to detox and rehab. That’s it!” But

sometimes what happens is when they come back to town they have the same family, the same friends, the same environment, and the question of now what, and this is where Amare comes in. They will wrap around those families, and really give them the support and resources that they need. Sometimes it’s finding them a job, getting them housing, finding them sober living homes, or finding them the tools they need to be successful. Iskarous commented that “there’s hope, there’s healing, there’s a foundation, and there is a different way to live life.”

Riverbend Family Ministries provides resources and training for smaller nonprofit organizations in the Madison County area. They work together under one roof, providing families and individuals with the tools they need to be self-sufficient. Their collaborative method focuses on holistic efforts for children, youth, and families who have experienced trauma, most often due to violence, addiction, poverty, and homelessness. Walk-ins are

welcomed at 131 East Ferguson Avenue, Wood River, Illinois. They can also be reached by phone at (618)

251-9790, or you can find them on Facebook and like their page for up to date information.

“I was both surprised and encouraged by the many ways Riverbend Family Ministries can assist families that have experienced trauma. They have so many branches of service that collectively work together to help families overcome challenges from all different aspects of their life. The volunteer staff has changed the lives of so many families in the Riverbend community and are an irreplaceable resource to the area as a whole,” concluded David Janes, Scott Credit Union Wood River Branch Manager, and an Ambassador with the RiverBend Growth Association.

“I personally did not realize the full extent of the value and services RiverBend Family Ministries brings to our area. To have an organization where families in our community who suffer trauma and hard times can go to for guidance and personal growth is vital. After one visit with the very passionate Tammy and her team, I’m certain that any man, woman or child who steps into their welcoming facility are taking a step towards a better situation. I would encourage all families who are struggling to take a look at the services they offer and know they’ll receive the utmost understanding, respect and genuine care as they find a path in the right direction,” observed Jen Jackson, Marketing Director of Helmkamp Construction, and a member of the RiverBend Growth Association Board of Directors.


Riverbend Golf Classic 2018

1st MidAmerica Credit Union Airport Plaza BowlAlton Memorial HospitalAlton Securities & Asset

AdvisorsAmerican Family Insurance -

Gerard FischerArgosy Casino AltonAtlantis PoolsBakers & HaleBarrett Heating & Cooling Inc.Beverly FarmBluff City GrillBowl Haven LanesBrightWay ImagingBristow, State Representative

MonicaC.J. Schlosser & Co., L.L.C.Carrollton BankCedarhurst of BethaltoCenterstoneClark PropertiesClaywell Asset ManagementCNB Bank & Trust, N.A.Contegra Construction Co.Donnewald Distributing Co.Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral

HomeExpress Employment

ProfessionalsFirst Mid Illinois Bank & TrustFowler Technology ServicesGCS Credit UnionGent Funeral Home, Inc.Great Rivers Tap & GrillHaine, State Senator William R.Hendrickson Collision RepairHeneghan and Associates, P.C.Illinois American Water

Jersey State BankJun Construction CompanyKreative Kids Learning CenterKuddes Advertising SpecialtiesLewis and Clark Community

CollegeLiberty BankMarquette Catholic High SchoolMetro Apartments by KH

PropertiesMid America Audiology GroupMidwest Members Credit UnionNautilus Fitness CenterNew American FundingOSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s

Health CenterPhillips 66 Wood River RefineryQuality Buick GMC CadillacRiverbend Kitchen & More, LLCRiverbend Pediatric DentistryRobert “Bob” Sanders Waste

Systems, Inc.Robert “Chick” Fritz, Inc.Scheffel BoyleScott Credit UnionSheppard, Morgan & SchwaabSimmons Hanly ConroySmart Choice Auto SalesSouthern Illinois Builders

AssociationStock Auto Body & MechanicalTelle Tire & Auto CentersTheBANK of EdwardsvilleUnited Methodist VillageVilla Rose Senior Living

CommunityWegman Electric CompanyWerts Welding & Tank ServiceWilliams Office Products

Flight A winning team - Alton Securities & Asset Advisors

Flight B winning team – Riverbend Pediatric Dentistry

Flight C winning team – C.J. Schlosser & Company

A big THANK YOU to all our sponsors.Closest to the pin contest winners – Cathy Gross and Don Bohannon

Longest Drive contest winners – Karen Fleming & Nick Funk

Putting contest winners – Coey Daniels and Cathy Gross

50-50 winner – Brent Baker

Thanks to everyone at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course especially Mary Campbell and Kyle Williams for helping us put on a successful golf tournament.

Congratulations to our golf team winners and contest winners.

More event photos on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RiverBendGrowthAssociationIL


Grafton Winery Named to TripAdvisor Hall of Fame

RBGA Members IN THE NEWS

Employee Training Today Requires New Approaches And MethodsBusiness owners need to

embrace the need to offer on-going structured training for employees if they hope to retain key performers. Offering sporadic training with the old traditional training format of one-side communication in one to three hour time blocks is no longer be sufficient and needs to be redesigned.

Keep in mind millennials and the generations to follow are…

Hungry to learn. The information needs to be current and applicable to both their present job but also to their future career aspiration. They value companies that encourage and provide structured, on-going personal career

development opportunities. Just want the facts. They

are very curious, impatient and are accustom to getting their information in short nuggets through tweets, dashboard pages and are less likely to read extensive white pages or workbooks. Training workbooks need to be tightly written and require written responses.

Make it quick. They have short attention spans and are restless, not comfortable sitting at one location for any extended amount of time. Training needs to be less chat and more direct sharing of information, given instructions and given directives related to expectations.

Show me. They are very visual, so training needs to incorporate supportive visual aids. Consider exploring the newest technology related to mobile training where employees have access to endless training programs at their leisure.

Keep it up. Do not venture into offering on-going training unless you are ready to commit and embrace continual training opportunities. Nothing turns off employees more than employers who offer something then later omit it.

Each year the percentage between online and in person training is changing so the more you can incorporate these tips in the design, format and frequency of

your company training, the more you will bridge the generations, increase participation and have a positive ROI.

© Richard J. Avdoian, MS, MSW, CSP (2009)

Richard J. Avdoian, is the Founder & CEO of Midwest Business Institute, Inc. a business coaching and consulting firm located in Metro St. Louis. Richard works with businesses committed to training and retaining highly motivated productive employees. Richard can be reached at [email protected].

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus recently earned TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame status after receiving the online travel review site’s Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years.

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, 300 W. Main St., Grafton, has consistently garnered high reviews from customers and visitors over the years through TripAdvisor. The company issues Certificates of Excellence for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews during a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have

a listing on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

“We are pleased that our customers have enjoyed their experiences at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus over the years and took the time to write about it on TripAdvisor,” said Mike Nikonovich, who owns the award winning winery with his wife Lori. “We work hard to create some great local wines and to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable customer experience.”

Grafton Winery expanded its operations in 2015 by planting their own vineyard

and opening a second location, Grafton Winery: The Vineyards, 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton. The

new location is now home to wine production and features a tasting room and event venue. Grafton Winery is now growing grapes for use in its wine production at the new site. The winery had its first crush of grapes in August 2017 and just recently bottled its first batch of Vidal Blanc wine. This wine will be available for sale soon. Grafton Winery is also in the finishing stages of bottling its new Vignoles wine.

Grafton Winery produces

award-winning wines and over the years more than 20 different vintages have been developed ranging from sweeter fruit wines, semi-sweet whites and reds, and dry whites and reds. All of Grafton Winery wines have won numerous awards nationwide ranging from the New York Fingerlakes International Wine Competition to the Illinois State Fair.

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus300 W. Main St.Grafton, IL 62037(618) 786-3001


MAYOR REPORT - Rick Eberlin, City of GraftonThe City of Grafton has had

a great year and with no high water to deal with this year we expect bigger and better things to happen this year. We have experienced a significant increase in revenues and have cut expenses tremendously. The 2018 tourist season kicked off with the opening of the Grafton Ferry on the last weekend of April. Raging Rivers Water Park opened on Memorial Day weekend and has experienced excellent weather thus far. We wish them continued success this summer!

Grafton’s 4th of July Fireworks will take place on Saturday, June 30. There is a change of venue from the east end of town where they were launched last year to the central part near the ball diamond, behind the Hawg Pit. Please come early and bring lawn chairs and stay to enjoy a beautiful fireworks display.

Residents of Grafton are anxiously awaiting the opening of the Grafton Market formerly known as Jimbo’s. It has been approximately seven years since Grafton has had a store. The new owners will carry groceries, package liquor, general hardware and camping supplies. They’re hoping for a late June or early July opening.

Cassen’s Bait Shop has new owners, Brad and Rachel Lutes of Jerseyville. They have changed the name to Lutes Bait and Escape. In addition to the wide

assortment of bait and tackle that was carried before, they have also expanded their grocery selection as well as various other products. Additional overnight stays were constructed on the backside of the establishment and are available on a nightly basis. Brad and Rachel work extremely hard and we are happy to have them in Grafton.

The City Council has been very busy with numerous projects going on throughout the city. Our TIF runs out at the conclusion of 2018 and all monies have to be spent by the end of November. Thus far citizens have witnessed concrete work installed around the Lighthouse, three new docks put in at the public launch area and portable restroom trailers installed at The Grove Park. Playground equipment has also been purchased and will be installed very soon.

13 building lots were purchased from Jersey State Bank and added to the 26 the City of Grafton had previously owned. With those 39 lots we have developed an incentive program. If a person purchases a lot for $5,000 and builds a home within two years they will receive the $5,000 back. However, if a home is not built in the two year time frame only $4,000 of the original $5,000 will be returned. We’re hoping to attract young professional couples who want to start families here and enroll their children in our state of the

art grade school.Next week, work will begin

on the turtle sculpture in the southwest corner of Lighthouse Park. Three sculptors from St. Louis will create a 10 by 15 snapping turtle with a frog on its back and two huge catfish swimming around it just out of reach. It is estimated that when completed this beautiful work of art will weigh approximately 40 tons. Best of all, it will be a beautiful attraction to our riverfront and kid friendly. In addition, thanks to a partnership between Illinois American Water and the City of Grafton there will be an 80 foot flagpole placed near the lighthouse. This flagpole will be dedicated to honor the service of our huge veteran population that exists in Grafton and also to commemorate the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

Ambulance service will be returning to Grafton in the very near future. Jersey State Bank made a huge contribution towards helping us bring that service back to Grafton. Jersey Community Hospital will provide that ambulance and staff which will share space with the police department. A room will be remodeled at City Hall to accommodate those paramedics. Thank you Jim Hoefert and Jersey State Bank as well as Jon Wade and Jersey Community Hospital. When you have a town that goes from 652 people

to 5,000 to 10,000 on the weekends, an ambulance is needed.

After Ameren gas completes their work in town, new sidewalks, streets, curbs and gutters, and general city maintenance will begin in earnest. These projects have had to be put on the back burner until their work was complete.

I saved the best news for last. The Grafton City Council approved to go forward with a sky tram in Grafton. The sky tram will include both open chair lifts and enclosed handicap accessible cars. Passengers will board near Grove Park and travel slowly up the beautiful hillside to Aeries Winery and Resorts. Included in this project will be a citywide trolley that will be Grafton’s first form of public transportation. Residents and tourists alike will be able to jump on the trolley and travel about town and leave their car parked in one of the many city lots.

Grafton will always have the many fine eating and entertainment venues throughout town. They anxiously await having the opportunity to meet and serve you. Each establishment is truly unique in its own way. Please come for a visit or stay for a lifetime!

GROWTH ASSOCIATION JUNE 2018 • Volume 16 | Issue 6€¦ · with Wedding Videography. Over the...

Documents

Transcript of GROWTH ASSOCIATION JUNE 2018 • Volume 16 | Issue 6€¦ · with Wedding Videography. Over the...