Chamber News
| A Busy Day at the Capitol | |
 5/13/08 |
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On Wednesday, May 7, fifteen concerned individuals from Galena and the surrounding region boarded a bus at 6 am and headed for Springfield, Illinois. Sponsored by the Galena and Dubuque Area Chambers of Commerce, the legislative trip enabled participants to communicate face-to-face with Illinois lawmakers regarding our region's transportation and infrastructure needs. The group met with Representative Jim Sacia, Senator Tim Bivins, and Senator Tony Munoz, Transportation Committee Chairperson. With Galena Mayor Tom Brusch acting as its chief spokesperson, the visiting group repeatedly stressed the need for four-laning of US 20 West between Freeport and Galena. To emphasize how hazardous this stretch of road has become, Galena Chamber Director Ed Schmit displayed a series of photos (courtesy of Jay Dickerson and The Galena Gazette) taken of serious accidents that have recently occurred on the road's two-lane portion. The group also expressed the need for reinstatement of passenger service from Chicago to Galena, and the benefits it would bring in terms of increased tourism and economic development. In addition, the Chamber group had meetings with the following: IDOT Chief of Operations Brice Sheriff, George Ryan, also of IDOT, and Kristin Richards, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Governor's Office; Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halverson; Representative Jay Hoffman (Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee Chairperson); Bill Houlihan of Senator Durbin's office; and House Republican Leader Tom Cross, his Chief of Staff Matthew O'Shea, Representative Brent Hassert, and Colleen Atterbury, Deputy Director of Education and Human Services. Representative Sacia also made a point to attend this meeting. Throughout the day, the group received essentially the same assurances: both the US 20 project and passenger rail service are at the top of the agenda of those in a position to make them happen. However, without passage of a capital bill to fund these projects and many others, little if anything can be done to implement our requests. The capital bill itself is currently stalled, due to a lack of consensus as to the nature of additional revenue streams. Some members of our group also spoke briefly with Glenn Poshard, who is currently working with Dennis Hastert on coming up with a capital plan. |
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| Annual Chamber Golf Outing | |
| 5/19/08 |
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It's time to dust off the clubs and register for the Chamber's Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, June 19. This year's event will be held at Woodbine Bend Championship Golf Course, with 11 am registration and a noon shotgun start. Cost: $360.00 per team, including "18 Holes of golf (4 person scramble) with cart and box lunch, steak dinner, cash prizes, raffles, and awards. "Eggers Financial Group will hold a hole-in-one contest on Hole #7 for a brand new 2008 XL883 Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Individual for dinner only: $25.00. To register, become a hole sponsor, or donate a prize, please contact the Chamber: 815-777-9050. |
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| Bringing Back the Train | |
| 6/11/2008 |
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Executive Director Ed Schmit represented the Galena Area Chamber at Senator Richard Durbin's recent community meeting regarding reinstatement of passenger rail service to Galena. Durbin has been a key figure in efforts to return passenger rail to Chicago-Galena-Dubuque. According to the senator at the May 27 session, this service could be reestablished in as few as two years if the Illinois legislature succeeds in passing a capital bill. Recognizing the potential economic benefits that passenger rail would bring, the Galena Area Chamberprimarily through its Legislative Committee--also has been working to support the return of the train. Most notably, the Chamber's efforts have involved lobbying, both on the state and federal level. In May, passenger rail was a major issue on the agenda of the Chamber's annual Springfield Legislative Trip. Participants repeatedly stressed the need for passenger rail to Illinois legislators and officials. They also met with Bill Houlihan, Downstate Director for Senator Durbin, regarding the need for restored rail service. |
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| Thanks for Supporting Your Chamber | |
| 6/11/2008 |
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The Chamber would like to offer a big thank you to all those who donated and volunteered to make Spring Music on Main a success. A special note of thanks goes to the SMOM sponsors. We appreciate your support! Corporate Sponsor -The Galena Gazette Platinum Sponsors -Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino -First Community Bank of Galena -Galena State Bank -US Bank Gold Sponsor -Chestnut Mountain Resort Silver Sponsors -Elizabeth State Bank -O'Connor, Brooks & Co., P.C. |
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| Band Director Accepts Donation | |
| 6/24/2008 |
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Spring Music on Main co-chairs Merrilee S. Lee and Tina Hyde present Steve Holland, Galena High School band director, with a donation check. Band members helped set up and clean up for the Chamber-sponsored event. |
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| Chamber Board Member | |
| 6/11/2008 |
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A Message from the Chamber BoardI distinctly remember the first time I told a fellow museum professional that I had just been elected to the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce board. What? they asked. Why does the Galena Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum need to be represented on the Chamber of Commerce? For that matter, why does any not-for-profit? Well, my short-sighted friend, there are many reasons for representation. Namely, as community businesses and organizations regardless of our tax status, function, location, or purpose, we co-exist within and are dependent upon the health of the community. When the community is thriving, so are we. When it is in a downturn, so are we. To ensure our continued success, we as a community must work together. Cooperation is a very important aspect of our community's health. To me, the Chamber of Commerce epitomizes cooperation in working for the greater good. In fact, the Chamber's mission statement lists the following tenets for the organization: ... to serve as a valuable resource to its members ... to work as an advocate for our business community ... to be a strong partner in the enhancement of our economic, cultural and civic welfare. When you examine the recent activities of the Chamber, such as the Legislative trip to Springfield to the Spring Music on Main, the application of these tenets is clear; the legislative trip to Springfield helps bring awareness to the state government of our local issues while Music on Main is a fun evening event for families. The Chamber works for the enrichment of our entire community. Why would I, as a representative of the Historical Society and a member of the community, not want to be part of an organization that works to make the Galena area a better place to live and work? . |
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Aldrich Guest House
Walk the halls that Grant and Lincoln once did. Beautiful federal-style home with five guest rooms, all with private baths and antique furnishings. Walk to town, restaurants, and historic district.
Brian and Fran Onak 900 Third St. Galena, IL 61036 Phone: 815-777-3323 aldrich@aldrichguesthouse.com aldrichguesthouse.com |
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