Find It! In Monroe County

October Super Consumer Winner

2010-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Maryilyn Frasure of Columbia is the October Think Monroe County First "Super Consumer" drawing winner. Frasure has won a stained-glass, Bulova clock from Curtis Jewelers, 1550 N. Main Street, Ste. D in Columbia.

Her entry was drawn at Naumann Woodwork and Supplies, 112 W. Whiteside St., Columbia.

November's Super Consumer will win a $100 gift certificate to Shady Creek Nursery and Garden, 201 S. Carl Street in Columbia.

Clark’s Country Oaks Offers Ability to Customize Furniture

2010-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Waterloo-Tom Clark is definitely from home, as a matter of fact, he’s a third generation Waterloo business owner. When he purchased Country Oaks by J.C. 10 years ago and became Clark’s Country Oaks he was following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

When he moved from the business’ original location in 2003 to the current location of 110 S. Church Street in Waterloo, he took a step even closer to his family’s business legacy.

“My dad owned Clark’s TV for 32 years so I was brought up in the retail/service business. My grandfather was a partner in Clark and Weber American Motors and Ahne's Bakery (right up the street at 201 W. Mill St.) has been owned by my aunt and uncle for 34 years, and they’ve all essentially been on one block of Church Street. Someone told me that the street should be renamed to Clark Street, but I said ‘I’m not messing with the name Church Street’,” Clark laughed.

His family’s business history and because his family has lived in Monroe County for six generations, helps explain why he believes in the Think Monroe County First (TMCF)program.
“I believe in it (TMCF) because I was born and raised here. Other business have come and gone, but I’m the third generation of Clarks servicing Monroe County. Obviously we have some history here.”

The decision to leave the printing industry to become a business owner came after his wife worked several Christmas seasons for the former owner. Clark said he and his wife, Becky, were already considering opening their own business and that they loved the oak furniture so it was a good fit.

“What you do comes easy and more natural when you love it and it shows to the customer,” he added.

What also shows to the customer is great service, and Clark offers plenty of that. Customers will find Amish and American made furniture, the majority of which is oak, for every room of the house. They will also discover that Clark will work with them to customize a piece to fit their needs.

“We specialize in customizing furniture. We’ll take a piece of furniture and make it meet their needs; for example, adding glass or adding/removing a drawer. We custom order to their specs and have even gone from a drawing. We had an O’Fallon couple who wanted bookcases on the sides of their fireplace. They wanted them to look built in, but to be free standing so we customized from their drawing,” said Clark.

Clark’s Country Oaks also offers Amish-maintenance free outdoor furniture that is made of polyethylene, which is derived from post-consumer bottle waste such as milk containers.
Clark, who resides in Waterloo with his wife, 19-year-old son Greg, and is a new grandfather to his daughter Elisabeth’s eight-week old son, Quincy, is also a member of several other local organizations.

He is the outgoing president of the Waterloo Kiwanis’, a member of the Waterloo Merchants Group and the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and is on the board of Helping Hands.
You can find Clark’s Country Oaks at 110 S. Church Street in Waterloo, alongside S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or online at www.clarkscountryoaks.com. Clark can be reached at 618-939-3659 or clarksco@htc.net.

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. (depending on the time of year); Saturday-9 a.m. to 3 or 5 p.m. (depending on the time of year).

Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances Keeps it in the Family

2010-09-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Columbia-Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a great example of one of Monroe County’s strengths: home-grown entrepreneurs.

They are also bucking a trend that many small towns in America are facing: the loss of youth to larger communities. Harres truly is a family business that started with owner Joel Harres’ father and continues with his son, Scott.

A fixture in Columbia for 25 years, before becoming Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, they served the community as Weilbacher’s, which was run by Joel’s father, Harold, for 30 years.

Joel bought the business in 1985 and in 2001 moved it from Main Street in Columbia to its current location at 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., along IL Route 3 in Columbia. They will celebrate their 25-year anniversary this fall, and in celebration, Harres Appliance will be upgrading their live kitchen to do cooking shows and classes with guest chefs from the metro-St. Louis region. Plus, customers can come into the store to register to win six prizes in six days the week of Sept. 20 - 25.

Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a full-service furniture, appliance and home accessories store. The have a factory-trained appliance service staff, and they install all appliances themselves. They carry most major appliance brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Samsung and Frigidaire. Beyond that they also offer in-home design consultations with Joel’s wife, Linda, and luncheons or dinners with a design class. A home-staging service is also available. You can find a wide variety of furniture brands at Harres like Flexsteel, Lane, Best Chairs, Winners Only, Hooker and Ashley.

For Joel, the decision to leave the agriculture lender industry and purchase the store was one based on the knowledge that his home county would support the business.
“I was born and raised here, and I love the area. I knew we would have a good, stable customer base,” said Joel.

For his part, Joel has also supported the community as many small businesses do through contributions to local non-profit organizations. He is also a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Think Monroe County First shop/spend local subcommittee of the Monroe County Economic Development Council.

“Monroe County is our lifeblood, and on a personal level we live it. It benefits everyone when we support each other,” he said.

As mentioned before, Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a family operation. Joel is the general manager, who does “all and anything from sweeping floors, servicing appliances, selling and ordering, etc…” Linda Harres is a certified in-home design consultant and handles the advertising, customer service issues and sales. Son Scott, “does a little bit of everything” including sales, service and handling the businesses’ social media.

“It’s been pretty exciting getting more involved in the family business,” said Scott. “When I took my first economics class at college, it was quite eye-opening and I realized just how hard Dad had worked to support our family. I’ve come to recognize that hands-on experience is the only way to go when it comes to retail sales and service, so I’ve just sort of jumped in. I’m trying to really become well-rounded and learn everything I can from Dad on how to run the business. The Facebook and newsletter stuff is just fun and a great way to keep people interested.”

Linda, too, is somewhat of a new contributor to the family business. Once her youngest daughter, Stephanie, went away to school in 2006, she stepped into an important full-time role at Harres.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful since I’ve come on board full time,” said Linda. “I’ve really been able to use interior design as a creative outlet and it’s just a great way to always have something on my plate.”

You can find Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances on Facebook where they do a weekly “Freebie Friday” giveaway. Giveaways include items from the store or gift cards to other local businesses.

You can also find Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., Columbia, at www.Harres.com or contact them at jharres@htc.net, 618-281-4747 or on Twitter at Harres Home Furnishings.

Hours of operation: Monday-8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday-8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday-8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday-9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

September Super Consumer

2010-09-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Marquardt of Waterloo is the September Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner.
Marquardt has won a $100 gift certificate to Agnes Ross, 113 West Gundlach St., Columbia. The gift certificate can be used at Agnes Ross’ online store or at the store in Columbia.

Her entry was drawn at First National Bank of Waterloo, 228 S. Main Street and 744 N. Market Street in Waterloo.

October’s Super Consumer will win a stained-glass, Bulova clock from Curtis Jewelers,1550 N. Main Street, Ste. D in Columbia.

For or more information or to donate a prize, please contact U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

J Fires’ Market Bistro pleases locals and not-so-locals alike

2010-08-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Waterloo-J Fires’ Market Bistro has been named to St. Louis Magazine’s A List as the “Best Reason to Cross the River”, and that’s a great thing, not just for owner Jennifer Pensoneau, but for all of Monroe County.

If you do a search online for J Fires’ you’ll find that this relatively new addition to Waterloo’s dining scene has already garnered quite a bit of positive attention from the metro-east media, turning the spotlight on Waterloo and Monroe County, which gives not only J Fires’ a chance to shine, but the whole community.

In the year and a half since Pensoneau, a Prairie du Rocher native, breathed life into a former winery by renovating the redbrick farmhouse into an upscale, yet comfy restaurant with a New Orleans flair, Monroe County natives as well as folks from around the metro-east have been steadily walking through the door or onto the fantastic- vine covered back patio that overlooks Pensoneau’s garden where she harvests fresh vegetables for her creations such as po’ boy sandwiches, fire-roasted pizzas, crawfish étouffée, and gumbo just to name a few.

It’s not surprising that Pensoneau, who studied the culinary arts in at the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University in Louisiana and at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Italy, and worked under Chef Gerard Maras in New Orleans; decided to open her own restaurant.

Pensoneau fell in love with feeding people at age 15 at her first job at Lisa’s Market Grille in Prairie du Rocher. Her philosophy of only serving what she can make without preservatives and additives is based in how she grew up in Prairie du Rocher where her family and neighbors prepared foods fresh from the garden. She said that the idea of opening J Fires’ began with discussions with her dad about opening a shrimp shack, and evolved into what it is today.

As of landing in Waterloo, Pensoneau said the property and building just couldn’t be found anywhere else. “The community is health-oriented and has a great knowledge of quality in food. It’s also centrally located to local farms and to St. Louis. Through my research I saw this area had a lot of money going to restaurants, but the market wasn’t saturated. It was a good business decision.”

That decision seems to have been good one with local clientele and those further afield filling the restaurant. Pensoneau said that during the week 60 percent of her customers are local with most of the out-of-towners coming in on the weekends.

“We have a big support system locally. People were ready for a fresh, little more eclectic, not as main stream, restaurant. I would like everyone to know that by supporting us, you’re not only keeping a business going, but you are keeping many wonderful people happy. The staff here all enjoys serving or cooking for you and work hard to make the experience a pleasant one.

“We pride ourselves on having the highest quality products at a reasonable price. Ninety percent of our menu items are made in house. We strive to give the exact same quality service and food each time, so please do not hesitate to let us know if anything is wrong or you would like to see something new on the menu. We would have nothing if it wasn’t for the community. Thank you for your support.”

Pensoneau grows her own vegetables and is constantly trying to network with local producers to keep everything local and fresh. She is also in the process of expanding the J Fires’ campus by renovating the barn on the property. Her goal is that by spring 2012, the barn will house a banquet center, market, bar and open kitchen where cooking classes will be conducted.

Pensoneau is also involved with the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the Think Monroe County First program’s Youth Outreach Committee. Working with youth, supporting the local business community and promoting the benefits of eating fresh, quality foods are some of her passions and are reflected in her involvement with local groups.

“I support the Think Monroe County First program because it’s a great program that brings awareness to the businesses in town. It makes sense to buy what is available in your own town as it keeps the money circulating between the residents in the county.”

She has also donated her time to the Youth Culinary Association and has a standing invitation to local youth to come check out J Fires’ kitchen and talk to the staff.

J Fires’ Market Bistro is located at 725 N. Market St., Waterloo. You can reach Pensoneau at 618-939-7233 or Jennifer@jfires.com.

For more information on upcoming live music, drink and food specials and other events you can also visit their website at www.jfires.com for a calendar of events and the blog. J Fires’ can also be found on Facebook under Jennifer Pensoneau or J Fires’ Market Bistro, and you can even follow them on Twitter.

Local Sears Store Offers Customers Value and Convenience

2010-08-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Monroe County- Sometimes everything just falls into place.

For Korey and Jamie Barksdale that time was in 2007 when Korey, at the time a K-Mart manager, received a letter from Sears (owned by K-Mart) asking if he’d ever thought of owning his own business. He had, but the prospect of moving from Monroe County wasn’t attractive to the couple who had already moved several times for his job.

“Korey was a K-Mart manager and Sears sent out letters asking if they had ever thought of owning their own business. Then around the same time, this one (the Sears store in Waterloo) came up for sale, and everything fell into place,” said Jamie.

The Barksdales moved to Waterloo in 2001 because of its proximity to St. Louis. By being closer to the St. Louis area, Korey didn’t have to travel as much to reach the different K-Mart stores with which he worked.

“We’ve lived in Waterloo for nine years. We like Waterloo because it’s a small town like where we come from, but it is also close to the city. We love being here,” she said.

The Barksdales purchased the Sears Waterloo store in September of 2007, but the store had been open for more than 10 years. It is located at 1349 Jamie Lane, which is behind the Super 8 motel in Waterloo. Both Korey and Jamie bring the skills needed to successfully run a retail business with Korey having 15 years experience in retail and Jamie being an accountant.

As with other Sears locations, Sears of Waterloo, offers customers all the same name brand appliances, electronics, mattresses, lawn and garden and fitness products they expect. They also offer the Sears Price Match, which means they will match and give customers 10 percent off the same products found elsewhere.

“We will even shop around for them so they are getting the best price,” said Jamie. “Now we can order anything Sears has to offer and most of the time shipping will be free to your home. It’s really awesome that we do that now. We can get you anything you see on Sears.com. If you come into the store, they won’t charge shipping or if you go through the register we have trucks that deliver products on Tuesday and Thursday (appliances) and on Wednesdays (tools) so you may get your product quicker.”

Sears offers the following brands: Appliances-Kenmore, GE, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Bosch, Whirlpool; Tools and Lawn and Garden-Craftsman; Electronics-Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, Vizio, Sylvania, Sharp; Fitness-Nordic Trac, Proforma; Mattresses-Serta.

The Barksdales donated the December Think Monroe County Super Consumer prize, and have been strong supporters of the Think Monroe County First program (TMCF) from the beginning.
“We live locally and own a local business so we understand the importance of shopping locally,” Jamie said.

The TMCF Super Consumer is a monthly drawing in which local consumers can enter to win a prize valued at $100 or more when they make a purchase at a participating TMCF business.
In addition to being a supporter of TMCF, Jamie is also a member of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the Kiwanis, chair of the Zahnow PTO and treasurer of the Friends of the Morrison Talbolt Library.

The Barksdales live in Waterloo with their six-year-old son, Garrett.
Sears of Waterloo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are located at 1349 Jamie Lane, Waterloo.

You can reach Sears of Waterloo at 618-939-5552 or through the “locate a store” option at www.sears.com.

The Rosedale House Provides Seniors with Independence and Security

2010-08-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Waterloo-In January, Ardis Henerfauth, owner of The Rosedale House Senior Living in Waterloo, celebrated 10 years in business, and she wasn’t alone in celebrating. Celebrating with her were members of her family who helped make The Rosedale House Senior Living a reality.

“The construction of The Rosedale House was family oriented,” said Henerfauth. Her father, a retired building contractor oversaw the project, her mother helped with the interior decorating, her husband installed the doors and trim and her two brothers did the painting, wallpapering and floor installation. She and her husband Robert own The Rosedale House.

Just as the building was constructed by family, the atmosphere of The Rosedale House is one of family. On a recent visit, senior residents joked with the staff and enjoyed relaxing in a comfortable seating area overlooking the back patio.

“It’s like a family,” said Henerfauth. As a matter of fact, among the current residents are her third grade teacher, her 4-H Leader and her Brownie Leader.

“I’m a lifelong resident of Monroe County and I saw a need for such a facility,” adds Henerfauth, whose experience working in homes for the developmentally disabled and taking care of her grandmother led her to the idea of The Rosedale House.

“I use to take care of my grandmother and I always thought there should be a place where she could go that would provide her some of the essentials such as food and transportation while letting her remain independent. My father was a partner in the development of Westview Acres, and I felt this was a good place to build, “she said of her location at 228 Mueller Lane in Waterloo, which is across the street from the Monroe County Annex Building and Ambulance Service.

The Rosedale House offers its residents independent living, but with the security of knowing the 24-hour staff is there to help if need be. Residents receive three meals a day, local transportation, medication reminders, stand by assistance with showers, weekly housekeeping, and can participate in a variety of activities.

For example, residents make crafts, sew, play games, garden, go out to eat, attend local events such as band concerts, the movies, the library or simply relax on the patio. Residents are also active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which helps staff places such as the Monroe County Courthouse information station and supports other entities like the History Museum of Monroe County.

The Rosedale House has 16 private suites, each with its own private bath, individual heating and cooling, walk-in closet, kitchen nook and telephone and cable hookup. The average age range of The Rosedale House residents is 67 to 94, and according to Henerfauth even though they do offer temporary stays, most residents are long-term.

Henerfauth, a Think Monroe County First participating business who donated the February Super Consumer prize, is involved in several local organizations including: Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, HCE, and Sister Cities of Portaloo, Monroe County History Museum, Advisory Board of Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Unit President of the Waterloo Homemakers.

She adds that she joined Think Monroe County First, the shop/spend local program of the Monroe County Economic Development Council, because Monroe County is her home and she wants to see it thrive despite the tough economic times.

To make an appointment to tour The Rosedale House contact Henerfauth at 618-939-4973.

August Super Consumer Winner

2010-08-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Lisa Busche of Waterloo is the August Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Busche has won a $125 gift certificate to Schaefer Farms Nursery, 4611 Kaskaskia Road, Waterloo.

Her entry was drawn at University of Illinois Extension-Monroe County, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo.

September’s Super Consumer will win a $100 gift certificate to Agnes Ross, 113 West Gundlach St., Columbia. The gift certificate can be used at Agnes Ross’ online store or at the store in Columbia.

For or more information or to donate a prize, please contact U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

TMCF POWER MONTH Winners Announced

2010-08-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Monroe County-The Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) is pleased to announce the Blue, Red and White Ribbon winners in the Think Monroe County First (TMCF) POWER MONTH drawing held Sunday evening at the close of the Monroe County Fair. Consumers brought in more than $335,000 in receipts during the Fair week event.

Jennifer Rethwisch of Wartburg won the Blue Ribbon prize, valued at more than $8,000 from more than 70 Monroe County businesses. Rethwisch won the top prize after submitting 13 entries. Visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com for a complete list of businesses and the prizes.

“I do three-fourths of my shopping in Monroe County because I think it’s very important to keep it local. I’m very elated and thankful that I won especially since the guy in front of me had about 300 entries. I didn’t think I had a chance, but one of the Think Monroe County First workers reminded me that it only takes one to win.”

John and Alice Kuehn of New Athens are the recipients of the Red Ribbon prize, a $1,000 gift certificate to The Market Place in Columbia. The Kuehns’ entries were based on the purchase of a new car made in Monroe County in July.

Gay Lea Mund-Roush of Waterloo won the White Ribbon prize, a Craftsman 6.75 ft/lbs. torque 4-in-1 Briggs and Stratton Yard Vacuum valued at $750 from Sears in Waterloo. Mund-Roush, like Rethwisch, won on the submission of 13 entries.

Local consumers were allowed one chance in the drawing for every $100 of receipts they presented for purchases made in Monroe County. The receipts had to be dated from July 1 until 8 p.m. closing night of the fair.

“This was our second year for the drawing, and we feel it was once again a great success. The TMCF committee decided to have three prizes instead of just one for our second year and we were excited that our local business community stepped up to the plate and made sure all of the prizes were valuable,” said Nora Feuquay, U of I Extension-Monroe County, Community and Economic Development Educator.

“The POWER MONTH event was designed to reward local consumers for their purchases within Monroe County and to bolster the local economy during the month of July, and I think by bringing in more than $335,000 in receipts we achieved our goal,” added Feuquay. “It’s an important part of increasing and sustaining public awareness on how important it is to every resident of Monroe County to keep our local dollars local.”

Shannon Zarek, MCEDC member and part of the Think Monroe County First committee, said consumers and the local businesses should feel proud that in this economy Monroe County is faring better than some of our surrounding counties in sales tax revenues. “I think that in large part, that is thanks to the Think Monroe County First program that strives to keep the shop/spend local message on our consumers’ minds. We thank all of the local businesses that support TMCF.”

For more information on the Think Monroe County First program or the Monroe County Economic Development Council, visit their websites at www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com and www.monroecountyedg.org or contact Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681, ext. 309 or nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

June Super Consumer

2010-06-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

LaVerne Schutt of Waterloo is the June Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Schutt has won a $150 gift certificate for an in-home interior design consultation from Final Touch, 119 South Main Street, Columbia.

Her entry was drawn at Sears of Waterloo, 1349 Jamie Lane, Waterloo.

Remember in July, there will be three Super Consumer Winners at our Monroe County Fair Power Month Event.

Consumers who make purchases from July 1 to August 1 at Monroe County businesses can turn in their receipts during the Monroe County Fair, July 25-August 1, for a chance to win one of three big prizes.

This year’s drawing will feature a Super Sized Taste of Monroe County Blue Ribbon Prize made up of products and services donated by as many local businesses as participate, as well as a Red Ribbon ($1,000 value) and White Ribbon Prize ($500 value).

An ongoing list of the prizes will be posted on the TMCF website, www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com, during the months of June and July. Consumers are only eligible to win one of the three prizes.

Consumers will be awarded one chance for every $100 of purchases made with any Monroe County businesses from July 1 to August 1. Receipts can be combined to reach $100.

To enter the drawing, consumers must present their receipts between 5 and 8 p.m. any evening during fair week (July 25th – Aug. 1st) at the Think Monroe County First Booth in the Commercial Building. Receipts must show the name of the Monroe County business where the purchase was made.

No photocopies or reproductions will be accepted and receipts will be stamped when verified. Entry forms must be filled out by hand at the TMCF booth. If you do not plan to attend the fair, you may send your receipts with someone else to enter for you.

For or more information or to donate a prize, please contact U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

TMCF Power Month Offers Consumers 3 Chances to Win

2010-05-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

Prizes Sought from Local Businesses

Monroe County-The Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) is beginning to gear up for the second annual Think Monroe County First (TMCF) POWER MONTH. Consumers who make purchases from July 1 to August 1 at Monroe County businesses can turn in their receipts during the Monroe County Fair, July 25-August 1, for a chance to win one of three big prizes.

Think Monroe County First is an ongoing campaign aimed at educating consumers in all forms to the real and valuable rewards associated with spending locally, as opposed to out of town or over the internet. Local businesses help support our local economy in the form of sales tax revenue, property tax revenues, jobs, spending, charitable contributions and more.

During the month of July, MCEDC hopes to once again bolster the local economy by offering a “Super Sized Taste of Monroe County” drawing. Last year, consumers had the chance to win a prize worth more than $7,000 with items from more than 50 Monroe County businesses. More than $500,000 in receipts were presented.

However, this year, consumers will have three chances to win. This year’s drawing will feature a Super Sized Taste of Monroe County Blue Ribbon Prize made up of products and services donated by as many local businesses as participate, as well as a Red Ribbon and White Ribbon Prize (TBD). An ongoing list of the prizes will be posted on the TMCF website, www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com, during the months of June and July. Consumers are only eligible to win one of the three prizes.

Consumers will be awarded one chance for every $100 of purchases made with any Monroe County businesses from July 1 to August 1. To enter the drawing, consumers must present their receipts between 5 and 8 p.m. any evening during fair week (July 25th – Aug. 1st) at the Think Monroe County First Booth in the Commercial Building. Receipts must show the name of the Monroe County business where the purchase was made and may be combined to reach the $100 requirement.

No photocopies or reproductions will be accepted and receipts will be stamped when verified. Entry forms must be filled out by hand at the TMCF booth. If you do not plan to attend the fair, you may send your receipts with someone else to enter for you.

The council is also in need of prizes from local businesses for the drawing. For the Blue Ribbon prize drawing, the prize may be valued at any amount the business chooses. Our goal is to create an amazing prize made up of many products and services that are available right here in Monroe County. For the Red Ribbon and White Ribbon prizes, we'd like to offer an item of at least $1,000 and $500 value respectively. It could be something like a flat screen TV, a gift certificate to a local hotel/B&B along with dinner for four at one of our fine restaurants. You will be listed as a donor in the ongoing marketing of this campaign as well as at the fair. We would like to have all prizes committed by the first week in July for advertising purposes. Your business does not need to be a “participating business” in the Think Monroe County First program to donate a prize to the fair drawing.

For or more information or to donate a prize, please contact U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

May Super Consumer Winner

2010-05-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Melissa Fausz of Waterloo is the May Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Fausz has won a $100 gift certificate to Clark's Country Oaks, 110 S. Church St. Waterloo. The gift certificate can go toward their Amish, maintenance-free outdoor furniture.

Her entry was drawn at Chuck Pittman’s State Farm office, 111 North Market Street,Waterloo.

June’s winner will receive a $150 gift certificate for an in-home interior design consultation from Final Touch, 119 South Main Street, Columbia.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Mokka Kaffeehaus Brings More Than Just Coffee to Columbia Social Scene

2010-04-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Columbia-By most accounts, Mokka Kaffeehaus in Columbia, IL has all of the usual suspects of the quintessential coffee shop. There’s the familiar and overwhelmingly wonderful aroma of freshly ground coffee, the hip music and the cozy nook to curl up with a book. Every morning, an eclectic gathering of locals descends upon their favorite spot for their caffeine fix; the hurried commuter, the soccer-mom, the laptop-fixated student cramming for a test or just a few folks watching, passing the time while enjoying a warm cup.

No matter how serene or relaxing a coffee shop can be there’s always someone deep inside the coffee producing machine working hard to make sure everyone starts their day off the right way; a motor if you will. Shannon Zarek is this machine’s motor, and she’s nearly always at full-throttle.

Since Zarek opened Mokka in the Marketplace Shopping Center in January 2008, nearby residents have been reaping the benefits of having a local café that not only serves a wide variety of tasty drinks and homemade eats but is also a driving force in promoting local businesses and is an active part of the neighborhood.

“I chose this location to be close to home and because I am raising my family here and wanted to be more connected and involved with my community,” says Zarek. “Before opening Mokka, I worked for 20 years as a corporate and tax paralegal at a large law firm in Clayton, MO. My husband and I decided to move to Columbia in 2002. We had friends in the area and really fell in love with it.”

Perhaps Zarek fell in love with caffeinated drinks while crunching numbers. Regardless, she has chosen to share this passion with friends and strangers alike. Open seven days a week, Mokka offers coffee, espresso-based drinks, frappes, smoothies, bakery items including gooey butter cakes, muffins, scones, sandwiches, salads and soups. Putting an interesting twist to the equation, they also have craft beer, wine and mixed drinks. They are open late on Thursdays and Fridays when there’s usually some sort of live music.

“Our most popular menu items (besides our coffee drinks) are the chicken salad and the Buffalo wrap,” says Zarek. “All the chicken we use at Mokka is white meat chicken breast and is baked. We even bake our own bacon. Everything is made from scratch.”

Zarek has teamed up with Kerri White, owner of Zettie’s Confections, to compliment her everyday fare. White is a resident of Columbia and makes luscious gourmet treats like ultimate chip cookies, pecan caramels, carrot cake and some special order cakes and candies.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local involvement.

“I am the secretary of the Columbia Play Commission, a board member for the Monroe County Economic Development Council and am the secretary for two subcommittees for the Economic Development Council: Think Monroe County First and Business Development,” says Zarek.

As you can see, the high speed motor Zarek possesses comes in handy. It’s this passion for supporting local business that really puts Mokka squarely in the spotlight. According to Zarek, she believes in the power of a shared sense of community to raise the standard of living for everyone involved, which is one of the reasons she is such a big supporter of Think Monroe County First, a shop/spend local program through the Monroe County Economic Development Council. She donated the January Think Monroe County First Super Consumer prize.

“I believe people honestly want to support their community and the businesses in it,” says Zarek. “Given a choice, people would much rather give to a local business then spend their money out of town. The businesses in our area support our schools, charities, sports organizations. They employ local residents and the people who own them actually live here, giving them a vested interest in the continued success of their neighbors.”

Mokka Kaffeehaus is located at 180 Columbia Centre in the Marketplace Shopping Center, across from the Columbia Post Office.
Hours are:
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday (open later on Friday when hosting live music)
6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday

You can find them on Facebook, Twitter or visit them at www.mokkakaffeehaus.com. Contact Zarek at 618-281-6655 or mail@mokkakaffeehaus.com.

State Seeks Input from Local Businesses

2010-04-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Waterloo- On May 12, Monroe County businesses will have a chance to provide input to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ILDCEO) on how the State of Illinois can help small businesses create sustainable jobs over the next few years.

The meeting, sponsored by the Southwest Region ILDCEO Office of Outreach in partnership with Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) and Community & Economic Development Department, City of Columbia (CEDD) will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 in the old courtroom on the second floor of the Monroe County Courthouse in Waterloo.

ILDCEO is working with the University of Illinois on an extensive research and data gathering process to determine whether developing a program to assist locally owned businesses is a good strategy to spur economic prosperity for Illinois.

There are 500,000 businesses with less than 50 employees in Illinois--if every small business added just one job, the unemployment rate would be lowered five points. To lower the state's unemployment rate by one percent, 100,000 jobs will have to be created.

At the May 12 meeting, business can:
Interact with senior staff from the ILDCEO Director's Office;
Help ILDCEO supplement their academic information by giving input on what local/small businesses need;
Offer creative local economic development ideas;
§ Help identify obstacles or share keys to success of small, local, independent businesses and potential entrepreneurs;
Participate in an important initiative aimed at developing new policies, best practices, and programs to help small businesses in Illinois.

Seating is limited, so advanced registration is required. RSVP by May 10.

To reserve a seat for this meeting, send contact information to U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay , nfeuquay@illinois.edu or 618-939-8681 ext. 309 or Paul Ellis, Director of Community and Economic Development City of Columbia at, pellis@columbiaillinois.com.

Free Small Business Workshop to Focus on Business Plan Writing

2010-04-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Whether you are thinking about opening a new business or expanding your existing business, a good business plan is one of the keys to building a successful enterprise.

On May 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the YMCA Monroe County HTC Center, Monroe County businesses can gain some useful insights into “How to Write a Professional Business Plan,” at the Monroe County Economic Development Council’s (MCEDC) Think Monroe County First (TMCF) free quarterly educational workshop. This event is sponsored by First National Bank of Waterloo, Mokka Kaffeehaus in Columbia and George Obernagel of Waterloo.

The program will be presented by Kristine Jarden, director, Southwestern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center. Jarden meets with clients in Monroe County the first Thursday of every month in conjunction with Nora Feuquay, U of I Extension Monroe County Economic and Community Development Educator.
The Entrepreneurship Center, located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, serves as a regional hub for coordinating entrepreneurship development activity.

The Center helps businesses connect with resources and funding, patents and products, money and markets. It also provides customized marketing strategies that drive product growth. In addition, the Center utilizes students to assist entrepreneurs in developing their business.

The Center also helps individual entrepreneurs and small businesses obtain professional services for comprehensive business planning assistance, the evaluation of a proposed start up or expansion, or other accelerated support purposes. The Center has up to $5,000 matching challenge awards available to high-growth innovative businesses for these services. For more information go to http://www.siue.edu/business/ec/

All businesses with a physical location within Monroe County are invited to attend. Participation is limited to 2 individuals per business. There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited so please RSVP to by May 14 at 618-939-3434 or online at monroe.extension.uiuc.edu.

Other topics we hope to cover at future workshops include: “Learn What You Need to Know About Licenses, Insurance, and Taxes”, “How to Develop a Winning Marketing Plan”, “Learn How Technology Can Make Your Business More Profitable”, “Interpreting the Census Data”, and “Business Succession and Exit Strategies.”

April Super Consumer Winner

2010-04-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Don Thompson of Waterloo is the April Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Thompson has won a $150 gift certificate to Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., Columbia.

His entry was drawn at Waterloo Lumber Company, 715 N. Market St. Waterloo.

May's winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Clark's Country Oaks, 110 S. Church St. Waterloo. The gift certificate can go toward their Amish, maintenance-free outdoor furniture.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

March’s Super Consumer Will Be Dining In Style

2010-03-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

Cindy Waldemer of Columbia is the March Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Waldemer has won a $100 gift certificate to J. Fires’ Market Bistro, located at 725 N. Market St. Waterloo.

Her entry was drawn at Agnes Ross, 113 W. Gundlach St., Columbia.

April’s winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., Columbia. The gift certificate can go toward any item in their inventory.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Valentine’s Day is Sweet for Feb. TMCF Winner

2010-02-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

Sallie Barbeau of Columbia is the February Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner.
Barbeau’s gift, courtesy of The Rosedale House, 228 Mueller Lane, Ste. 18, Waterloo, was filled with Valentine goodies including a gift certificate from Diehl Florist for a dozen roses, a box of Valentine chocolates, a bottle of wine from Schorr Lake Vineyard, two heart decorated wine glasses, a large stuffed plush heart, and a gift certificate to Applebees.

Barbeau’s entry was drawn at Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., Columbia.

March’s winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to J.Fires Market Bistro, 725 N. Market St. Waterloo, Il 62298.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Local full-service graphics shop offers so much more than signs

2010-01-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

Monroe County-Relationships mean a lot to Jane Kolmer, owner of Action Graphics and Signs, Inc. A life-long resident of Monroe County, Kolmer believes building great relationships with customers is essential to the foundation of her business, and as Action Graphics approaches their 18th anniversary, it’s difficult to dispute her theory.

When asked why she chose to open Action Graphics and Signs, Inc. in Monroe County, Kolmer jokes that it’s just because she a was born and raised in the county, and in truth, it was just a “given”.

“The people here really appreciate quality, and are interested building relationships, she explained. “We’re all about relationships here. Our customers become our friends, and their successes are our successes.”

While Kolmer has strong support from local clients, her relationship building doesn’t stop at the Monroe County line. “We have shipped our products all over the world,” Kolmer said. Action Graphics and Signs has clients in countries such as Costa Rica, England, Canada, and Mexico as well as large clients on the west coast.

Despite a national and international client roster, Kolmer’s heart is in Monroe County where she began her business as a part-time venture while she worked as an insurance executive.
Kolmer started operating Action graphics in her basement, expanded into a barn on their farm and after one more move landed at 8802 Summer Road, half way between Waterloo and Columbia off of IL Route 3. The company has been at its current location for nine years.

“The most common misconception is that we only make signs. In fact, the business is a full-service graphics shop, which means anything you can put your name on, we can make,” said Kolmer.

In addition to signs, banners and vehicle graphics, Action Graphics, offers graphic design work, logo design, brochures, business cards, general printing and copy services, photo enlargements/enhancements, corporate apparel/gifts, team uniforms and spirit apparel. Promotional products are also available such as coolie cups, pens, pencils, hats, Frisbees, etc…

“We have over almost a million promotional products on our website. In 2009, we added trophies, awards, custom rhinestone apparel, as well as a full line of wedding invitations and accessories, such as champagne glasses, candles and guest books.”

After January 1, Kolmer will offer rhinestone apparel for all the local schools, including Waterloo, Columbia, Valmeyer, Gibault and Red Bud. Kolmer said the rhinestone school spirit apparel will give women and girls a pretty and more feminine way to express their team spirit.

Proof that Monroe County is and always will be home to Kolmer and her company is the fact that she was the originator and driving force behind the Think Monroe County First Program, an educational campaign to support local economic development. The program encourages local citizens to shop and spend locally and was officially launched in November of 2008.

Kolmer, who is Vice-Chairman of the Monroe County Economic Development Council, felt the county needed a program to support existing Monroe County businesses and to educate the local consumers about the benefits of spending first in their home county. For more information on the Think Monroe County First program, visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com.

“As a business owner, it was often frustrating to see residents going outside of the community for goods and services that they could get here in Monroe County. People from all over the country are buying goods and services from Monroe County businesses because of high quality standards and strong work ethics; while people who live in the county sometimes think they have to go out of the county to get it cheaper, faster and better,” said Kolmer. “It’s an interesting phenomenon.”

“Yet it has always been local business community that is called upon to support local charities and events. Every local business wants to contribute toward the local organizations and the local economy, and the more citizens support local businesses, the more local businesses can do for the community. It’s a tremendous return on investment that citizens do not get when they spend outside of the community –it just makes sense.”

Kolmer donated the November Think Monroe County Super Consumer prize. Each month, local consumer can enter to win a prize valued at $100 or more when they make a purchase at a participating TMCF business.

In addition to the Monroe County Economic Development Council, Kolmer is also a member of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County Republicans, Human Support Service Board of Directors, CROWN-Columbia’s Resourceful Organization of Women Networking, WeDo-Women’s Economic Development Organization, and the Southern Illinois Women’s Business Owners Association.

She resides in Monroe County with her husband, Keith, and their youngest two children Sedona and JJ. They also have three grown children, Jeremy, Summer and Jeff.

Action Graphics and Signs, Inc. is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and by appointment after hours and on weekends. They are located half way between Waterloo and Columbia on IL Route 3, 8802 Summer Road, Columbia.

You can reach Action Graphics and Signs, Inc. at 618-939-5755, action@htc.net or visit www.actiong.com for Promotional Products or www.actiong.cceasy.com for wedding and corporate greetings. Action Graphics and Signs, Inc. can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Columbia Business Makes Preserving Memories a Creative Process

2010-01-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

Columbia-On a Friday afternoon, Terri Stillman bustles around the Making Memories Scrapbook Store, located at 840 Columbia Center in the Marketplace Shopping Center, Columbia, helping customers pick out scrapbooking supplies and joking with one that maybe the scrapbook the customer is finishing will make her boyfriend cry. The customer laughingly responds that she hopes it does.

Perhaps it is this personalized service that has helped the Waterloo resident turn what began as a hobby into a viable business for the past nine and a half years.

“I worked in the health insurance field, but I fell in love with scrapbooking. I also wanted to have my own business since I had young kids and wanted a more flexible schedule,” says Stillman of the birth of Making Memories Scrapbook Store.

The store offers customers a full range of scrapbook and card-making supplies as well as Cricut supplies. Card-making is a huge market, according to Stillman.

The store is filled with colorful paper, scrapbooks, stickers, cutting tools, rubber stamps, and any other item a scrapbooking or card-making enthusiast could want. Also lining the wall are examples of the enlarged digital photographs she can make.

Stillman’s digital photo services gives customers the option of copying photos in regular sizes and scrapbook sizes, including 12x12, which can be used to make personalized background papers. She adds that the quality is so good that some customers frame the enlarged photographs as pieces of art.

Making Memories Scrapbook Store is also the only store in the area where customers can have their scrapbooks personalized with names or other items on the front of the book.

Another service Stillman provides are classes on scrapbooking and “crops” where people can come into the store to work on their scrapbooks.

Stillman, a native of St. Louis, moved to Waterloo in 1991 with her husband, Michael, her two daughters, and niece.

“We fell in love with it over here. We love the small town. I wouldn’t go back,” she says. She says she located her store in Columbia because 10 years ago Waterloo wasn’t as built up so there wasn’t an available location. Plus, she felt she could draw from Illinois residents as well as the St. Louis area from the Columbia location.

Stillman is also a supporter of the Think Monroe County First Program, donating a scrapbooking kit worth more than $100 for the October prize.

“I think it’s important for everyone to support the local merchants. It helps the community; it’s what our community is based on, the small-town neighborhood feel.”

Making Memories Scrapbook Store is open seven days a week during the following hours:
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 to 4 p.m.

The phone number is 618-281-1991 or you can visit Stillman’s blog at www.makingmemoriesscrapbookstore.blogspot.com. The stores hours, class schedules and photos of projects can be found on the blog.

January TMCF Winner is Going Gooey

2010-01-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mary Clark of Waterloo is the January Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Clark has won a half size gooey butter cake of the month each month for 2010 from Mokka Kaffeehaus, 180 Columbia Dr. Centre in the Marketplace Plaza in Columbia.

Clark’s entry was drawn at Wayne’s One Stop, 620 S. Market St. Waterloo.

February’s winner will receive a dozen roses, a box of candy, a bottle of wine and a gift certificate to a local restaurant, courtesy of The Rosedale House, 228 Mueller Lane, Ste. 18, Waterloo.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Author and Entrepreneur Jack Schultz to Speak at MCEDC Forum

2010-01-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

Jack Schultz, nationally acclaimed author of Boomtown USA: The 7 ½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns, will be the keynote speaker at the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) Forum on Feb. 8 at The Falls Reception and Conference Center in Columbia. Doors will open at 7 a.m. and the event will conclude around 9 a.m.

The forum is sponsored by Midland States Bank, of which Schultz is chairman of the board.
Schultz, founder and CEO of Agracel, Inc., an industrial development firm majoring in rural America, is a top economic development authority on small towns just like those in Monroe County. His book, Boomtown USA: The 7 ½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns, and the presentation by the same name, have inspired many communities to find their own vision.

The Boomtown USA project took more than three years of research beginning with 15,800 small towns across the country. Schultz narrowed the list down to a group of 397 outstanding small towns he calls AGURBS. His research has been featured in USA Today, Forbes and BusinessWeek among others, and he has been a guest on numerous radio and television programs including Bloomberg Business Television.

Schultz has taken his message on the road to more than 300 communities in 44 states since 2004. In 2005, Schultz was named Ernst & Young’s Illinois Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2006 he received the Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion for Entrepreneurship.

His company, Agracel, has completed projects in 14 states, owning seven million square feet of industrial space, which has facilitated more than 5,000 jobs. The company owns 15 business parks and a short line railroad.

At the MCEDC Forum, Schultz will talk about the characteristics of towns that are successful as well as the importance of encouraging an entrepreneurial approach in your community. He will also give some insight into the importance of supporting your local business community, and how small towns can survive and thrive during hard economic times.

Attendees can register online for the Feb. 8 MCEDC Forum by going to the U of I Extension-Monroe County website at monroe.extension.uiuc.edu. Registration can also be taken by calling 618-939-3434.

Registration is $20 for those who own or work for a business in Monroe County and $25 for all others. Deadline is Monday, Feb. 1.

The Falls will serve a buffet featuring assorted muffins and breakfast danishes; scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, assorted meats (apple-smoked bacon, sausage links, sausage patties), coffee, orange juice, tea, and water. The Falls is located at 300 Admiral Weinel Blvd., Columbia, IL

December TMCF Winner Will Find Organizing a Snap

2009-12-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

Lyla Dillenberger of Waterloo is the December Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Dillenberger has won a laundry storage tower valued at $299.99 from Sears Roebuck and Co. Retail Store, 1349 Jamie Lane, Waterloo.

The laundry tower is designed to create a more organized, efficient and inviting laundry area by keeping laundry products together and within easy reach. With 2 large drawers, a pull-out supply tray and a retractable hanging rod, the tower provides ample storage space for detergent, stain sticks, and dryer sheets. It also offers a convenient work area for top-loading laundry pairs. Tower can be placed between the washer and dryer, or on either side.

Dillenberger’s entry was drawn at Clark’s Country Oaks, 110 S. Church St. Waterloo.
January’s winner will receive a half size gooey butter cake of the month each month for 2010 from Mokka Kaffeehaus, 180 Columbia Dr. Centre in the Marketplace Plaza in Columbia.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

November TMCF Winner is Ready to Hit the Hiking Trail

2009-11-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Teresa Perea-Getter of Valmeyer is the November Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Perea-Getter has won a "Hiker's Dream Package" valued at more than $280 from Action Graphics and Signs, 8802 Sumner Road, Waterloo.

The package includes: High Sierra Loop Backpack with headphone jack, Zippo excursion set including binoculars, Zippo 11 function army knife and Zippo hand warmer, Crossing Nordic Walking Stick set, High Sierra Digital Compass, Stay Safe EMA First Aid Kit, Crossing Excursion Water Bottle Set with survival tools. Plus, a 22 x 28 custom digital photo enlargement of your own digital photo, mounted on foam core and ready for framing.

Perea-Getter’s entry was drawn at HTC Technologies Co., 170 Columbia Center in the Marketplace Shopping Center in Columbia.

December’s winner will receive a laundry storage tower valued at $299.99 from Sears in Waterloo. The laundry tower is designed to create a more organized, efficient and inviting laundry area by keeping laundry products together and within easy reach. With 2 large drawers, a pull-out supply tray and a retractable hanging rod, the tower provides ample storage space for detergent, stain sticks, and dryer sheets. It also offers a convenient work area for top-loading laundry pairs. Tower can be placed between the washer and dryer, or on either side.

Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

TMCF Business Spotlight

2009-11-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

This is the first Think Monroe County First Business Spotlight article. Each month we will feature the participating business that has donated the prize for our Super Consumer monthly drawing. Watch here and our local newspapers for a new feature each month.

Wittenauer Offers Commercial Real Estate Expertise to County
Think Monroe County First Spotlight Business

Columbia-For 16 years, David Wittenauer, CCIM has been in the real estate business in Monroe County. He began his real estate career in 1993 in the residential market, but in 2002 changed his focus to commercial properties. Now he assists property owners from his Grubb & Ellis/Gundaker Commercial office in Columbia, IL and Clayton, MO. David holds the designation of Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM); he is just one of seven designees south of Springfield Illinois.

"Over the years, I've seen Monroe County grow and prosper in many ways. As the residential base has grown, many commercial businesses have followed. Our roads and utilities have been greatly improved; we have newer schools, more parks, a YMCA, and many other amenities that didn't exist just 10 years ago. Our quality of life is still envied by many other communities in our region and should be for many years to come".

Wittenauer has worked for Grubb & Ellis/Gundaker Commercial for three years, and his office is located at 100 North Main Street in Columbia. His services include land sales, retail and office sales/leasing. Wittenauer covers the entire Southwestern, IL market, but his primary focus is Monroe, St. Clair and Madison counties. His clients benefit from extensive marketing programs, which extend locally, regionally and nationally.

In order to provide his clients with the best service possible, Wittenauer consults with property owners to help them find the best uses and solutions for their properties. He also performs broker price opinions for property owners, lenders and investors.

Grubb & Ellis/Gundaker is a national company with 103 offices in the United States. He shares the office with his licensed assistant, Darcy Fausz.

Wittenauer is actively involved in Columbia and Monroe County. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club, both the Columbia and Waterloo chambers of commerce, and is a Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) board member.

The Think Monroe County First Program, the MCEDC’s shop/spend local program, is also supported by Wittenauer, who is a participating business and donated the September prize for the Think Monroe County First monthly drawing.

“I believe the efforts of the MCEDC and the Think Monroe County First Program to educate consumers and businesses on why it is important to spend locally, benefits our existing businesses and will help attract more businesses to the county,” he said.

Wittenauer, his wife, Cathy, and their two children, Andrew and Erin, reside in Columbia.

October TMCF Winner Gets Memorable Prize

2009-10-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Heather Jany of Hecker is the October Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Jany won a $100 scrapbook kit and a $20 gift certificate from Making Memories Scrapbook Store in Columbia.

Jany’s entry was drawn at Mokka Kaffeehaus, located at 180 Columbia Centre, Columbia.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

September TMCF Winner Announced

2009-09-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Randy Whelan of Waterloo is the September Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Whelan won two Cardinals versus the Braves tickets courtesy Dave Wittenaure of Grubb & Ellis/Gundaker Commercial in Columbia.

Whelan’s entry was drawn at the Waterloo Lumber Company.

The October winner will receive a $100 scrapbook kit from Making Memories Scrapbook Store in Columbia.
Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

August TMCF Winner Announced

2009-08-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Valerie Hughes of Waterloo is the August Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Hughes has won two season tickets and a “Leading Role” for the Monroe County Actors Stage Company’s (MASC) 2009-2010 season, which begins Sept. 11 in Waterloo.

Lucille’s Draperies in Waterloo donated the MASC season tickets and Hughes’ entry was drawn at Angels Day Spa in Columbia.

The September Super Consumer winner will win two Cardinals tickets for the Sept. 13 game against the Braves (Section 158, Row 11) courtesy Dave Wittenauer of Grubb & Ellis/Gundaker Commercial in Columbia.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

Fults Resident Wins TMCF Drawing

2009-07-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Tammy Vogt of Fults is the second June Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Fults has won a massage, ionic foot bath, and an emotional freedom technique session from Vibrant Health and Mind in Waterloo. The package is valued at $120.

Her winning ticket was drawn at Lucille’s Draperies in Waterloo.

In July, Think Monroe County First is pulling out all the stops by hosting a POWER WEEK, July 19th-26th in conjunction with the Monroe County Fair. During POWER WEEK, consumers can enter to win a “Super-Sized Taste of Monroe County” prize. This “Super-Sized” prize will be made up of products and services donated by local businesses.

Consumers will receive one chance to enter for every $100 of purchases made at any Monroe County businesses during the month of July. To enter the drawing, consumers must present their receipts between 5 and 8 p.m. any evening during fair week, July 19th-26th, at the Think Monroe County First booth in the Commercial Building. Receipts must show the name of the Monroe County business where the purchase was made and may be combined to reach the $100 requirement. No photocopies or reproductions will be accepted and receipts will be stamped when verified. If you do not plan to attend the fair, you may send your receipts with someone else to enter for you.

Local businesses wishing to donate items for the “Super-Sized Taste of Monroe County” prize can contact Nora Feuquay at 939-8681 ext. 309 or 618-363-9386 or nfeuquay@illinois.edu or Jane Kolmer at 939-5755. To donate, businesses do not have to be a participating Think Monroe County First Program business. Donating businesses will be listed as a donor in the ongoing marketing of this campaign. Visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com to see the list of prizes.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature. To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com . You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/ .

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309, nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

POWER WEEK Aims to Bolster Local Economy

2009-06-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Monroe County Economic Development Council is announcing a Think Monroe County First POWER WEEK. July 19th – 26th in conjunction with the Monroe County Fair. The fair holds the distinction of being the only countywide event in Monroe County.

Think Monroe County First is an ongoing campaign aimed at educating consumers in all forms to the real and valuable rewards associated with spending locally, as opposed to out of town or over the internet. Local businesses help support our local economy in the form of sales tax revenue, property tax revenues, jobs, spending, charitable contributions and more.

During the month of July, the Economic Development Council hopes to bolster the local economy by offering a “Super Sized Taste of Monroe County” drawing. This drawing will be a grand prize made up of products and services donated by as many local businesses as participate. The council will be posting an ongoing list of the prize as it develops during the months of June and July.

Consumers will be awarded one chance for every $100 of purchases made with any Monroe County businesses during the month of July. To enter the drawing, consumers must present their receipts between 5 and 8 p.m. any evening during fair week (July 19th – 26th) at the Think Monroe County First Booth in the Commercial Building. Receipts must show the name of the Monroe County business where the purchase was made and may be combined to reach the $100 requirement. No photocopies or reproductions will be accepted and receipts will be stamped when verified. If you do not plan to attend the fair, you may send your receipts with someone else to enter for you.

The council is also in need of prizes from local businesses for both this drawing and the ongoing monthly campaign. For the fair drawing, the prize may be valued at any amount the business chooses. Our goal is to create an amazing prize made up of many products and services that are available right here in Monroe County. You will be listed as a donor in the ongoing marketing of this campaign as well as at the fair. We would like to have all prizes committed by the first week in July for advertising purposes. Your business does not need to be a “participating business” in the Think Monroe County First program to donate a prize to the fair drawing.

The council wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all businesses that currently participate in the program and to offer an invitation to those who presently do not. Think Monroe County First is a FREE community service offered by the county to both the consumers and businesses of Monroe County in an attempt to retain and improve the quality of life for all Monroe County Citizens. For or more information or to donate a prize, please contact Nora Feuquay at 939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu or Jane Kolmer at 939-5755.

First June Super Consumer Winner Announced

2009-06-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Bruce Brinkman of Valmeyer is the first June Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Brinkman has won a quilt rack from Clark’s Country Oaks in Waterloo. The quilt rack is valued at $135.

His winning ticket was drawn at Chip Bieber’s Country Financial in Waterloo. The next winner has been drawn and will be announced on June 22. The second June winner will receive massage and foot bath, valued at $150, donated by Verna Hopkins of Vibrant Health and Body.

In July, Think Monroe County First is pulling out all the stops by hosting a POWER WEEK, July 19th-26th in conjunction with the Monroe County Fair. During POWER WEEK, consumers can enter to win a “Super-Sized Taste of Monroe County” prize. This “Super-Sized” prize will be made up of products and services donated by local businesses.

Consumers will receive one chance to enter for every $100 of purchases made at any Monroe County businesses during the month of July. To enter the drawing, consumers must present their receipts between 5 and 8 p.m. any evening during fair week, July 19th-26th, at the Think Monroe County First booth in the Commercial Building.

Receipts must show the name of the Monroe County business where the purchase was made and may be combined to reach the $100 requirement. No photocopies or reproductions will be accepted and receipts will be stamped when verified. If you do not plan to attend the fair, you may send your receipts with someone else to enter for you.

Local businesses wishing to donate items for the “Super-Sized Taste of Monroe County” prize can contact Nora Feuquay at 939-3434 or nfeuquay@illinois.edu or Jane Kolmer at 939-5755.

To donate, businesses do not have to be a participating Think Monroe County First Program business. Donating businesses will be listed as a donor in the ongoing marketing of this campaign. Prizes should be committed by the July 3 for advertising purposes.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

May Super Consumer Prize Perfect For Mother’s Day

2009-05-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Shiela Kohlenberger of Columbia is the second May Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Kohlenberger is now sporting a gold,heart-shaped pendant from Reiniger Jewelers in Waterloo.

Her winning ticket was drawn at the HTC-Harrisonville Telephone Company Store in Waterloo. The pendant from Reiniger Jewelers was valued at $100.

In June, consumers can enter to win two more great prizes donated by Clark’s Country Oaks and Vibrant Health and Body both in Waterloo. Clark’s Country Oaks is donating a quilt rack, valued at $135 and Vibrant Health and Body will be pampering the Super Consumer with a massage and foot bath valued at $150.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

May Super Consumer Prize Is Just In Time For Summer

2009-05-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Becky Gale of Waterloo is the first May Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner. Gale has won a 3-month family membership without activation fee to the Monroe County YMCA! We hope she enjoys all the great activities at the Monroe County YMCA.

Her winning ticket was drawn at K&D Printing in Waterloo. The prize was donated by the Monroe County YMCA-HTC Center and is a $300 value. The next winner has been drawn and will be announced on May 22. The second May winner will receive a heart-shaped pendant, valued at $100 and donated by Reiniger Jewelers in Waterloo.

In June, consumers can enter to win two more great prizes donated by Clark’s Country Oaks of Waterloo and Vibrant Health and Body. Clark’s Country Oaks is donating a quilt rack, valued at $135.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

2nd April Super Consumer Wins iPod Nano

2009-04-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Ora Mae Droege is jamming to her new 16-GB iPod Nano thanks to Midland States Bank in Waterloo generous donation to the Think Monroe County First! “Super Consumer” drawing. Droege’s winning ticket for the second April winner was drawn at Echoes of the Past Antiques in Waterloo.

The May winner, to be drawn on May 9, will win a $100 heart pendant from Reiniger Jewelers in Waterloo. The second May winner will receive a $300, three-month membership with no activation fee to the YMCA of Monroe County.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

To take see our participating businesses and for more information on the program visit, www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Free Small Business Workshop for Monroe County Businesses

2009-04-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Do you Twitter? Do you check your Facebook account more than twice a day? Or are you wondering what the heck Twitter and Facebook are? Have you been wondering how to get your web-site noticed? Could your business benefit from developing a Web-site or other technology driven marketing? Would it be hard to learn? Is it expensive? Are you wondering what is next in technology?

Technology 101: New Strategies to Market Your Business will be held May 13, 2009 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Monroe County YMCA - HTC Center. This workshop will help local businesses understand how emerging technologies, internet marketing and social media can help grow your customer base and increase sales - even in today’s challenging environment. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity which will provide useful information for every kind of business. If your business is proficient in current technologies or just wants entry level information, this workshop is for you.

The Monroe County Economic Development Council in partnership with HTC - Harrisonville Telephone Company will be holding this FREE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP as part of the Think Monroe County First Program.

In order to attend, businesses must have a physical location in Monroe County. Attendance is limited to two individuals per company.
Please RSVP by May 8 to Nora Feuquay, U of I Extension-Monroe County Community and Economic Development Educator at 618-939-3434 or nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

It’s golfing time for April’s TMCF Winner

2009-04-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Pat Pautler of Waterloo is set to hit the greens after winning two rounds of 18-hole golf with cart at The Ridge Golf Course in Waterloo as the first April winner in the Think Monroe County First! "Super Consumer" drawing.

Her winning ticket was drawn at Echoes of the Past in Waterloo. The prize was donated by Monroe County Commissioner Delbert Wittenauer and The Ridge Golf Course. The next winner has been drawn and will be announced on April 23.

The second April winner will receive a 16-GB iPod Nano, valued at $200 and donated by Midland States Bank of Waterloo.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

In May, consumers can enter to win two more great prizes donated by Reineger’s Jewelry in Waterloo and the YMCA of Monroe County.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Second March Super Consumer Winner Announced

2009-03-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

The second March winner in the Think Monroe County First! "Super Consumer" drawing is Kim Epplin of Waterloo. Her winning ticket was drawn at Sears of Waterloo.

Epplin received a “Taste of Monroe County” gift basket valued at $130 and donated by Reliable Sanitation in Waterloo. Items in the basket include: gift certificates from Mokka Kaffeehaus (Columbia), Joe Boccardi’s (Columbia), JV’s (Waterloo), Courthouse Café (Waterloo), and a bottle of wine from Schorr Lake Vineyards (Waterloo).

The April winner, to be drawn on April 9, will win two 18-hole rounds of golf with cart at The Ridge Golf Course in Waterloo. The prize was donated by Monroe County Commissioner Delbert Wittenauer and The Ridge Golf Course. The second April winner will receive a 16-GB iPod Nano, valued at $200 and donated by Midland States Bank in Waterloo.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

To take see our participating businesses and for more information on the program visit, www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

First March Super Consumer Winner Drawn

2009-03-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

The March winner in the Think Monroe County First! "Super Consumer" drawing is Marion Goeddel of Waterloo.

Her winning ticket was drawn at Sears of Waterloo. Goeddel will receive a V-Tech 6.0 Four Handset Cordless Phone with Digital Answering System valued at $129.95 donated by Harrisonville Telephone Company. The next winner has been drawn and will be announced on March 23.

The second March winner will receive a “Taste of Monroe County” gift basket valued at $130 and donated by Reliable Sanitation in Waterloo. Items in the basket include: gift certificates from Mokka Kaffeehaus (Columbia), Joe Boccardi’s (Columbia), JV’s (Waterloo), Courthouse Café (Waterloo), and a bottle of wine from Schorr Lake Vineyards (Waterloo).

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

In April, consumers can enter to win two more great prizes. The first April winner will win two, 18-hole rounds of golf with cart at The Ridge Golf Course in Waterloo, which was donated by Delbert Wittenauer and The Ridge Golf Course. The second April winner will receive a 16-GB iPod Nano, valued at $200 and donated by Midland Bank of Waterloo.

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Second February Super Consumer Announced

2009-03-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

The second round February winner in the Think Monroe County First! "Super Consumer" drawing is James Dryden of Waterloo. His winning ticket was drawn at Chuck Pittman State Farm Insurance in Waterloo. His prize is a $100 gift card donated by First National Bank of Waterloo. The next winner will be drawn and announced on March 9.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.In March, consumers will be entering for a chance to win a V-Tech 6.0 Four Handset Cordless Phone with Digital Answering System valued at $129.95 donated by Harrisonville Telephone Company and a “Taste of Monroe County” gift basket valued at $130 and donated by Reliable Sanitation in Waterloo. Items in the basket include: gift certificates from Mokka Kaffeehaus (Columbia), Joe Boccardi’s (Columbia), JV’s (Waterloo), Courthouse Café (Waterloo), and a bottle of wine from Schorr Lake Vineyards (Waterloo).

To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.

Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

February Super Consumers Win “Illuminating” Prize

2009-02-24T12:38:00.000-08:00

The February winners in the Think Monroe County First! "Super Consumer" drawing are Jim and Marilyn Williams. Their winning ticket was drawn at JLP Homes in Waterloo. The prize is $125 worth of lamps of their choice at Harres Furniture in Columbia. The next winner has been drawn and will be announced on February 27th.Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.There will be two winners drawn again in March. Consumers will be entering for a chance to win a V-Tech 6.0 Four Handset Cordless Phone with Digital Answering System valued at $129.95 donated by Harrisonville Telephone Company and a “Taste of Monroe County” gift basket valued at $130 and donated by Reliable Sanitation in Waterloo. Items in the basket include: gift certificates from Mokka Kaffeehaus (Columbia), Joe Boccardi’s (Columbia), JV’s (Waterloo), Courthouse Café (Waterloo), and a bottle of wine from Schorr Lake Vineyards (Waterloo).
To take the pledge to Think Monroe County First and for more information on the program visit www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com or http://monroecountylocal.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about the Monroe County Economic Development Council at http://www.monroecountyedg.org/.
Another way to become involved is to contact U of I Extension Unit Educator, Community and Economic Development, Nora Feuquay at 618-939-3434/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu, or a member of the Monroe County Economic Development Council at 618-939-8681 ext. 216.

Second Round January Winners Announced

2009-02-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

The second round January winner in the Think Monroe County First! "Super Consumer" drawing is Tom Marcheski. His winning ticket was drawn for a purchase at Sears of Waterloo. His prize is a $100 MasterCard gift card donated by State Bank of Waterloo.

The next winner will been drawn and will be announced on February 9th. That winner will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card donated by First National Bank of Waterloo. The second February winner will receive their choice of lamps (valued up to $125.00) donated by Harres Appliance & Furniture of Columbia.

In March, consumers will be earning chances to win a V-Tech 6.0 Four Handset Cordless Phone with Digital Answering System valued at $129.95 or a "Taste of Monroe County" gift basket including gift certificates and goodies from various businesses around Monroe County (valued at approximately $130.00) donated by Reliable Sanitation of Waterloo.

Turning Up the Downturn Begins Right Here

2009-01-23T09:36:00.000-08:00

By Jane Kolmer, Monroe County Economic Development Council

Have you ever stopped to wonder why everyone is so nervous about America’s current economic condition, even if they have not personally suffered any loss? It seems that modern man may not be as far removed from our more primitive ancestors as we would like to think. The instinct to run when a member of our “herd” senses something to fear is still a big part of how we deal with many challenging situations.

It takes a lot more than logic to resist the temptation of fear, even if the days in which it was smarter to “take flight” than to question a threat have long passed.

The national economy is decidedly difficult to predict with any accuracy—even the guys who get big bucks to do so have missed the mark widely this year! It’s at least as difficult as predicting the weather a year from today, or foreseeing exactly who will live to be 100 and who will die at 40. No matter how much of an educated guess we make, it is still only that--a guess.

So what can we do to improve our chances of maintaining a high quality of life through these difficult times? The answers are probably the same as at any other time, but they require increased attention to the basics.

The media is full of advice on how we can individually improve our personal “financial strategies.” More often than not, this is advice we should be following all along, even when the economy is at its strongest; unfortunately, it often takes trouble to get our attention. Those who endured the transition called the Great Depression of the 1930s became more diligent, more resourceful--maybe even smarter--and that is the good news about bad economic times.

Paying attention to the economic conditions in your local community is also good advice to follow any time. As with our personal finances, the need for community economic awareness increases in difficult times. People instinctively become more conscious of how they spend their money. They become more aware of how their own economic decisions, coupled with those of their neighbors and of local taxing bodies (such as local governments and school districts) impact their quality of life.

At the same time, those taxing bodies are facing their own concerns in dealing with a downward cycling economy. Faced with decreased government funding, decreased sales tax revenue and lower property tax assessments, each one is struggling to figure out how to weather the coming “storm” without compromising the services we expect from them.

We may not be able to solve the nation’s financial problems, but there is a lot we can do right here at home to minimize the impact of the current downturn on our quality of life. Supporting local business is more important than people often realize. When local businesses ask citizens to try and increase local spending, that request is often interpreted as an attempt by business owners to help themselves. In reality, a strong local economy directly impacts the quality of life for everyone in the community.

Here’s how: With increased local spending comes increased employment opportunities, sales tax revenue, property tax revenues, donations and contributions to local organizations, and much more--all of these things help reduce the necessity of local tax bodies increasing your individual burden or cutting back their services.

When you spend $100 in a Monroe County business, that money circulates through the local economy several times as that business pays employees, turns over its share of taxes, buys raw materials, makes investments, and so on. That same $100 re-enters and bolsters the local economy many times in many different ways that impact the local economy; the technical term for this is the “multiplier effect.” Those revenues help pay for the services that your local taxing entities are trying to maintain…for you. That same $100 spent in St. Louis or on the Internet simply vanishes from this community, although it provides tax revenues someone else. Every dollar you can keep in Monroe County, therefore, is an investment in this community.

Spending locally, whenever and wherever possible, just makes sense. When all elements of the community (i.e., private citizens, school districts, local government, other taxing entities, private businesses, and non-profits) support businesses located within their own community, they are being fiscally responsible--that translates directly into a higher quality of life for the community’s residents.

When we shift a portion of our income that is presently leaving Monroe County for merchandise and services that are available right here and right now, we start to become “conscious consumers”--and that’s smart for all of us!

Jane Kolmer is a member of the Executive Board of the Monroe County Economic Development Council, a public-private partnership that sponsors the “Think Monroe County First!” campaign.

No Cape, But Heller is January's First 'Super Consumer'

2009-01-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

The January winner in the Think Monroe County First! "Super Consumer" drawing is Clyde Heller. His winning ticket was drawn for his purchase at Sears of Waterloo. The prize is a 204-piece Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set (valued at $199.99) donated by Sears of Waterloo. The next winner has been drawn and will be announced on January 23rd.

Watch your local newspapers--the Monroe County Clarion, Monroe County Independent and The Republic-Times--for coverage on winners as well as the next "Conscious Consumer" feature.

There will be two winners drawn again in February. Consumers will be entering for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card donated by First National Bank of Waterloo or choice of lamps (valued up to $125.00) donated by Harres Furniture of Columbia.

Businesses: More Drawings, More Interest--Are You Ready?

2008-12-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

Due to the overwhelming success and enthusiasm for "Think Monroe County First!" by both consumers and businesses, the campaign will be announcing two winners per month starting next month. Drawing prizes for January will include a 204-piece Craftsman Tool set valued at $199.99 (donated by Sears in Waterloo) and a $100 MasterCard Debit Gift Card (donated by State Bank of Waterloo).

Next month's drawing will help keep the program “front of mind” and should create interest and positive reinforcement on a regular and ongoing basis--proof that consumers are being rewarded for their efforts and smart spending habits. Is your business ready to respond to customer requests to participate?

Your campaign kit includes information on the program, recommendations and procedures to assist you in participating, along with the following items:

A door decal to show you are a participating business;
A sample tear off entry form;
Other sample items; and
An order form for materials and supplies, which are available at quantity pricing through the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC).

All these items are part of the marketing for this campaign, which intends to “brand” the message of “Think Monroe County First!” with consumers. In addition, computer files of the logo and other relevant information are available at no charge. You are encouraged to use this logo as often as possible and in as many ways as possible to show support for the program.

Your customers participate in the monthly drawing when they get a tear off form from your business. An initial supply of tear off forms will be provided next week upon request to all participating businesses; additional forms are available through MCEDC for $11 per 100. These forms include a thank you, outline the benefits and rewards of spending locally and include a perforated entry form for the drawing. Give them to consumers for a minimum purchase of goods and services (at your business’ discretion). You can also distribute the forms with your mailed invoices, billings, etc. Please take a moment to place your business' name on the front of the entry form so you can be recognized when a customer wins due to a purchase from you. Also let us know if your business would like to donate an item for the drawing.

Once completed, your customer can either return the entry form to your business for your submission, or return it directly to the Monroe County Court House either by mail or hand delivery. If you collect entries for your customers, it is your responsibility to return them to either the Court House or to a designated drop location prior to the 5th of each month. A drop box is located in the circle drive of the Court House on the Route 3 side. Current alternative drop locations are: State Bank of Waterloo, Columbia National Bank, First National Bank of Waterloo, and Commercial State Bank of Waterloo.

The marketing campaign will constantly and consistently remind area consumers of the “Think Monroe County First!” message. This is to be accomplished through local businesses active participation in the program using supplied reinforcement tools, as much as by media and campaign-related events. It is essential that we have good participation in this portion of the program from local businesses in order for the campaign to be successful, so please encourage participation among your business peers.

We intend to educate consumers (private consumers, business entities and taxing bodies) to the real and valuable returns attached to spending their dollars within Monroe County. The educational message will teach consumers that spending within their home community it is absolutely in their personal best interest. Consequences of this action include a boost for local business which translates into improved quality of life for residents. This campaign in not intended to push or punish consumers for their choices, rather to educate them to “Think Monroe County First!” when making their purchases.

First 'Super Consumer' Feted

2008-12-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Karen Huffman was named Monroe County’s first “Super Consumer” in the Think Monroe County First! campaign. Huffman’s name was drawn by Bob Ripplemeyer at the Monroe County Courthouse on December 9th for her purchase at Clark’s Country Oaks in Waterloo. Her prize was four tickets to the December 19th Amy Grant and Vince Gill Christmas Concert at Scotts Trade Center (donated by The Republic Times) and a $50 gift certificate to Gallagher’s Restaurant in Waterloo (donated by Action Graphics & Signs).

The next drawing will be held January 10th for a 204-piece Craftsman Mechanics Tool set valued at $199.99 (donated by Sears in Waterloo). Entry forms are available at participating businesses throughout Monroe County. Don’t forget to ask local businesses for an entry forms when patronizing them!

Also named last week were the latest consumers in Monroe County to take the “pledge” in support of local business. Those who took the pledge acknowledged their commitment to “Think Monroe County First” in areas of purchasing and securing goods and services.

Taking the pledge were First National Bank of Waterloo; Chuck Pittman State Farm Insurance; Mike Kovarik County Commissioner, Sears of Waterloo; Action Graphics & Signs, Inc; and the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the cities of Waterloo and Columbia adopted resolutions to support the program and its message.

Businesses: Here's How to Participate

2008-12-18T13:27:00.001-08:00

It’s easy to become part of the "Think Monroe County First!" campaign, and more local businesses are signing on each day.

First, sign up on the campaign website (http://www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com/) so that organizers can drop by a campaign kit—then, just post the decal on your door and start giving out the tear off entry forms. Your business should appear on the "Participating Businesses" listing within a day or two of singing up.

Be sure to visit the website yourself and read the summary in the campaign packet to ensure that you understand the program yourself. If you have employees who will be involved in the program, be sure that you’ve shared this information with them, too. If you want or need more promotional items, just give a shout to Jane Kolmer at Action Graphics, (618) 939-5755.

That’s all you have to do to be an “official” part of the TMCF team. If you want to join the campaign's LinkedIn group, too, send Paul Ellis your request at the City of Columbia.

'Think Monroe County First'

2008-12-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

If every household in Monroe County spends an additional $3.50 per day that they are currently spending outside of the county, local business sales will increase by more than $18.5 million per year. That's the basis for "Think Monroe County First!"--our campaign's goal is to educate local consumers about the real and valuable benefits of spending first in their home county.

Our household goal is $3.50 per day, per household—a couple of sodas, a really good cup of coffee, a gallon or two of gas. If we can increase that to $50 per week per household, then the total will rise to almost $40 million per year in increased sales (about $64,000 per business).

Local businesses support our community through employment, sales and property taxes, community service contributions, donations, and more. Every dollar that Monroe County consumers spend locally casts a vote in favor of the future of our community.Local business owners live in our community, care about our community, and invest in our community. Studies show that 40 cents of every dollar spent locally has local benefits. These dollars finance our local quality of life, making every local purchase a good investment in our community.

Here's another reason to "think Monroe County first"--each month, customers who participate in the campaign will be entered into a drawing by the local merchants they patronize. The first drawing is for four tickets to Christmas with Amy Grant & Vince Gill in St. Louis on December 19th plus dinner at Gallagher's (courtesy of The Republic Times & Action Graphics).

Now You Find It!--and Share What You Find...

2008-12-05T19:24:00.001-08:00

Since June, this blog has found interesting businesses throughout Monroe County and posted information about them to the site. Now it's your turn to--

Find new businesses that haven't been profiled yet and post the information here, or
Tell us what you think of businesses that have been profiled here

It's easy--just click on "Comments" at the end of any post, then enter your information in the box that appears.

And please join the "Think Monroe County First!" campaign, a local effort that encourages consumers to be smart with their purchases and to patronize the local businesses that we have been finding all over Monroe County.

A Corner on Quaint Lodging

2008-10-10T12:16:00.001-07:00

A frontier Victorian structure built in 1884, the Corner George Inn has seven painstakingly restored, antique-filled guest rooms with private baths, including a guest cottage, loft suite and a four room clawfoot tub whirlpool suite. Breakfast is served in an elegant 600-square-foot ballroom.

The only thing more quaint than the inn is its setting--the nineteenth-century German village of Maeystown. Just off scenic Bluff Road a few miles south of Columbia, Maeystown's original settlers were German immigrants in the 1850s. Today, the entire village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places--one of only a few villages in the State of Illinois to be so honored--with sixty significant structures. Visitors can enjoy visiting structures integrated into the landscape, as well as an engaging museum, a craft shop, a sweet shoppe, the general store, a year-round Christmas and antique shop, and a restaurant.

Not Shy About Sly

2008-09-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Like many other visitor attractions in this area Sal's Wartburg Inn has a firm stake in Monroe County's German heritage. This restored 1881 stage coach stop half way between Maeystown and Waterloo features steaks, fish, chicken, pasta and a signature salad.

At the same time, Sal's has a right to some modern celebrity. Owners Sheri and Vito Stallone claim Sylvester Stallone (of "Rocky" and "Rambo" fame) as a relative, and rumor has it that Sly can, on occasion, be found sampling the cuisine at the inn.

These Oaks Have Deep Roots

2008-08-27T12:03:00.001-07:00

To say that Tom Clark and Clark's Country Oaks have deep roots in Monroe County is surely an understatement. In 2000, Tom and his wife, Becky, took over an existing business which had been in business for 14 years, making them the third generation of family-owned businesses in Waterloo. Tom's parents owned a Zenith TV store for 32 years, his grandfather owned an American Motors car dealership for about 27 years, and his dad's sister and her husband own a family bakery--all four of these businesses were, and are, located along one block of Church St. in Waterloo.

An authorized Simply Amish dealer, Clark's Country Oaks' offers a line of handcrafted furniture, bedroom sets, dining room and upholstered furniture, and home accessories that exhibit traditional craftsmanship. At the same time, the store has entered the modern age--they offer online catalogs in addition to the bricks-and-mortar shopping experience.

Jeweler to the Stars

2008-08-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

Curtis Jewelers in Columbia doesn't advertise high prices, but the firm's work (according to a recent article in the Monroe County Clarion) is reaching heights to which few other jewelers can aspire. Owner Curt Cecena has crafted a medallion for astronaut Sandra Magnus--a native of Belleville who spent a summer semester at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC)--to carry into outer space when she takes off for the International Space Station in November.

Cecena had to work within considerable constraints--he only had two days to make a piece that normally takes two weeks, and Magnus is limited to a total of 1.5 pounds of personal items that she can take into orbit. He ended up settling on a disk that is made out of 14-carat white gold with an image showing a spaceship orbiting Earth with Magnus' name and the name of her spacecraft on one side and the SWIC logo and lettering with a spaceship on the other.

It may not be technically true that Cecena's work met the standards of the National Aeronautical and Space Agency (NASA), but it surely met exacting demands...

Put a Little Action in Your Graphics

2008-08-11T09:07:00.001-07:00

Located midway between Columbia and Waterloo (boasting a Columbia address and a Waterloo phone number) is Monroe County's one-stop shop for signs and other graphic productions. Owner and chief creative officer Jane Kolmer has built Action Graphics & Signs Inc. into one of the area's most visible enterprises since its founding in 1992.

Maybe that's not surprising. After all, this business is all about promoting visibility--which it does through graphic design and printing on signs, vehicles, banners, T-shirts and promotional items. Jane's work can be found in a myriad of locations around Monroe County, and beyond. Action Graphics also offers Promotion Connection, a monthly newsletter to keep clients--and potential clients--informed about the latest trends in promotions. No wonder Jane's client list includes addresses from across the country!

Jane's personal visibility has blossomed recently as she has contributed countless volunteer hours to creating, organizing and promoting the "Think Monroe County First!" campaign.

There's a Sears in Waterloo!

2008-07-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a leading broadline retailer offering a wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,400 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada. Most Monroe County residents are familiar with this retail giant's influential history, its catalogs, and its presence in major malls. What most Monroe County consumers don't know is that there is a Sears store in Waterloo!

Located just a couple blocks of Illinois 3 on the north side of town, Sears of Waterloo offers an array of appliances, home goods, tools, and miscellaneous other items available for sale on site. Catalog orders may also be placed and picked up through this store.

A Greener Way to Get Greener

2008-07-11T06:48:00.001-07:00

Water gardens and other unique landscaping treatments are features of more and more homes in Columbia and Monroe County, adding greenery and, in many cases, increasing privacy.

In today's reality of high-priced gasoline and sensitivity to carbon emissions, it makes sense to have the work done by a local firm--or, if it's a "do it yourself" effort, to purchase materials locally. In Columbia, there is an abundance of businesses to choose from, including the following:

Accent Landscape Design - 524 S. Breidecker St., (618) 281-9607;
Bluffside Farms Landscaping - 304 N. Main St., (618) 281-3384;
Greenthumb Nursery & Landscaping - 741 Hill Castle Rd., (618) 281-4081;
Green Tree Enterprises - 1839 Ghent Rd., Suite 110, (618) 281-4433;
Linneman Lawn Care & Landscaping - P.O. Box 415, (618) 281-7685;
Outdoor Systems - 303 Saint Paul St., (618) 281-8270;
Retaining Wall Solutions Inc. - 221 Prairie Run, (618) 281-0500;
Shady Creek Nursery & Garden‎ - 201 Carl St, (618) 281-7722‎;
Sonnenberg Landscaping Materials & Supplies - 8526 Hanover Industrial Dr., (618) 939-9121

Press of Business

2008-07-09T14:19:00.001-07:00

For the past sixty years, Conrad Press has maintained high standards for its local customers both in terms of product quality and delivery of services. Owners John & Marie Conrad offer complete printing and graphic services, plus the latest in computer forms, checks and other office products frequently used in the modern environment.

But what's possibly the most surprising aspect of this Main Street mainstay is its long-standing commitment to the Internet. John Conrad planted his first stake in virtual reality in 1996 with the launch of the Monroe County Galleria, billed as "the first indoor shopping mall in the county"--in reality, maybe one of the first in the country. "We were probably ahead of our time," Conrad now recalls. His clear understanding of the value of the Internet is reflected in the seal (above, right) Conrad developed for his web pages.

Today, Conrad continues his online leadership by means of the Monroe County Independent, a weekly online news source that previews a print edition.

First Stop in the Morning--Mokka

2008-07-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

If you are a caffeine addict, chances are you've already found Mokka--one of Columbia's few early morning espresso stops.

Located in the Marketplace Shopping Center just across the parking lot from the post office, Mokka offers a full menu of espresso drinks, more than twenty different flavored syrups, Ghirardelli sauces and a outstanding customer service beginning at 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. on weekend mornings.

Owner Shannon Zarek decided to give up her lengthy commute from Columbia to law offices in Clayton, MO to hit the barista trail six months ago and hasn't looked back since. Now, Mokka is open weekdays until 7:00 p.m. to offer an even wider array of items, including:

Salads, wraps and sandwiches--all made fresh to order
Boxed lunches and carry out
Danishes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, bagels, scones and specialty cupcakes
Trays of mini muffins for bridal showers and other events
Wine and microbrews

Mokka also offers live entertainment with an open mike--check it out!

Off the Beaten Path, But in the Right Direction

2008-06-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

New research is beginning to suggest that some elderly people do better in small-scale care accommodations than in a large-scale nursing home. They need less help, are more socially involved and enjoy their surroundings more in a smaller environment. Their professional caregivers also prefer to work in smaller care environments.

Garden Place is a locally-owned assisted living facility located in a quiet neighborhood in Columbia. Despite its restful location, this facility is operating on the cutting edge of that new research--it's set up to offer elderly residents what the studies are revealing they need.

Residents can safely walk outside on Garden Place's grounds to enjoy the fresh air. There are common areas for socializing--like the bright, comfortable sun room--or those who prefer can always enjoy the quiet of their own private living areas. Residents are invited to bring some of their own furnishings and to decorate their room or suite however they like, to make them feel at home.

Hot Stuff From South of the (St. Clair County) Border

2008-06-23T12:13:00.001-07:00

Columbia is known as a farming community, and even outsiders know that tomatoes are one of the crops grown here. What's been known to only a few (until now, that is) is that Columbia is also the home to the finest salsa north of El Paso: Senorita Merz Slo-Simmered Salsa.

In 1996, Linda Merz began making salsa on her kitchen stove in Columbia, using fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers and garlic from her father-in-law’s farm. Linda began cooking batches of salsa on a regular basis, and the demand grew. With the assistance of her husband, Steve, and other family members and friends, production moved to the garage, then to kitchen space rented from local restaurants after hours, and finally to King’s Food Products in Belleville.

Today, Linda's salsa is sold not just in Columbia's Market Place, but in many Dierberg's and Straub's across the region--and by a variety of other food vendors, as well.

Plumb Full of Style

2008-06-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

Agnes Ross officially opened for business today in the historic Old Distillery (121 S. Main). The store sells plumbing fixtures and repair parts, gas lighting fixtures, and other products to "make your home a true sanctuary in a hectic world."

"Just because a task is necessary," opines co-owner David Nobbe, "it doesn't necessarily have to be a chore." The store is named in honor of his grandmother, Agnes Ross Descher, the widow of a Columbia police officer killed in the line of duty and the family's beloved matriarch.

The Agnes Ross product lines include Delta and Kohler plumbing fixtures, Legendary Lighting gas and electric copper lanterns, Caldrea cleaning products, rugs by KHall Designs and others, Pine Cone Hill linens, The Laundress specialy laundry products, Kassatex organic bath linens, RainChains, and Flopping Fish architectural hardware.

In coming months, Agnes Ross will add product lines and launch an online store.

Book a Berth in Admiral Trost Center

2008-06-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

In August, a 77-room Hampton Inn is scheduled to open at the Admiral Trost Center, according to Terry Johnson, a partner in Columbia Hospitality LLC (which owns the new hotel) and owner of Johnson Properties. The Hampton Inn will be the first hotel in Columbia, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Gray Design Group of St. Louis is the architect on the project, and GRS Construction of Columbia is general contractor. Reliance Bank is providing construction financing on the $6.3 million project.

The intersection of Admiral Parkway (Illinois Route 3) and Valmeyer Road in the heart of this small city is taking on a new look as development of the Admiral Trost Center gains momentum, according to Craig Hiser, president and managing broker of CMJP Properties, broker for the development. Columbia-based Wegmann Properties and Wegmann Group are developers of the center, a commercial and light industrial project that will cover just over 30 acres when completed.

Last December, Maverick Technologies moved into its new 35,000-square-foot, $6 million world headquarters in the Admiral Trost Center. Korte Construction is general contractor on the design-build project. Maverick, which provides engineering, systems integration and consulting in the industrial automation field and employs about 600 people company wide, has 110 employees in the new, two-story building.

In April, Reliance Bank opened a new 3,800-square-foot bank branch, also in the Admiral Trost Center. United Construction of St. Louis was general contractor on the $800,000 project.

Admiral Trost Center is named for Columbia native son Carlisle Trost, USN, a retired United States Navy officer who served as the Navy’s twenty-third Chief of Naval Operations and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1986 to 1990. He oversaw the Navy during the end of the Cold War, and was involved in preparations for the first Persian Gulf War (1991).

Furnishing the Good Life

2008-06-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

The City of Columbia's official theme is "good for business, good for life." No local business offers Columbia residents a taste of the good life better than Harres Appliance & Furniture.

In 1985, Joel & Linda Harres bought Weilbachers Appliance and Furniture, a local fixture for more than forty years. In 2001, the Harres built a new, bigger showroom in the Admiral Weinel Plaza, allowing them to display the best from major brands like Flexsteel, La-Z-Boy, Maytag, Whirlpool and many more.

With over 3,000 fabrics to choose from, any custom order is possible. Harres Appliance & Furniture offers something for every room in the home! And--many local shoppers are surprised to find that Harres is very competitive in its pricing with its big-box competitors across the Mississippi.