1. www.growthassociation.com
the
Business
EDGE
Serving Business, Encouraging Growth in Southwestern Illinois
Volume 6 DECEMBER Issue 12
The Ambassador Committee celebrates the Spirit of Christmas with Community
Hope Center
IN THIS ISSUE On Tuesday, December 9, 2008, the breakings, open houses, and Business
Ambassador Committee of the RiverBend after Hours networking events. They
Growth Association partnered with the volunteer to work at our special events
Upcoming Event Community Hope Center by hosting a which are the Annual Duck Race,
page 2 toy drive to assist the Community Hope Annual Dinner, Annual Riverbend
Center’s annual giving mission. Golf Classic, State of the Riverbend
Luncheon and the Women’s
Welcome our Newest Members Each December, the Ambassador Conference. This committee also
page 4 Committee members gather together to assists the Membership Committee
celebrate the holiday season. This year the in the recruitment and retention of the
ambassadors treated themselves to lunch at membership.
Mayor Report - Grafton Gentelin’s on Broadway, where the food and
page 9 service was fabulous and the banquet room A BIG THANK-YOU to every 2008
was full of holiday atmosphere. Ambassador Committee member for The Ambassador Committee of the RiverBend
their generous gift of volunteerism: Bill Aery Growth Association partnered with Community
Ribbon Cuttings Each committee member was secretly of Godfrey Lions Club, Nancy Baahlmann Hope Center in collecting toys for their annual
page 10 assigned the name of another committee of Beverly Farm, Gwen Baalman of holiday toy drive.
member for a gift exchange. Each ConocoPhillips Wood River Refinery, Karen
committee member bought a child’s toy that Baker-Brncic of Alton Marina, Dorrie Ball Office Products, Laura Schwartzkopf of
represented something about the recipient. of KevCor Construction Services, Jenni Schwartzkopf Printing, Lexie Werner of
They brought the gift to the party wrapped Beck, Mary Boulds of the City of Alton, Sally Lockhaven Country Club, Donna Thornton
and tagged with the information on whom it Crook of Suncon Designers & Builders, of Southern Illinois Real Estate Center, Pam
was going to and who it was from. After the Loretta Dawdy of WBGZ, Dorothy Droste, Whisler of the Village of Godfrey, Denise
recipient opened their gift, the “giver” had Debbie Frakes, Linda Funk of Regions Wolff of First Clover Leaf Bank and Tina
to explain why they bought that toy for that Bank, Jerry Gibson of the Village of Godfrey, Zumwalt of Saint Anthony’s Health Center.
committee member. All of the toys were then Jennifer Hasamear of United Way, Janae
donated to Community Hope Center! What Hausman of Olin Community Credit Union, For more information on the Community
a fun way to give back to the community! Gary Hoggatt, Jr. of National Bank at Hope Center and how you can support their
Edwardsville, Phil Kammann of Airport Bowl, community outreach efforts, please contact
5800 Godfrey Road - Alden Hall The stories shared with each other during Debra Kannel of Cornerstone Bank & Trust, their development director, Angela Valdes,
Godfrey, Illinois 62035 this “toy exchange” were funny, heart Therese Kuddes of Kuddes Advertising, by calling 618-462-2331.
warming and sometimes, emotional. The Marlene Lewis of Alton Memorial Hospital,
Phone: 618-467-2280
atmosphere this “toy exchange” created is a Sue Lowrance of the Village of Bethalto, To experience your
Fax: 618-466-8289 memory that none of us will ever forget. Karen McAtee of TheBANK of Edwardsville, fine dining tastes,
info@growthassociation.com Char McAllister of Girl Scouts of the River please call Sarah
www.growthassociation.com The Ambassador Committee is a group of Bluffs Council, Jeff Maclin of WBGZ, Brenda at Gentelin’s on
Growth Association members who represent Moore, Kristen Orban of The Telegraph, Broadway at 618-
the RiverBend Growth Association as a Jackie Parks of Liberty Bank, Dick Propes 465-6080.
public relations body. The main focus of this of Alton Youth Symphony, Jenny Robison
committee is to aid the Growth Association of Shell Community Federal Credit Union, Ambassador Jerry
in maintaining our visibility in the community. the late Otto Rice of the City of Wood Gibson with the Village
The Ambassador committee provides this River, Amy Schaake of Dr. Frank Bemis of Godfrey was Santa’s
helper during the toy
visibility by generously volunteering their and Associates, Christy Schaper of Royal drive.
time to attend our ribbon cuttings, ground
A monthly publication of The River Bend Growth Association...
Your Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Agency

2. page 2 • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Business Edge THE TELEGRAPH
Board of Directors 2008
Kent Scheffel, Chairman Ambassador of the Month
Therese Kuddes of Kuddes Advertising Upcoming Meetings and
Melissa Erker, Past Chairman
David Miller, Chair-Elect Events
Mike Fitzgerald, Treasurer 1/1 Office Closed
I am Therese Kuddes and my husband, Kevin,
1/7 New Member Orientation,
Dale Blachford and I own Kuddes Advertising Specialties. I RBGA, 12:00
David Braasch have been selling advertising specialty items 1/8 Young Adults Committee, 8:15
Mayor Michael Campion since 1983. 1/8 Business After Hours, TheBANK
Karen Cooper of Edwardsville, 5:00
Jeff Davis 1/9 Promotions Committee,
I am a member of The River Bend Growth
Larry Franklin Paradise Donuts, 8:15
Tobie Grover Association and have been since 1990. I 1/13 Ambassador Committee,
Cathy Hamilton currently am an Ambassador and serve on the Beverly Farm, 11:30
Pam Heepke Membership and Education Committees. 1/19 MLK Holiday – Office Closed
John Keller 1/20 “Let’s Talk’ on WBGZ, 10:00
1/21 Total Networking Luncheon,
Jeannine Kelly I am a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church where I serve on
Castelli’s Moonlight at 255,
Mark Kratschmer the Parish Pastoral Council and Eucharistic Minister to Rosewood 11:30
E.J. Kuiper Care Center in Alton. 1/22 Annual Dinner, Lewis and Clark
Jeff Lauritzen Community College, 5:00
Rich Mersinger I was born in Louisville, KY where I graduated from Mercy 1/26 Membership Committee, Food N
Don Reedy Fermentation, 11:00
Academy High School and attended Western KY University. My
Bill St. Peters
husband, two dogs and I live in Godfrey. We have 2 sons, Ben
Mayor Don Sandidge
Rob Schwartz is a Civil Engineer in Rogers, AR and Brian is an Assistant Golf
Jim Shrader Professional in Springfield, IL. I enjoy quilting and sewing.
Cindy Smalley
Jack Tueth
Brenda Walker McCain
Martha Warford Purchase your tickets for the 2009 Annual Dinner
Denise Wolff
Jess Woodman Mark your calendars for The Growth Association’s Annual Dinner on Thursday, January
22, 2009, in the Commons at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Ex-Officio Directors
Mayor Kenny Beasley This event starts with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins promptly at 6:15 p.m.
Mayor Fred Bright Invitations have already gone out!
Mayor Steve Bryant
Mayor Marjorie Doerr Tickets for the dinner are $55 per person and a corporate sponsorship is $650 which
Mayor Felix Floyd includes a table for 10, a bottle of wine and recognition in The Growth Association’s
Mayor William Moore, Jr. Annual Report.
Mayor Richard Mosby
Mayor Fred Ufert
Supervisor Don Huber Growth Association Chairman Kent Scheffel of Lewis and Clark Community College will
Supervisor Doug Mueller officially turn over the gavel to 2009 Chairman of the Board of Directors David Miller of
Supervisor Dorothy Nagy St. Louis Regional Airport.
Dr. Dale Chapman
Brett Stawar The evening will also include the presentation of the Chairman’s Awards from the
David Elson Growth Association as well as awards from the Alton Regional Convention and Visitor’s
Deborah Kreutztrager Bureau.
John Pearson
Sandra Wilson For reservations or additional information, please contact Joell Aguirre at
Jesse Hopkins 467-2280 or jaguirre@growthassociation.com.
Jack Jacoby
William Kessler
Support The River Bend...Buy Locally

3. THE TELEGRAPH River Bend Growth Association Tuesday, December 23, 2008 • page 3
December 2008 Small Business of the Month Winner
The Grapevine
Congratulations to Julie Warren and Grapevine, please visit their website
Jill Vinyard-King and their staff at The at grapevinekids.com or call 618-462-
Grapevine. They are the River Bend 6502.
Growth Association’s Small Business
of the Month winner for December If you would like to nominate a
2008! business for The River Bend Growth
Association’s Small Business of the
The Grapevine is located at 121 Month, please fill out the form below
Market Street in Alton (across from and mail it to The River Bend Growth
Lincoln Douglas Square.) Julie and Association, 5800 Godfrey Road,
Jill opened their children’s boutique Alden Hall, Godfrey, IL 62035 or
in 2002, with one’s style being a bit contact Joell Aguirre at jaguirre@
trendy and one’s style being a bit growthassociation.com.
classy. The resulting mix is fun and
unique clothing with exceptional Business Name _________________
quality at reasonable prices for boys
and girls ages preemie to size 7. The Business Phone_________________
Grapevine’s offerings include, but
are not limited to, hair accessories, Owner or Manager_______________
shoes, tea sets, christening outfits,
Reason for nomination ___________
big brother big sister assortments, Julie Warren, co owner of a children’s boutique in downtown Alton, The
outerwear, toys/books and much ______________________________ Grapevine, proudly accepts the December 2008 Small Business of the Month
more. award from Award Committee chairperson Amy Schaake of Dr. Frank Bemis &
Nomination submitted by (optional) __ Associates.
To congratulate Julie and Jill on their
award or for more information on The
Support River Bend Development...Join the Growth Association Today!

4. page 4 • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Business Edge THE TELEGRAPH
Welcome our newest members who joined during the month of November 2008
Club Paws, Inc. a nice place to watch over their best with clients, helping them to $5.00 to $150.00. Our fresh meat
Jackie Spiker friend. Daycare is included for all pets understand and make sense of the counter features USDA Choice meats
299 E. Elm Street staying with Club Paws. investment options available today. cut by Mike Neuhaus Sr. who has
Alton IL 62002 Edward Jones is headquartered over 55 years of experience. We have
(618) 463-9983 Edward Jones in St. Louis. The Edward Jones beer and wine tasting events every
clubpawsinc.com Tim Epps, Financial Advisor interactive Web site is located at month in our new dining room. Sign
Club Paws, Inc. is owned and 1837 Homer Adams Pkwy., Suite G-1 www.edwardjones.com, and its up for our e-newsletter to learn what’s
operated by Jackie Spiker and Kim Alton IL 62002 recruiting Web site is www.careers. happening at Food N Fermentation,
Lee of Alton. The company provides edwardjones.com. Member SIPC. 6017 Godfrey Road, Godfrey IL.
(618) 465-2640
pet services such as Grooming, Edward Jones provides financial
Daycare (pet sitting), and Boarding. services for individual investors Evangelical United Church of Miller’s Insurance Solutions
The club for pets is located in an old in the United States and, through Christ Jean Miller
warehouse type building, this provides its affiliates, in Canada and the Reverend Jerry MeCaskey 4600 Valley Dale Rd.
a perfect environment for the pets United Kingdom. Every aspect of 1212 W. Homer Adams Parkway Godfrey IL 62035
to run and play all day long without the firm’s business, from the types Godfrey IL 62035 (618) 466-1901
being outdoors in the elements. The of investment options offered to the (618) 466-6077 Miller’s Insurance Solutions was
club is designed to reflect an outdoor, location of branch offices, is designed www.evangelicalucc.com established in 2001 by Jean & Terry
back yard setting using fencing to cater to individual investors in the Miller. Miller’s Insurance Solutions
instead of walls as barriers. Families communities in which they live and specializes in Life, Health, & Annuities
Food ‘N Fermentation
can drop off their pets on their way work. The firm’s 10,000-plus financial for both individuals and businesses,
to work and pick them up on their Phyllis and Dan Bechtold
advisors work directly with more than with office hours Monday thru
way home, just like a two legged 7 million clients to understand their 6017 Godfrey Road
Friday 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., with
daycare. While at Club Paws pets personal goals -- from college savings Godfrey IL 62035 weekend and after hour appointments
learn social skills, some manners, to retirement -- and create long-term (618) 466-6111 available. Miller’s Insurance Solutions
and get to enjoy a day of play while investment solutions that emphasize Food N Fermentation specializes in offers a variety of plans and products.
you are out. The grooming is done by a well-balanced portfolio and a buy- fine wines, micro brew beers, gourmet For additional information please
April Smith who has been grooming and-hold strategy. Edward Jones food items, fresh meats, and a hot contact their office at 466-1901.
pets for 10 years. Boarding is for embraces the importance of building and cold deli. We have over 300 micro
anyone who travels and is looking for long-term, face-to-face relationships brews and 300 fine wines priced from
Support The River Bend...Buy Locally

5. THE TELEGRAPH River Bend Growth Association Tuesday, December 23, 2008 • page 5
Identity Theft – Could it Happen to You?
Actually, it could happen to • Be aware - fraudsters can strike in or fees on their winnings. Article submitted by Shell Community
anyone – someone you don’t know any state, city, or town. Don’t think, • Annual credit report - you may Federal Credit Union
is running up charges on your credit “It won’t happen here.” now order a free copy of your
card, opening accounts, establishing • Be cautious - if something credit report every year. Go to Information taken collectively from
cell phone service, and taking out appears out of the ordinary; check www.annualcreditreport.com to everythingcumarketing.com and © 2008 Credit
Union National Association Inc. Reprinted with
loans in your name…with your good with your credit union or bank so request yours today. permission
credit. All an identity thief needs is they can do further research.
a little bit of information to do a lot of • Review account histories and
damage to your financial well-being – average balances to identify
and your credit report. unusual circumstances. “The power of the RiverBend Growth Association is that
With just a few key facts about • Stay in touch with current scams:
you (all too easily obtained) such as -Counterfeit money orders and it can represent all the business stakeholders in the
your full name, your Social Security checks printed with high-quality region. The Growth Association has been important over
number, an account number, a paper and graphics. Fraudsters the last few years as a voice of the impacts of potential
password/PIN, your previous address, use these counterfeit instruments legislation on our large manufacturing industries and
or your mother’s maiden name, to obtain funds from unsuspecting the implications that potential proposals may have on
an identity thief could make you a victims.
victim of the fastest-growing crime in -Overpayment by check, typically
the small business either directly or indirectly. To have
America. You probably won’t know several thousand dollars, with a a strong voice that represents the region is critical
about it until months – or even years request to wire transfer the excess to ConocoPhillips as well as to any business in the
– later. to another financial institution. RiverBend.”
Crimes like this will continue to Several forms of this scam often
happen to more and more people begin on the Internet.
- Melissa Erker, Government and Community Relations Director,
if we don’t proactively try to protect -“You’ve won” the international
ConocoPhillips Wood River Refinery.
ourselves. You can start today. lottery. This scam tells recipients
There are simple steps to take: they’re required to pay taxes and/
Support River Bend Development...Join the Growth Association Today!

6. page 6 • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Business Edge THE TELEGRAPH
Looking Back on 2008…
The RiverBend Growth Association had
another successful year supporting our
local businesses. Members enjoyed 26
networking events: 11 Business After
Hours, 6 Total Networking Lunches, 5
Breakfast Connections and 4 Quarterly
Economic Updates. Our 5 events
(the Annual Dinner, Duck Race, The
Riverbend Golf Classic, For Women By
Women training seminar and the State
of the Riverbend Luncheon) were all well Dwight and Cheryl Werts of Werts Welding and
Regions Bank employees Jeff Lauritzen, Jami
attended. We partnered with 34 businesses/ Eberwein and Matt Waters enjoy the 2008 Duck 2008 State of the RiverBend award winners:
organizations in ribbon cutting celebrations Race at Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton. President of Helmkamp Construction Brad Farrell,
and 3 ground breaking ceremonies. We Mayor Steve Bryant of the Village of Bethalto,
met and built stronger relationships with Kerry Smith and Al Ortbals of the Illinois Business
six of our local high schools. We recruited Journal, Rob Schwartz of TheBANK of Edwardsville
over 75 new members to our organization. and Mayor Fred Ufert of the City of Wood River.
Committees met each month to work on
special projects and events. More than
3,000 volunteer hours were generously
donated from our supportive members.
Thank-you, RiverBend Growth Association
members for your involvement, your support
and your guidance in 2008. With your
continued involvement, 2009 will be great
too! John Keller of Carrollton Bank sponsored a team in 2007-2008 Young Adults Committee Charity
the 2008 River Bend Golf Classic on June 20, 2008, Check Presentation: The Young Adults committee,
at Lockhaven Country Club. consisting of junior and senior representatives from
our local schools, presented United Way a check
for $1,150. United Way was the recipient of the
proceeds from the Young Adults fundraiser, Battle
Sally Roth of of the Bands 2007-2008!
Regions Bank
was the guest
speaker at
the Women’s
Seminar on
September
19, 2008,
sponsored by
January 2008: Annual Dinner award winners: 2008 the RiverBend
Chairman Kent Scheffel of Lewis & Clark Community Growth
College, Chairman’s Award winner Harold Johnson Association
of SCORE, Chairman’s Award winner Dwight Werts and SCORE. The RiverBend Growth Association celebrated with
of Werts Welding, Ambassador of the Year Gary many local and state officials in a ribbon cutting
Hoggatt Jr. of National Bank at Edwardsville, Small ceremony celebrating the IL 255 extension opening
Business of the Year Imo’s Pizza owners Shelli to Seminary Road.
Armanees, Annette Wilson and Charlie Downs and
2007 Chairman Melissa Erker of ConocoPhillips
Wood River Refinery.
Support The River Bend...Buy Locally

7. THE TELEGRAPH River Bend Growth Association Tuesday, December 23, 2008 • page 7
Growth Association Honors all 12 Small Business of Month Winners
What is this award called Small Business of the Month Award? What must a business/organization
do to win this award? They must be nominated by anyone in our community and they must complete
the application for consideration. Once the application is completed, this business’s application goes
before an awards committee of 12 Growth Association members. Each business that has a completed
application is given a score for the following categories: years of service, number of employees,
reputation, community service, appearance, innovation and response to adversity. The business with
the highest score wins the Growth Association’s monthly Small Business of the Month Award.
Laclede Community Credit Union broke ground in The monthly award recipient receives the following $2400 publicity package: the opportunity to attend
April 2008 and opened their doors in November the Growth Association’s monthly show on WBGZ talk radio, be our guest at the Growth Association’s
2008 at their newest location at 301 Mechanical networking breakfast or luncheon where they will be recognized and awarded with a plaque, a 2-sided
Lane in Bethalto. yard sign to display at their business, a featured story in The Telegraph newspaper, recognition in
the Growth Association’s Business Edge, displayed on the Growth Association’s board that travels
to Business After Hours and become eligible to win the annual Small Business of the Year award.
Contact the Growth Association to nominate a deserving business!
Congratulations to the 2008 Small Business of the Month Winners:
Moonlight Restaurant - January 2008
Backyard Dreams - February 2008
Berger Automotive - March 2008
Waltco Tools - April 2008
Dentistry with TLC - May 2008
Agha Designs - June 2008
Quality Buick Pontiac GMC Cadillac - July 2008
Jim Murphy’s Complete Landscaping - August 2008
The RiverBend Growth Association hosted four Gebbs Total Video - September 2008
economic updates throughout the year, with the Be Well Now - October 2008
intent to educate the membership on economic Illinois Business Journal - November 2008
issues pertaining to southern Illinois. Pictured The Grapevine - December 2008
here is the transportation committee who brought
Mary Lamie of IDOT to speak at the June 2008 To nominate a business for the Growth Association’s Small Business of the Month Award, please fill out
economic update: Transportation Chairman, this nomination form and return it to the RiverBend Growth Association. The Growth Association’s Awards
Attorney Dean Sweet; Martha Warford of Beverly Committee will follow up with the nominated business and get them the application to fill out. For questions
Farm; Dave Miller of St. Louis Regional Airport; about this program, please contact Joell Aguirre at 467-2280 or jaguirre@growthassociation.com.
Mary Lamie of IDOT; Godfrey Economic Developer
Matt Asselmeier; Curt Westrich of Heneghan and Small Business of the Month Nomination
Associates; and Scott Reichmann of Contegra Business Name ______________________________________________________________
Construction Company. Owner or Manager____________________________________________________________
Reason for nomination ________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Nomination submitted by (optional) _______________________________________________
Mail to: RiverBend Growth Association
Attention: Joell
5800 Godfrey Road, Alden Hall, Godfrey, IL 62035 or Fax to: (618) 466-8289
The RiverBend Growth Association celebrated 11
Business After Hours networking events in 2008. In
Members August 2008, over 350 members enjoyed the evening
participated at the Wood River Aquatic Center: the late Otto
in a speed Rice of the City of Wood River, Donna Thornton of
networking Southern Illinois Real Estate Title Center, Dorrie Ball
event at the of KevCor Construction Services, Jess Woodman of
Breakfast Woodman Collision Center and Don Reedy and Janae
Connections in Hausman of Olin Community Credit Union.
April 2008.
Support River Bend Development...Join the Growth Association Today!

8. page 8 • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Business Edge THE TELEGRAPH
Time to Sell…or Time to Buy?
We’re in a recession, which could be as we are now in, you may indeed to consider some important facts. For
severe. Several financial services benefit by not only staying invested, example, if you pulled out of the stock And here’s another reason to keep
companies have either collapsed or but also increasing your investment market and purchased certificates of investing: As measured by the price-
been bailed out by the government. dollars in the financial markets. deposit (CDs) from a strong financial to-earnings ratio (P/E), stocks are
And the stock market is down about Consider this: In nine of the last ten institution, you could reasonably currently inexpensive. If you buy
45 percent since hitting its peak in recessions, dating back to 1949, the expect that your principal will be safe more shares when prices are down,
October of 2007. Is this a “perfect S & P 500 had moved up by at least and that you will receive the interest your increased ownership stake
storm” that should blow investors out 29 percent just 12 months after hitting payments promised to you. But the should become more valuable when
of the market — or is it actually an its lowest point during the recession. interest rate you receive may not stocks recover — as they have done
opportunity for investors to jump back Of course, as you’ve no doubt heard, even keep up with inflation, so, over following every bear market in the
in? past performance is no guarantee time, your investment could end up past.
of future results, but it’s interesting costing you purchasing power.
If you’re an investor, your first impulse to note that the market eventually It’s tough to stay positive during a
might be to join the “get out while you recovered after each recession. On the other hand, if you were to gloomy market environment. But the
can” camp. After all, it’s no fun seeing remain invested in the stock market, most successful investors are often
the market plunge hundreds of points However, no one can really predict and if it does follow historical the ones who have the courage to
one day — and then hundreds more when stocks will reach that low point. patterns, you do have a chance of be optimistic when everyone around
the next day. And we keep getting It’s possible we’ve already hit it, but making up your losses. Will there be them is not.
hit by waves of bad economic news. it’s just as likely that we’ll see further continued volatility in day-to-day price
What possible reason could there be drops. movements? Almost certainly. But This article was written by James
for remaining invested in the market, keep in mind that, over the long term, Claywell, Financial Advisor with
or even adding more dollars to your And yet, even if you can’t say that a portfolio that contains a reasonable Edward Jones. James can be
current investments? we’ve hit a market low, should you amount of stocks, along with bonds, reached at 618-467-2073.
sell your stocks to “cut your losses” government securities and other
Actually, you might be surprised. and use the proceeds to buy what you investments, gives you the best
Some strong historical evidence perceive as less risky investments? chance of achieving your financial
suggests that, during a period such Before making this move, you need goals.
Support The River Bend...Buy Locally

9. THE TELEGRAPH River Bend Growth Association Tuesday, December 23, 2008 • page 9
Thank you to our members who have renewed their membership investment for 2009
Members paid December 1 through December 16, 2008
Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto George G. Burnett Chapter of Credit Oasis Women’s Center
62 Sports Group By Design Unions Olin Community Credit Union - Bethalto
Abatement Management, Inc. CALC, Institute of Technology Girl Scouts of River Bluffs Council Paradise Donuts
Action Appraisals Carpenters Local #377 Godfrey Lions Club Paynic Home for Funerals
Affordable Dentistry Today - East Alton Catholic Children’s Home Goulding’s Jewelry Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc.
Alton Area Animal Aid Association Chicago Title Insurance Company Grafton, City of Piasa Motor Fuels, Inc.
Alton Automobile Co. Citizens State Bank of Shipman Great Rivers Land Trust Picture This and More
Alton Bell Community Credit Union Clark-Wiegand Financial Services Greenville College, Adult Degree Premier Vending
Alton Community Unit School Dist. 11 Club Paws, Inc. Completion Prudent Investor Services
Alton Marketplace Comfort Homes Haine, Senator William R. Pyrotech, Inc.
Alton Memorial Sales Inc. Community Counseling Center Hayner Public Library District Raifort Commerce Park
Alton MultiSpecialists ComPAS Helmkamp Automotive Service, Inc. Regal Beagle
Alton Museum of History & Art Inc. Cornerstone Church Helmkamp Construction Co. Rinderer’s Home Health Care Pharmacy
Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Corridor 67 Hoefert, John, Attorney Riverbend Family Ministries
Bureau Culligan Water Conditioning Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center Riverbend Logistics Solutions, Inc.
Alton Square Mall Curves Illinois Valley Economic Development Riverboat Lanes
Alton Symphony Orchestra Dick’s Flowers, Inc. Corp. Robert “Bob” Sanders Waste Systems,
Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club Dippel, Betty Imo’s Pizza, Alton Pizza LLC Inc.
America’s History Museum of Godfrey Duke Bakery, Inc. IMPACT, Inc. Roberts Ford Chrysler Jeep
Apartment Community of Our Lady of the Eagle Publications, Inc. J.J. Wuellner Construction Rose Lawn Memory Gardens, Inc.
Snows East Alton-Wood River High School Jeffrey’s Flowers By Design Safety Partners, Ltd.
Arms of Love Pregnancy Resource Center District 14 Jim Murphy’s Lawn & Landscaping Saint Anthony’s Health Center
Availability, Inc. Edward Jones Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop Scheffel & Company, P.C.
Backyard Dreams, Inc. Edward Jones Investments Johnson’s Corner Inc. Schlosser, C.J. & Co., L.L.C.
Barrett Heating & Cooling Inc. Evangelical United Church of Christ Johnson’s Hearing Center Slayden Glass, Inc.
Baxter Distributing Co., Inc. Federal Steel & Erection Company Kane Mechanical Inc. Southern Illinois Real Estate Title Center
Beall Mansion First Clover Leaf Bank - Wood River Krueger’s Orchard St. Ambrose Catholic School
Beiser, State Representative Dan Food ‘N Fermentation Lakin Law Firm, The St. Louis Regional Airport
BethMor Park - Quality Homes by Design Formea Animal Hospital Long, J. Thomas, Attorney At Law Suncon, Inc. Designers & Builders
LLC Freer Auto Body Loy, Kenneth E. & Company, P.C. Today’s AdVantage
Bowl Haven Lanes Gent Funeral Home, Inc. Luken Agency, Inc., The Tolles Realty
Mac’s Sealing & Striping Unique Boutique
Madison County Employment & Training United Way of Greater St. Louis
Department Ursuline Sisters
Madison County Urban League Veolia Water North America
Mail Box Store, The Villa Rose Senior Living Community
Marquette Catholic High School WBGZ
Marshall, Jerry L., D.M.D. West Central Development Council - The
Maurices Job Center
Mederi CAREtenders Wood River Refinery History Museum
Metro Supply & Equipment Co. Woodman Collision Center, Inc.
Midwest Mowing, Inc Wooff Realtors
Miller’s Insurance Solutions YWCA
Mississippi Mud Pottery, Inc.
Moneris Solutions
Money Matters Funding Source
Morrissey Contracting Company, Inc.
Support River Bend Development...Join the Growth Association Today!

10. page 10 • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Business Edge THE TELEGRAPH
Marquette Catholic High School Celebrates With A Curtain Call…. By Design, Alton’s Newest Boutique
Owner of By Design, Lillian Guccione Bates,
celebrates with family and friends in her grand
opening of her boutique on Wednesday,
November 26th. Growth Association
members on hand to welcome Lillian into
the community are: Denise Wolff of First
Marquette Catholic High School Clover Leaf Bank, Jeff Maclin of WBGZ, Gary
Principal Mike Slaughter, along with Hoggatt of National Bank at Edwardsville,
play director Sue Mueller, proudly Mary Boulds with the City of Alton, Karen
display their new stage curtain with McAtee of TheBANK of Edwardsville, Kristen
several Marquette Catholic High Orban of The Telegraph, Jackie Parks of
School students, family and friends. Liberty Bank and Jenny Robison of Shell
Community Federal Credit Union.
Marquette Catholic High School proudly displayed their new stage curtain on One of the newest boutiques in Alton,
Friday, November 21, 2008, by celebrating with a ribbon cutting. Several family By Design, located on the ground floor of the Mississippi Lime Building in downtown
and friends of Marquette Catholic High School attended the ribbon cutting to Alton, opened their doors on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 and celebrated with a
show their support for the local catholic high school. ribbon cutting ceremony.
Sue Mueller, director of the high school plays at Marquette Catholic High By Design, owned by Lillian Guccione Bates, is a boutique where a customer can
find one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing, accessories and fiber related art. By Design
School, played a large part in securing the stage curtain for future productions.
also has two unique offerings that will enhance and expand women’s fashion options:
Marquette Catholic High School Principal Mike Slaughter was excited when Waist Not and Boot Leg. Waist Not is a lined skirt with no hem or waistband.
Sue came to him and shared her vision for the future of the theater for Customers pick out their skirt according to their hip size and then the skirt is fitted to
Marquette. “When Sue came to me and shared her vision, there was no the individual. Boot Leg is a boot shaft that fits over your own shoe. If you’ve ever
stopping her,” stated Slaughter. “It’s a beautiful enhancement to our school experienced difficulty of boots or boots that don’t fit due to a muscular calf, this Boot
and we are very proud of this,” Slaughter added. Leg may be the answer.
For more information regarding By Design and their unique boutique, please contact
For more information on Marquette Catholic High School, please visit their Lillian by calling 618-304-2747 or by visiting her website at www.Lillianbydesign.com.
website at www.alton-marquette.com.
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11. THE TELEGRAPH River Bend Growth Association Tuesday, December 23, 2008 • page 11
Are you financially exposed? MAYOR REPORT – Richard Mosby, City of Grafton
By: Tom Lane, State Farm® agent
Grafton is doing well after rebounding from two
Many people realize the need for loved ones.
life insurance but keep putting it off Assumption #3: My family and I are floods and a mudslide. Residential development
until it is too late. You may think that covered by the group insurance at has slowed, but is still steady as Grafton continues
life insurance is confusing, expensive work. to grow. We are continuing with a major water
and complicated. You may think • To meet the future needs of your main improvement in the lower part of the City. The
you don’t know enough to make family, you need to have 7 to 10
three phases of this project include a connection to
the right decisions for you and your times your annual income. Most
loved ones. Postponing this decision group term insurance amounts Illinois American Water Company, which will greatly
leaves you and your family exposed offered by employers won’t meet improve the quality of our water.
financially. this need. And, when you don’t
Assumption #1: I’ll always be able to work for that employer any longer, The Grafton Chamber of Commerce and local businesses have
buy life insurance. you usually lose that coverage.
many fun and interesting events planned for this coming year.
• You could develop a health Assumption #4: My husband has life
condition that makes you insurance so I don’t need it. New businesses have recently opened and more will open soon,
uninsurable or could make life • Women often live longer than featuring restaurants, wineries and shopping. There will be a lot
insurance too costly for you. men but not always. There are for people to see and enjoy when they come to Grafton.
Assumption #2: I’ll get life insurance countless stories of men who had
later when I’m older or have a family. to shoulder the family financial
• Life insurance may be needed at burden along with the emotional
all stages of life. Whether married burden after their wife passed family’s life. Having life insurance information or to review your current
or single, male or female, with away. can reduce financial concerns for policy, please contact my office or
children or without, you may have Assumption #5: My family can cover the family. your insurance professional.
financial obligations that need to funeral and burial expenses. Take the time now to review your
be met. Life insurance provides • Burying a spouse or loved one needs and provide adequately for
financial security for you and your is the most stressful time in a yourself and your family. For more
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12. page 12 • Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Business Edge THE TELEGRAPH
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