CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE WEEK
Wal-Mart South

Wal-Mart South is this week's featured Chamber Member of the week.

The history of Wal-Mart can be traced back to the 1950's when Sam Walton opened his first “Walton's Five and Ten.” By 1962 Walton had expanded to 11 stores and adopted the name “Wal-Mart.” Since then the chain has grown to become the largest private employer in the world, with over 1,140,000 associates and more than 6,200 facilities globally.

Most recently Wal-Mart has launched sustainability campaigns to show customers that low prices on earth-friendly products can help make a better world. Products such as energy efficient vacuum cleaners and “Love Earth” jewelry are just a few items that Wal-Mart will offer customers as alternatives in helping the planet. Many facilities are experimenting with solar energy with some expecting to get 33 percent of its energy from solar. Other stores are assisting with drought issues by installing and refitting low-flow fixtures in the restrooms, reducing water consumption by 17 percent.

For more information you can visit Wal-Mart online at www.walmart.com .

CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE WEEK
Kroger

Kroger is this week's featured Chamber Member of the week.

The Kroger Company began in 1883, when Barney Kroger invested his life savings of $372 to open a grocery store in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Kroger's motto was “Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.” Based on the same principles of service, selection and value – the Kroger Company continues to guide operations today as it did in 1883.

Kroger has always been the pioneer in innovation and technology for the supermarket industry. Not only were they the first grocer in the country to establish their own bakery and sell meat and groceries under the same roof, they were the first grocer retailer to test electronic scanning and to formalize consumer research guaranteeing better service and happy customers.

Locally, Kroger grocery stores are easily accessible with four locations covering the North, South, East and West ends of Decatur. For more information you can visit the Kroger Company at www.thekrogerco.com .

2008/2009 CHAMBER BOARD NOMINEES
Listed are the proposed slate of nominees to be adopted at the Chamber Annual Meeting, May 19. For questions about the slate call 422-2200.

The nominees for officers at large are
Chamber Board Chair..........Mike Johnston
Chamber Board Vice Chair..........Beth Stringer
Treasurer..........Tim Hill
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer..........Chris Shroyer
At Large..........Phil Hazenfield
Past Chair..........Jeff Hendricks

The nominees for directors at large are
Kevin Breheny
Cindy Deadrick
Craig Gilson
Steve Horve
Kevin Kast
Pete Paulin
Dr. Gayle Saunders

THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN
NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA LEGISLATION
IS SIGNED BY PRESIDENT BUSH
The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition has learned that legislation to create the National Heritage Area, named for President Lincoln, has been signed into law. The legislation, originally authored by Senator Dick Durban and Congressman Ray LaHood from Illinois, designates the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition as the management entity for the new National Heritage Area. The President signed the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 that included the authorization.

"We are honored to be named the management entity for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. It is especially appropriate to pay tribute to President Lincoln this way, as we approach the celebration of the 200th birthday of the most revered President in American history," stated Hal Smith, Director of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition.

"The Heritage Area designation will help us more fully develop and interpret a rich and vivid visitor experience that reflects the impact Lincoln had on our history and culture. Our mission will be to create and market a visitor experience that is interesting, historic and fun for travelers from across America and around the world," Smith said.

"The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition is grateful for the support of elected officials and leaders across Illinois, and their confidence in us to manage this Heritage Area that will represent such a significant piece of American history," Smith added.

The law authorizes Congress to appropriate up to $1 million a year for 15 years to support the preservation and interpretation of the historic and cultural heritage of the time. The Heritage Area will explore and develop these in the context of Lincoln's life and its impact on the American cultural landscape. Projects using federal funding in the Heritage Area, must be matched by local, state, private, in-kind or foundation funding.

The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition will first tackle the development of a management plan, with significant input from communities and sites across the 42 counties. The plan will develop criteria for evaluating future projects that the National Heritage Area will consider for participation and possible funding in future years. That plan must be approved by the National Park Service who provides technical assistance and funding for Heritage Areas.

For more information on the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and Lincoln Legacy sites to visit in Illinois, go to: www.lookingforlincoln.com

INNOVATIVE STAFF SOLUTIONS
Innovative Staff Solutions welcomes Michelle Drum Matteson as Director of Business Development. Michelle brings to the position over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development.

A professional speaker, Michelle conducts nation wide workshops and seminars on sales, marketing and business development.
Some of her topics are:

Business Body Talk
- First impressions
- The 60 Second Sell
- The Hidden Power of Customer Service

Branding on a Budget
- The Power of Social Networking
- Increase Your Market
- Decrease Your Advertising Dollars
- Web Marketing 101

Michelle is available for workshops and seminars through the ISS Corporate Office 704 Broadway, Mattoon, Il. To schedule a workshop or seminar for your business Call 217-234-2299 Ext. 241

The Illinois Republican Party will host the 2008 Illinois Republican State Convention on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel.

Your business or organization is invited to exhibit at the convention. Vendor areas will have increased traffic with events being planned for maximum exposure. Chamber members receive a $25.00 discount off the regular vendor price

Attached is the registration form with full details regarding the hotel and what you will receive by becoming a vendor. The registration form along with full payment must be returned by May 30, 2008. Confirmation of payment will be forwarded to you upon receipt of the aforementioned items.

Click here for Registration Form

For more details you may contact Curt Conrad, Field Director, Illinois Republican Party at 217-525-0011 or cconrad@ilgop.org.

Get ready to golf for Easter Seals!
The 21st Annual Golf Classic has been set for May 5th at South Side Country Club. The format will be a four-person scramble with handicaps. The action kicks off at 12 p.m. with "Lunch at the Tee," from Nelson's Catering, and play begins at 12:45 p.m. with a shotgun start.

The $150.00 golf entry package includes: lunch, greens fees, electric cart, dinner, and prizes. Golf entry forms are available by calling Easter Seals at 429-1052. Forms are due by May 2nd.

Major sponsors for this year's Classic include Mueller Company, Wal-Mart (South), and Tate & Lyle.