JULY 2020 Volume 18 | Issue 7

RiverBend Growth Association Names Toddle Towne IN THIS ISSUE Learning Center As Small Business Of The Month Small Business of the Month • Toddle Towne Learning The RiverBend Growth confidence; a center where socialization. The average staff Center Association has named Toddle each child is encouraged turnover of most learning Towne Learning Centers, Inc. as to develop optimally in an centers is about three months, Mayor Report its Small Business of the Month environment that is emotionally but at Toddle Towne Learning • Hartford for July 2020. nurturing, intellectually Centers the turnover rate is 6 Toddle Towne Learning stimulating, and physically and a half years. This shows Welcome our new members that not only Toddle Towne • Alton Learning Centers, but their staff • Alton Township as well, will be there for the children of the Riverbend. It has RBGA Members in the News Centers, Inc. has operated challenging. The Children of even been said that teachers • Siteman Cancer Center under continuous local Toddle Towne Learning Centers can pick out a Toddle Towne • American Water ownership and management are given the freedom to Learning Center child in class • Lewis and Clark community since first providing care in develop as individuals while by the child’s willingness and College 1967 at a converted house learning independence and self- readiness to learn. in East Alton licensed for 35 control. The building’s design children. Under the leadership and maintenance encourage Toddle Towne Learning of Peggy Funkhouser, Charles appropriate behavior by staff Centers, Inc. Pelan, Walter Ahlemeyer, and and children through a daily www.toddletowne.com their various family members, schedule, and through the way Toddle Towne Learning Centers the staff uses techniques that Alton Center has grown into two facilities in encourage desired behaviors. 3839 Humbert Rd. Alton, IL Alton and East Alton. Through The three major components to 618-462-8852 their continuous growth Toddle Towne Learning Canters’ Facebook: @AltonTTLC Toddle Towne Learning Centers theme based (the use of demonstrates the long-term themes serves as a framework East Alton Center reliability and the excellence around which academic 163 N. Shamrock Ave. for quality care and educational activities are organized) East Alton IL experiences. At Toddle Towne curriculum are a prepared 618-258-7444 Learning Centers children learn environment, planned group Facebook: @EastAltonTTLC while they play, and play while activities, and basic skills. they learn. For the past 50 years Toddle The Mission, Goals, and Towne Learning Centers has Philosophy of Toddle Towne been a cornerstone for teaching Do you know a small Learning Centers are to provide and socializing the children of business worthy of this honor? reliable, safe, high quality care the Riverbend. The inclusive Nominate them by using the and education for children in learning centers focus on a fun, form on this page - https:// RiverBend Growth Association a format that working parents friendly learning environment growthassociation.com/ 5800 Godfrey Road - BGM can use with convenience and that encourages learning and recognition-awards/ 6722 Godfrey Road Godfrey IL 62035 (618) 467-2280 PODCAST available at https://www.growthassociation.com/lets-talk/

Watch a video at https://www.growthassociation.com/newsroom

GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE July 2020 | page 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Welcome our newest members to the RBGA! Brad Goacher, Chairman Alton Memorial Hospital Alton Baseball . Several Alton Township Rob Schwartz, Past Chairman Steve Marso Owner additions and renovations Mary Bohart Supervisor Busey Bank (651) 283-7556 are being discussed for Lloyd 100A East Broadway Mike Fitzgerald, Treasurer facebook.com/AltonBaseball/ Hopkins Field prior to the Alton IL 62002-6217 Scheffel Boyle altonbaseball.com opening of the 2021 PL season. (618) 462-7527 Lori Artis The , an Lewis and Clark Community The Prospect League elite, collegiate wood-bat Town of Alton has three College announces sections to it. The Supervisor is John Barnerd summer baseball league, the awarding provides college players over General Assistance. General Simmons Hanly Conroy and selection Assistance can help certain Tom Berry with the opportunity Jackson Lewis P.C. of Alton, to compete at a high- people with their rent, utilities Megan Brodnax Illinois as level of competition in and food. You have to meet a Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery its newest a minor-league setting. The certain criteria to qualify for our Kim Clark member to begin play for the services. Most of our client›s City of Alton League’s members provide 2021 season. Alton becomes their communities with quality are in the process of getting on Doug Cobb the 13th Prospect League social security disability. 618- Carpenters Local 664 baseball and affordable, family- Mark Haggard team. Beautiful Lloyd Hopkins friendly entertainment. The 462-0091 CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. Field in Gordon Moore Park Prospect League was founded Our building also houses the Pam Heepke will be the home of the to- in 2009 after merging with Assessor’s Office on Broadway. Raifort Commerce Park be-named Prospect League the Central Illinois Collegiate They help anyone with their Cody Hinkle team. The Prospect League has assessment on their property, Grand Piasa Body Art League. The circuit currently introduced Mr. Steve Marso has 12 teams competing in Assessment Freeze Deduction Jennifer Jackson as the owner/operator of and General Homestead over Helmkamp Construction Co. a five-state region: , Tim Kuebrich its newest franchise. Mr. Marso Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and 65. This keeps our seniors Lake Drive Logistics is an experienced operator West Virginia. For more having to go to Edwardsville Jeff Lauritzen of summer collegiate teams information, please visit www. - 618-462-0671. We also have COUNTRY Financial and prospectleague.com. an Accounting department in Eric McRoy staffer. Most recently, Mr. this building to pay all bills.We Advantage Marso owned and operated the do help with some community Alan Meyer Waterloo () Bucks of the projects if needed at times. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union David Miller St. Louis Regional Airport Stephanie Monroe MAYOR REPORT - Jim Hickerson, Village of Hartford Riverbend Chiropractic Center Scott Reichmann As I enter Covid-19 Pandemic. These Covid-19, but in the future will BarberMurphy Group my fourth year locations have great access to be open to the public for a small Don Retzlaff as Mayor, I major highways and both are fee and can be rented for parties. Argosy Casino Alton am pleased to located in TIF areas and the We encourage the use of our ball John Roberts update you on Village laid out plans that would diamonds, picnic areas and our Roberts Motors Dan St. Peters the Village of work with potential buyers to one-half mile asphalt walking St. Peters Hardware & Rental Hartford. As we accommodate their needs with path which is now well lighted Dennis Sands celebrate our water and sewer and other for night walking which is safe OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Centennial in utilities. and well-traveled. Health Center the year 2020 we continue to be The Confluence Tower still falls As mayor, I appreciate working Bernie Sebold a small Village which is shrinking slightly short of meeting financial with the RiverBend Growth Illinois American Water Terry Shewmake daily, but I am pleased to be able expectations and continues to Association to encourage IBEW Local 649 to say we have righted the ship create a fiscal hardship since its new businesses to locate to Jim Shrader the last three years financially opening. Although closed at this our Village. Again, we have Consultant after years of questionable time because of the Pandemic, great access off Route 3 and Steve Thompson decisions resulting in well over we continue to seek sponsors to enthusiastic community support Carrollton Bank $3.5 million in overspending. help stabilize the finances and for future business. I am Denise VonderHaar It has been my goal and duty encourage growth of attendance. accessible on a daily basis and The Telegraph Matt Waters to make drastic changes in We have made positive changes look forward to joining forces Liberty Bank order to restore and preserve and hopefully they will make the with the RiverBend Growth Dwight Werts the financial integrity of our Tower a financial asset to our Association to assist Hartford Werts Welding & Tank Service village and I can now say we are region and to serve as a tourist in regaining its vibrancy and Karen Wilson heading down the correct track. attraction in the future. helping us to move forward State Farm Insurance We offer prime properties One of the jewels of our through a challenging time. I Denise Wolff along Route 111 and New Poag Village is our 17-acre park which encourage everyone to practice Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Elite Properties Rd. available for new businesses includes two ball diamonds, social distancing, wear a mask Augie Wuellner and have had many potential six picnic pavilions and a very when needed, so we can stay Alton Securities & Asset clients interested these locations popular splash park which is healthy and survive this difficult Advisors unfortunately derailed by the closed at this time again due to time in our history. GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE July 2020 | page 2 RBGA Upcoming Events Education Updates Mayor Updates August 5 at 10:00 am September 2 (tentative) Let’s Do Virtual Lunch Coffee Connections August 12 at 12:30 pm September 9 at 10:00 am Wine Down Wednesday Wine Down Wednesday August 19 3:00-4:00 pm September 16 3:00-4:00 pm (sponsored by 1st MidAmerica Credit Union) (sponsored by American Family Insurance Community Conversation on Diversity - Gerard Fischer) and Inclusion Community Conversation on Diversity August 20 at 1:00 pm and Inclusion Non-Profit Roundtable Discussion September 17 at 1:00 pm August 27 at 10:00 am Non-Profit Roundtable Discussion September 24 at 10:00 am

EVENT SPONSORSHIP OFFERINGS FOR 2020 • Government/Mayor Updates • Coffee Connections or Let’s Do (Virtual) Lunch • Non-Profit Roundtables • Wine Down Wednesdays (formerly BAH) • Enhanced website member directory listing • Website page sponsor (i.e. Diversity page, Covid page) Watch for your email on August 5, 2020 when Contact Trish at sponsorships will be announced! 618-558-4817 for details. More details at https:// All members are invited! Meetings are held virtually using Zoom. conta.cc/2YsMZo4 Visit our website calendar for event details - GrowthAssociation.com

GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE July 2020 | page 3 Siteman Cancer center earns highest federal rating

Siteman Cancer across the U.S. During the and CAR-T cell therapy to the forefront of discoveries Center at Barnes- visit, Washington University treat blood and bone marrow that have advanced the Jewish Hospital researchers and physicians cancers. understanding or changed and Washington presented their innovative The development of novel the course of treatment for University School research programs in immunotherapies for the a variety of cancers,” said of Medicine in St. Louis genomics, cancer imaging, prevention and treatment of John F. DiPersio, MD, PhD, has been recognized once cancer prevention and cancer. Siteman’s deputy director and again as a top U.S. cancer disparities, immunology and Community outreach and the Virginia E. and Samuel J. institution, based on a review immunotherapy, and early- education, and enhanced Golman Endowed Professor of of its research programs. This phase clinical trials. Among the access to cancer care. Oncology and director of the evaluation resulted in a nearly topics presented: The range of educational Division of Oncology at the perfect score, earning Siteman Siteman’s robust portfolio opportunities available at School of Medicine. “Along the highest possible rating — of more than 600 clinical Siteman, from mentorships with our commitment to basic, exceptional — by the National studies and the cancer center’s for high school and college translational and clinical Cancer Institute (NCI), part success enrolling more than students to advanced training research, we have trained of the National Institutes of 12,000 patients in clinical for medical students and junior countless scientists, physicians Health (NIH). studies per year. Enrollment faculty. and fellows who have gone Siteman is the only NCI- is an NCI priority because of As an NCI-designated on to become leaders in their designated Comprehensive the essential role of clinical Comprehensive Cancer fields of interest and leaders Cancer Center in Missouri studies in the development and Center, Siteman is expected of research here and at other and in southern Illinois. The approval of new treatments to be a major researcher major cancer centers around cancer center is known for and other interventions. into the causes, prevention the world.” its leadership, cutting-edge Genomic research to identify and early detection of and To further extend its research research and focus on turning personalized targets and create treatments for cancer, and to efforts and promote science- scientific discoveries into personalized vaccines. share these findings so other based best practices, Siteman innovative cancer treatments. The use of ultrasound and health-care institutions also launched the Siteman Cancer To maintain its NCI photoacoustic imaging, which might implement them to Network in 2017, an affiliation designation, a cancer center relies on light and sound improve the overall health of with regional medical centers must undergo a rigorous, peer- rather than tissue samples, to the population. These efforts that is aimed at improving reviewed evaluation every five diagnose ovarian cancer. include a focus on basic the health of individuals and years. Siteman also received Community-based research science, which is the search for communities through cancer an exceptional rating in 2015, to understand and reduce foundational knowledge about research, treatment and when it last underwent an NCI cancer disparities and lessen cancer risk and therapies, prevention. Among other review. the burden of cancer in our and on clinical research such efforts, Siteman works with Siteman earned its latest entire region. as clinical trials designed to affiliates in Missouri and Illinois exceptional rating based Improvements in colorectal evaluate the effectiveness of to assess the burden of cancer on a January site visit by 22 cancer screening in urban and innovative cancer therapies. in specific areas and to plan researchers and administrators rural areas. “Our Washington University and execute ways to prevent from academic cancer centers The use of cellular therapies researchers have been at and control the disease.

GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE July 2020 | page 4 Illinois American Water Reminds L&C Blazing Trails in Student Retention Customers about Customer Assistance and Completion Program and Payment Plans Lewis and 37 percent at four. Clark Community “Lewis and Clark’s ongoing Illinois American Water’s H2O Help to Others College recently work to focus on student success Water is reminding program offers financial completed a big demonstrates our faculty and customers of the assistance to residential step in its continuing staff’s dedication to serving company’s customer customers in need. The program maximum accreditation from students and helping them assistance program is offered to Illinois American the Higher Learning Commission be successful in their ongoing H2O Help to Others and available Water customers and is (HLC) – and has come out the educational endeavors,” said payment plans. Customers administered by Salvation Army other end a leader among its Interim President Lori Artis. who are behind in payment are agencies within the company’s peers in student retention and Accreditation allows Lewis and encouraged to call 800-422-2782 service area. completion rates. Clark to be able to offer college to discuss options. Information will also be provided The college entered the HLC’s credits that are transferrable “We want to help our in letters to customers who are Persistence and Completion to other higher education customers who are experiencing Academy in 2016 as part of the institutions around the United a hardship, whether it be due to accreditation process, with a goal States. COVID-19, loss of employment to complete a Quality Initiative, Lewis and Clark is taking or health concerns. We or improvement project, in understand it can be hard to get retention and completion. back on track once an account behind in making payments. Lewis and Clark would falls behind. This is why we Information can be found online at track students who utilized have several options to help www.illinoisamwater.com under tutoring, advising and customers, including financial Customer Service & Billing in the library services, see how assistance,” said Vice President of Customer Assistance Program that engagement correlated with a long-term, analytical Operations Elizabeth Matthews. section. grades and completion rates, approach to its enrollment In March, American Water The guidelines of the H2O and then use the data to connect strategy. An Enrollment Task voluntarily placed a moratorium Help to Others program allow at-risk students with services Force, comprised of faculty, on customer accounts to customers to apply for assistance that have shown evidence of staff and administrators, has prevent shut off for non- of up to $200, regardless of increasing student success. been established to identify payment and late fees for late income. A customer only needs “Lewis and Clark’s model is enrollment initiatives ranging payments. The company also to have experienced a financial unique and very successful,” from marketing, course and reinstated service for customers hardship. said Director of Institutional program offerings, community who were previously shut off Other program guidelines Research and Library Services outreach, and recruitment. The for nonpayment. An Illinois include: Dennis Krieb, who coordinates team is led by Assistant Interim Commerce Commission (ICC) · Applicant must be an Illinois the accreditation team’s efforts. President Brett Reinert. order approved in June allows American Water residential water “As a result, Lewis and Clark now Board Chair David Heyen for the reinstatement of utility and/or wastewater customer. exceeds many of its national applauded the accreditation procedures for nonpayment · Applicant must provide a peer institutions in retention team’s work. and late payments at the end of current copy of their delinquent and graduation rate measures “I want to congratulate Dennis July. Illinois American Water is bill to a Salvation Army according to the Integrated on doing a good job leading this holding off on reinstating these caseworker. Postsecondary Education Data effort. Lewis and Clark has built a procedures until September. · When appropriate, standard System (IPEDS) data produced solid reputation on its retention This means a customer with an income guidelines established by by the U.S. Department of and completion successes, and I unresolved past due balance the Salvation Army may be used. Education.” look forward to seeing what the would see a late fee applied to However, all circumstances will Lewis and Clark’s full-time team can accomplish in terms of their August service(s). This bill be considered where financial student retention rate has enrollment.” would be issued in September. need is demonstrated or stated. outpaced the IPEDS peer group The next step for continued To assist customers · The Salvation Army may since 2011. As of 2018, L&C’s accreditation, an ongoing Illinois American Water has assist an individual/ family rate was 70 percent compared process, is a comprehensive implemented flexible payment one time per calendar year. In to 62 percent for the college’s self-study, followed by a campus plans and payment options. extreme circumstances, the peers. visit from HLC reviewers in 2022- More information about these agency, in coordination with Graduation rates have 2023. plans are available online at a representative from Illinois increased. L&C’s graduation For more information about illinoisamwater.com under American Water, may authorize rate at two years surpassed its Lewis and Clark Community Customer Service & Billing in the additional assistance, one time peer group in 2016, and in 2018 College, visit www.lc.edu/ Customer Assistance Program per year, but not more than twice was 25 percent compared to discover. section. The company also offers annually. 19 percent. Its graduation rate budget billing so residential Customers needing assistance at three and four years both customers can pay a fixed should call Illinois American surpassed the IPEDS group monthly payment over a period Water’s customer service center in 2015 – and in 2018 was 39 of 12 months. at 800-422-2782. percent compared to 31 percent In addition, Illinois American at three years, and 44 percent to GrowthAssociation.com BUSINESS EDGE July 2020 | page 5