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[NOV. 24, 2001]  Construction has begun on a Russell Stover Candies store on Lincoln’s west side, and the company expects to open it around Feb. 1. The site is at 901 Heitmann Drive, along Route 10 between GB Oil Travel Plaza and Holiday Inn Express.

[Click here to visit the Russell Stover website]

Barry Eastham, western regional manager for Russell Stover, said original plans called for opening by Christmas, but progress has been slightly delayed. He said it normally takes two months to open a new store. The Lincoln store should definitely be in business by Valentine’s Day, he said.

Lincoln is outside the region Eastham normally manages, but because several eastern stores are currently in progress and none in his territory, he is in charge of the Lincoln location.

The company intends to employ 10 to 15 people locally, with the store manager to be hired first. Eastham said that Russell Stover would hold a job fair for prospective employees. No workers will be brought in from outside the area.

The store will carry the company’s full line of first-quality boxed chocolates as well as intermediates and seconds, both to be sold at discounted prices. Intermediates are overstocks or nearly outdated first-quality candies. Eastham said that seconds, which do not meet quality-control standards for appearance, offer a good value for those primarily interested in taste.

Seasonal items will include candies created and packaged to relate to specific holidays, especially Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter.

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The store will include a candy kitchen, which will feature hand-dipped candies, peanut brittle and cookies with Russell Stover candies baked in. "They’re really unique. Where else can you get a coconut cluster cookie?" asked Eastham. Another special treat is what the company calls a Storm, ice cream with candy mixed in.

Eastham said Lincoln was chosen as a location because it is a "nice town with highway access." Russell Stover Candies does not locate in major malls but prefers stores with direct access to parking. "Easy in, easy out" is convenient for customers, Eastham said.

Six new Russell Stover stores are currently in the pipeline. One in Lawrence, Kan., will open in two weeks. The others besides Lincoln are in Manchester, Tenn.; Shawnee, Kan.; and two in Alabama. At least six other stores have already been constructed, remodeled or expanded this year, Eastham said. The company headquarters is in Kansas City.

Roger Webster Construction, Inc., is at work on the Lincoln building.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[NOV. 23, 2001]  New tax legislation signed by President Bush this year offers investors numerous opportunities to reduce their taxes as they prepare for their financial futures.

A.G. Edwards’ annual tax-planning guide, "Tax Saver," can help you uncover potential tax savings hidden within your investment portfolio. The guide — available at no cost — provides key information about income taxes, education planning, retirement and estate planning, as well as 10 tips to help reduce your tax liability this year.

Anyone interested in obtaining a free copy of "Tax Saver," which offers a complete list of tax-saving strategies available to investors and a calendar of important tax deadlines, should call the Lincoln A.G. Edwards office at (217) 732-3877 or (800) 596-0014 or see the website at www.agedwards.com/fc/tom.kissel.

[A.G. Edwards news release]

[NOV. 17, 2001]  Over 50 people gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking for a new warehouse at Willamette Industries, Inc., at the intersection of Lincoln Parkway and Fifth Street Road. Willamette General Manager Joe Nemith thanked dedicated employees for the company’s 8 percent increase since last year in a time when the industry in general is down.

"Willamette has been a member of the community for a long time," Nemith told the group of company employees, Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and others. "It’s very easy to do business in Lincoln."

The 70,000-square-foot warehouse and manufacturing space is roughly triangular in shape and is expected to be completed in April, according to Nemith. It is being added on the south side of the existing building, where the railroad spur used to be located. The spur is being relocated to make room for the addition.

Nemith said Willamette has built three expansions since purchasing the plant in 1992. The plant itself has been in continuous operation since 1947. It is one of three Willamette facilities in Illinois, the other two being in Chicago. The company has spent over $50 million improving the three Illinois plants in the last five years, according to Nemith.

"Five competitors have closed their doors in the last two years," Nemith said. He credited dedicated employees and the resultant good customer base for Willamette’s growth in a period of industry decline. "We hope to be here another 53 years," he added.

Though not yet built, the addition has already increased the number of local employees. "This expansion will provide the Lincoln facility the necessary room to add additional converting capacity to the plant in 2002," Nemith said. "In anticipation of this, we have already added six new employees, who are now undergoing training. We expect to add an additional four employees after the new equipment arrives." Willamette employs about 100 people in Lincoln.

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General contractor for the addition is H & H Construction Services, Inc. of Carlinville, which also handled Willamette’s two previous expansions. Jim Hudson, president of H & H, said, "We are very excited to be working again for Willamette Industries. This company has been a strong asset to the Lincoln community."

Nemith stated that the expansion of the Lincoln facility "is due to the faith Willamette has in both the Lincoln work force and the community in which it is located. The dedication of our employees to Lincoln’s success and the community’s support has made this major capital expenditure a very easy decision to make."

Willamette Industries is an integrated forest products company with 105 plants located in the United States, France, Ireland and Mexico. The company owns 1.7 million acres of forestland in the U.S. and manages it sustainably to produce building materials, composite wood panels, fine paper, office paper products, corrugated packaging and grocery bags.

The groundbreaking was ceremonial and took place around a company sign on the east side of the building. In fact, ground has already been broken and leveled for the warehouse.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

[NOV. 15, 2001]  On Tuesday and Wednesday, Lincoln Daily News conducted an e-mail poll. The poll’s intent was to get a general feel from the community for their first responses to the proposed industrial park. Some have said with wisdom that the economy is not conducive at this time. Others feel there is no time that is going to be good. The results are as follows:

Citizens of Lincoln and Logan County:

Are you in favor of the proposed new industrial park?

Yes — 91 percent

No — 9 percent

No:  The events of September 11 make the timing of a new industrial park a very poor decision. With the current economy, it will only be a matter of time before all segments of government will be running out of money. Not one dollar of taxpayer money should be spent on this project.

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Yes:  If you stop growing and changing you begin to DIE.

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Yes, I think we NEED to get moving and progressing! It is so sad to see our younger generations who go off to college, leave to never return to Logan County as their home county and possibly even leave the state. I know that not all leave the county, but IMHO, a high percentage do. We are in need of jobs in this area, and hopefully jobs that will support families ... not what happens in much of the service industry. These industries are needed, but we need a variety of jobs available.

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Yes, it will take some risk, but dreaming and never working toward those dreams is something like hiding our heads in the sand and hoping that we don’t suffocate or get forgotten about, while other communities grow and prosper.

I attended a meeting where Mark Smith gave an excellent presentation: Well thought out, researched, and input from some wise people, at least IMHO. He made a lot of sense.

The question of "Is this the right time to do this?" (meaning build the industrial park) reminds me of something I heard long ago in reference to a young couple — educated and in a good, stable marriage — wanting to put off having children "until we can afford them." The answer from wise older lady was, "My dear, if you wait until you can afford children, you never will have them."

Sometimes we have to just decide what it is that we want, make a feasible plan, set our minds to it, and follow through by working for it! If we can unite on a common goal and agree to work toward it, we CAN do it!!!

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Lincoln is long overdue for this type of thinking!! Building an industrial park makes far more sense than a statue of Abe Lincoln.

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[LDN]

[NOV. 7, 2001]  Main Street Lincoln and the city of Lincoln have unveiled the design of this year’s official Christmas ornament.  As announced during Historic Preservation Week, the 2001 ornament will feature the Lincoln Public Library.  Library director Richard Sumrall said, "We’re happy to be part of the Lincoln City Ornament series and celebrate one of Lincoln’s most historic architectural treasures."

Third in the series, the ornament is 24 karat gold over brass and will be enclosed in a blue velvet presentation case with the city seal embossed in gold on the cover.  The limited edition ornaments will have a numbered certificate of authenticity including information on the history of the building and a miniature version of the proclamation naming it the official city ornament. Their cost is $15. 

Purchasers of last year’s ornaments received a preregistration form in the mail and will have the first option on continuing their numbered series. Ornaments will be available for pickup around Thanksgiving and also for retail purchase at selected locations downtown. 

A limited number of last year’s ornaments, the second in the series, featuring Lincoln City Hall, are available for $20 each. 

Also available for holiday giving is a full-color tapestry pillow featuring an aerial view of the Logan County Courthouse.  The back of the pillow will be dark green fabric.  The pillow is being made in the United States by Riddle and Cockrell, the same company that made the woven afghans previously available. Currently, a picture of the pillow can be seen in the Main Street Lincoln office, and an actual sample will be available soon.  Pillows are $29.95 each.

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The popular Logan County Christmas tree will grace the front of Christmas cards this year. A color photograph of the giant Christmas tree and the stained glass dome of the historic Logan County Courthouse will be on the front of the cards.  The inside sentiment is, "A wish for a warm, wonderful holiday season and a bright New Year."  

Marlin Roos took the picture at the 2000 Festival of Trees. Jan Schumacher, Festival of Trees chairman, commented, "The photograph was so picture perfect, it was a natural for a Christmas card."  Cards will be sold in packages of 10 for $7 and will benefit the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation and Main Street Lincoln. They are currently available at the Main Street office and will also be available at the Festival of Trees in the Logan County Courthouse from Nov. 23 through Dec. 2.  

For further information on any of these items, call Main Street Lincoln at (217) 732-2929.

[News release]

Announcements

The Chamber Report

Chamber calendar of events for November

* All meetings are in the chamber of commerce conference rooms at 303 S. Kickapoo St. unless noted otherwise

•  Thursday, Nov. 1 — Chamber board meeting, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

•  Friday, Nov. 2 — Retailer’s Roundtable, 7:30 a.m. at Eckert’s Fine Dining

•  Saturday, Nov. 3 — Beta Sigma Phi holiday craft fair, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at Lincoln Park District; Casino Night, 7-10 p.m. at Lincoln College

•  Sunday, Nov. 4 — Zonta turkey dinner, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at LCHS

•  Monday, Nov. 5 — Economic Development Council, 5 p.m.

•  Tuesday, Nov. 6 — Chamber Ag Committee, 7 a.m. at Al’s Main Event

•  Wednesday, Nov. 7 — Membership drive kickoff breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m.

•  Thursday, Nov. 8 — Government/Education Committee, 7:30 a.m. at Al’s Main Event; Healthcare Committee at noon in ALMH Conference Room A

•  Saturday, Nov. 10 — Lincoln Day at ISU football, 1:30 p.m.

•  Sunday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day parade and program, noon at Logan County Courthouse

•  Tuesday, Nov. 13 — Membership drive celebration reception, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

•  Wednesday, Nov. 14 — Chamber Morning Mixer, with the industrial park proposal as the topic; 7:30 a.m. at the Tropics

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•  Friday, Nov. 16 — Membership/Mixer Committee meeting, 4 p.m. at the Depot; After-Hours Mixer, 5-7 p.m. at Sugar Creek Orthodontics

•  Friday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 2 — Festival of Trees, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays at Logan County Courthouse

•  Saturday, Nov. 24 — Festival of Trees Gala

•  Tuesday, Nov. 27 — Festival of Trees candlelight event at the courthouse, 6-8 p.m.

•  Thursday, Nov. 29 — Technology Committee, 8 a.m.; Executive Committee, noon at Blue Dog Inn; Lincoln Christmas parade, downtown at 7 p.m.; theme: "May Your Days Be Merry and Bright"

•  Thursday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 2 — "Christmas in the Chapel," LCCS

The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for community progress, bringing business and professional people together to work for the common good of Lincoln and Logan County.

Bobbi Abbott, Executive Director

Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce

303 S. Kickapoo St.

Lincoln, IL 62656

(217) 735-2385

chamber@lincolnillinois.com
www.lincolnillinois.com

Honors & Awards

Main Street Corner News

Main Street Lincoln calendar for November

Mark your calendar with these Main Street Lincoln "Dates to Remember in November."

•  Thursday, Nov. 1 — 8:30 a.m., Festival of Trees Committee meeting at Farm Bureau; 5 p.m., work plan training at Main Street Lincoln office

•  Friday, Nov. 2 — 7:30 a.m., Retailer’s Roundtable at Eckert’s to discuss holiday promotions

•  Tuesday, Nov. 6, and Wednesday, Nov. 7 — Main Street Lincoln hosts Grant Writing/Grant Seeking Workshop for Illinois Main Street; at Eckert’s, with side trips to other locations

•  Thursday, Nov. 8 — 4 p.m., Main Street Lincoln executive meeting at office

•  Tuesday, Nov. 13 — 7 p.m., Design Committee; meet at Kickapoo Street city garage across from Latham Park; wear grubbies to help test Christmas lighting. We'll be happy for any extras who want to help.

•  Wednesday, Nov. 14 — 8 a.m., Mornings on Main at Integrity Data; 5:30 p.m., Main Street Lincoln board meeting in Union Planters conference room; 7 p.m., Looking for Lincoln Committee meeting in Union Planters conference room

•  Thursday, Nov. 15 — 8:30 a.m., Festival of Trees Committee meeting at Farm Bureau building

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•  Saturday, Nov. 17 — 8 a.m.-noon, decorate downtown with lights. We can use everyone’s help! Coffee and doughnuts provided.

•  Thursday, Nov. 22 — Happy Thanksgiving!

•  Friday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Nov. 25 — Retailers’ holiday open houses

•  Friday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 2 — Festival of Trees

•  Saturday, Nov. 24 — Festival of Trees Gala

•  Monday, Nov. 26 — 5:30 p.m., Economic Restructuring Committee meeting at Lincoln Public Library Pegram Room

•  Tuesday, Nov. 27 — 6-8 p.m., candlelight courthouse tours; volunteers needed

•  Thursday, Nov. 29 — 7 p.m., downtown Christmas parade

Questions? Call the Main Street Lincoln office at 732-2929 or send e-mail to manager@mainstreetlincoln.com.

Main Street Lincoln

303 S. Kickapoo

Lincoln, IL 62656

Phone: (217) 732-2929

Fax: (217) 735-9205

E-mail: manager@mainstreetlincoln.com

Job Hunt

Lincolndailynews.com makes it easy to look for a job in the Logan County area.

Employers, you can list available jobs by e-mailing ldn@lincolndailynews.com. Each job listing costs $10 the first week, $20 for eight days to three months. There is a limit of 75 words per announcement.

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