| The
            chamber is accepting entries from businesses, industry, governmental
            agencies, schools, civic and not-for-profit groups, and religious,
            youth and charitable organizations. There is no charge to enter, and
            cash prizes will be awarded. The
            evening parade features marching bands, lighted floats and vehicles,
            and military marching units. Groups are encouraged to use motorized
            vehicles in an attempt to reduce the number of walking entries.
            "We’re also looking for a business or a group to sponsor the
            Santa Claus float," says chamber director Bobbi Abbott.
            "The parade’s final entry is the Santa float, and it needs to
            be impressive!" Interested
            participants may call the chamber of commerce at 735-2385 or e-mail chamber@lincolnillinois.com
            for an entry form or further information.
             |  
  
             | 
          
            | OJT
              highlights • 
              Assists employers with training costs • 
              May last up to six months, depending on skills required to master
              training • 
              Minimum paperwork (monthly invoice) • 
              Full-time, permanent work opportunity required • 
              Minimum wage of $7 required for reimbursement • 
              Employers may refer candidates • 
              IETC will assist with candidate recruitment if desired by employer • 
              Candidates must meet qualifications for assistance • 
              IETC will determine candidate eligibility If
              you are interested in learning more about the On The Job Training
              Program, please contact Jan Gleason or Rod Lewis at (217)
              735-5441. The local Illinois Employment & Training Center is
              at 120 S. McLean, Suite B, in Lincoln.
             | 
         
 | 
            
          | Monday,
            Oct. 1 — Economic Development Council meeting, chamber conference
            room, 5 p.m. Tuesday,
            Oct. 2 — Chamber board of directors meeting (note new date), 11:45 a.m. Wednesday,
            Oct. 3, through Friday, Oct. 5 — IACCE fall conference Thursday,
            Oct. 4 — Domestic abuse candlelight walk, Logan County Courthouse,
            6:30 p.m. Friday,
            Oct. 5 — Chamber ambassadors meeting, chamber conference room,
            noon Friday,
            Oct. 5 — LCHS homecoming parade, 2:30 p.m. Tuesday,
            Oct. 9 — Marketing Committee meeting at Grapes & Grounds, 8:30
            a.m. Thursday,
            Oct. 11 — Government/Education Committee meeting at Al’s Main
            Event, 7:30 a.m. Friday,
            Oct. 12 — Columbus Day (chamber office open) Wednesday,
            Oct. 17 — Third Wednesday morning mixer, Al’s Main Event, 7:30
            a.m. Friday,
            Oct. 19 — Membership and Mixer Committee meeting at The Depot, 4
            p.m. Saturday,
            Oct. 20 — German Fest at St. John United Church; 1850s open house
            at Mount Pulaski Courthouse  
             [to top of second column in
this article]
           | Tuesday,
            Oct. 23 — Abraham Lincoln Tourism board meeting, 5 p.m. Thursday,
            Oct. 25 — Chamber Executive Committee meeting at Blue Dog Inn,
            noon Saturday,
            Oct. 27 — Harvest of Talents at Lincoln Christian Church Tuesday,
            Oct. 30 — Chamber Ag Committee meeting at Al’s Main Event, 7:30
            a.m. 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.comwww.lincolnillinois.com
   | 
          
            | The
            Gold Medallion program addresses consumer demands by identifying
            studios that meet their expectations for personal service,
            knowledgeable beauty advisers and pleasing atmosphere. These
            award-winning studios set the standard for service quality among the
            2,300 independently owned retail outlets nationwide. "Our
            Gold Medallion program distinguishes studios that meet the highest
            standards of excellence Merle Norman represents," said Art
            Armstrong, president of Merle Norman Cosmetics. "We’re
            delighted to present the Gold Medallion Award to the Lincoln, Ill.,
            studio, which offers unsurpassed personal service." Merle
            Norman herself was a pioneer in understanding the importance of
            customer service. Her long-standing policies of "Try Before You
            Buy" and "Free Makeovers" were the cornerstones upon
            which she built a cosmetic empire from an auspicious start making
            cosmetics on the kitchen stove in her Ocean Park, Calif., home.     [to top of second column in
this article]
             | 
 "As
            the owner and proud recipient of the award, I’m honored to be
            recognized as a Gold Medallion studio," says Julie Tarter.
            "Being customer-oriented is the best way to compete in
            business, and I’m excited that Merle Norman Cosmetics recognizes
            my studio as one that meets the expectations of my customers." Julie
            has owned the Lincoln store for five years and is planning an
            anniversary and Gold Medallion celebration for October. [News
            release]
             |