July Business Achievements

The purpose of the meeting was to consider perspectives on newborns from the various countries present and to strategize for improved methods of training professionals. Quigg was one of seven members of the U.S. delegation.  The meeting was offered in conjunction with the World Association for Infant Mental Health Congress held in Edinburgh in the days that followed.

The Newborn Behavioral Observation was developed by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton of Harvard Medical School who was able to be present for the event despite his advancing age of 96.  The Newborn Behavioral Observation is a method of observing newborns to understand their unique competencies and individual attributes. It is used in Decatur as Baby TALK enjoys Newborn Encounters with families who have delivered their babies at both St. Mary’s and Decatur Memorial hospitals.

“I applaud Imboden Creek for their commitment to delivering quality care,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “This award represents the dedication that each Bronze recipient has given to improve quality in the long-term and post-acute care profession.”

“We are thrilled to see Illinois represented in this wonderful program by two of our centers,” said David Voepel, executive director of the Illinois Health Care Association. “We are very proud of the work they have done and can’t wait to see more as they move forward.”

The program has three levels: bronze, silver and gold. Centers begin the quality improvement process at the bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with essential performance elements such as vision and mission statements and an assessment of customers’ expectations. Bronze applicants also must demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system. Trained examiners review each bronze application to determine if the center has met the demands of the criteria. As a recipient of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality Award, the Imboden Creek centers may now move forward in developing approaches and achieving performance levels that meet the criteria required for the Silver-Achievement in Quality Award.

“The Imboden Creek campus is excited to be taking part in the National Quality Award program and we are so proud to have been awarded the Bronze Award for commitment to quality,” said Rhonda Luther, chief operating officer of Imboden Creek Health Services. “Our staff strives each day to provide quality care and to maintain excellent relationships with our residents, their families and our local community.”

Imboden Creek Gardens and Imboden Creek Living Center were among the 390 centers to receive the Bronze level award. The award will be presented to both facilities during AHCA/NCAL’s 65th annual Convention and Exposition in October in Washington, D.C.

Imboden Creek Health Services is a privately-owned community that offers seniors the opportunity to establish a secure lifestyle. For Imboden Creek residents, their community remains constant, even as their needs change. The Imboden Creek campus is comprised of Villas, for independent living, Gardens, for assisted living, and Living Center, for skilled care.

For more information, visit www.imbodencreek.com

Valerie's achievement brings the total number of gemologists at Flora Gems to four, each of which would be happy to assist you with all of your jewelry needs.

Flora Gems, a family-owned business that has been serving the community since 1856, specializes in bridal, estate and custom jewelry, as well as jewelry repair.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Visit Flora Gems at 101 N. Water St. in downtown Decatur, go to floragems.com or call (217) 429-4111.

Eagle Wireless offers Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and LG model phones, complete talk, text and data plans, as well as a full compliment of cell phone accessories.

Eagle Wireless will host a grand opening event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12.

As the new chief medical officer, Barnell is charged with essential responsibilities which ensure the highest level of patient care and clinical standards. As a part of his new role, Barnell serves as lead advocate for all levels of medical staff, fosters collaboration and partners with physicians to ensure exceptional care for patients.

Most recently, Barnell served as an emergency physician, EMS medical director and chair of the Department of Emergency Services at St. Mary’s Hospital, and as a predoctoral coordinator at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana.

"Every member of our team plays an integral part in the care and success of our patients,” added Perryman. “We are pleased to have someone as committed and experienced as Dr. Barnell at St. Mary's Hospital."

Dr. Barnell is a highly accomplished emergency physician with a history of improving the quality of care for patients. His accomplishments include the rank of Major in the U.S. Air Force, ECI Team Emerald Provider of the Year and most recently the St. Mary’s Tau Award for service to the organization.

Busey Bank was chosen out of nearly 6,500 community banks eligible to participate based on the following criteria: Engagement with nearly 14,000 fans and followers; Content distributed on their social media platforms — including fundraising initiatives, community events, giveaways and financial education; Number of fans and followers; and frequency of posting new content.

To connect with Busey Bank on social media, visit www.busey.com/home/resourcecenter/socialmedia.

“Financial Times is recognized worldwide for its insight, influence and knowledge of the industry. To be acknowledged for our dedication to our clients and to be noted in the ranking of the Top 300 RIAs is a great honor,” said David P. Koshinski, President/CEO of Investment Planners and IPI Wealth Management. “The recognition from Financial Times reinforces that IPI is among the nation’s very best firms.”

IPI Wealth Management, Inc. is an independent SEC registered investment adviser based in Decatur. The firm partners with high-caliber financial advisors who are looking to expand their capabilities in meeting their client's needs. IPI Wealth Management is one of the fastest growing wealth management firms in the United States and was named in 2008 as a top 10 Fastest Growing Firms by Financial Advisor magazine.

For more information, visit IPI Wealth Management online at www.investment-planners.com.

As an invasive cardiologist, Chokkalingam is charged with essential responsibilities which ensure the highest level of patient care and clinical standards. As a part of her new role, Chokkalingam fosters collaboration and partners with the medical team at St. Mary’s Hospital to ensure exceptional care for patients.

Most recently, Chokkalingam served as a cardiologist at the Atrium Medical Center in Middletown, Ohio. Her previous experience includes service at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, the Indiana Heart Associates in Indianapolis and the Adena Health System in Chillicothe, Ohio.

After earning her medical degree from Madras Medical College in Chennai, India in 1997, she completed her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit in 2002 and her cardiology fellowship at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif. in 2005. She is board certified in both cardiology and echocardiography.

"Every member of our team plays an integral part in the care and success of our patients,” added Perryman. “We are pleased to have someone as committed and experienced as Dr. Chokkalingam at St. Mary's Hospital."

Dr. Chokkalingam is a highly accomplished invasive cardiologist with a history of improving the quality of care for patients. Her accomplishments include the Medicos’ Prize for Rank 1 in Pre-Clinical Years and the Rangachari Gold Medal for Clinical Medicine.

She has been a member of the DISC staff for more than three years.

“Being recognized at a national level for our student’s success is a wonderful testimony to the excellent learning environment our faculty and staff create. Because of their commitment to excellence, Lake Land students are achieving successes at some of the highest rates in the nation,” President Josh Bullock said.

Lake Land College offers 140 academic programs with nearly 1,300 students graduating with associate degrees and certificates each year. 

According to the annual Transfer Follow-Up Report, the GPA of students who transfer from Lake Land College is better than students who begin their education at that university. Workforce ready graduates do as good as or better on professional licensing exams when compared to their peers in the state and nation.

More information about Lake Land College’s student success can be found at www.lakelandcollege.edu.

Florence Folami has been promoted to associate professor of nursing and awarded tenure.

Kenneth Laundra has been promoted to associate professor of sociology and awarded tenure.

Pamela Lindsey has been promoted to associate professor of nursing and awarded tenure.

Denise Myers has been promoted to professor of theatre and dance.

Eric Roark has been promoted to associate professor of philosophy and awarded tenure.

Jennifer Schroeder has been promoted to associate professor of biology and awarded tenure.

Millikin University congratulates these faculty members on their outstanding accomplishments.

After graduating Stephen went to law school at the University of Kentucky, graduating in May 2012.  Prior to joining Soy Capital Bank, Stephen was an associate attorney at the law firm of Featherstun, Gaumer, Postlewait, Stocks, Flynn & Hubbard in Decatur. 

Stephen is a Decatur native and the son of Bill and Candice Clevenger.

Aventine is a $600 million company currently operating the 160-million-gallon wet mill and dry mill plants in Pekin and the Vogelbusch 45-million-gallon Nebraska Energy LLC plant and the 110-million-gallon Aventine Aurora West Delta T plant in Aurora, Nebraska.

Beemer's career has included 13 years with Archer Daniels Midland Co. in Decatur.

This, the tenth class of recipients to be recognized, was chosen from among a large list of nominees. 

This year’s recipients are: 

Scott Althoff, Always Green Recycling of Central Illinois;

Lori Barrett, The Secret Garden;

Iris Lewis-Beasley, Hickory Point Bank;

Matt Fairchild, Hickory Point Bank;

Kristen Kendrick, Warrensburg-Latham School District;

Brandon Lockhart, Lockhart's Barber Shop;

Jeffrey McNutt, Always Green Recycling of Central Illinois;

Gregg Meisenhelter, United Waste Services;

Karalee Misner, Land of Lincoln Credit Union;

Laura Mondt, Richland Community College;

Allison Mowry, Mowry Baking Company;

Brad Osborne, Rainstorm Car Washes;

Kyle Pflum, Prairie State Bank and Trust;

Brent Sloan, Sloan's Calzones;

Michelle Stephens, Richland Community College;

Lisa Taylor, Decatur School District;

Sarah Vogel, Decatur Park District;

Rebbecca Weisman, voestalpine Nortrak;

Stacey Young, Ameren Illinois; and

Carrie Zeigler, St. Mary's Hospital.

To learn more about this year's 20 under 40 recipients and to get an update what the members of the first class are up to 10 years later, go to www.thebusiness-journal.com.

Wes is an alumnus of Millikin University and was captain of the university's golf team. He is an associate at Foster Financial Services, Inc. in Decatur, working directly with company president Larry W. Foster.

Wes specializes in life, disability and long-term care insurance. Visit him at the Decatur Club Building, 158 W. Prairie Ave., Suite 101, or call (217) 429-9696.

The financial organization – which is among only 20 organizations in Illinois – was recognized at a July 16 ceremony at Busey in Urbana.

StormReady is a nationwide program, which started in 1999 in Tulsa, Okla., that helps businesses and communities protect citizens during severe weather and encourages organizations to take a proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations. To receive StormReady accreditation, organizations must excel in the following areas: communication, local warning dissemination, community preparedness, administration and the ability to receive NOAA updates.