Inaugural event designed to welcome and connect new residents:
Four organizations will collaborate to offer the first event of its kind in an effort to welcome new residents to the Jacksonville area this month in downtown Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jacksonville Main Street and Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) will host a welcome tent at the downtown concert on Friday, June 21, to connect newcomers in the community to people already established in the area.
“In my conversations with human resource professionals and people who have recently moved to the area, I have learned we can do a better job introducing people to one another in our communities,” said Kristin Jamison, president of JREDC. “Those of us who are originally from this area or have lived here for a number of years should serve as a resource to new residents in an effort to connect them professionally and socially.”
The event builds upon the talent attraction campaign recently launched by JREDC, which includes a digital advertising that promotes job opportunities and a relocation incentive effort worth more than $9,300 in cash and other offerings for three new residents who chose to live in Morgan or Scott counties.
The talent attraction campaign also includes new videos that market the quality of life and work opportunities in the Jacksonville region developed in partnership with the Jacksonville Chamber. I addition, the Chamber is developing a new digital welcome kit that will be available to new residents and business owners this summer.
“The collaborative nature of this new event only underlines the quality of the community that makes Jacksonville a great place to live and do business,” said Jamison. “My colleagues at the Chamber, CVB and Main Street want people to thrive here, and it starts with making them feel welcome.”
Anyone new to the Jacksonville area is encouraged to attend the free, outdoor concert on June 21 featuring music by Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes. The welcome tent will include giveaways and the opportunity to meet people invested in Jacksonville area communities.
The Salvation Army announces new location:
After more than 15 years of planning, fundraising and dreaming, The Salvation Army of Jacksonville is moving to a new location on Wall Street with a new name, The Salvation Army Center of Hope. This name reflects the organization’s mission of providing help and hope to the community’s most vulnerable members, motivated by the love of Jesus and a commitment to caring for people.
The Salvation Army has served Jacksonville since 1887 and has operated from its current location at 331 W Douglas Ave for the past 80 years. However, after purchasing a building at the former MacMurray Campus last year and encountering high renovation costs and economic challenges, the organization decided to explore other properties.
The new facility at 1120-1128 Wall Street was chosen for its energy efficiency, minimal renovation needs, and suitability for current and future programs. The building provides ample space for expansion and meets the long-term viability needs of The Salvation Army in the community. It will open its doors to the community on Monday, July 8.
The Salvation Army offers a variety of vital programs and services in Jacksonville and Morgan County, including the largest client-choice food pantry, a free lunch program, emergency utility and housing assistance, shelter needs, Christmas assistance, a back-to-school clothing program, a community baby shower, clothing assistance, a back-to-work program, and more. The new facility will allow for the expansion of these services and the introduction of new programs for youth, seniors, and families.
The Salvation Army’s new home is centrally located, making it more accessible to clients and the community. It’s also closer to other vital services, including the Crisis Center Foundation and hotels used for emergency sheltering.
“We are so grateful to everyone who donated to the initial Capital Campaign, which made this move possible,” said Major Chris Clarke. “Because of this community’s generosity, we can bring hope to our most vulnerable during their greatest times of need.” The current property at 331 W. Douglas Ave. will be sold, as will the building at the former MacMurray campus.
Individuals and groups interested in volunteering can contact The Salvation Army at 217-245-7124. The organization looks forward to continuing its mission of meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the community from its new location, offering hope, dignity and sustainability, one family and individual at a time.
CNB stockholders hold annual meeting:
The stockholders of CNB Bank Shares, Inc. held their annual meeting on Tuesday, May 14, at CNB’s corporate headquarters in Carlinville. In addition to receiving a report on the past year’s performance, stockholders reelected the incumbent board of directors for the ensuing year.
Reelected to the parent company’s board were James Ashworth, Judith Baker, Shawn Davis, Nancy Ruyle, Richard Walden, Andrew Tinberg and Spencer Cohn.
At a subsequent organizational meeting of the company on May 14, Richard Walden was reelected by the board to serve as Chairman. The officers of the company were reappointed to their current positions, including Ashworth as President, Tinberg as Executive Vice President, Davis as Senior Vice President, Tom DeRobertis as Vice President, and Diana Tone as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Ruyle was named as Corporate Secretary.
The board of the subsidiary, CNB Bank & Trust, N.A., was also reelected. The Bank’s board consists of Walden (Chairman), Ashworth, Baker, Davis, Ruyle, Jim Salske, Joe Heitz, Rick Champley, Kyle Schumacher and Tinberg. Pete Genta and George Yard were recognized for their 20 years of dedicated service on the Board of Directors, following their recent retirement from these roles.
The officers of the Bank were reappointed to their current positions, including Tinberg as President and CEO, and Executive Officers Tom DeRobertis, Maureen Oswald, Diana Tone, Darlene Ward, Chris Williams and Matthew Cors.
CNB Bank & Trust has full-service facilities in 17 communities, namely: Alton; Brighton; Carlinville; Carrollton; Chapin; Clayton, MO; Edwardsville/Glen Carbon; Hillsboro; Jacksonville; Jerseyville; Litchfield; Oak Forest; Palos Heights; Pittsfield; Taylorville; Tinley Park; and Virden. In addition to traditional loan and deposit banking services, CNB provides wealth management through its Trust operations, and investment brokerage through Financial Resources Group, as well as a wide range of residential fixed-rate loan products for access to the secondary market through CNB’s mortgage department. Total consolidated assets for the company at 12/31/23 were $1,673,148,000.
Run, Walk, and Remember — Honoring Julie Summers with a 5k Walk/Run!
Join the CrossFit Culminate community as we celebrate the life of Julie Summers, a cherished member of our CrossFit family and a beacon of positivity in Jacksonville. This isn’t just a race; it’s a memorial 5k Walk/Run to honor Julie’s infectious spirit and unwavering passion for CrossFit.
Julie had a bright smile that lit up every workout. This event celebrates that spirit! The proceeds will directly fund the Julie Summers Memorial Fund, offering scholarships to those interested in CrossFit who face financial barriers. By participating, you’re not just honoring Julie’s memory, you’re helping others embrace the healthy and active lifestyle she cherished.
Imagine the impact we can make together! Register for this beautiful tribute to Julie while supporting a cause that would have been close to her heart. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or simply someone who wants to show their support, lace up your shoes and join us for this meaningful event.
Interested participants can find more information and register for the event by visiting crossfitculminate.com under the Events tab. We are also seeking sponsors to elevate the event! Becoming an event sponsor allows your business to have its logo printed on the back of all race shirts, set up a booth at the event, and receive social media exposure. Further inquires can contact us at crossfitculminate@gmail.com Together, we can create a lasting legacy for Julie and empower others to embark on their own CrossFit journeys.
Rotary Club of Jacksonville selling baseball tickets for Rotary Day at the Ball Park — Raising Funds for Literacy:
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville announced that $60 tickets are now available for Rotary Day at the Ball Park on July 13. This game features the rival St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The game begins at 1:15 p.m. Seats are Left Field Loge or Pavilion, first come first serve basis, with best seats going first.
Rotary Club President Jenna Tucker said, “Please purchase your tickets through Rotary at: https://www.rotarydistrict6460.org/ and click on the prompt that says ‘CLICK HERE to complete the online ticket order form.’ And please add ‘Jacksonville’ in the ‘Rotary Club Name’ box so our Club gets credit for the tickets you buy! The more tickets we sell, the greater the chance we will be able to secure Literacy Grant funds in the fall for our partner school, South School.”
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville partners with South Elementary School through the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce Business-Education Partnership. Rotarian volunteers serve as classroom tutors and guest readers and the Club applies for grant funds from Rotary District 6460 to buy books for students to encourage their love of reading.
Rotarian Michael Schneider, who is leading the Club’s ticket sales, said, “This is a great ticket price, and the 1:15 game time makes it an easy day-trip with friends or family. We hope the community will come out in support of this very worthy — and fun — fundraising event!”
More information about this topic can be obtained by contacting Schneider at 217-473-4648.
Rotary unites people from all continents, cultures, and occupations. Rotarians are leaders in their fields and communities. Rotarians’ diverse perspectives help them to identify and solve problems in communities throughout the world. For more information about the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, its service initiatives, and how to become a member, visit http://jacksonvillerotary.org/.
