The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting at the Jacksonville Country Club on Thursday, March 27. Four annual awards were announced at the meeting.
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
Bob Chipman
The Chamber posthumously recognized Bob Chipman as its Circle of Excellence recipient. In order to receive the Circle of Excellence recognition, the nominee must be retired from an active Chamber business. The nominee must have served the Chamber on a committee, as a board member or as chair with a provable record of contributions to the Chamber of Commerce that have made a difference in furthering the goals of the Chamber. A Circle of Excellence nominee must also have provided at least 10 years of service to the Chamber.
Bob Chipman graduated from Illinois College in 1974 with a BA in History and Government and became an administrative assistant to the mayor of Jacksonville. Later, as a loan officer at The Farmers State Bank and Trust Company, Bob made all who entered the bank feel welcome with his quick, wide smile and his warm words. In 1987, he joined his father Bill Chipman’s business in real estate and appraisal at their office on West State Street. Over the next nearly 40 years, Bob helped countless families find their homes, celebrate new beginnings and navigate farewells. A hometown boy, Bob served as the president of the local YMCA Board, the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Passavant Area Hospital Board. He three times served as the president of the Association of Realtors and twice served as United Way Campaign Chair as well as the president of the Prairieland United Way Board.
Bob was a member of the Illinois College Board of Trustees for 25 years, serving in many capacities, including Vice Chair of the Board. He retired from the Board of Trustees in 2023 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the college. After his retirement, he continued as a Trustee Emeritus, lending his expertise and support. In 2023, Bob was also inducted into the Jacksonville Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and, along with his wife Janet, was a youth advisor, taught children’s classes and, for the last 30 years, taught the ACTS Bible Class. Bob also served as Board President of the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation and of the Jacksonville Area Museum Foundation.
The Chamber was so fortunate to have Bob serve as its Chairman of the Board in 2022. His leadership and support were so appreciated by Lisa Musch and Rachel McGuire of the Chamber as well as other board members. He was instrumental in moving the exterior renovation project along and attended the City Council meeting where funding was secured for the project. We are saddened that he won’t be with us in person at the ribbon cutting later this year but know his presence will be felt there and throughout the years at the Chamber and in our community.
Janet Chipman and son Tim Chipman accepted the award on Bob’s behalf.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – 25 OR MORE EMPLOYEES
The Pointe at Jacksonville
The Pointe at Jacksonville is a supportive assisted living and memory care community for those 65 and older in Jacksonville. Their goal is to offer the highest standard of supportive assisted living and memory care for their residents. The supportive assisted living and memory care community is ideal for those who wish to live an independent lifestyle with the freedom to take part in the wonderful environment and activities offered. They have a team of fifty plus caring professionals on-site to ensure their residents live an independent, enjoyable and safe lifestyle.
In 2022, they completed their newly remodeled memory care wing adding memory care services to their facility. The Pointe at Jacksonville offers both private pay and Medicaid options for its residents.
The Pointe is very active in the community. They provide volunteer opportunities for youth in the area, including students from ISD. Their staff volunteers at the warming shelter and other local organizations. They are active in the Chamber’s Health and Community Services division and participate in and sponsor many of the annual events and activities. They host a number of community events throughout the year including an annual Easter Egg Hunt and many senior activities including dance parties through their Year of Dance program.
Accepting the award was The Pointe at Jacksonville Executive Director Brittani King.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – UNDER 25 EMPLOYEES
Neff-Colvin, Inc.
As a cornerstone of our local business community, Neff-Colvin, Inc. exemplifies the innovation, dedication and community spirit that make small businesses the backbone of Jacksonville’s economy.
For 57 years, Neff-Colvin, Inc. has consistently demonstrated outstanding business leadership, exceptional service and a strong commitment to the local economy. Their unwavering dedication to quality, customer satisfaction and ethical business practices have set them apart as a leader in their industry. Beyond their business success, they have shown a deep commitment to giving back to the Jacksonville community through philanthropic efforts, local partnerships and employee-driven volunteer initiatives.
The company’s growth and resilience, even in challenging times, showcases its adaptability and forward-thinking approach. Their investment in employees, commitment to sustainable practices and customer-first mentality have positioned them as a model small business that not only thrives but also uplifts others around them.
Neff-Colvin, Inc. embodies the values that the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce seeks to recognize — entrepreneurial excellence, community involvement and an enduring impact on our local economy.
The Chamber is extremely grateful to Doug Megginson and crew at Neff-Colvin for all of their work on the exterior renovation. Their ongoing communication and attention to keeping the office open and accessible was so appreciated as was the quality of their work and courtesy while patiently waiting for decisions to be made.
Accepting the award was Neff-Colvin owner Doug Megginson.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation
This year’s Not-for-Profit Business of the Year has been serving the Jacksonville community since 1964 with a mission to create, expand, recruit and retain job opportunities for Morgan and Scott counties.
The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation works to realize seven goals to support its mission: Improve the Region’s Quality of Place; Create an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem; Strengthen the Region’s Workforce; Help Existing Businesses Expand and Grow; Develop Available Properties in the Region; Constructively Engage Community Based Organizations; and Pursue Development that Diversifies the Region’s Economy.
During the past two years, JREDC and the Chamber worked together as community navigators through Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to assist local businesses secure state grants totaling over $850,000.
They also collaborated on workforce development initiatives by creating three community videos marketing the Jacksonville area as a wonderful place to live, work and invest.
Additionally, JREDC successfully utilized a talent attraction campaign through Make My Move to bring five new individuals to the Jacksonville area and are working on their next round of candidates. They also coordinated a welcome tent at a summer Jacksonville Main Street concert to welcome Jacksonville area newcomers.
The organization spearheads and manages the local Enterprise Zone incentive program. They assist site selectors and complete RFPs for those interested in business development and expansion while working to retain and assist our local businesses in operational growth and workforce recruitment.
JREDC annually sponsors the JREDC Corporate Cup at the Chamber golf outing at The Links. Kristin Jamison and Bonni Waters of the JREDC support the Chamber and attend its many events. They also serve on many other community boards and organizations.
We at the Chamber would be remiss if we did not congratulate Waters on her recent retirement from the organization after 29 years of outstanding service. The Chamber appreciates the ongoing work and collaborative spirit of Jamison, Waters and the JREDC Board of Directors in its mission to realize the goals of workforce development and growth.
Accepting the award was JREDC President Kristin Jamison and JREDC Vice President Bonni Waters.
