Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce Monthly News Letter
March 11th 2022
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Message From The Director |
March 11th is known as Johnny Apple Seed Day. Much like Johnny Apple Seed, the women included in this weeks news letter are leaders in their fields who spread their knowledge and love for what they do to all they touch. They are community members who care deeply about our area and go above and beyond to make sure they leave the community better than they found it. Some of the women listed below were born and raised in the area, some were transplants but all have helped to make our communities better and continue to do so! For that we are thankful and are excited to celebrate them even in a small way.
All The Best,
Bill
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IVAC Connect-
Senior Watch Dog @ The Peru City Hall Community Room
Join us as Vicki Storm shares about her business and how they are impacting our community
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Community Fun Night Drawdown and Casino Night @ Senica's Oak Ridge
Doors Open at 5:00pm
Feeling Luck?? Join us at this years annual drawdown and try your luck and winning up to $2,000. We will have music by Steve and Steve following dinner and casino themed games where you can earn tickets to enter our prize raffles.
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State of the Cities 2022 @ Grand Bear Lodge 11:00-2:00
We have brought back our annual event that allows our community to hear from our local municipal leaders. For $30 you will be provided a plated lunch, the opportunity to hear about the vision for growth in our communities as well as get some questions answered.
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Meet Beverly Malooley- Managing Partner at Malooley Dahm Realty
- IVAC Board Member
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I’ve dedicated my professional life to real estate for more than 20 years. But to almost everyone in the Illinois Valley, I’ll forever be Bev from The Ripe Tamata.
I cofounded the popular and much-missed Peru produce market in 1983 and its florist offshoot, R.T. Country Flowers, in 1984. After selling the companies in 1998, I began work as director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Illinois Valley Community College, where I helped hundreds of budding local entrepreneurs achieve their professional dreams of owning and operating their own business.
During that time, I became a licensed REALTOR® and discovered a passion for both residential and commercial real estate. After working as an agent for national real estate companies for nearly a decade, I founded the boutique firm Malooley Dahm Realty in 2006. As managing broker, I’ve had the opportunity to develop a real estate company that is truly focused on providing our clients with outstanding representation.
I hold a BA in management and finance from Northern Illinois University. I’m a board member of the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, a member and former president of Peru Rotary Club, a member of the Illinois Valley Association of RELATORS®, a member and past president of the Illinois Valley Garden Club, and a member of historic Saint George Orthodox Church. I live in Spring Valley, where I raised my two children, whom I consider to be my life’s greatest work.
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Meet Jennifer Bias- President at Ficek Electirc & Camp Aramoni
- IVAC Board Member
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Jennifer is the President of both Ficek Electric & Communication Systems, Inc. in LaSalle, IL and Camp Aramoni, Inc. in Tonica, IL. Born and raised in LaSalle, Jennifer began her career in 1978 by helping her parents open their family's electrical contracting company, Ficek Electric. When her father retired in 2004, she became the owner and CEO and transformed the company into a successful and noteworthy female-owned powerhouse. Entering government contracting, she secured state-wide contracts in both telecommunications and security and the business grew exponentially while creating many new jobs.
In 2017, she chased another dream. The door to the hospitality world flew open when she and her husband, Tim, decided to open Camp Aramoni, a boutique campground and event venue. Renovation of their new property (site of a 100-year-old brickyard) took the better part of four years and the final product has been featured in many publications such as Time Out Chicago, Enjoy Illinois and Men’s Journal (who chose Aramoni as one of the best “glamping” sites in America).
She has always loved serving others and that passion has guided her career at both Ficek Electric and Camp Aramoni. When she’s not working, you’ll find Jennifer gardening, cooking, busy in her apiary or entertaining family and friends.
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Meet Kathy Casstevens- Marketing Manager at Starved Rock Lodge |
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In addition to being an accomplished photographer, Casstevens is the Marketing Director at Starved Rock Lodge, where her photographs are on display throughout the Lodge and in much of the marketing material. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and Marketing from Purdue as well as a second degree in Photography. Kathy has spent very little time without a camera in her hands over the past 45 years. Her photographs appear in numerous regional and national publications.
Casstevens is particularly well known for her nature photography, many pieces of which will be on display at the NCI ARTworks Gallery reception on March 11. Her iconic image of Native American Bill “Conquering Bear” Buchholtz playing the flute in the Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park will be a centerpiece among the photographs on exhibit.
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Special Double Feature! June Keeley- General Manager (left) and Abby Widd Operations Supervisor (right) of the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp |
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A former human resources executive and entrepreneur with years of volunteer and coaching experience, June's background fits perfectly with the many hats she wears as GM. She especially loves working with sponsors, community partners, vendors and interns/staff to develop long term relationships.
When not enjoying summer camp in the Illinois Valley, she resides in Naperville during the off season. She is the Mom of an adult daughter and college son, Havanese littermates Belle & Gus and cat Nitro.
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Abby Widd kept things running smooth at Veterans Field last summer as the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp's Operations Supervisor. Abby is also a senior at North Central College in Naperville majoring in political science and sports management.
She is a 4 year starting goalie on the North Central women's lacrosse team and recently broke a school record for most saves in a game, shattering the previous mark of 18 with a new high of 25! Way to go Abby!
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Thank You Platinum Sponsors! |
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