Sandy Benson, Director of Community & Government Relations
Edward Hospital & Health Services:
How to Be Prepared for a Visit to Your Doctor

Decent, affordable healthcare is a concern of every business owner. As Edward Hospital’s Sandy Benson explains, you can be your own advocate by understanding how to prepare before, during and after an appointment with a physician.

BEFORE

• Make a list of everything you want to discuss. Note any changes in your health since your last visit and jot down any important questions you will have. Also write down current prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamin and herbal supplements.
• Record any tests, screenings or immunizations since your last visit to a particular physician. This information is helpful to all who treat you. By keeping track, you may be able to avoid the cost and inconvenience of duplicate testing.

DURING

• Refer to your notes and questions often and write down your doctor’s responses.
• Learn about both the risks and the benefits of recommended tests, treatments, procedures or prescriptions. Ask as many questions as necessary. Also explore other available options so you can make the most-informed choices.
• If you don’t understand what your doctor is saying, request clarification. He or she may have patient-education materials you can study as well.

AFTER

• Think about any lifestyle changes your doctor recommends. Advice to change your eating habits or get more exercise is not superfluous: our behaviors have a cumulative and powerful impact on our long-term health and happiness.
  

Submitted by Jonathan Davis, The Eloquent Arrow

Go to the below links to learn more and join us.  This is a work in progress and is to help get more exposure for our members.  Please send questions and suggestions to angie@oswegochamber.org. We are also working on a LinkedIn account.

	When you go to the Chamber Facebook page, click under the Chamber logo on the Add to My Pages Favorites link – this adds the Chamber page to your Facebook page if you have one. Also please click on the top of the Chamber page where it says Become a Fan – this allows us another way to update you on events and information. Let us know if you have a Facebook business page so we can get your business listed on one of favorites also.
	Simply click on the icon to visit our page.
	For LinkedIn, look for Steve Hatcher. The Oswego Chamber Page is a group on his page. Ask to link up.

Social networking has been evolving over last 5 years and is now a major part of doing business online. One service that has continued to grow in popularity is Facebook. You can sign-up for a free Facebook account online at www.facebook.com.

Companies have the option of creating a PAGE and/or a GROUP. Each service has slightly different features. In my opinion, a page is more beneficial when it comes to cultivating long-term relationships with your customers, while a group is best for initiating discussions with active participants.

One key feature of a Facebook page is the fact that pages are public, while information displayed to your group is limited only to members of the group. This means that your Facebook page may show up in Google, Yahoo and Bing search results, so you need to make sure you can appropriately handle any comments that are posted on the page (this could be viewed as labor intensive if your page becomes popular). Additionally, if a user becomes a fan of your Facebook page, the link to your page will appear on their individual profile, where it is easily viewed by their friends, while group memberships are less obvious.

As of today, groups do have only one advantage. As a group administrator, you have the ability to create, or "host" an event and automatically invite all of your group members. While it is possible to create related events for your page, you cannot actually host an event. This means you have to manually enter each guest's RSVP status for any related event you create. However, this may not be a strong argument for groups, as I suspect this functionality will be added to pages at some point.

The bottom line is that with a page, you get everything a group does plus a simple page URL, visitor statistics, extra applications, and the ability to promote with social ads. Furthermore, Facebook pages make it easier for people to find you on both Facebook and on search engines, and that is what is most important today on the web.

By - Andy Clements, Weblinx, Inc.

Your Health: Why It’s Expensive & What You Can Do About It

Most Americans would agree that affordable health care is a major concern. According to U.S. News & World Report, the average cost of health care for a family of four in 2009 is $16,771, up from $15,609 in 2008.

At the same time, rising health insurance premiums have forced many employers to slow or freeze wages and salaries. An estimated 46 million Americans have no health insurance, and some observers predict that Medicare will collapse within the next 10 years.

One of the core components of a greater quality of life remains one of our most vexing problems. While the slow wheel of reform continues to revolve, we can take measures that help lighten the load of protecting our health within the current system.

Why It Costs So Much

In his 2009 article entitled “Why Is Health Care So Expensive?: The Truth Exposed” at www.associatedcontent.com, writer Ryan Cameron identifies the following as responsible for stratospheric American medical costs:

• Prescription drug prices – the country’s fastest-growing health expense, often attributed to the increasing price of research and development
• Defensive medicine – the multiple tests doctors perform to protect themselves from malpractice suits
• Administrative paperwork and processing among hospitals and insurance companies
• Americans – a major contributor to the crisis until they eat better, exercise more, wash their hands regularly, sleep at least 8 hours a night, consume less alcohol and stop smoking.

How We Can Help Ourselves

In addition to maintaining healthy habits, here are a few ways you can ease the financial burden of health care while engaging the services you need:

• Don’t wait until you’re very sick to go the doctor. Delaying treatment can drive health costs higher.
• Read your health insurance plan cover to cover, including the fine print. Few want to, but all will benefit if they do.
• Stay in the provider network specified by your plan. This can be the single greatest way to save money. Be sure that any of your doctors’ referrals are members of the network as well.
• Pre-authorize healthcare services before they’re performed to ensure that you’re covered.
• Order generic equivalents of your prescriptions whenever possible. You can save up to 80% in some cases. The country as a whole could save billions.
• Keep a meticulous personal healthcare record for amassing knowledge before and after each doctor or hospital visit. Take advantage of free healthcare management tools such as www.changehealthcare.com, which helps you organize bills and paperwork and compare costs among physicians, hospitals and pharmacies.

Ideally, Americans can look to a future in which quality health care is an affordable guarantee instead of a costly privilege. Until then, we can use our will, wits and resources to protect our precious health.

References:
1. blogs.consumerreports.org/health
2. www.usnews.com
3. www.associatedcontent.com
4. www.cnnmoney.com
5. www.forbes.com
6. www.smartmoney.com

Submitted by Jonathan Davis, The Eloquent Arrow

Short Notice But Worth Your Attention

Months ago, when the chamber would have normally began planning for the annual New Teacher breakfast, the number of expected new teachers for the coming school year was predicted in the single digits. Therefore, the decision was made to forego the event this year.

Things changed suddenly just ten days ago when we learned that there may well be upwards of 30 new teachers this year. As a result we have quickly “geared up” for a breakfast which will be held on Monday, August 17, 8:00 am at Traughber Jr. High School.

The opportunity now exists for Chamber members to introduce their products and services to the new teachers in an extremely cost effective manner. For only $25.00, member marketing materials will be included in a welcome packet assembled by the Chamber office and given to all attendees. Additionally, your contact information will be listed in the program brochure. Participating members may also attend the breakfast for an additional $10.00. All proceeds from this effort will be used to fund scholarships for a deserving graduating senior at both Oswego High School and Oswego East High School next spring.

Please respond ASAP and deliver 100 pieces of your marketing material to the Chamber office by Thursday, August 13. These welcome packets will be given to all attendees including New Teachers, Principals, Vice Principals and School board members. Questions, call 630-554-3505.

Steve Hatcher
Executive Director

Veritrust Financial's Katie Morris becomes a Certified Financial Planner™

Veritrust Financial is excited to announce that Katie Morris, CFP® has successfully completed the CFP Board’s certification process and is a CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ professional. The CFP® marks identify those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP® Certification Examination covering the following areas: the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning.

As an independent advisor and co-founder of the Batavia, IL office of Veritrust Financial, Katie works extensively with individuals, families and small businesses throughout the area helping them find efficient, cost-effective methods for securing their financial future. She specializes in retirement planning for individuals and works closely with small to medium-sized businesses in establishing and monitoring their company-sponsored retirement plans.

For more information about Katie Morris and Veritrust Financial, visit www.veritrustadvisors.com. For more about CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net

SEC GROUP, Inc. Announces Merger with HR Green

SEC Group, Inc (SEC), an Illinois-based civil/structural engineering firm, today announced a merger with HR Green, a professional services firm providing expertise in Buildings Services, Community and Technology Resources, Transportation, Water and Wastewater, and Environmental Services on projects throughout the country. The merger creates an organization of nearly 400 skilled professionals with the experience and knowledge to address diverse client needs in both the private and public sectors.

The merger is effective immediately. The Illinois divisions of the merged company will be called SEC Group, Inc., An HR Green Company. SEC will continue to operate in its locations in McHenry, Yorkville, New Lenox and Chicago, IL. Combining the local and technical expertise of SEC with a full range of resources from HR Green creates a firm designed to deliver even higher levels of service to clients throughout Illinois and the country.

Advertising Opportunities

Get the word out! Effective immediately, advertising for the Oswego Chamber of Commerce Newsletter is $25 for a ¼ page ad (approximately 300 x 300 pixels) and $50 for a ½ page ad (600 x 300 pixels). Ads should be in gif or jpeg format.

Want to stand out from the crowd? Exclusive email blast ads are also available for $75. New in 2009: you will have the option of having your email ad go out on Monday or Wednesday. Your ad will go to all Chamber of Commerce members, and only one ad will be distributed on Monday and one on Wednesday. Ads need to be in a gif or jpeg format and no larger than 250 KB and 720 x 800 pixels.

Any questions? Please contact Angie at the Chamber office at 630-554-3505.

Speckman Therapeutics
Thomas Harris
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy – emphasis on pediatrics & sports medicine
88 Schoolhouse Road
Yorkville, Illinois 60560
Phone: 630-553-6888
Fax: 630-553-3737
tjharris@speckmantherapeutics.com
www.speckmantherapeutics.com
Referred by: Rebecca Oliver

Waterford Children’s Academy
Keri Knudson
Full time child care – ages 6 weeks – 12 years, pre-school, before & after school care, summer camp
1310 Waterford Drive
Aurora, Illinois 60504
Phone: 630-820-6402
Fax: 630-820-4047
kknudson@cclc.com
www.cclc.com/waterford
Referred by: Nicole Tudisco

Mik’s Tasty Bites – Delicious Mini Donuts
Jack Mikolay
Portable mini donut maker. Popular at farmers markets, festivals, fundraisers & corporate events
500 Vernon Drive
Oswego, Illinois 60543
Phone: 847-370-9332
Fax: 630-844-8002
jackm@mikstastybites.com
www.mikstastybites.com
Referred by: Jen Wilson

Mommy & Aiden Home Daycare
Tanya Rivera
Safe, loveable atmosphere, lots of play activities, preschool curriculum, all hot nutritious meals &, treats - Fenced yard - CPR/1st Aid/Food sanitation License – teacher assistants – bilingual – 7 day/24 hour service
803 S. Sparkle Court
Oswego, Illinois 60543
Phone: 630-788-5576
luvanimals1973@aol.com

Mary Kay Cosmetics
Ronda Cousins
Mary Kay offers premiere quality products for men and women that enhance image and self-confidence. As an Independent Sales Director I will meet your personal and gift-giving needs with products from any of our six categories – anti-aging skin care, color cosmetics, spa, sun protection, fragrance and men’s skin care. Additionally, I can share career information regarding the exceptional business opportunity for financial and personal success.
2465 Deerpoint Drive
Montgomery, Illinois 60538
Phone: 630-859-9563
rondacousins@marykay.com
www.marykay.com/rondacounsins
Referred by: Leads Group III

Thomas Orthodontics Oswego
Robert Thomas
Orthodontics for children and adults
2844 Route 34
Oswego, Illinois 60543
Phone: 630-554-5600
Fax: 630-554-5626
oswegoortho@yahoo.com

Juice Plus+
Barb Ostapina
Fruits & vegetables in a capsule – no shopping, no chopping, no cooking!
5492 Half Round Road
Oswego, Illinois 60543
Phone: 630-973-9514
barb@phytoeasy.com
www.phytoeasy.com

Designed for Learning
Lori West
Develop learning solutions to address individual or organizational issues. Also offer e-learning, web-based programs.
304 Stoneleigh
Oswego, Illinois 60543
Phone: 630-554-1256
Fax: 630-566-1887
lori@designedforlearning.com
www.designedforlearning.com
Referred by: Michael Cassa

The Flooring Guys of Oswego
Flooring sale, installations & repairs
Contact: Brian Beck
30 Stonehill Rd. Unit A
Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: 630-554-9507
Fax: 630-554-9509
Mobile: 630-742-5985
E-Mail: brianthecarpetguy@att.net

Task Force Cleaning
Residential & Commercial cleaning services.
Contact: Char Prendeville
27 Stonehill Road, Unit B
Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: 630-554-2161
Fax: 630-554-2161
E-Mail: mikechar417@aol.com
Web Site: www.taskforcecleaning.com

Oswego Chamber of Commerce Leads Group I has openings in their group for HVAC, Attorney, CPA, and Retail. http://leads1.oswegochamber.org. Leads Group I meets Thursday mornings at 7:30 am at the Family Restaurant, Main St., Oswego. Contact Gail Gauger at ggauger@aldengroup.org for more information.

Oswego Chamber of Commerce Leads Group IV has openings in their group. They are currently looking for: Massage therapist, Computer IT, Accountant, Plumber, Auto Repair, Drywall, HVAC, Printer. They are also looking for home based businesses like Tastefully Simple, Arbonne, Pampered Chef. Go to Oswego Chamber of Commerce Leads Group IV has openings in their group. www.whatsbob.com Leads Group IV meets Wednesday mornings at 8:00 am at the AmericInn, Douglas Rd., Oswego. Contact Tim Leverich at tim@hometowneinsurance.com for more information.

Andy Clements
President (term expires 2010)
Weblinx, Inc
165 Kirkland Circle
Oswego, IL 60543
630-551-0334
630-551-0353 fax
andy@weblinxinc.com

Jeannie LaMarre
Vice President (term expires 2011)
Tastefully Simple
Fox Valley Trophy
74 W. Washington
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-2525
630-554-3850 fax
foxvalleytrophy@yahoo.com

Brenda Van Wyhe
Treasurer (term expires 2010)
Rush-Copley Medical Center
2000 Ogden Ave.
Aurora, IL 60504
630.898.3565
630.978.6860 fax
Brenda_VanWyhe@rsh.net

Ken McLaughlin
Secretary (term expires 2010)
Esp, Kreuzer, Cores & McLaughlin, LLC
290 S. County Farm Rd.
Suite M
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.871.1002
630.871.0224 fax
kmclaughlin@mkec-law.com

Katie Morris
Director (term expires 2011)
Veritrust Financial LLC
24 N. Washington Ave., Ste 209
Batavia, IL 60510
630-457-1300
630-689-0910 fax
kmorris@veritrustfinancial.com

David Erickson
Director (term expires 2010)
Edward Jones Investments
1458 Sycamore Road
Yorkville, IL 60560
630.552.9576
866.257.5952 fax
david.erickson@edwardjones.com

Jen Wilson
Director (term expires 2011)
Oswego Community Bank
89 Boulder Hill Pass
Montgomery, IL 60538
630-636-5210
630-844-3804 fax
jwilson@oswegobank.com

Brad Gooch
Director (term expires 2011)
Ideal Incentive Inc
74 Stonehill Road, Suite D
Oswego, IL 60543
630-551-2200
630-551-3222 fax
bgooch@idealincentiveinc.com

John Cody
Director (term expires 2010)
Irish Press
110 Kirkland Circle
Oswego, IL 60543
630.851.9953
630.851.9978 fax
theirishpress@aol.com

Gary Adams
Director (term expires 2011)
Village of Oswego
100 Parkers Mill
Oswego, IL 60543
630-554-3287
630-554-3306 fax
gadams@oswegoil.org

Tony Sidio
Director (term expires 2011)
Tony Sidio Consulting
3756 Balley Road
Yorkville, IL 60560
630-202-6765
tony@sidio.com

Rebecca Oliver
Past President (term expires 2010)
HRM Properties & Development, LLC
Masoncorp, Inc.
1022 Douglas Rd
Oswego, IL 60543
630.554.4150
630.554.4151 fax
roliver@masoncorpinc.com