Business News

Art Armstrong of Genoa has developed a few strategies to cope with the rising cost of gas.

SYCAMORE – Jennifer Pearce, a 10-year veteran in the powersports industry, has joined the Open Air Powersports dealership in Sycamore as its general manager.

DeKALB – Brad Manning Ford presented $2,540 to the DeKalb Music Boosters and DeKalb High School music department on May 23.

DeKALB – In 2011, Dana King, events and promotions coordinator for KishHealth System marketing and public relations, worked with area leaders to establish a farmers market voucher program to help subsidize the cost of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs for seniors and low-income families. King coordinated with Lindsey Engelsman of Re:New DeKalb, Kay Chase of the DeKalb County Health Department and Diana King, director of Senior Services for Family Service Agency, to launch the program at the DeKalb Farmers Market. The program, in its third year, has expanded to include the Sycamore Farmers Market.

DeKALB – Northern Illinois University head women’s basketball coach Kathi Bennett announced that two members of the women’s basketball staff have been promoted to new roles, as NIU Hall of Famer Debbie Whitman moves into an assistant coaching position and Stephanie Smith takes over as director of basketball operations.

DeKALB – Jayne Menne of Signature Real Estate was named Realtor of the Year by the DeKalb Area Association of Realtors and received special recognition at a state banquet in April.

SYCAMORE – The Collins Dental Group is helping increase DeKalb County’s awareness of good oral health practices and habits during National Smile Month, May 20 through June 20. The education campaign focuses on three key messages: brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; regular dentist visits; and cutting back on sugary foods and drinks.

The Illinois CPA Society honored Debra R. Hopkins, CPA, CIA, with the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to the organization, as well as her contributions and achievements as an accounting professional, educator and leader.

SHABBONA – Resource Bank is seeking any pictures, artifacts or related materials from the Quilhot one-room schoolhouse in Shabbona. The schoolhouse, built in 1856, is being restored and incorporated with the bank’s new branch building on Comanche Avenue in Shabbona.

GENOA – The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce is upgrading everything: staff, website and now, where it calls home.

GENOA – Jamie Ullmark, an American Family Insurance agent in Genoa, has been recognized for providing outstanding customer experience under the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification. She joins other American Family agents who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to outstanding customer service.

DeKALB – Northern Public Radio has named Robert K. “Bert” Gray development director.

DeKALB – Kishwaukee Community Hospital received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval by demonstrating adherence with the commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety. The accreditation recognizes Kish Hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s standards. The survey comes on the heels of a successful survey last fall at Kish’s sister facility, Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich.