Welcome to Champaign County

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

It is our intention to make the beauty and resources of Champaign County, Illinois accessible to visitors and residents alike. We invite you to experience the many cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities that we offer. We are proud to provide this web site to introduce our great area businesses and attractions, and are confident that you will find it interesting and easy to use.

Whether you come for business or pleasure, the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s professional staff is available to provide guidance and assistance to ensure you feel welcome. When planning a meeting or convention, consider Champaign County. The Champaign County Convention & Visitors Bureau will be happy to assist you.

We hope you enjoy our community as much as we do, and that you will make Champaign County a regular stop on your future travels.

Urbana, Illinois

Urbana, Illinois

Whether you’re here on a weekend getaway, business convention, or just visiting, Champaign County has plenty of things to do and see. Relax and get back to nature by exploring the Anita Purves Nature Center. Nature lovers will also enjoy the beautiful and diverse prairie flora at The Arboretum and the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden. Sports fans will want to visit The Olympic Tribute, a monument honoring the achievements of Olympic athletes from our county. And for a different sport visit the Homer 500, the areas first drag strip for snowmobiles and ATV’s. And don’t forget the kids. You can pick apples and pumpkins at Curtis Orchard, feed the barnyard animals at Prairie Farm, try your luck with the 7-acre Cornfusion maze at Hardy’s Evergreen Acres and Reindeer Ranch, or learn about the stars and planets at The William M. Staerkel Planetarium, the 2nd largest in Illinois. Attend a flea market or other show at Gordyville or expand your international knowledge at the Japan House. Swim some laps at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center or take a leisurely stroll through the Wandell Sculpture Garden.

Posted in Community, United States

Florida Commercial Real Estate Basics

Posted on May 16, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

Many Sunshine State business owners have a need for florida commercial real estate during some point of their entrepreneurial careers, and using a broker can help business owners save money and time. With today’s economy, many owners of corporate real estate such as offices and shopping centers are willing to negotiate rental or selling prices. However, negotiating with a property owner takes finesse and skill.

Before entering an agreement with a florida commercial real estate broker or realtor, set yourself up for success by having all of your paperwork in order. If you cannot prove your personal and professional financial fitness, even the best real estate broker will have a hard time helping you find the office space of your dreams. Expect the broker to pull credit reports on you. Some property owners will also pull their own credit reports especially if you are trying to buy rather than rent a commercial space in Florida.

Having cash on hand is critical, especially if you plan to work with a broker to buy a business property. At least 20 percent down is the general rule if you hope to get a commercial mortgage. For rentals and leases, generally you need first month’s payment, last month’s and a security deposit that could equal an entire month’s rent. Again, it depends upon the expertise of your florida commercial real estate broker, the owner of the property and your individual and business profile. A new business owner will usually be expected to spend more cash upfront than an established entrepreneur.

Once you and your broker settle on a business property, read the agreement carefully. You usually must have at least a pre-determined amount of liability insurance whether you are renting or paying on a commercial mortgage. Protect your investment and your customers once the deal is closed.

Posted in Business & Finance, Real Estate

How to Choose Organic Baby Clothes

Posted on May 14, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

Organic baby clothing has been rising in popularity in the past decade. This is because most parents have become particular about the type and quality of materials that their babies are exposed to on a daily basis. This rising concern over quality is understandable as it can be difficult to tell which companies have their products manufactured overseas and some manufacturers tend to compromise the safety of consumers to lower production costs. It is normal for any parent to want the best for their kids and going organic is the best way to go. While you can find a wide array of organic baby clothes in department stores, specialty baby stores, and clothing stores, it is still important to check whether such clothes are really made of 100% organic materials.


Check the Label

All clothes have labels sewn at the back that indicate the materials used. Make it a habit to check the label before purchasing any article of clothing. Materials that are commonly used for organic clothing include: cotton, wool, silk, and leather. However, organic baby clothes are typically made out of 100% cotton. Since cotton is soft and comfortable it is ideal for the sensitive skin of babies. It is worth noting, however, that not all clothes labeled as 100% cotton are organic, as organic clothing should be made of cotton that was naturally produced without the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Know Your Synthetics

Most clothes are made out of a mixture of organic and synthetic materials. Synthetic or man-made materials that are commonly used for clothes include: polyester, rayon, spandex, and acrylic. If you want pure organic materials for your baby’s clothes, then you should avoid purchasing clothes that use these materials.

Stick to Reliable Brands

When shopping for organic baby clothes, it is best to stick to brands that are widely used and highly recommended by other parents. You can check out online reviews or ask close friends and family for recommendations. This will ensure that you are getting what you want for your baby. Brands like B Nature Clothing, for instance, produce high quality organic baby clothing made out of 100% organic cotton.

While organic baby clothes are more expensive than those made of synthetic materials, the benefits of going organic still outweigh its costs.

Posted in Babies, Home, Garden, & Family

An Amazing And Unique Space In Atlanta

Posted on May 12, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

When visiting Atlanta, an amazing attraction is The Jane at Grant Park. This atlanta retail space is changing the way people look at commercial and residential properties. It’s goal is to combine the two into one amazing display that visitors and natives will both be blown away by.

Located at 437 Memorial Drive in East Atlanta, in the heart of Grant Park, this spectacular view is a place of work for some and a home for others. It has 33,000 square feet of commercial space and eight bi-levels known as The Lofts at the Jane. It’s close to transit and downtown, making the location ideal for those who live there, and it is the only residential / commercial property of it’s kind in the area.

With town so close by, it just makes sense that the residents of The Lofts would want to walk to their destination. To make this easier, the city approved a zoning change last year, making sidewalks wider and allowing the development of ground level shops and condos nearby. Whether you rent a loft for a home or for an office, you can have all of the perks of downtown, without the traffic or parking issues. Another reason the location is ideal is that the State Capitol building is less than one mile away.

The lofts feature varied floor plans so you can choose exactly what fits your style and budget, amazing views from your very own deck, plenty of parking and storage, stylish bathrooms and kitchens, high ceilings and it’s only minutes away from downtown and midtown. It even has green space courtyard and plenty of natural light to light your home or office.

The Lofts at the Jane are the only commercial / residential combination in Grant Park, making this a very rare and unique place to work, live or both if you choose.

Posted in Business & Finance, Real Estate

Three Common Causes of Roof Failure

Posted on May 11, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

From my years of experience working with many reputable maryland roofers, I have realized that the vast majority of roof failures can be classified under three categories: failures caused by lack of maintenance, flashing problems and bad weather.

Poor maintenance is undoubtedly the single biggest cause of roof damage. Many people don’t realize the amount of stress our roofs are placed under and hence neglect roof maintenance. For example, when was the last time you inspected your roofing shingles for cracked or buckling tiles? Such physical damage might not be immediately visible from ground level, but even the slightest gap between shingles can admit rainwater into your house which then proceeds to cause mold and rot in the wooden roof beams. Conducting regular roof inspections is an essential part of any responsible home maintenance scheme as it will help you identify any problems before they become too severe to fix.

Just because your roof shingles are intact does not mean your roof flashing is. Flashing ensures that your roofing tiles fit tightly together and the roofing as a whole is securely fastened to the roof beam. This means that the slightest problem in your flashing, usually caused by wear and tear, can spring a leak in your roof. Some small flashing defects can be solved using a silicone sealant while other defects resulting from faulty design or erroneous installation will need professional assistance to remedy.

Finally, even the most immaculately maintained roofing can fall prey to bad weather. Strong gales, for example, can loosen nails and dislodge roofing tiles, causing the structural integrity of your roof to be compromised. Fortunately, weather damage is the easiest to identify or repair. After a heavy storm, you can be almost sure that there will have been some damage done to your roofing and should arrange for roof inspection or maintenance immediately.

Almost all common roof problems boil down to these three causes. Get to know them so you can keep your roof in good working condition.

Posted in Home, Garden, & Family, How-to & Home Improvements

How to Select the Best Roofing Company

Posted on May 9, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

A roofing project is a very important job, so you want to give it to someone you know will give you the best value for your money. Selecting your roofing company then, should be taken very seriously. Maryland residents can choose a reputable Maryland roofing company to do their roofing repairs, while residents in other parts of the country can select from within their areas.

When selecting a roofing contractor or company, it is a good idea to shop around for the best price. Different companies will offer different prices for the same service so do not be afraid to look around until you find something within your budget. Do be careful however, because some companies will charge you to prepare an estimate for the job. Look for those companies that will offer you a free estimate.

You should also narrow down your choices by looking for companies that have substantial experience and certification. It is safe to assume that if a company has been in business for many years it is likely to have sufficient and relevant experience to provide you with the best service. You also want to ensure that the contractors or workmen employed to the company is sufficiently qualified or will be under direct supervision from someone who is, while on site. Both the company and its employees must also have the relevant certification to work on your roof.

Another important thing to look at when selecting a roofing company is their references. Nothing will better alert you to the efficacy and efficiency of the company than their past customers. Many companies these days have a testimonial page on their website with satisfied customers singing their praises. It may be useful to take a glance at this information but it is even better to get actual references. Try asking your roofing company for one or two references with contact information so that you can call the customer to get a first hand impression of the quality of work and service you should expect.

Posted in Home, Garden, & Family, How-to & Home Improvements

If Refinancing Worked for Personal Relationships

Posted on May 8, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

You know that refinancing refers to the replacement of one debt with another debt under somewhat more different terms, yes?  Choosing to refinance one’s home, for instance, means that you are choosing to swap out the arrangement for paying off all your loans with another arrangement (one that might be easier for you to meet, or one that puts all of your debts under a single umbrella, or one that isn’t as risky as the first).  This works pretty well for banking and finance: you’re more able to meet your obligations and the bank is able to extract more money from you over a longer period of time.

But what if this worked for personal relationships?  Think of the possibilities.

If, say, you borrowed a rake from your brother’s garden shed, you could keep it… and keep it… and keep it…. and then when he asked when you were going to give his rake back, you could ask if you could refinance his rake– replace your existing obligation to give his rake back eventually with another obligation to give his rake back only if he gets down on his knees and begs you.  If he objects, you could re-negotiate the deal by agreeing to keep his rake indefinitely in exchange for giving him, perhaps, that bowler hat you won as a white elephant and that you never wanted anyway.  It would look dashing with his Hawaiian shirt collection, surely?  And then the next time he asks for the rake, you can inform him that your debt has been paid according to a new deal and that you don’t owe him anything.

Not bad, right?  Although… come to think of it… this does sound an awful lot like what happens anyway in day-to-day life.  Is refinancing, then, merely a fancy name for negotiations between you and a financial institution?  Is it possible that the whole business of refinance is merely barter on a larger scale?  Who’d have thought!

Posted in Business & Finance, Loans/Mortgaeges

What is a VA home loan?

Posted on March 13, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

VA home loan is one of the famous types of home loans available in the US, and Champaign County residents should make themselves aware of the options. These home loans are given by the US Department of Veterans Affairs or VA Department to the veterans or their spouses upon fulfilling certain requirements. In fact, these are the mortgage loans which are guaranteed by the VA department. A veteran can now purchase any kind of residential property without paying any down payment. This is one of the most famous types of loans available in the US for veterans or I must say military veterans.

Anyone can apply for a VA home loan from the official website of the VA department provided the individual is capable as well as eligible for the loan. You can find all the details about the eligibility, criterion, terms and rules, policies and restrictions over the internet and from the VA website. Since there are many legal obligations involved in the whole process right from applying till approval, most of the veterans and their spouses usually don’t get approved for a VA loan even if they are eligible. So alternately, most of the people apply for this particular loan through a lender.

Applying for a VA home loan through a lender has many benefits. Your lender will do all the work on your behalf and will definitely provide you with a loan. Importantly, lenders are legal intermediaries and VA department do accept and allow veterans to apply for loans through them. So if you are applying for a VA home lain through a lender, you need to rest assure since lenders have more experience than anyone else and will surely get you through smoothly. Lenders will provide you all the details and mandatory information about the loans. You don’t have to do anything at all after hiring a lender. Although, the lender will charge you a petty commission of fee upon successful approval, but you can afford their fees easily. I mean if you are applying for a loan that is worth millions, you can easily pay the fees of the lender. So the preferred method of applying for a VA home loan is through a lender.

Posted in Business & Finance

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What custom printed ribbons can do for you?

Posted on March 13, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

Custom printed ribbons are not new on the market. People have used them for years in Illinois and elsewhere, but with the passage of time, custom printed ribbons or self printed ribbons or personalized ribbons are getting famous. It’s now our need to use personalized ribbons since we cannot afford to miss all the fun, joy, entertainment and excitement that a custom printed ribbon will bring in our lives.

Custom printed ribbons have many benefits and this is the reason that we find lots of Illinois companies and individuals that specialize in printing ribbons with whatever we want. Read more »

Posted in Shopping

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Beautiful Midwestern America

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

There is so much about the midwest that is beautiful, amber waves of grain not excluded. From Illinois to Iowa, from Dubuque to De Moines, the midwest of the United States is a treasure trove of beauty of all kinds. In fact, beauty contest winners are often from this section of the U.S.

Also beautiful, and beautifying, is La James College in Mason City, Iowa. It’s heartening to think of the Heartland as a place where beauty is created. Hair, makeup, nails, and massage, beauty can be a joy as well as a career opportunity.

The “all-American girl” mythos that we all love is rooted in a girl that looks natural; sun-kissed, perhaps freckled skin, jeans and flannel shirts or simple dresses, this is something right out of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Nonetheless, we expect our beauties to use the latest techniques for hair and makeup, to have a sophistication under the scrubbed surface, and that’s where beauty school comes in.

Posted in Education

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Ebertfest Sweepstakes

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

There are lots of wonderful reasons to visit Champaign County, but perhaps winning a sweepstakes is the most delightful. Winners of Ebertfest tickets have that distinct pleasure.

Our visitors come for business or for pleasure. They visit family on happy occasions and sad ones. They attend reunions, they tour the countryside, the take side-trips from Chicago, and all of those are worthy reasons. But another excellent reason is to attend Ebertfest: Roger Ebert’s annual film festival held at the Virginia Theater in Champaign. Founded as the “Overlooked Film Festival” in 1999, the name was officially changed to Ebertfest in 2007.

Famed film critic Roger Ebert is a native son of Champaign County, and brings his very special film event to the area each April. The festival shows hand-picked films (not submissions) and always includes a documentary as well as panel discussions. In 2011, such films as “Me and Orson Welles” and “My Dog Tulip” were shown.

Posted in Film & Television

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