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Building Relationships and Surrounding Yourself with Good People

CEO Guest Speakers


Sponsorships & Tickets Still Available

Around the Fountain: A Belleville CEO Experience

Belleville CEO’s purpose is to encourage a closer community and to inspire the success of small businesses. Although our class consists of high school seniors, we are driven entrepreneurs that see the untapped potential of this city- potential that we wish to bring out in our second annual class business by giving you a chance to network and market your business. This year we are hosting a business conference with our two inspirational keynote speakers, the artist and entrepreneur Ben Glenn and Belleville resident and Kaskaskia Engineering owner, Geri Boyer. Around the Fountain is the experience we are offering to unite the business community while creating lifelong connections that will benefit Belleville as a whole. We offer a plethora of options to be involved, so don’t miss a chance to be successful and buy your tickets today!

The Students of Belleville CEO, Class of 2017

Sponsorships and Tickets Available

GOLD SPONSORSHIP - $450

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Name announced
2 tickets

 Investing in your community

*Slide show will play during the event
*Banners will be displayed around the wall of the room
*Free tickets allow you to come and enjoy the event
*Names will be announced at the beginning of the event to thank the businesses for their investment

SILVER SPONSORSHIP - $300

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1 ticket 

Growing your community

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP - $150

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Supporting your community

BOOTHS 

Come to the event and listen to the speakers while being able to advertise for your business! Hand out samples and information while networking with potential business customers or partners.   

The booth includes:

 *Admission for two
*6 foot table included in price

SILENT AUCTION

 You can also contribute to the event by donating a basket to the silent auction. Donations are appreciated and the donor's name or logo will be on the bid sheet.

 **Please do not include alcohol in a donated basket**

If You Are Interested In Any Sponsorships, Booths, Or Contributing To The Silent Auctions, Please Contact Carson Gamboe At (618) 604-8211 Or Cgamboe@Gmail.Com.


Precision Practice Management

Mrs. Renae Eichholz, Founder & Partner

On Tuesday our class met with Renae Eichholz, who is the original founder of Precision Practice Management. Mrs. Eichholz started by telling us the background of her company and the struggle she went through getting it off the ground.  She reminded us that we need to always make our own decisions even when everyone else may be telling something different.   We will eventually be truly happy when we find something that we love to do!  She ended with describing how her role in the company has changed as the business has grown by bringing in partners and promoting others. Thanks, Mrs. Eichholz, for being one of our board members, for always supporting us with our badge and class business, and giving us a great meeting room for our home base this quarter. 

Written by Joe Beussink


City Hall & New Belleville Police Station

Mayor Mark Eckert

On Wednesday our class met with Mayor Eckert at the new Belleville Police Station.  Mayor Eckert has been the Belleville Mayor for 12 years and is currently campaigning for another term.  He walked us through the details of his job and what he would like to accomplish during his next term.  He said that he is very proud to represent Belleville and his record as mayor.  One of the successes during his 12 years is the $7.1 million redevelopment of downtown Belleville.  The other was bringing in Lindenwood University to take over the old West Campus.   He also discussed how the Art on the Square was named #1 this year and his continued involvement in the Franklin Neighborhood Initiative.   After a short Q&A, Mayor Eckert gave us a tour of his temporary facilities at the Belleville Police Station.   In conclusion, after meeting with him and listening to what he had to say, I’m very glad he is the Mayor.

Written by Joe Beussink

Mayor Eckert shared his background with the class including his 12 years as Mayor and 7 1/2 years as Alderman.
Being the owner of Eckert Florist for 18 years and Maine Chimney Sweep for 17 years, Mayor Eckert feels like this has really helped him understand small business concerns in Belleville.
Mayor Eckert is very proud of his record. One of the main areas that he is proudest of is the revitalization of the downtown area in Belleville.
Mayor Eckert took the students on a tour of his temporary office while City Hall is being rennovated.
Another area that Mayor Eckert is proud of is Lindenwood Unversity. He is pleased with the relationship that they have with the university and the rennovations that they made to the old West Campus.

Tour of the New Belleville Police Station

Master Sergeant Mattingly who works with areas such as housing ordinances, the drug tactical units, and landlord drug activities, gave the students a tour of the new Belleville Police Station.
He told the students that some police cars run 24 hours a day because they cover two shifts. The Police Department will usually keep the vehicles until they reach approximately 100,000 miles.
The students were introduced to Assistant Chief Jim Spargur during the tour of the new Police Station.
Master Sergeant Mattingly showed the students where people enter from the sally port.
He showed them where people get their picture taken and the new technology for finger printing.
Master Sergeant Mattingly showed the students the prison cells and that they can hold people up to 48 hours.
Master Sergeant Mattingly showed the students the new sally port which is a secure, controlled entryway to the prison.


Joe Riley Irrigation

Mr. Joe Riley, Owner

On Thursday our class met with Joe Riley.  Mr. Riley told us about his business and how he started it after hearing how much one of his family members paid to have sprinklers installed. He also gave us some advice on if you can work hard then you'll make a good wage.  His presentation mainly centered on finding your passion, watching out for the details, and loving your job!  He warned our class about the over use of cell phones while he shared several stories throughout his 30 years in business.  Thank you, Mr. Riley, for spending the morning with us.

Written by Joe Beussink


Student Journal Highlights for this week

Our class started off this week in CEO by having a work day and discussing the problems we are encountering as we near the day of the class business. Everyone has been a bit stressed since we lack people and booths for the event and those are probably the two most important factors for the event to actually work out.

We met with Renae Eichholz this week and I find it really interesting that she is a founder and co-owner of this huge company and she does not even have a college degree. She started by going to secretarial school which I had no idea was a thing and then after that worked in a doctor's office for a few years. It is really interesting that she saw what could be done and she did it. Imagine taking out a loan with two kids at the house and no savings, that is some real dedication for a business idea. She talked about how she had to really work to get the business off the ground and how she never regretted letting other people partner and becoming involved in the company.

We met with Mayor Eckert on Wednesday and talked to him about the challenges of Belleville, what he is doing to make sure Belleville thrives, and what his daily life as mayor is like. Mayor Eckert started off by describing why he is mayor and how he saw public office. He said “I do not like being called a politician, I am a public servant, I serve the people.” That was great to hear and I have always thought of running for office and if I ever do Mayor Eckert is the type of mindset I want to have if I would win. I thought it was also awesome that it seems like his kids kind of have that same thought process as I believe one of his kids is in the Middle East as a trauma surgeon for the Army. It was also interesting to learn about the future plans of Belleville and it is good to know it is in safe hands.

Joe  Beussink

Joe Beussink
Friday, January 13, 2017Learn More About Joe

This week in CEO we had a lot of visits with people such as Renae Eichholz from Precision Practice Management, The Mayor of Belleville Mayor Eckert, and Joe Riley from Joe Riley Irrigation.

Our week started on Tuesday, Renae Eichholz came in to talk to us about how she started her business. This first thing she said that she was adopted and her mom had a child a couple months after she was adopted that made her feel special. She was in advanced classes throughout school and her high school years. But she said that she was more as a social person. She tried out for the cheerleading team and didn’t make it. Because of her lack of interest in school, she scored fair on her SAT but did not apply herself to do better. Her first job after graduation was in real estate in Brentwood. She worked for them for three years and got her real estate license and she believed that's what she wanted to do. As she went through the job she was not receiving commission so she quit and got a job at an eye doctor’s office. After she rose through the ranks of the office she started doing everything in the office. When she was hired at her new job, she fibbed and said she was familiar with the new software Medical Manager. She was so committed that she would work a shift from 4am - midnight. She became very very dissatisfied with her position in life so she went out with her dad. Her dad told her someday you will find something you want to do and you will love it.  Three months after that she decided to start her own business borrowing 40,000 dollars from the bank. Her first employee was Shelly Paule. ... started off small but then grew their business servicing hospitals. After Renae needed help from others, she merged with three other partners and became Precision Practice Management. Renae reminds me of myself because I do not exactly know what I want to do and I’m just letting my life come to me like she did. Her business has been up and going for 24 years.   Today they are 15 times larger than they ever have been.

On Wednesday we met with Mayor Eckert.  The first thing that he said to us is his history of as being mayor. He also told us that he is going up for reelection. He also said the main key to his success is working as a team. He has done a lot with the city but he could've not done it without the city alderman. Belleville is 203 years old and has rich culture. Art on the Square was voted the #1 ranked art show in the nation for the past two years and when it wasn’t number one it was in the top ten. The mayor said that his top priorities for Belleville were downtown Belleville and Belleville Lindenwood. He was also the executive director for the Franklin Neighborhood Association.   No matter if you're in business or in politics, it's about building relationships and surrounding yourself with good people which is the same thing Renae said a day ago.



Jaylen Davis

Jaylen Davis
Friday, January 13, 2017Learn More About Jaylen

Ever since we’ve made the switch to Precision Practice Management as our home base I’ve seen great things out of the business. We've had the pleasure of meeting the executives of Precision Practice Management and witness their chemistry and work ethic firsthand.

This week we even got to meet the founder of the business Renee Eichholz. From her story of constantly searching for what she would do in life we learned the importance of perseverance and personal happiness in whatever trade or business you end up in. She really drove the point home to us that if you aren't happy where you are, it's time for a change of pace. This point is not expressed enough in the business world. I feel as though a lot of what we learn to be successful is to follow the footsteps of past successes which is extremely helpful, but it doesn't address the points of personal happiness in business like Renee Eichholz did for us.

Her passion and dedication to her work is what it made it take off. These were essential parts of her business’ success because she went into a field where someone could do it themselves (filing information). That is what is so admirable about her business plan, you absolutely have to have people dedicated and enjoying this work or else it will fail. I think back to the visit of the other executives in Precision Practice Management and remember the impressive coordination and chemistry between them all, the small interactions and positive energy draws people to this group and makes them able to entrust their very important information with Precision Practice Management. These are qualities I wish to install in my own business at the end of the program.  

Alayna  Wells

Alayna Wells
Friday, January 13, 2017Learn More About Alayna

On Monday, our class discussed our progress for our event.  We realized that we are behind schedule.  I discovered that deadlines come up sooner than people realize, so it is important to avoid procrastinating.  I also learned that it is important for everyone to do their jobs in a timely manner to succeed.  Teamwork is crucial.

On Tuesday, Renae Eichholz visited our class.  She told us more about her background and what led her into the business world.  Her story was very personal and taught me a lot about both life and business.  I learned that it is important to never give up, even when others tear you down.  It is important to be your own person and stand out- this is what brings success.  Renae’s incredible discipline and hard work helped her become more successful than she ever imagined.  I learned that determination and hard work allow people to rise above difficult obstacles.  Renae is truly an inspiration and has motivated me to work hard at anything I desire to accomplish.

On Wednesday, our class met Mayor Eckert.  Mayor Eckert is very passionate about his job and extremely committed.  Mayor Eckert is proud of Belleville and continues to make ambitious plans for Belleville’s future.  He also cares deeply about nearby cities’ success.  I learned that I need to be happy in the career I choose.  Life is too short to not love anything you do.  Mayor Eckert taught me that it is important to build relationships and surround yourself with good people.  Surrounding yourself with good people builds you up and makes you a better person, too.

On Thursday, our class met Joe Riley.  Mr. Riley taught me that passion is what makes a person unique.  Mr. Riley also taught me that everyone needs a dream and imagination.  Dreams allow people to make bigger goals for themselves to work for.  Drive and ambition can let people accomplish their dreams.  All of these qualities are important in forming a business, and I am doing my best to apply these traits to starting my own business.

This week, CEO met with very different kinds of businesses. First we met with Renae Eichholz from Precision Practice Management. We also met with the mayor of Belleville, Mr. Eckert. Lastly, we met with Joe Riley from Joe Riley Irrigation. Each individual had something unique to offer our class, and it was great hearing from all of them.

We talked with Renae first. She told us her story and how she ended up starting Precision Practice Management. One thing I really liked about her story was that, no matter your background, you can find success. Renae was adopted, didn't go to college, and did not really know what she wanted to do in life. Despite this she still became very successful in growing her company. She also talked about how she faced adversity. When she told people about her plan to start her business, specifically her father, they thought she was crazy. When asked why anyone would chose her when they could do the same thing for cheaper, she confidently replied she could do it better. This stuck with me and made me realize I will always have a competitor in the business world, I just need to be confident I have my own niche.

We also talked to Mayor Eckert. He told us how running a city is kind of like running a business. I found it interesting how much planning goes into a city much like a business. As business owners, you often have 1 year plans, 5 year plans, or 10 year plans. This is very much the same for a city. I never would have thought running a city is like running a business before.

Lastly, we met with Joe Riley from Joe Riley Irrigation. He told us all about his business and what he does. He told us how he got started because his brother needed help with a sprinkler system. He also told us about his type of employees and the way he hires people. But most importantly, he taught us about Passion. He told us that no matter what we do when we grow up, we need to have a passion for it or else we won't enjoy it. I really found this interesting. If you don't have a passion for your job, you aren't motivated and you really won't work as hard.

Tim Donaho

Tim Donaho
Friday, January 13, 2017Learn More About Tim

 …I also find it a bit ironic that earlier this week in CEO class we went to the Belleville Police Station to talk to the mayor. And for those of you who has never met the mayor, from what I gather, he seems to be an amazing person. I have never had such a deep respect for someone I just met. He honestly does his best for Belleville and for its people. Not a lot of people do that. It was an honor to meet him.

We also got a nice tour of the police station from one of the cops that were there. …I think a lot people forget how nice and understanding cops are. I am so happy we were able to go talk to the mayor and get that tour.

It was also nice Thursday when I got to meet with my mentor. I actually got him a Star Wars Pez Dispenser.  Well I think it's safe to say he loved it. And we got to talk more on my personal business. I was thinking over break on doing a purse business because I really like sewing. As a kid I would make these stocking because my mom made my sister one and didn't make me one so every year I would go and ask her to make me one because I really felt cheated. So when I was nine I finally was like fine you won't make me one I’ll make one myself. And it totally turned out cooler than my sisters.

But back to my personal business I actually got a good amount of fabric. So I’m going to do my best and see what I come up with. I going towards clear purses because more and more colleges are requiring people to have clear purses at their games which kind of opens a new area for fashion.

Kelly Rowden

Kelly Rowden
Friday, January 13, 2017Learn More About Kelly

This week in CEO was somewhat decent. Although this week was short, consisting of only four days because of the snow day Friday. There were a decent amount of decisions made. This week we had two presentations and one visit.

Tuesday we met at Precision Practice Management for a presentation by Renae Eichholz. Renae Eichholz is the owner and a partner of PPM. Mrs. Eichholz started as a file clerk for an ophthalmologist, and later learned that she liked numbers, and billing. In her presentation she stated that she often started a lot of things that she'd never finish as a teen. This stood out to me because I feel like I have a lot of ideas, and projects that I start but never finish and it makes me worrisome about starting new things. Because, she said that she never finish things she didn't feel like she couldn't be dedicated to a loan for a business. She also said that she attributes her success to being very optimistic, and enthusiastic. Lastly she made the point that you should always strive to keep raising the bar higher because you support everyone who works for you, and they depend on you, so they can make a living.

Wednesday the class met at the new Belleville Police Station to talk to Mayor Eckert. The new police station is where the bank of Belleville owned by Kevin Pesko, used is located.

Thursday, the class had a presentation by Joe Riley of Joe Riley Irrigation at Precision Practice Management. Joe Riley spoke about achieving goals, being dedicated, enthusiastic, and working hard. Joe Riley began his career selling windows. Explained that windows and glass are very expensive and that how you treat a person when you're serving them often determines if the decide to buy at that time according to need. Although Mr. Riley did not start out in irrigation or have any family connections to the business, he began to be interested in irrigation because he found someone who knew about irrigation. He stressed that whatever you do put a passion to it and work hard.

This week we focused on visiting more than our class business, although on Monday we did get a lot done. We called radio stations and new stations and they agreed they would talk about us and spread our information on the class business. We also have received more booths and sponsorships.

On Tuesday, we met with Renae Eichholz, my mentor. It is very inspiring to where she got to being as young as she was. She made her way up the ladder fast and conquered everything in her way. With everyone thinking she wasn't capable of doing what she did, she didn't want to use the people she knew. She wanted to do everything by herself. Now realizing the hard way, she told us to use our resources and the people we know.

On Wednesday we went to the new police station and talked with Mayor Eckert. It really is incredible how much Belleville has grown and how much more he wants to grow it. The things he talks about is awesome. A new recplex with a new pool for Belleville would be great! We also had a tour of the police station and it was awesome. We saw where the mayor’s temporary office is because of the city hall being remodeled. We also saw the first level where the inmates are held and come in to be processed. Although there was no inmates which is great!

On Thursday, Joe Riley visited us at Precision Practice Management. He started a business knowing barely anything to knowing everything. The statement that stuck out to me the most was “someone I know had the need for it” and that's why he started his business. He didn’t start it for himself, he did it for someone else. He also said have your career be your passion. If you don’t love your job, you won’t last. Do what you love. He also said two very important things were to have ambition and want. Without that where would you be?

Claire Randle

Claire Randle
Friday, January 13, 2017Learn More About Claire

This week of CEO was productive as a whole.  I think we are doing well with our business, and I always enjoy having speakers come in.  There is always something new to take away from our speakers because no two stories are the same. 

Renae Eichholz of Precision Practice Management came down to talk to us.  She is a very nice person, and has a fantastic story.  She did not ever go to college. She worked, and gained the idea for Precision Practice Management through real world experience.  She stressed the importance of hard work.  She also stressed that if you are the best at something and you work hard, you will be successful in that field. I really like her business, and I think it will continue to grow and become successful in years to come.

We also met with the Mayor this week at the new Belleville Police Station.  I really enjoyed meeting the mayor for the first time.  I'm glad he takes opportunities like this to meet with local students. It shows that he cares about the people of Belleville.  It seems that a mayor's job is very stressful and busy. On any given day, he can have 10 different meetings.  I think it would be very hard to keep track of all of the ideas and information.  The mayor also stressed the importance of a good work ethic.  He also commented on how important it is to work with other people as a team.  We need to utilize that information, and transfer it to our class business.  We need the help of everyone and not just a select few.

Joe Riley came to speak to us this week.  He runs a business who installs sprinkler systems.  He showed us that you do not have to reinvent the wheel to begin a business.  You can easily do what another business does, but just target a different audience.  He picked one word that he views as most important in our working lives.   Passion. We need to have passion in everything we do.  If we find something we are passionate about then you will be happy.


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