April Chamber Courier 2025 by Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Canton IL

cANTON aREA cHAMBER OF cOMMERCE

bOARD OF

dIRECTORS

Executive Board

President: Chad Holloway - OSF HealthCare

Vice President: Maggie Connell - Edward Jones

Treasurer: Chad Murphy - Spoon River College

Secretary: Renee Lewis - Jim Maloof Realtor

Board of Directors

Tanaya Krulac - COOK Medical

Jay Valencia - Canton High School

Jason Gumbart - Apex Seed Co.

Lacey Neal - Rock Valley Physical Therapy

Diane Bell - Di’s Boutique

Alesia Shaw - Graham Health System

Jason Elwell - EATS

Jacque Nelson - MidAmerica National Bank

Emylee Bitner - Bank of Farmington

Chase Shawgo - Ipava State Bank

Owen Spahn - ‘24/’25 Student Representative

Executive Director Carla Bobell

How AI Can Help Small Businesses Thrive

We continue to hear more and more about Artificial Intelligence (AI), guess what, it is not something that will be going away, so how do you embrace it, especially if you are a small business?

(AI) is revolutionizing the way small businesses operate, providing powerful tools that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. AI-driven automation can handle repetitive tasks like bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, and customer support, freeing up time for business owners to focus on strategic growth.

One of the biggest advantages of AI is its ability to analyze data quickly and accurately. Small businesses can use AI-powered analytics to track customer behavior, predict trends, and make data-driven decisions. This helps optimize marketing campaigns, personalize customer interactions, and increase sales.

AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 customer service, answering frequently asked questions and resolving issues instantly. This improves customer satisfaction while reducing the need for additional staff. In retail and e-commerce, AI enhances inventory management by predicting demand, reducing overstock and shortages. Cybersecurity is another area where AI can make a big difference. AI-based security tools detect and prevent cyber threats in real-time, protecting sensitive business and customer data.

Even for businesses with limited budgets, AI-powered tools like automated email marketing, social media management, and smart CRM systems offer affordable solutions to streamline operations.

By embracing AI, small businesses can stay competitive, work more efficiently, and provide better customer experiences. As AI technology becomes more accessible, its role in helping small businesses grow will only continue to expand.

The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce can help you get connected with other Chamber Members who can help train and assist you to learn how to leverage AI to help you and your business thrive. It helped me write this article!

WELCOME NEW MEMBER

Body In Balance Chiropractic & Acupuncture, located at 1050 N Main St in Canton (formerly Gorsuch Realty office), is a warm and inviting space that offers many options for health and wellness. Dr. Abby Sherwood, DC has been a practicing chiropractor in Fulton and Peoria Counties since 2012. In February 2022 she opened her own practice in Lewistown, IL and has recently relocated that practice to Canton! Dr. Abby grew up in Wee-Ma-Tuk, graduating from Cuba High School before transferring to Western Illinois University and ultimately finishing her Bachelors in Human Biology, Masters in Sports Science and Rehabilitation, and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees at Logan University (outside of St. Louis). She is also certified in acupuncture!

Body In Balance Chiropractic & Acupuncture offers many options to help patients feel their best! These include: chiropractic adjustments for any age from newborn to elderly, acupuncture, decompression, other therapies, nutritional supplements, arch supports, pillows, and more! Dr. Abby says, “I love seeing my patients improve! For some, it is reducing pain and being able to do the activities they enjoy again, while others are seeking natural alternatives to help them live their healthiest life. No matter what the patient is looking for, I am here to help!” The office space is shared with Simplified Health which offers many complimentary options for overall wellbeing so it is really a one stop shop for all your wellness needs!

Outside of the office, Dr. Abby enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old daughter and the rest of her family, including her boyfriend and 2 step-sons. She is the current President of the Spoon River Professional Women’s Club and enjoys being active in the community. She says, “I am so excited to be back in Canton and can’t wait for everyone to see our new space!” Call the office at 309-683-1233 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Simplified Health located at 1050 N Main in Canton Illinois is owned and operated by Jean Jockisch. Jean is a licensed massage therapist and nationally certified phlebotomy technician, where she offers a sacred place for renewal by tapping into the body’s own healing resources.

Jean grew up in Lewistown. After graduating high school in 2001, she went to pursue a career in the health field and ended up becoming very passionate about integrated medicine and alternative health modalities. Jean has been studying essential oils since 2001 and became a clinical aroma therapist in 2016 specializing in cancer care and animal safety with essential oils. In 2017 she graduated with a health care practitioner license from Boise State University Idaho in Clinical Microscopy and Nutritional Therapy.

Formally known as Healing Springs Cottage, Simplified Health started in 2012. Jean teaches clients to listen to their bodies or inner voice by quieting the mind. “At Simplified Health we do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe…we listen” she explains. Healing is a process in finding optimal spiritual, emotional, and physical balance.

Unique in providing services to detoxify, oxygenate, restore, and relax the body; Simplified Health offers specialized massage therapy such as craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, raindrop therapy, emotional release, spinal touch, cupping, gua sha, bamboo fusion, facial massage and reflexology. Simplified Health not only offers massage but a large variety of integrated health and wellness therapies including: live and dry blood cell analysis and zyto scans to assess nutritional deficiencies, lymphatic stimulation, hyperthermia, red light therapy, photon therapy, pemf (pulsed electro magnetic field therapy), brain tap, dolphin neurostim scar release, ionic foot detox, infrared sauna, ozone therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. You can also purchase a wide variety of nutritional supplements and homeopathic formulas.

http://www.simplifiedhealth.weebly.com

Simplified Health is currently open by appointment only. Give them a call at 309-224-7021

CITADEL SEAMLESS GUTTERING SYSTEMS

A Legacy of Quality and Service

Although the company has changed names over the years, it was established in 1975 when current owner Caiden Scalf’s grandfather purchased his first gutter machine. After his retirement, Caiden’s father took over operations and continued to provide superior guttering solutions to local homeowners and businesses. Two years ago, upon the passing of Caiden’s mother, he took over operations when his father's health forced him into "retirement," while he retained ownership of the business, then known as T-Murph’s Seamless Guttering.

Recently Caiden has rebranded the company to Citadel Seamless Guttering Systems, reflecting the strength, security, and resilience of the systems they install. Just as a citadel is a fortress or stronghold designed to protect, their seamless gutter systems are built to safeguard your home or business from the elements With durability and reliability at the core of what they do, their gutters provide lasting protection, ensuring your home or business remains secure and well-maintained for years to come.

At Citadel Seamless Guttering Systems, they specialize in seamless gutter installations, maintenance, and repairs, focusing on long-lasting solutions like the Alu-Rex continuous hanger systems. Services include new gutter systems, gutter cleaning, repairs, and seasonal maintenance plans designed to protect your home and enhance curb appeal. They also provide expert consultation and free estimates for residential and commercial properties.

Caiden has been hands-on in every aspect of the business since he could walk He was the first Certified Installer for Alu-Rex in Illinois and brings a wealth of experience in gutter installation, sales, and customer service. Citadel Seamless Guttering Systems is proud to carry on the legacy of Caiden’s father, who expanded the family business after his father, Caiden's grandfather, founded it with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Their work goes beyond just providing top-notch gutter systems. Citadel Seamless Guttering Systems is committed to improving the safety and value of homes and businesses in our community. They use only the highest-quality materials and employ environmentally conscious practices Additionally, through our services, we create local jobs and contribute to the economy by offering reliable, affordable gutter solutions.

Citadel Seamless Guttering Systems is based in Canton, and they proudly serve numerous towns in the region.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

CANTON PARK DISTRICT

Be a Business Spotlight

The Canton Park District was officially organized on April 3, 1923. The district has expanded to over 1,400 acres and includes Anderson Park, Athletic Park, Big Creek Park, Hulit Park, Ingersoll Airport, John Dean Park, Lakeland Park and Wallace Park.

The Park District offers numerous facilities for residents and visitors of Canton including: a modern pool with drop and flume slides; seven playgrounds; seven ball fields; dog park; tennis and pickle ball courts; four picnic shelters; veterans memorial; Donaldson Community Center; Gary G. Baker Recreation Center, exercise equipment; golf range; six outdoor basketball courts; 18-hole disc golf course; ten miles of paved walking and biking paths; and five lakes. We will be making some exciting changes throughout the district in 2025.

The Park District has a full-time staff of seven but employs up to 100 during the year. Employees work in various departments such as administration, maintenance, recreation, and airport.

Various programs and events will be offered throughout the year including: Youth Baseball, Movies in the Park and Dive-In Movies, Lil Explores, Jr. Master Naturalist, Dance Classes, Bingo, Lunch & Learn Series, Tennis Clinics, Family Campout, Nature Day, Bicentennial Games, Haunted Hollow, and Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt. A full list of activities and locations where they will be held can be found by checking out The Canton Park District website at www.cantonpark.org and clicking on the program and events tab, or call the Gary G. Baker Recreation Center for more information at 309-647-7665(Pool).

The Park District’s administrative office is located at Wallace Park at the Donaldson Community Center building. (250 South Avenue D) Office hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Phone: 309-647-1345. Fax: 309-647-2463. Email: info@cantonpark.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Get out and enjoy what The Canton Park District has to offer! .

Connecting Canton, Fulton County and West Central Illinois to nature and recreational opportunities

AFTER HOURS MIXERS

The March After Hours Mixer was hosted by the Chamber Ambassadors Club and held at Official Time Out. They decided to have a little fun and wear the distinguished Ambassador jackets that were worn back in the day. These jackets were donated by past Ambassadors to the Chamber. There were several giveaways that were given by many of the businesses that the Ambassadors represent. A “Bicentennial Moment” was shared about the history of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.