AUGUST ISSUE
The Chamber Courier
The Monthly Business Publication for the Canton Area
cANTON aREA cHAMBER OF cOMMERCE bOARD OF dIRECTORS
Executive Board President: Maggie Connell - Edward Jones Vice President: Cade Fawcett - Ipava State Bank
Treasurer: Chad Murphy - Spoon River College Secretary: Renee Lewis - Jim Maloof Realtor
Board of Directors Tanaya Krulac - COOK Medical Jason Gumbart - Apex Seed Company Alesia Shaw - Graham Health System Jacque Nelson - MidAmerica National Bank Brette Orwig - Orwig Auto Body Dee Clark - State Farm Insurance Greg Utsinger - Walnut Tree Baking Company Julie Tarvin - Canton Union School District Nick Mayhew- Student Representative
Executive Director Seth klinedinst 309-647-2677 48 N Main St. Canton IL 61520
SethKlinedinst@cantonillinois.org
www.facebook.com/CACC61520
cantonillinois.org/chamber
Executive Director Report Seth Klinedinst Welcome to August, it's exciting to see the momentum continuing throughout our community. The summer has been filled with successful events, new Chamber members, ribbon cuttings, business expansions, and opportunities to connect with one another. It's a reminder that Canton continues to grow because of the people and businesses who choose to invest in our community. One of the things I've enjoyed most over the past several months has been meeting with business owners, community leaders, and residents who are passionate about making Canton a great place to live, work, and do business. Those conversations continue to spark new ideas and strengthen the partnerships that make our Chamber successful. As we look ahead, we have several exciting opportunities on the calendar, including Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, and the continued planning of new community events like the Holiday Light Show and Merry Mingle. These events are only possible because of the support of our members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. Thank you to everyone who continues to step up and get involved. I also want to encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses. Whether you're grabbing lunch downtown, shopping at a Chamber member business, attending an event, or simply recommending a local business to a friend, those small actions make a lasting impact. When we support one another, our entire community benefits. Thank you for your continued support of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate the opportunity to serve this community and look forward to everything we'll accomplish together in the months ahead. Have a great August, and I hope to see you at a Chamber event soon!
Sincerely, Seth Klinedinst Executive Director Canton Area Chamber of Commerce
s s e n i s u B Ri
20th August
After Hours
b b o n C u tti n g
THURSDAY
From 4:00-6:00PM
WHERE: 75 E. Birch St. Canton, IL.
HOSTED BY: MIDWEST DENTAL Join Dr. Elsadek & The Midwest Dental team for a Ribbon Cutting with the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce featuring appetizers, refreshments, smiles, and tours!
Prizes include: Back to School Basket Raffle, Whitening Pens
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Welcome Red Oak Estates
Red Oak Estates Assisted Living & Memory Care is proud to join the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and continue its commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for seniors throughout Fulton County and the surrounding communities. Owned by Kevin Williams, Red Oak Estates has been serving local families since 2005 by providing a warm, welcoming environment where residents receive personalized care while maintaining their independence. The campus features both assisted living and memory care services, with private accommodations and a dedicated team of nurses, caregivers, and support staff committed to meeting each resident's individual needs. Located on the edge of Canton, Red Oak Estates provides a full range of services including home-cooked meals, housekeeping, transportation, engaging daily activities, and specialized memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Their focus is on creating a safe, comfortable, and home-like atmosphere where residents are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Kevin and the entire team at Red Oak Estates are passionate about caring for others and making a positive difference in the lives of residents and their families. The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Red Oak Estates and looks forward to supporting their continued success and the outstanding care they provide to our community.
Redoakestates.net kwilliams@redoakestates.net
Red Oak Estates/Memory Care
(309) 647-2475 435 N 16th Ave., Canton, IL. 61520
Welcome Canton History Arts & Alliance
Canton History Arts & Alliance is proud to join the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and continue its mission of preserving Canton's history, celebrating the arts, and strengthening community connections for generations to come. Formed from the success and momentum of the Canton Bicentennial Committee, the Canton History Arts & Alliance brings together individuals who share a passion for preserving our community's rich heritage while supporting local arts, culture, and historical initiatives. Building on the relationships and community pride established during Canton's Bicentennial celebration, the Alliance is committed to creating opportunities that educate, inspire, and bring people together. Through partnerships with local organizations, businesses, artists, historians, and volunteers, the Canton History Arts & Alliance works to promote historical preservation, encourage artistic expression, and celebrate the people, places, and stories that make Canton unique. Their vision is to honor the past while creating meaningful experiences that enrich the community for years to come. The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome the Canton History Arts & Alliance as a Chamber member and looks forward to supporting their efforts to preserve our history, celebrate the arts, and continue building community pride throughout the Canton area.
Canton History and Arts Alliance
(309) 647-2677
cantonhistoryandartsalliance@gmail.com
48 N. Main St. Canton, IL. 61520
Welcome AirMedCare NETWORK
AirMedCare Network is proud to join the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and is committed to providing local families with added peace of mind through emergency air ambulance membership coverage. Represented locally by Larye Waller, AirMedCare Network serves communities throughout the region by offering affordable membership plans that help protect families from out-of-pocket expenses associated with emergency air medical transportation when transported by an AirMedCare Network provider. As America's largest air ambulance membership network, AirMedCare Network has more than 320 provider locations across 38 states and over 3 million members nationwide. AirMedCare Network memberships cover every member of a household under one membership, including students living away at school, giving families added financial protection during unexpected medical emergencies. While first responders and medical professionals determine when air transport is needed, members can have confidence knowing they are protected if transported by a participating AirMedCare Network provider. Larye is passionate about educating individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations on the benefits of membership and helping them prepare for the unexpected. The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome AirMedCare Network and looks forward to supporting Larye as he continues serving our community. www.airmedcarenetwork.com larye.thompson@gmr.net
AirMedCare Network
(217) 779-3744 529 East Grant St. Macomb, IL. 61455
Welcome Canton Clayberg Nursing Center
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome The Clayberg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center as one of our newest members! Owned by the residents of Fulton County, The Clayberg has been providing compassionate, high-quality care for decades. Their team is committed to creating a home-like environment where residents receive personalized care while maintaining their independence and dignity. Located in Cuba, The Clayberg offers a full range of services, including 24hour skilled nursing care, short- and long-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, hospice and respite care, and on-site physical, occupational, speech, IV, and wound therapies. Residents also enjoy a variety of amenities designed to make everyday life comfortable and engaging. The Clayberg's mission is to enhance the quality of life for those they serve through exceptional care, professional staff, and a commitment to the wellbeing of every resident. Please join us in welcoming The Clayberg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center to the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce! We look forward to partnering with them as they continue serving Fulton County and the surrounding communities. Clayberg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center https://clayberg.org
(309) 785-5012 625 E. Monroe St. Cuba, IL. 61427
Support
LOCAL.
Strenthen Our Community KEEPS MONEY IN THE COMMUNITY
More of every dollar spent locally stays in the community, supporting local jobs and families.
Why Shop Local Sm all Busin ess? Every pu
CREATES LOCAL JOBS
rcha makes a diffe se rence
Small businesses provide employment opportunities and help our local economy grow.
BUILDS A STRONGER COMMUNITY
Local business owners sponsor school, youth sports, charities and community events
FIND UNIQUE PRODUCTS & PERSONAL SERVICE
Enjoy one-of-a-kind items and frinedly, personalized customer service you won’t find everywere else.
ENCOURAGES ENTREPRENEURSHIP Supporting small businesses helps local dreamers and innovators succeed.
HELPS YOUR COMMUNITY THRIVE Healthy local businesses contribute to vibrant downtowns and stronger neighborhoods
Why Shop Local Small Business?
YOU’RE INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY’S FUTURE.
Canton History & Arts Alliance Spotlight The Canton History & Arts Alliance (CHAA) is dedicated to celebrating the past, enriching the present, and enhancing the future of our community. The organization is built around three important pillars: preserving Canton's history, bringing performing arts and cultural events to the community, and beautifying our city through murals, public art, and landscaping projects. This year has been an exciting first season for CHAA. Our summer concert series has already featured two outstanding tribute bands that brought hundreds of people downtown for evenings of great music and community fellowship. With three more concerts and a handful of other wonderful events still to come, there are plenty of opportunities for families and friends to gather and enjoy live entertainment in the heart of Canton. Our commitment to family friendly events has been on display through Story Time at the Plaza (a touch a truck experience) and Picnic in the Park (highlighting local musicians), programs designed to encourage children and families to connect through books, activities, and community experiences. The most recent event hosted by CHAA on July 23rd was also the first-ever Throwback Thursday, a one-of-a-kind unique live show that explored the role music has played throughout American history, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. The fun continues in August with Story Time at the Plaza on August 8 and August 22, Picnic in the Park on August 14, and our next Tribute Band concert featuring Jump – America's Van Halen Experience on August 21. These events are a wonderful way to experience the history, arts, and community spirit that make Canton such a special place. To stay up to date on all upcoming events, schedules, and announcements, be sure to follow the Canton History & Arts Alliance Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you downtown!
cantonhistoryandartsalliance@gmail.com
Park District Spotlight
Canton Park District Enjoys an Active Summer Season The Canton Park District continues to make the most of the 2026 summer season by providing quality recreational opportunities, well-maintained parks, and family-friendly amenities that enhance the quality of life throughout the community. Residents and visitors are taking advantage of the district’s more than 1,400 acres of parks, trails, athletic facilities, and outdoor recreation areas. Big Creek Park Pool remains a favorite summer destination, offering daily public swimming, swim lessons, water aerobics, private rentals, and a safe, familyfriendly environment staffed by American Red Cross-certified lifeguards. The 2026 season will come to an end at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday August 9th. Beyond the pool, community members continue to enjoy walking and biking trails, playgrounds, fishing areas, picnic shelters, pickleball and tennis courts, the disc golf course, dog park, and numerous green spaces located throughout the Park District. These amenities provide opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active while enjoying the natural beauty of Canton. The Park District also encourages the public to stay connected through its social media, and website where residents can find information. www.cantonpark.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our new Park Property Profile series on Facebook. The new Zip line at the Nagel Playground at Lakeland Park has been a huge hit, and we are happy to provide our community this new play element. Sign-ups for Adult Slow pitch leagues have begun for Co-ed and Men’s Fall Ball. Dance class registration will be opened soon. The Big Creek Park Playground renovation is scheduled to begin in early August. As the summer season continues, the Canton Park District remains focused on connecting Canton, Fulton County and West Central Illinois to nature and recreational opportunities.
Brent Wheeler Park District Executive Director
Job Opportunities Bookkeeper Nagle Accounting & Tax Service, Inc. has proudly served the Canton community for more than 80 years, providing trusted accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation services. We are looking for a dependable, detail-oriented Bookkeeper to join our team. If you enjoy working with numbers, staying organized, and helping clients succeed, we'd love to hear from you. Assistant Director Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development (SRPED) The Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development (SRPED) is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and community-minded individual to serve as our Assistant Director. This position works alongside the Executive Director to help advance economic development, support local businesses, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life throughout Fulton County. If you're passionate about making a difference, building relationships, and helping communities grow, we'd love to hear from you!
Maternal Child Health Nurse (RN) The Fulton County Health Department is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse to join our Family & Community Health Division. This full-time position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by working with families through the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) and Better Birth Outcomes programs. If you're passionate about improving the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and families in our community, we'd love to hear from you!
Police Officer & Certified Officer Testing The City of Canton Fire and Police Commission is accepting applications for Police Officer testing for both new applicants and experienced certified officers. If you're looking for a rewarding career serving and protecting the Canton community, we encourage you to apply.
New Board Member Spotlight
GREG UTSINGER
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Greg Utsinger to our Board of Directors! Greg is the owner of Walnut Tree Baking Co., a local business known for its handcrafted baked goods, warm hospitality, and strong commitment to community. A Canton native, Greg combined his background in interior design and merchandising with his passion for baking after graduating with honors from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Pastry Arts. He founded Walnut Tree Baking Co. in 2022 with the belief that "every day is a special occasion and worthy of celebrating." In addition to operating his business, Greg has been an active community volunteer, serving on the Canton Main Street Board of Directors, where he has helped support downtown revitalization and community events. Greg's creativity, positive attitude, and passion for Canton make him a wonderful addition to the Chamber Board. We are excited to have his perspective and leadership as we continue working to strengthen our business community. Please join us in welcoming Greg Utsinger to the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors!
MEET OUR CHAMBER TEAM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Maggie Connell Edward Jones
Vice President Cade Fawcett Ipava State Bank
Treasurer Chad Murphy Spoon River College
Secretary Renee Lewis Jim Maloof Realtor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alesia Shaw Graham Hospital
Jason Gumbart Apex Seeds Co.
Jacque Nelson MidAmerica National Bank
Tanaya Krulac Cook Medical
Dee Clark State Farm Insurance
Brett Orwig Orwig Auto Body
Greg Utsinger Walnut Tree Baking Company
Julie Tarvin CUSD #66
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS John Lemon PRESIDENT - Rise of Canton Samantha Braden, VICE PRESIDENT – Rhoades Real Estate Dr. Jacob Standard, SECRETARY – Spoon River Animal Clinic Amanda Ketcham, TREASURER – Spoon River College Joe Christian – MidAmerica National Bank Stephen Clark – Town & Country Insurance Brandy Cozad – Official Time Out Tama Duhs – Bank of Farmington Jake Green - Graham Health System Nick Wright - Country Financial Beth Wilson - Spoon River College
Fonz Hale – Bistro 101 Dave Lewis – Dave Lewis Studio, Ltd. Caleb Miller - Ipava State Bank Shawn Pardieck - Wee-Ma-Tuk Golf Course Amanda Reed – MidAmerica National Bank Dr. Abby Sherwood - Body In Balance Codi Swibold – Hy-Vee of Canton Dr. AJ Thum – Associates in Dentistry Bryce Vaughn – CEFCU of Canton Brad Beam - Spoon River Junction Winery Jeff Voice - Timbuk Tech
Contact: Seth Klinedinst at the Canton Area Chmaber of Commerce Office
150% Club members
Canton Community Concert Association
Rusty Melhouse
NICK WRIGHT BI
CHUCK TAYLOR
rB othe ig Sis Br t
s er
g
McCarthy & Jackson, LLC Attorneys at Law
150% Club members
Greg Glomb
of Fulton County
Dee Clark
150% Club members 150% club Individual Members
Scott Miller Phil Miller Tony Rolando Kevin Meade Kevin & Debbie Stephenson John Clark Harold Jump
Trinity Lutheran Church/Canton
Tom Conklin
2026
CANTON CHAMBER SPONSORSHIPS Annual Dinner Lead Sponsor $500 Supporting Sponsor $175
Chamber Golf Outing Thursday, March 19
Lead Sponsor $1,000 Cart Sponsor $500 Tee Sponsor $175
Canton Cruise In Lead Sponsor $500 Supporting Sponsor $175
Friday, May 15
October 2026
Friday, June 19
Women in Business Program Sponsor $175
Holiday Lightshow Lit Display Sponsor $1500 Lead Sponsor $500 Supporting Sponsor $175 Month of December
Youth Leadership Academy Program Sponsor $350
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing quality events & programs for our members and the community. We know large events are what bring people together as a community and bring others from outside our community here to enjoy our town. Our goal is that these sponsorship opportunities are helpful and enable you to positively promote your business through the Chamber to those in our community and those who are visiting out of town. Contact the Chamber office for a Sponsorship sheet.
Call Us for more information 309-647-2677
For More Details visit our website cantonillinois.org/chamber
CHAMBER CHAMPIONS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!