JANUARY
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 Sarah Nottle - Salvation Army Julie Tarvin - Canton Union School District Makaylynee Correa- Student Representative
Executive Director Carla Bobell
309-647-2677 48 N Main St. Canton IL 61520
cbobell@cantonillinois.org www.facebook.com/CACC61520
cantonillinois.org/chamber
74 E Pine Street Canton, IL
309-647-4284
LAST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT Carla Bobell As most of you know I retired at the end of last year and I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on my time with the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. Serving as your Executive Director for the past six years—after two years as Assistant Director— has truly been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my professional life. For eight years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated business owners, volunteers, board members, and community partners who care deeply about Canton and its future. The trust you placed in me and in the Chamber is something I will always value. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many of you over the years and witnessing firsthand the passion and resilience of our local business community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. During my time with the Chamber, we got through COVID shutdowns, developed and grew the Holiday Lightshow into a beloved community tradition, helped with the planning and visioning of the new Opera House Plaza, and had the honor of serving on the Canton Bicentennial Committee during a historic milestone for our community. The Canton Chamber membership continued to grow through the years and kept the events and programs we host thriving and relevant for our members and community. While it is bittersweet to step away, I am confident and excited about the future of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to announce that Seth Klinedinst is the new Executive Director. Seth brings enthusiasm, strong business knowledge, and—most importantly—a clear understanding of what it takes to operate and support small businesses in a rural community like ours. I truly believe he will be an amazing leader for the Canton Chamber. Seth shares a genuine commitment to our mission and will continue to uphold the integrity and values of this organization. I have full confidence that he will build upon the strong 100 year old foundation already in place while bringing fresh ideas and energy to move the Chamber forward. As I close this chapter, I want to sincerely thank each of you for your support, encouragement, and collaboration throughout the years. I wish Seth, the Canton Chamber, and the entire Canton business community nothing but continued success. Canton is a special place, and it has been a privilege to serve it. With appreciation and pride, Carla Bobell Seth, the torch of the Chamber is now passed - go forward and prosper!
WELCOME NEW DIRECTOR The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Seth Klinedinst has been selected as its new Executive Director, with his tenure beginning on January 5, 2026. A lifelong Canton resident with a deep appreciation for the community, Seth brings a wealth of experience, energy, and dedication to this new role. Born and raised in Canton, Seth is a 2011 graduate of Canton High School, and he continued his education locally at Spoon River College, earning his Associate’s degree and then graduating from Western Illinois University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. His academic background and professional journey reflect a strong connection to community engagement, leadership, and local development. After college, Seth ventured west to begin his career as a park ranger in Colorado. While he gained valuable experience in outdoor recreation and public service, he soon realized that his heart—and future—belonged in his hometown. Upon returning to Canton, Seth became actively involved in a variety of roles, including becoming a Chamber Ambassador, that strengthened his understanding of local industry, recreation, hospitality, and business operations. Throughout his career, Seth has worked with respected organizations including the Peoria Park District, Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Golf Course, and served as a Director at The Villas at Spoon River College. He also gained experience in manufacturing and th 540 S. 5 Avenue technical operations at Jtec in East Peoria, and most recently contributed to the local economy as part of the team at Crawford’s Home Furnishing in Canton. Seth’s diverse professional background, combined with his passion for the Canton area, positions him well to lead the Chamber into a new era of growth and collaboration. As Executive Director, he looks forward to supporting local businesses, fostering new opportunities, and continuing the Chamber’s mission of strengthening the economic and community vitality of Canton. “I’m truly honored to serve the community that raised me,” said Klinedinst. “Canton has always been home, and I’m excited to work with so many great people and organizations to help our town thrive.”
SETH KLINEDINST Seth and his wife, Kassidy, are proud to call Canton home, where they live with their newborn baby girl, Emery and loved family dog Weller. The family’s deep roots and love for the community make Seth’s new role with the Chamber even more meaningful, as he continues to invest in the place that has shaped him both personally and professionally. Maggie Connell, President of the Canton Chamber Board of Directors and financial advisor with Edward Jones, shared her thoughts on the leadership transition: “The Board of Directors have truly enjoyed working with Carla Bobell over the last six years, and she will be missed. But we are very excited to welcome Seth Klinedinst in as the new Executive Director. Please help us welcome Seth with open arms as we go through this transition of Directors.” To celebrate this important moment, the Canton Chamber Board of Directors will host a “Welcome and Farewell Reception” on Thursday, January 8th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bistro 101 in downtown Canton. The event will provide an opportunity for members, business leaders, and community residents to gather, express appreciation to Carla for her years of dedicated service to the business community and welcome Seth into his new role as Executive Director of the Canton Chamber. See the invite flyer inside this issue.
CONGRATULATIONS SETH KLINEDINST!
THANK YOU OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS
Past President Chad Holloway OSF HealthCare
Diane Bell Di’s Boutique
Jay Valencia CUSD #66
Jason Elwell EATS
Lacey Neal Rock Valley Physical Therapy
These board members have been serving since 2020 and we thank them for their time, talents, commitment and dedication to the Canton Area Chamber.
150% Club members
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NICK WRIGHT
McCarthy & Jackson, LLC Attorneys at Law
CHUCK TAYLOR
150% Club members 150% club Individual Members
Scott Miller Phil Miller Tony Rolando Kevin Meade Kevin & Debbie Stephenson John Clark Harold Jump
Tom Conklin
Trinity Lutheran Church/Canton
CHAMBER CHAMPIONS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!