JUNE
The Chamber Courier
cANTON aREA cHAMBER OF cOMMERCE
bOARD OF dIRECTORS
ExecutiveBoard
Executive Board
President:MaggieConnell- EdwardJones
President: Maggie Connell - Edward Jones
Vice President: Cade Fawcett - Ipava State Bank
VicePresident:CadeFawcett- IpavaStateBank
Treasurer: Chad Murphy - Spoon River College
Treasurer:ChadMurphy- SpoonRiverCollege
Secretary: Renee Lewis - Jim Maloof Realtor
Secretary:ReneeLewis- JimMaloofRealtor
BoardofDirectors
Board of Directors
TanayaKrulac- COOKMedical
Tanaya Krulac - COOK Medical
JasonGumbart- ApexSeedCompany
Jason Gumbart - Apex Seed Company
AlesiaShaw- GrahamHealthSystem
Alesia Shaw - Graham Health System
Jacque Nelson - MidAmerica National Bank
JacqueNelson- MidAmericaNationalBank
BretteOrwig -OrwigAutoBody
Brette Orwig - Orwig Auto Body
Dee Clark - State Farm Insurance
DeeClark- StateFarmInsurance
Sarah Nottle - Salvation Army
SarahNottle -SalvationArmy
Julie Tarvin - Canton Union School District
JulieTarvin -CantonUnionSchoolDistrict
MakaylyneeCorrea-StudentRepresentative
Makaylynee Correa- Student Representative
AswewelcomeJune,IamremindedthatthestrengthofCantonisnotfoundin anysingleevent,organization,orbusiness,itisfoundinthepeoplewho continuetoinvestinourcommunityeveryday.
As we welcome June, I am reminded that the strength of Canton is not found in any single event , organization, or business, it is found in the people who continue to invest in our community every day.
ThissummerisshapinguptobeanexcitingseasonforCanton.FromtheRoots& RelationshipsDinnertothe35thAnnualCantonCruise-In,ourcommunitywill onceagainshowcasethepartnerships,volunteerism,andlocalpridethatmake Cantonaspecialplacetolive,work,anddobusiness.
This summer is shaping up to be an exciting season for Canton. From the Roots & Relationships Dinner to the 35th Annual Canton Cruise-In, our community will once again showcase the partnerships, volunteerism, and local pride that make Canton a special place to live, work , and do business.
Whiletheseeventsarecertainlyworthcelebrating,theyrepresentsomething muchlarger.Theyreflectthemomentumwearebuildingtogether.Everynew Chambermember,ribboncutting,businessexpansion,sponsorship,volunteer, andcommunitypartnershipishelpingstrengthenthefutureofCantonandthe surroundingarea.
While these events are certainly worth celebrating, they represent something much larger. They reflect the momentum we are building together. Every new Chamber member, ribbon cutting, business expansion, sponsorship, volunteer, and community partnership is helping strengthen the future of Canton and the surrounding area .
TheCantonAreaChamberofCommerceexiststosupportourlocalbusinesses, createopportunitiesforconnection,advocateforourmembers,andhelpfoster astronglocaleconomy.Wearecommittedtoworkingalongsideourbusiness community,localgovernments,schools,nonprofits,andresidentstoensure Cantonremainsaplacewherebusinessescangrow,familiescanthrive,and futuregenerationscansucceed.
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce exists to support our local businesses, create opportunities for connection, advocate for our members, and help foster a strong local economy. We are committed to working alongside our business community, local governments, schools, nonprofits, and residents to ensure Canton remains a place where businesses can grow, families can thrive, and future generations can succeed.
AsExecutiveDirector,Ihavebeencontinuallyencouragedbythepassion, generosity,andcommitmentIseethroughoutourcommunity.Thewillingnessof peopletovolunteer,collaborate,andsupportoneanotheriswhatcontinuesto moveCantonforward.
As Executive Director, I have been continually encouraged by the passion, generosity, and commitment I see throughout our community. The willingness of people to volunteer, collaborate, and support one another is what continues to move Canton forward.
Aswemovethroughthesummermonths,Iencourageyoutogetinvolved, attendcommunityevents,supportlocalbusinesses,andhelpuscontinue buildingacommunitywecanallbeproudof.
As we move through the summer months, I encourage you to get involved, attend community events, support local businesses, and help us continue building a community we can all be proud of.
ThankyouforyourcontinuedsupportoftheCantonAreaChamberof Commerce.Together,wearecreatingmomentum,strengtheningrelationships, andinvestinginthefutureofCanton.
Thank you for your continued support of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. Together, we are creating momentum, strengthening relationships, and investing in the future of Canton.
Sincerely,
Seth Klinedinst Executive Director
Canton Area Chamber of Commerce
SethKlinedinst ExecutiveDirector CantonAreaChamberofCommerce
Business AfterHours
From 5:00PM TO 6:30PM THURSDAY
Co-HostedBy: 18th June
DEE CLARK
SpoonRiverCollegeSpotlight
HonoringtheClassof2026andaLegacyofService
Honoring the Class of 2026 and a Legacy of Service
ThisspringmarksaspecialmomentforSpoonRiverCollegeaswecelebratethe accomplishmentsoftheClassof2026whilerecognizingtheleadershipand serviceofDr.CurtOldfield.
Graduationrepresentsthehardwork,determination,andsuccessofstudents whoarepreparingtoentertheworkforce,continuetheireducation,andmakea positiveimpactintheircommunities.Thesegraduatesrepresentthefutureof ourregionandthecontinuedstrengthofWestCentralIllinois.
This spring marks a special moment for Spoon River College as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 while recognizing the leadership and service of Dr. Curt Oldfield. Graduation represents the hard work , determination, and success of students who are preparing to enter the workforce, continue their education, and make a positive impact in their communities. These graduates represent the future of our region and the continued strength of West Central Illinois.
Aswecelebratethegraduates,wealsorecognizeDr.CurtOldfield,whowillbe leavingSpoonRiverCollegeafter14yearsasPresidenttobecomePresidentof LincolnLandCommunityCollege.Dr.Oldfield'sjourneybeganatSpoonRiver Collegeasastudentbeforeservingasaninstructor,dean,andultimately president.Duringhistenure,thecollegeexpandedworkforcedevelopment programs,strengthenedcommunitypartnerships,increasedstudentretention, andcompletedseveraltransformationalcampusprojects.
As we celebrate the graduates, we also recognize Dr. Curt Oldfield, who will be leaving Spoon River College after 14 years as President to become President of Lincoln Land Community College. Dr. Oldfield's journey began at Spoon River College as a student before serving as an instructor, dean, and ultimately president . During his tenure, the college expanded workforce development programs, strengthened community partnerships, increased student retention, and completed several transformational campus projects.
OnbehalfoftheCantonAreaChamberofCommerce,congratulationstothe
On behalf of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, congratulations to the
SpoonRiverCollegeClass of2026andthankyouto Dr.Oldfieldforhisyearsof dedicatedleadershipand service.Wewisheachof themcontinuedsuccessin theirnextchapter.
Spoon River College Class of 2026 and thank you to Dr. Oldfield for his years of dedicated leadership and service. We wish each of them continued success in their next chapter.
CantonUnionSchoolDist.66 Spotlight
One of the greatest strengths of any community is its people, and few moments showcase that more than the end of a successful school year.
OnbehalfoftheCantonAreaChamberofCommerce,Iwouldliketocongratulate theCantonHighSchoolClassof2026onreachingthisincrediblemilestone. Graduationismorethanaceremony,itisacelebrationofyearsofhardwork, perseverance,growth,andachievement.Asthesegraduatestaketheirnextsteps, theycarrywiththemthevalues,experiences,andrelationshipsthathavehelped shapethemintotheleadersoftomorrow.
On behalf of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to congratulate the Canton High School Class of 2026 on reaching this incredible milestone. Graduation is more than a ceremony, it is a celebration of years of hard work, perseverance, growth, and achievement. As these graduates take their next steps, they carry with them the values, experiences, and relationships that have helped shape them into the leaders of tomorrow.
Amongthisyear'sgraduatesarefuturebusinessowners,healthcareprofessionals, educators,skilledtradespeople,entrepreneurs,andcommunityleaders.Their successisareflectionnotonlyoftheirowneffortsbutalsoofthecountless individualswhohavesupportedthemalongtheway.
Among this year ' s graduates are future business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, skilled tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Their success is a reflection not only of their own efforts but also of the countless individuals who have supported them along the way.
As we celebrate our graduates, we would also like to recognize five remarkable educators whose careers have left a lasting impact on generations of Little Giants. Congratulations and best wishes in retirement to Ken Brant , Lori Carlberg, Kris Dare, Marnie Eskridge, and Julie Pierce. Collectively, these dedicated educators have devoted more than 150 years of service to Canton students. Their passion,
Aswecelebrateourgraduates,wewouldalso liketorecognizefiveremarkableeducators whosecareershaveleftalastingimpacton generationsofLittleGiants.Congratulations andbestwishesinretirementtoKenBrant, LoriCarlberg,KrisDare,MarnieEskridge,and JuliePierce.Collectively,thesededicated educatorshavedevotedmorethan150years ofservicetoCantonstudents.Theirpassion, Oneofthegreateststrengthsofanycommunityisitspeople,andfewmoments showcasethatmorethantheendofasuccessfulschoolyear.
commitment,andinfluencehavehelpedshapecountlesslivesandstrengthenour communityinwaysthatwillbefeltforyearstocome.
commitment , and influence have helped shape countless lives and strengthen our community in ways that will be felt for years to come.
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support education, leadership development , and opportunities that invest in our future. Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and thank you to the educators, families, and mentors who helped make this year a success.
Once a Little Giant , always a Little Giant .
TheCantonAreaChamberofCommerceisproudtosupporteducation, leadershipdevelopment,andopportunitiesthatinvestinourfuture. CongratulationstotheClassof2026,andthankyoutotheeducators,families, andmentorswhohelpedmakethisyearasuccess. OnceaLittleGiant,alwaysaLittleGiant.
CantonParkDistrictSpotlight
CantonParkDistrictSummerProjectsandImprovementsTheCantonPark Districtisexcitedtoshareseveralimprovementsandprojectsthatwill enhancerecreationalopportunitiesthroughoutthecommunitythissummer.A majorhighlightistheupcomingreplacementoftheBigCreekParkplayground. Thisprojectwillcreateamoreaccessibleandinclusiveplayenvironmentfor localfamilies.Preparatoryworkhasalreadybegun,withconstructionexpected tostartinJuneandthenewplaygroundopeninglaterthissummer.The DistrictrecentlycompletedimprovementsalongBigCreekBoulevard,which havebeenwellreceivedbyresidents.Newlightinghasalsobeeninstalledat theDonaldsonCentertoimprovesafety,visibility,andtheoverallappearance ofthefacility.Additionalupgradesthroughouttheparksystemincludenew benchesatthetenniscourts,includingamemorialbenchhonoringLaura Taylorthatfeaturesasolar-poweredchargingstation.Newsignageand bannerswillsoonbeinstalledacrossDistrictproperties,whileanewaudio playfeaturehasbeenaddedatNagelPlayground.Aziplineattractionisalso plannedforinstallationinthenearfutureandnewbasketballhoopshavebeen installedatWallaceandAndersonParks.TheBigCreekParkPoolopenedfor theseasononMay23andisoperatingdailyfromnoonto5:00p.m.,weather permitting.ResidentscanfindadditionalinformationontheCantonPark DistrictwebsiteandFacebookpage.TheDistrictisalsopleasedtocontinueits strongpartnershipwiththeCityofCantonandtheCantonPoliceDepartment. VisitorsmayseeCantonPoliceOfficerCandiBuhlassistingwithpatrolsat parksandfacilitiesthroughouttheseason.Assummergetsunderway,the CantonParkDistrictencouragesresidentsandvisitorstoenjoythemany parks,programs,andrecreationalopportunitiesavailablethroughoutour community.
Canton Park District Summer Projects and Improvements The Canton Park District is excited to share several improvements and projects that will enhance recreational opportunities throughout the community this summer. A major highlight is the upcoming replacement of the Big Creek Park playground. This project will create a more accessible and inclusive play environment for local families. Preparatory work has already begun, with construction expected to start in June and the new playground opening later this summer. The District recently completed improvements along Big Creek Boulevard, which have been well received by residents. New lighting has also been installed at the Donaldson Center to improve safety, visibility, and the overall appearance of the facility. Additional upgrades throughout the park system include new benches at the tennis courts, including a memorial bench honoring Laura Taylor that features a solar-powered charging station. New signage and banners will soon be installed across District properties, while a new audio play feature has been added at Nagel Playground. A zip line attraction is also planned for installation in the near future and new basketball hoops have been installed at Wallace and Anderson Parks. The Big Creek Park Pool opened for the season on May 23 and is operating daily from noon to 5:00 p.m., weather permitting. Residents can find additional information on the Canton Park District website and Facebook page. The District is also pleased to continue its strong partnership with the City of Canton and the Canton Police Department . Visitors may see Canton Police Officer Candi Buhl assisting with patrols at parks and facilities throughout the season. As summer gets underway, the Canton Park District encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the many parks, programs, and recreational opportunities available throughout our community. C T CC k P l N O p ! ! N N O O p p !
TheBigCreekPool
NowOpen! NowOpen! NowOpen! NowOpen! is
Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development
SpoonRiverPartnershipforEconomicDevelopment Spotlight
CouldtheBDDHelpFundYourNextProject?
Could the BDD Help Fund Your Next Project?
AsImeetwithbusinessownersandpropertyownersthroughoutCanton,one questionIoftenhearis,"WhatistheBDD,andcanithelpwithmyproject?"
TheCityofCanton'sBusinessDevelopmentDistrict(BDD)isaneconomic developmenttooldesignedtoencourageinvestment,redevelopment,and businessgrowthwithindesignatedareasofourcommunity.ThroughtheBDD,a portionofsalestaxrevenuegeneratedwithinthedistrictisreinvestedbackinto theareatohelpsupporteligibleimprovementanddevelopmentprojects. Fundingmaybeavailableforprojectssuchasbuildingrenovations,façade improvements,sitedevelopment,parkinglotupgrades,infrastructure improvements,andotherinvestmentsthatcontributetothegrowthandvitality ofthedistrict.Thegoalistohelpbusinessesandpropertyownersmake improvementsthatstrengthenCanton,attractinvestment,andenhancethe customerexperience.
As I meet with business owners and property owners throughout Canton, one question I often hear is, " What is the BDD, and can it help with my project?" The City of Canton's Business Development District (BDD) is an economic development tool designed to encourage investment , redevelopment , and business growth within designated areas of our community. Through the BDD, a portion of sales tax revenue generated within the district is reinvested back into the area to help support eligible improvement and development projects. Funding may be available for projects such as building renovations, façade improvements, site development , parking lot upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and other investments that contribute to the growth and vitality of the district . The goal is to help businesses and property owners make improvements that strengthen Canton, attract investment , and enhance the customer experience.
Ifyouareconsideringaproject, Iencourageyoutoexplore whetherBDDassistancemay beavailable.Oneofthemost importantthingstoremember isthatprojectsmustbe reviewedandapprovedbefore workbegins,soit'sbesttostart theconversationearly.
If you are considering a project , I encourage you to explore whether BDD assistance may be available. One of the most important things to remember is that projects must be reviewed and approved before work begins, so it 's best to start the conversation early.
I am available to help answer questions, determine whether a property is located within the district , discuss project
If you'd like to learn more about the BDD program or discuss a potential project , please visit our website or contact me directly. I look forward to helping you explore opportunities to invest in your property and in the future of Canton.
Iamavailabletohelpanswer questions,determinewhethera propertyislocatedwithinthe district,discussproject Ifyou'dliketolearnmoreabouttheBDDprogramordiscussa potentialproject,pleasevisitourwebsiteorcontactme directly.Ilookforwardtohelpingyouexploreopportunitiesto investinyourpropertyandinthefutureofCanton.
JennieGrove ExecutiveDirector
Jennie Grove Executive Director
Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development
CantonMainStreetSpotlight
TheStoryofCantonMainStreetIncludesDanaSmith!
The Stor y of Canton Main Street Includes Dana Smith!
WhenthestoryofCantonMainStreetistold,thename DanaSmithwillalwaysbepartofit.
When the story of Canton Main Street is told, the name Dana Smith will always be part of it .
Formorethanseventeenyears,Danahasbeenadedicated advocatefordowntownCantonandoneoftheindividuals mostresponsibleforhelpingtransformideasintolasting communityassets.FromhelpingCantonachieve DesignatedMainStreetstatusin2009toplayingakeyrole inlaunchingArtonMainandtheCantonMainStreet FarmersMarket,herinfluencecanbefoundthroughout
For more than seventeen years, Dana has been a dedicated advocate for downtown Canton and one of the individuals most responsible for helping transform ideas into lasting community assets. From helping Canton achieve Designated Main Street status in 2009 to playing a key role in launching Art on Main and the Canton Main Street Farmers Market , her influence can be found throughout
manyoftheprogramsandtraditionsthatresidentsenjoytoday.
WhatmakesDana'scontributionssoremarkableisnotsimplythenumberof projectsshehelpedlead,buttherelationshipsshebuiltalongtheway.Business owners,volunteers,communityleaders,artists,vendors,andresidentshaveall benefitedfromherwillingnesstolisten,collaborate,andbringpeopletogether aroundasharedvisionforCanton.
many of the programs and traditions that residents enjoy today. What makes Dana's contributions so remarkable is not simply the number of projects she helped lead, but the relationships she built along the way. Business owners, volunteers, community leaders, artists, vendors, and residents have all benefited from her willingness to listen, collaborate, and bring people together around a shared vision for Canton.
Dana has never sought the spotlight . Instead, she has spent years working behind the scenes to support local businesses, strengthen downtown, coordinate events, encourage volunteers, and create opportunities that have made our community
Danahasneversoughtthespotlight.Instead,shehasspentyearsworkingbehind thescenestosupportlocalbusinesses,strengthendowntown,coordinateevents, encouragevolunteers,andcreateopportunitiesthathavemadeourcommunity stronger.
Herretirementmarkstheendofanimportantchapter,buttheimpactofherwork willcontinuetobefeltforyearstocome.ThesuccessofCantonMainStreet,the growthofdowntown,andmanyofthecommunitytraditionsweenjoytodayare partofalegacyshehelpedbuild.
Her retirement marks the end of an important chapter, but the impact of her work will continue to be felt for years to come. The success of Canton Main Street , the growth of downtown, and many of the community traditions we enjoy today are part of a legacy she helped build.
OnbehalfoftheCantonAreaChamberofCommerceandagratefulcommunity, thankyou,Dana.Thankyouforyourleadership,yourservice,yourfriendship,and yourunwaveringcommitmenttoCanton.
On behalf of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and a grateful community, thank you, Dana . Thank you for your leadership, your service, your friendship, and your unwavering commitment to Canton.
The story of Canton Main Street includes Dana Smith, and Canton is better because of it .
With gratitude, The Canton Community
ThestoryofCantonMainStreetincludesDanaSmith,andCantonisbetter becauseofit. Withgratitude, TheCantonCommunity
ThankYou!
TheCantonAreaChamberofCommerceextendsaheartfeltthankyouto everyonewhomadeour AnnualChamberGolfOuting suchagreatsuccess!
Fromourgeneroussponsorsanddedicatedvolunteerstoallthegolfers, contestparticipants,andsupporters,thankyouforafantasticdayonthe course.YoursupporthelpstheChambercontinuetopromotebusiness, buildrelationships,andstrengthenourcommunity.
GregGlomb
ofFulton County
DeeClark
Greg G
CANTONCHAMBERSPONSORSHIPS
Annual Dinner
Lead Sponsor $500
Supporting Sponsor $175
Chamber Golf Outing
Lead Sponsor $1,000
Cart Sponsor $500
Tee Sponsor $175
Canton Cruise In
Lead Sponsor $500
Supporting Sponsor $175
Women in Business Program Sponsor $175
Holiday Lightshow
Lit Display Sponsor $1500
Lead Sponsor $500
Supporting Sponsor $175
Youth Leadership Academy Program Sponsor $350
TheCantonAreaChamberofCommerceiscommittedto providingqualityevents&programsforourmembersandthe community.
Weknowlargeeventsarewhatbringpeopletogetherasa communityandbringothersfromoutsideourcommunityhere toenjoyourtown.Ourgoalisthatthesesponsorship opportunitiesarehelpfulandenableyoutopositivelypromote yourbusinessthroughtheChambertothoseinourcommunity andthosewhoarevisitingoutoftown.ContacttheChamber officeforaSponsorshipsheet.
