The Monthly Business Publication for the Canton Area
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
cbobell@cantonillinois.org
Executive Director Carla Bobell
100th Annual Canton Chamber of Commerce Dinner: A Celebration of a Century
The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce marked a historic milestone with its 100th Annual Dinner, held at Spoon River College on Friday, February 28th. The event brought together 140 attendees to celebrate a century of business and community leadership. Each guest received a commemorative tumbler adorned with the Canton Chamber Centennial logo, a fitting keepsake for such a momentous occasion.
The evening was filled with reflection, inspiration, and celebration. Kevin Stephenson served as the Emcee, guiding the night's events. The invocation was given by Student Representative Owen Spahn, setting a thoughtful and appreciative tone for the night. Messages of gratitude, vision, and history were shared by Chamber Board of Directors President Chad Holloway and Executive Director Carla Bobell, both emphasizing the Chamber's role in fostering local business and community growth.
The highlight of the night was keynote speaker Payne Schoen, who challenged attendees to envision the future of Canton, Illinois. His topic title was: "What Do You Want To Be Known For?" He encouraged everyone to embrace change, recognizing it as the key to evolution and growth. His words resonated with the audience, inspiring a sense of optimism and possibility for the next century.
The evening included anniversary cake and a champagne toast to the next 100 years. In a grand and symbolic conclusion, all attendees participated in what is likely the largest ribboncutting ceremony in the Chamber’s history, commemorating 100 years of service and looking ahead to a promising future
The 100th Annual Canton Chamber Dinner was truly a night to remember an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future of Canton. Enjoy the pictures inside this issue of the Canton Chamber Courier newsletter.
Be looking for announcements to be made soon on Bicentennial activities coming up June 20th - 29th.
100TH CANTON CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
Most of the decorations were done by Whisper Willow Wedding Rentals
Cake made by Princess Creations
Gift Tumbler made by JC Custom Laser Creations
100TH CANTON CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
Back drop on the stage was done by Hy-Vee Florist Graham Hospital provided a wonderful meal & service
Trio Con Brio Ensemble performed during the night
2025
Picture includes past Executive Directors of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce 1986 -
Left to Right: Carol Davis, Chad Murphy, Missy Towery, Susan Baldwin, Amanda Atchley & Carla Bobell
Speaker Payne Schoen
100TH CANTON CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
This is a picture from a phone of the ribbon cutting that everyone who attended was a part of, however, Dave Lewis of Dave Lewis Studio took an official picture the night of the event that has been approved to be placed inside the Bicentennial time capsule
Thank you to our GOLD Sponsors
Owner Dillan Vancil
Thank you to our MAJOR Sponsors
Be a Business Spotlight
Thank you to our Supporting Sponsors
Thank you to these businesses that truly helped make the 100th Chamber Anniversary a success!
Agent Chuck Taylor
JC Cus Laser Cr
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Orwig Auto Body - Three Generations
Orwig Auto Body, located at 1098 W. Locust St in Canton, has been providing collision repair services to the Canton Community for three generations. After spending nearly a decade perfecting his craft with Bob Mills, Sheldon Orwig and his wife Margaret, purchased Frankovich Autobody, located at 135 E. Elm, in 1959. The Elm St. location had some interesting history, as it was formerly Cooper’s Livery Stable. After quickly outgrowing the East Elm location, a new state-of-the-art building was constructed at 1098 W. Locust St.
Orwig’s won an Association of Commerce and Industry Special Award for Outstanding Achievements in New Construction that year.
Sheldon’s son, Tom, joined the family business, and his daughter, Debbie, worked there parttime after high school as well, while Margaret ran the office and did the accounting work. Tom later operated the business for many years. Tom’s daughter, Brette began painting at the shop and now runs the business since her father passed.
According to Brette, the collision repair business has become much more complex with the addition of advanced driver assistance systems and technology in newer vehicles. Orwig’s continuously researches and follows OEM repair procedures ensuring a safe repair. A safe, quality repair has always been top priority at Orwig Auto Body.
Orwig’s welcomes all new and former customers and works with all major insurance companies for collision repair. Call 309-647-0909.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - MYSTIC SKYE
OFFERING NEW SERVICES
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT - CITY OF CANTON
In May of this year, I (hopefully) will be entering my third term as Mayor of the City of Canton. Serving in this position is a privilege and honor. Every day brings new challenges, new problems to solve, new opportunities for our citizens and our community. But this position is greatly dependent on everyone around me. From department heads to chiefs, to legal and engineering teams, to our faithful support staff - these are the people who keep our city moving.
What is so important to smooth operation, but perhaps underappreciated or unrealized, are the years of experience, the level of knowledge, our City department leaders hold. Of our main departments, I calculated the following:
· In Public Works, our 6 department leaders have been employed with the City an average of 23 years.
· In the Fire Department, the Chief and Assistant Chiefs average 24.5 years.
· In the Police Department, the Chief and Lieutenants average 21.5 years.
· And in the trenches, the Clerical Crew averages a respectable 12 years, considering two newer hires throw the average here.
The City has relatively little turnover, and for many employees, we have been their full working career, hire to retire.
I point this out because I want our citizens to realize how much knowledge and expertise our employees hold. The services we deliver are either the basics of life -your water, sewer, trash collection, arranging your final resting place –that people rarely think about, or in the case of law enforcement and fire protection, provide us with safety and peace of mind. And in all areas, our employees are continually attending educational classes and training exercises to keep current.
I feel fortunate that I work with such a seasoned staff, and as a citizen myself, I’m grateful for their skills and knowledge that affect all of us daily.
