May 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

Hey there, busy members! We see you. You're juggling inventory, payroll, customers, marketing... the list never ends. And we keep sending emails about events you don’t have time to attend, right? While these events can be incredible opportunities to learn and grow professionally, we understand that “getting together” isn’t in everybody’s calendar. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get solid return on investment when it comes to your chamber membership Even if you're busier than an internet troll during election time, there are plenty of ways to squeeze every drop of value out of your membership.

Networking events are great. We have some of the best. But they're not the only way to make the most of your Chamber membership. Let's dive into some strategies for the time-crunched business owner.

Online Directory Domination. Make sure your Chamber Membership directory listing is polished to perfection. Add a compelling description and links to your website and social media. You can update this as often as you’d like. You know your business better than anyone!

Social Media Savvy. Engage with the Chamber's social media posts. Comment, share, and tag other members. The Chamber has a broad and vast reach. Becoming a social media “frequent flyer” will help people get to know you and check out your social media platform.

Referrals & Reviews. Spread the word about other members you've worked with. Write glowing reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Chamber's platform. Speaking well of others means good things are heading your way. If nothing else, you will catch their attention, and they’ll check you out. Additionally, it’s another way to get your name out there without talking about yourself. You know how hard it is to be a business owner. Reviews mean everything.

Buy the Chamber Checks. When you do have time to explore other businesses, paying in Chamber Checks makes a solid statement that you are here to support your neighbors.

Promote Your Business. The Canton Chamber can make flyers for your business that can be used for your own platforms and by us to promote what you are doing! It’s a part of your membership! And promoting our Members is one of our favorite things to do.

Tell us about your time constraints. We can help you identify opportunities that fit your schedule and goals. Let us know the kind of connections you’re most interested in and see how we may be able to assist outside of events.

Remember, a Chamber membership is an investment, and it's up to you to make it payoff. Even small actions can yield big results. The Canton Chamber is your partner in success, let us help you be the best you can be and help your business thrive!

YURKOVICH MECHANICAL

Owner Logan Yurkovich of Yurkovich Mechanical has always been hands-on since he was a kid, inspired by his grandpa who was a master carpenter and ran his own business. Watching him, Logan developed a huge respect for craftsmanship and hard work. When he told his grandpa he wanted to follow in his footsteps he told Logan to pursue another trade with unique opportunities to serve people.

That’s how Logan ended up in HVAC and mechanical services where he combined technical knowledge with a problem solving and comfort focus in homes and businesses. It’s more than a job, it’s how he honors the work ethic and customer commitment his grandpa instilled in him all those years ago.

Yurkovich Mechanical’s vision is to be the trusted leader in mechanical and HVAC services in the area by continually exceeding customer expectations, embracing sustainable practices, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT ARTICLE by GRAHAM HEALTH SYSTEM

Expanding Our Patient-Centered, Quality healthcare in Central and Western Illinois At Graham Health System our mission has always been to provide compassionate quality healthcare in a resp our Cou Gro Wit now Reg Rad The exis the San year degr futu Exp Pha Sem Ultr with Pha (CT of P Pha Car $20, We corn Posi The Elm (pot thro attra

CANTON BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

IS COMING

As we draw closer to the 200th anniversary of Canton, Illinois, excitement is building for the Bicentennial Celebration week scheduled for June 20–29, 2025. This ten-day event promises a rich blend of history, community spirit, and family-friendly fun.

The Bicentennial Planning Committee along with other local organizations has curated a diverse lineup of activities that honor Canton's heritage and engage residents and visitors alike. Highlights include the Opening Ceremony during the Canton Cruise-In, historical bus tours, and the Brown Bag It lunch time fun with a variety of entertainment. Families can enjoy "200 Years of Games," offering an array of games throughout the centuries and you won’t want to miss the Parade of History. Additionally, the community will witness the unveiling of the time capsule sealed in 1925, providing a tangible connection to the past Volunteers are essential to the success of the celebration. Opportunities range from event setup and coordination to assisting with historical exhibits and guiding tours. Those interested in contributing can find more information and sign-up details on the official Bicentennial website.

For a comprehensive schedule of events, volunteer registration, and additional details, visit the official Bicentennial website at cantonillinois org/canton-bicentennial-information Join us in celebrating two centuries of Canton's rich history and vibrant community spirit.

HOST: SPOON PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Live music provided by owners & friends of

April After Hour Mixer was held at Old Dog

Thank you to the SRPED for hosting the April After Hours Mixer

UP COMING CHAMBER EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

YEAR END GATHERING

A handful of the 2024-2025 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) students gathered together for a year end event at Old Dog on Sunday, April 27th. Buckheart Solar was the meal sponsor which covered the cost of pizza buffet. A few of the YLA seniors talked about their job shadowing experiences with the group.

WE WISH ALL OF THE YLA SENIORS THE BEST!

YLA

Thank you to our Meal sponsor Served Pizza Buffet!

Other YLA seniors not

Graduating

Seniors pictured LtoR: Emma Hardesty, Ella Renick, Brooklyn Dennis, Ella Demler & Owen Spahn

pictured: Paige Anderson, Alyssa Corsaw, Louis Fournier, Ian Hart, Colin Johnson, Olivia McLouth, Madison Miller, Reese Murphy, Milly Oswald, Avery Pigg, Brent Skiles