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Steven Brody Hello,I'm

Executive Director

Welcome to the dog days of summer, where the heat is on and you are thankful each day that your air conditioning units are working at home, in the office, and in your car!!!

The summer months provide an opportunity to do some office cleaning as well as planning for the remainder of the year.

In response to your answers from our Member Survey earlier this year, I am pleased to announce several presentations this Fall that will address issues such as Consumer Protection, Human Resources, and Employment Law. Stay tuned for these announcements beginning in the September newsletter, and for your ability to register.

The next Business After Hours will take place on August 20. We will be heading down the road to Colchester and gathering at Salon Thairapy. It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is only open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership.

Please make sure to mark September 12 on your calendar for this year’s Downtown Block Party in Chandler Park. It’s a little later this year, but that won’t stop everyone from having a great time as always.

Finally, our annual Legislative Luncheon will be October 7 at Park Place. Registration information will become available next month. This is one of our largest attended events of the year, and we look forward to a great turnout to meet and communicate directly with our legislators. Teaser…...there will be a special guest.

Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce.

It is a pleasure working with you!!!

Steven

NEW ARRIVAL

Shay Holland Hello,I'm

Marketing Director

I’m Back!

Welcome to August!

I just got back from vacation a week of sand between my toes, salty air, and the kind of relaxed schedule that only happens when you’re truly out of the office. The beach was beautiful. The sun was shining. The days blended together in that lovely, lazy way that is so essential for a moment

And yet...I found myself doing that thing I always do on day three of any trip: trying to find a decent cup of coffee. It became the inspiration for this letter.

Now, there was no shortage of options trendy cafés with oat milk foam and pastel murals, coffee carts with clever names, and even a place that promised “authentic coastal espresso.” But nothing tasted quite right. Too bitter. Too sweet. Too small. Too cold.

By day five, I realized what I was really craving wasn’t just caffeine. I missed my regular spot. I missed the people who know my name and ask how my day’s going. I missed seeing familiar faces while waiting for my drink and the comfort of the everyday Macomb rhythm. I missed my community.

Vacations are amazing. We all need that break. But coming home — to this community, to this pace, to this place where we’re all known that’s a different kind of wonderful

So now I’m back, to familiar faces and a full inbox (blessed to be busy), and I’m reminded how lucky we are to live in a place like this. A place where people support each other. Where local businesses are the heartbeat of our town. And where your coffee is served with a smile by people who know exactly how much ice goes in the cup.

Thank you to all of you for being part of the story that I get to come back to, it does not go unnoticed.

As we move into August and start shifting from vacation mode to back-to-school and fall prep, the Chamber’s here to help you reconnect, reenergize, and make the most of whatever the season looks like for you. Whether you need a spotlight, a sounding board, or just a solid recommendation for lunch I’ve got you.

Here’s to routines that feel good, coffee that hits just right, and a community that always feels like home.

Stay cool out there and I’ll see you around town!

Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us as we can continue our partnership for another great year. We appreciate your support of the area business community and wish you much success.

McDonough County Board of Directors

J u ly R e n e w a l s

150% CLUB 150% CLUB

The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.

McDonough County Board of Directors

Dr.Matthew McClure

150% CLUB 150% CLUB

The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.

Financial

Advisor: Seth Minter

KALI FOXALL

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER

RIBBON CUTTING RIBBON CUTTING

Goodwilltoprovidefreebooks

July 14, 2025 – Goodwill of Central Illinois will again provide free books to teachers within its 21-county territory from July 26, through August 25, 2025

Educators need to provide a valid school ID, identifying themselves as a teacher/educator They can then purchase a shopping bag or bring their own and fill it with books “This is something we love doing,” said Susan Walker, Goodwill’s Director of Retail and Operations “We have a supply of books, and what better way to put them to good use than by our teachers ”

For a list of participating Goodwill stores, visit goodwillpeo org

Goodwill offers employment services, veterans’ support services, a youth mentoring program, and operates a 15-room veterans’ home

For more information visit www goodwillpeo org

NominateabusinessforEthicsAward

Ready to take your business to the next level of excellence? BBB® (Better Business Bureau) is now accepting nominations and applications for this year’s Torch Awards for Ethics! The Torch Awards honor businesses that meet the highest standard of ethics and trust among their employees, customers, and local communities. These businesses embody BBB’s mission to advance marketplace trust. Nominations will be accepted until August 30.

For-profit businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply. For more information on eligibility requirements, visit BBB

Who accepts Chamber Gift Certificates?

Keep it in your community. Easy and Affordable.

What are Chamber Gift Certificates?

The Chamber Gift Certificate Program has been in existence since the mid 1980's. We sell Gift Certificates and they can be redeemed at participating member businesses. We sell nearly $200,000 worth of certificates every year, meaning all of that money stays in our region!

Only Chamber members who opt in to the Chamber Gift Certificate Program can accept certificates. Any Chamber member can opt in at any time. To be added to the list of 140+ area locations, contact our office and we’ll get you on the list.

How can I help promote the Chamber Gift Certificate Program?

We love when our members and the community help keep it local by promoting the Chamber Gift Certificate Program:

Buy them for your employees, family, friends, teachers, etc.: Chamber Gift Certificates are a win-win since Chamber gift certificates never expire, can be purchased in any amount, and you are keeping that money right here in the Macomb area.

Tell people about them. Friends and family are always looking for gift suggestions, so why not chime in with the perfect idea?