DECEMBER 2025 CHAMBER NEWS
CHANDLER LEVEL CHANDLER LEVEL
THANK YOU TO OUR ENHANCED MEMBERS FOR THEIR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OF THE CHAMBER MISSION TO BETTER SERVE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
Tis the season for holiday shopping locally using Chamber Gift Certificates! Our office has already been working on big orders from our larger businesses in town, and we anticipate staying busy throughout December. We are grateful to play a role in filling your stockings with something special.
As it is near the end of the year, I would like to take a moment to again express my gratitude and appreciation to the Chamber community for your investment and participation. Thanks to everyone that recognized the value of Chamber membership through your dues, sponsorships, and attendance. Your presence at Business After Hours, Golf Tournament, Annual Awards, and Legislative Luncheon was wonderful. Your use of our email blasts served as a great vehicle to promote your business or organization. Your ads in our newsletter and community guide provided an additional touchpoint for you to stand out among the rest. And of course, your support of the Gift Certificate Program remains vital to keeping shopping dollars locally spent in Macomb.
STEVEN BRODY
Executive Director
The Chamber hosted four informational sessions this year. Ameren hosted a lunch n learn in May to discuss their Energy Efficiency Program, and many of you benefitted with new lighting at little or no cost. In September, the Illinois Attorney General’s office reminded us of their consumer protection services. October saw a large turnout to learn how to handle Conflict Resolution, and we are rounding out the year with an Employment Law workshop at the beginning of this month.
In addition, the Chamber offered an opportunity for community members to embark on a trip of a lifetime to Italy in October. The feedback from those that attended was extremely positive. As a result, we are pleased to announce an 11-day trip to Greece departing from Chicago on October 21, 2026. More information will follow shortly so stay tuned.
The final Business After Hours of 2025 will take place on December 17. This month’s hosts are our friends at MidAmerica National Bank. It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is only open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership.
Come celebrate some holiday cheer with friends and colleagues. How considerate that it is on my birthday!
Don’t forget that our Annual Awards are on February 5, 2026 at Park Place. Nominations are still open for you to submit for Business of the Year, Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Please send them via email to steven@macombareachamber.com.
Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. May you all have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
Hi Everybody,
As I write this, I am blessed to have just handed out $47,500 worth of Chamber Gift Certificates ordered in the past 24 hours. All that shop local money stays in our community and that is only the start of what an amazing impact you all can have on our small businesses.
As we head into the holiday season, I want to speak honestly not as the marketing director, but as someone who spends every day walking alongside our local businesses.
Small businesses face challenges most people never see. Costs rise, rules change, the economy wobbles, and somehow our entrepreneurs keep showing up, unlocking their doors, and giving this community their all. It’s tough out there. Really tough. And yet, they continue to pour heart, time, and resources back into Macomb.
SHAY HOLLAND
Marketing Director
When you choose to shop local, you’re doing far more than making a purchase. You’re preserving the character of your town. You’re choosing real people over algorithms, service over convenience, and places that feel like “home” over places that feel like everywhere else. You’re helping keep the lights on in the little corners of our quirky, little community.
And here’s the truth: businesses don’t survive on transactions alone. They survive on connection on the people who walk through their doors, recommend them to a friend, share their posts, or simply remind them why they matter.
“Support small” isn’t just a holiday slogan anymore. It’s become a quiet plea to keep the identity, warmth, and texture of our towns vibrant and unique.
What sets Macomb apart is that our local businesses don’t just operate here—they invest here. They sponsor teams, donate to fundraisers, show up for events, and lift up the very people who keep them going. That kind of commitment is rare, and it deserves to be met with intention.
So this season, I’m asking you—genuinely—to shop with purpose. Support the places that support you.. It matters more than most of us realize. Our community is special because of the people who choose to be part of it. Thank you for continuing to show up for each other
Let’s make it a great month
NOVEMBER RENEWALS
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.
MEREDITH GARAGE
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.
Dr.Matthew McClure
GREGJ. BUTLER,CPA
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.
THE BUSINESS LEA
Financial Advisor: Seth Minter
KALI FOXALL
STEVE SILBERER
COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS
MemberMoments
A spot to share your business & organization news
MDH opens new sports performance center
MACOMB, IL: McDonough District Hospital’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation department has unveiled its newly renovated MDH Sports Performance Center at the North Lafayette Street clinic. The updated space, located next to the physical therapy area, expands strength and conditioning opportunities with new equipment including indoor turf, squat and bench racks, kettlebells, cardio machines, and more. Classes and training sessions begin December 1.
Designed by Director Phyllis McLouth and strength and conditioning expert Tim Piper, the center offers programs for ages 11 and up, including the Power Lunch Circuit, Health and Fitness Class, and Blue Chip athletic training. These programs provide individualized or fast-paced workouts focused on building strength, mobility, endurance, injury prevention, and overall performance. For details or to register, call (309) 836-1616.
Platinum welcomes new stylist
MACOMB, IL - Platinum Hair Salon (343 S. Johnson St.) has welcomed a new stylist, Jessica Derby, to the salon. Jessica brings 20 years of hairstyling experience and specializes in blonde transformations. Originally from Wisconsin, Derby and her husband relocated to Macomb where he works as a certified arborist with Bedwell Tree Services. Outside the salon, Jessica loves country music, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with her three dogs.
To book an appointment, call (309) 833-3033 or visit platinummacomb.com.
MemberMoments A spot to share your business & organization news
Humane Society fundraiser a huge success
For twelve years, Chris Brix has successfully challenged the community to raise funds for the Humane Society of McDonough County. This year’s Brix Challenge was a record-breaking success, bringing in over $38,000, which is a vital source of funding for animals in need. The tremendous support from regional media, local businesses, and friends allowed the challenge to be met with enthusiasm, ensuring the Humane Society can continue its many ongoing services and programs, including direct support to the county-run animal shelter. The generosity of all who participated will have a profound positive effect on the animals whose lives it will touch, and we extend our most sincere thanks to everyone who became a part of this challenge.
The Humane Society of McDonough County is an all-volunteer organization, 100% dependent on donations, working to support the McDonough County Animal Shelter through services like adoption promotion, sponsorships, a rescue/foster program, and emergency medical assistance. An annual budget of approximately $40,000 to $50,000 is necessary to maintain current initiatives, and the results of the Brix Challenge will largely secure that budget for the coming year. The organization remains committed to helping animal companions by promoting spay/neuter initiatives, providing emergency medical assistance through the “Angel Fund,” and operating a pet food pantry As Chris Brix's challenge reminds us, a shared dream can collectively create a positive difference for the animals whose lives will be touched.
Information: www.hsmcil.org
MACOMB AREA CHAMBER WELCOMES FIELDS CATERING
Macomb,IL-TheAmbassadorCommitteeoftheMacombArea ChamberofCommerceheldaribboncuttingatFarmKing Supply,Inc.onNovember7towelcomeFieldsChuckWagon asanew Chambermember.
Inbusinessforsixyears,DavidSchonfelderhastrainedwiththe executivechefofWeberGrill,wherehedevelopedhispassion forcooking.Hiseclecticmenufeaturesribs,pulledpork, tenderloin,burgers,steaks,smokedchicken,smokedsalmon, gourmethotdogs,homemadesoupsandsides,andmore!
FieldsChuckWagonofferscatering,on-siteeventoptions,and specializedmenusforeachoccasion. Information,findthemonFacebookorcall(309)335-6368.
RIBBON CUTTING
MACOMB AREA CHAMBER WELCOMES 309 MARKETPLACE
MACOMB,IL-TheAmbassadorCommitteeoftheMacombAreaChamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on November 14 to celebrate the recent grand opening of 309 Marketplace (129 N. Randolph St.), a new boutique-style retail experience. Featuring 27 regional, small business vendors, the store offers an array of products for every style and budget; includingapparel,giftitems,housewares,gourmetfoods,andmore.
Astheystate,Thenewlyremodeledopenfloorplanallowsforshoppersto "explore the space full of local goods, handmade treasures, community love, and the kind of charm you only find when you shop small. Come see why309Marketplacetrulyisthekeytosomethinglocal."HoursareTues.Sat.11am-6pm.Sun.Noon-5pm,ClosedMondays,majorholidays(major holidayeves).
Information: 309marketplace.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
ChamberTrip Italy
Ourfirst-everChamberTripgrouptraveled toItalyforaeleven-dayexperienceofa lifetimetakingintherichhistory,culinary delights,andarchitecturalwonders. TheChamberTripdestinationwillbe GreeceinOctober2026!
WIU MULTICULTURAL CENTER - NOVEMBER 19
