Before we officially turn the page on February, I wanted to thank everyone who attended our Annual Awards on February 5. Congratulations to Business of the Year winner 2Dye4 Hair & Co, Citizen of the Year winner Jeff Hamer, Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year winner Altrusa, Chairman’s Award winner Lin Stults, and Ambassador the Year winner Crystal Carson The turnout was tremendous, the weather was great, Bloom Macomb provided beautiful centerpieces, and Park Place was a wonderful host with their delicious food and professional hospitality. And of course, a big thank you to Shay Holland for all her hours spent on the program, decorations, awards, and slides
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to complete our member survey that went out last month I appreciate your answers and especially your comments. Your answers last year were responsible for the Conflict Resolution and Employment Law workshops. We’ll continue to use this as a guide for future programming and servicing the membership.
STEVEN BRODY
Executive Director
Speaking of workshops, the McDonough County Health Department and McDonough County ESDA are presenting Master the Disaster on March 3 at City Hall This will be a guided planning exercise designed to help businesses and organizations protect operations, people, and property during emergencies or natural disasters
This year’s Community Guide and Business Directory is moving into the production phase with the goal of an early April delivery. All members in good standing will be listed and we appreciate everyone who invested in an advertisement to bolster your presence.
Job seekers and prospective employers will converge on the Spoon River College Outreach Center on March 24 from 1-4pm for the annual McDonough County Jobapalooza! The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner and sponsor Please contact our office or go online if you are still interested in hosting a table.
The next Business After Hours will take place on March 25 at Big Brothers Big Sisters. It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is only open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership. Be sure to stop by as this one is sure to be well attended.
Earlier in the day, Indus Travel will be offering a webinar at 12pm to provide details on our October trip to Greece. Look inside the newsletter for further information. This trip is open to the public, not just Chamber members.
Finally, Macomb Business Academy kicks off on March 26 and runs for eight weeks. There is a limit of 20 participants, so contact our office right away to get registered.
As we embrace Spring and warmer temps, I am looking forward to resuming Stops with Steven, so be on the lookout. Don’t forget that you can invite Shay and I to your business to showcase you on Facebook. Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
Hi Everybody,
I’m writing this on a Friday afternoon with a head cold, a to-do list that isn’t getting shorter, and at least one school-related reminder I’ve probably forgotten. Working mom life doesn’t really pause for sinus pressure and neither do career goals. So if you’re juggling a lot right now too, just know same
March always feels like the reset button. Not fully spring. Not fully winter. Just that in-between space where things start picking up whether we feel 100% ready or not.
At the Chamber, we can feel it. Events are lining up. Businesses are planning. People are thinking ahead instead of just getting through the week There’s momentum building, even if the weather (and my immune system) hasn’t quite caught up.
What I love about this community is that no one waits for perfect conditions. Our members show up anyway. They open their doors. They hire. They collaborate. They sponsor the thing. They volunteer. They keep going. That’s what makes it all work.
SHAY HOLLAND Marketing
Director
As we head into a busy season, remember your Chamber is here to make things easier and to have your back. Did you remember to register for that event? If not, we’ll remind you. Need help getting the word out about something? We’ll amplify it. Planning a ribbon cutting but not sure where to start? We’ll walk you through it. Trying to figure out who to call for a connection? We probably know them. Stuck at your desk and need gift certificates delivered? We’ll bring them to you.
We know this season gets busy fast with everyone juggling more than what fits neatly on a calendar. So if it feels like a lot, that’s okay. It is a lot. But you’ve got a network behind you. And we’re part of it. We’re in this with you; sniffles, school drop-offs, staff meetings, last-minute sponsorship forms and all.
My contact information is above and I encourage you to use it as many times as you need to; I promise no idea is too small or no question is too weird. That's what I, and the Macomb Area Chamber, are here for; to help you find the resources and information you need to be your best business self.
Let’s make it a great month!
Shay
FEBRUARY RENEWALS
FinancialAdvisor: MattLawver
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.
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
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.
KALI FOXALL
STEVE SILBERER
COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS
ANNUAL AWARDS ANNUAL AWARDS
Chamber Annual Awards has record attendance
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held the 2025 Annual Awards on February 5, 2026 at Park Place of Macomb. With over 115 people in attendance, awards were presented to the following:
Ambassador of the Year: Crystal Carson with McDonough County Courthouse.
Chairman's Award: Lin Stults of Engraving by Lin.
Outgoing Board President: John Meixner with Regional Office of Education #26.
Citizen of the Year: Jeff Hamer - retired Macomb Illinois Police Department (accepted on his behalf by wife Tonya and Interim Chief of Police Tedrow).
Social Organization/Non-Profit of the Year: Macomb Altrusa
Business of the Year: 2Dye4 Hair & Co.
Outgoing Board Member: Eric Blakeley with All Pets Veterinary Clinic/Macomb Dry Cleaners 2.0.
Catering was provided by Park Place Floral arrangements, by Bloom Macomb, were sponsored by Land of Lincoln Credit Union a nd Raritan State Bank
Thank you to all of you who attended to help celebrate that accomplishments of our business community.
Chamber Staff: Shay Holland & Steven Brody
Outgoing Board Chairman: John Meixner
Chairman’s Award: Lin Stults
Ambassador of the Year: Crystal Carson
Social Org/Non-Profit of the Year: Altrusa Citizen of the Year: Jeff Hamer
Outgoing Board Member: Eric Blakeley
Business of the Year: 2Dye4 Hair & Co
MEMBER NEWS MEMBER NEWS
MDH CEO Presents at National Conference
Three members of the McDonough District Hospital leadership team, including President & Chief Executive Officer Bill Murdock, recently attended the annual American Hospital Association Rural Healthcare Leadership conference.
According to Murdock, “I was honored to be selected by the American Hospital Association to present at the Rural Healthcare Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. My participation was Rescuing Rural Birth: Innovation and Investment in Maternal Safety. MDH is a growing maternal desert and during this session I shared how MDH is using partnerships, grant funding, and simulation-based safety training programs to strengthen our maternal services.”
The session was moderated by AHA Senior Manager Ben Wise, a native of Macomb. Joining Murdock on the panel was Benjamin Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Kristin Preihs, Senior Director of Clinical Quality & Funded Partnerships at the AHA.
Wayne Laramie (Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer) and Patrick Osterman (Vice President/Business Strategy) also represented MDH at the conference.
A sample of topics at the conference also included: an advocacy update from Washington, D.C.; healthcare workforce well-being; navigating change and adversity in rural healthcare; building public trust and confidence in rural healthcare; artificial intelligence; advancing innovation in rural health; strategic collaborations and affiliations; and transforming rural access through digital solutions.
