May 2023 Newsletter

CHAMBER

A DIGITAL LOOK AT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY

NEWSLETTER

MAY 2023

TABLE OF

About Us ________________________________________ 3 Executive Director Update ______________________ 4 Marketing Director Update______________________ 5 Meet the Directors_______________________________ 6 Member Renewals_____________________________ 7-8 150% Club______________________________________ 9 New Member____________________________________ 10 Business Before/After Hours__________________11-13 Ribbon Cuttings _____________________________14-15 Support Local _______________________________16-18 Legislative Day_________________________________19 Announcements_____________________________ 20-22 Ambassadors____________________________________23 Membership/Sponsorship______________________ 24 Community Leaders____________________________ 25 Local Stats_____________________________________26-28 Local Jobs ______________________________________29 Stay Social _______________________________________30 Thank You_______________________________________31

contents

ABOUT US HERE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS

ABOUT US The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a link between member businesses and the community. As a result, our members benefit and thrive because of the strength and stability we provide.

Membership includes advertising and networking opportunities, referrals, quality programming, events, and educational advantages.

CHAMBER MISSION To promote the growth and development of the Macomb Area.

CHAMBER VISION To serve as a catalyst for the business, professional, and educational community's collective efforts to enhance the economic climate and quality of life for all.

350+ MEMBERS STRONG

1

CHAMBER COMMUNITY

OUR SERVICES Providing Visibility Networking Opportunities Business Resources Advertising & Marketing Gift Certificate Program Educational Connections CONTACT US

309.837.4855 macombareachamber.com info@macombareachamber.com

Phone 309-837-4855

Email lauren@macombareachamber.com

LAUREN MERRITT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Email Lauren

Phone 309-837-4855

Email shay@macombareachamber.com

SHAY HOLLAND

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hello Chamber Members, It's May! Whenever I am out and about, I am consistently asked one question, "How are things at the Chamber?" And while this is a pleasant Midwest greeting, it's also deeper than that. Most often when I am asked this, whomever it is really wants to know, "How is the business community doing?" and "How is Macomb/McDonough County?" And I can tell you, from one business professional to another, the Chamber is busier than ever. We are a small but mighty office, but we have 300+ members to work with and for each day. While some have labeled us "Forgottonia" or a "fly over area," we live, work, and play right in the community; so we want you all to succeed as much as you do.

While the last few years have introduced us to a "new normal," our business community never lost the desire to serve each other each day, lift each other up each day, and band together each day to make themselves relevant and essential to their neighbors and friends. New businesses have opened, and unfortunately some have closed, but the community goal never changes - we all just want to make this area better, while doing what we love. And the Chamber is honored to get to help celebrate that with each one of you.

We're coming back from a very informative Chamber Legislative Day in Springfield. We brought a small, but very engaged crew, to advocate for local resources and get an up-close and personal view of how elected officials are working for our region. And next up is the Annual Chamber Golf Outing, as well as a full schedule of Business After/Before hours, and more. Be sure to check your email and follow us on social media for all the latest and greatest happening right here at the Chamber.

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or suggestions. After all, this is YOUR Macomb Area Chamber!

Let's make it a great month!

Email Shay

WE WORK FOR YOU

MEET THE DIRECTORS

MEMBER RENEWALS Thank you to our members who have continued their yearly investment with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce within the last month. Your support of the local business community is much appreciated and we look forward to working with you for another great year. Click on the logos below to learn more about each member:

RICH WESTEN

Paula Knight

MEMBER RENEWALS Thank you to our members who have continued their yearly investment with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce within the last month. Your support of the local business community is much appreciated as we look forward to working with you for another great year. Click on the logos below to learn more about each member:

150% CLUB The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement that provides additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement that provides additional support to the Chamber. Members who opt in will pay 150% of their membership dues and be recognized in our monthly newsletter and at our annual awards happy hour, plus additional recognition throughout the year on our website and social media platforms. Members are not required to join the 150% Club. The 150% Club is only included on membership renewal invoices. If you choose not to opt in, just pay the membership dues amount on your invoice. Either way, we thank you for choosing to be a Chamber member with us!

RICH WESTEN Paula Knight

NEW MEMBER

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

APRIL 19 - COUNTRYVIEW CARE CENTER

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS APRIL 26 - EVERLY HOUSE

COMPANY

RIBBON CUTTINGS

ISSUE NO. | DATE OF PUBLICATION

Las Delicias de Mexico The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on April 5 to welcome Las Delicias de Mexico (1414 E. Jackson St., Macomb) to the Macomb Area Chamber and the local business community.

Family-owned and operated by former Chicago-natives who now call Macomb home, Las Delicias de Mexico has introduced a menu of authentic Mexican treats, ice cream, paleta (frozen ice pops), beverages, and street-style savory items, as well as tacos, tortas, and burritos. Chamber gift certificates are now being accepted.

For hours and information, visit lasdeliciasdemexico.com or follow them on Facebook/Instagram.

Regional Office of Education 26 The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on April 11 for the Regional Office of Education #26 (ROE26) Family Resource Center located at 339 S. Johnson Street in Macomb. The combined efforts of the Early Beginnings Program and the L.E.A.P Program at ROE26 have allowed for the expansion and creation of the new Family Resource Center, which will serve as a one-stop shop for the community to access parenting support and education along with community resource referrals that impact family well-being.

For more information, visit roe26.net.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

SUPPORT LOCAL What are they?

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 Macomb!

Who accepts Chamber Gift Certificates?

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 at (309) 837-4855 or info@macombareachamber.com.

How can I help promote the Chamber Gift Certificate Program?

We love when our members and the community help #keepitinmacomb by promoting the Chamber Gift Certificate Program. There are several ways you can do this: Buy them for your employees, family, friends, teachers, etc.: Chamber Gift Certificates are a win-win since Chamber gift certificates never expire and happy to have a certificate to spend however they would like 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.

Gift Certificates

CALENDAR OF EVENTS YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER & COMMUNITY EVENTS: FIND LOCAL EVENTS Find a full range of Chamber and Chamber member events on the What's New? section of our website

STAY SOCIAL Follow us on social media for local updates and activites.

SHARE YOUR EVENTS

Share your Chamber member events via your Chamber member information center account, on our website, or email them to us!

Events

LOCAL EVENTS

LEGISLATIVE DAY The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce hosted our annual Legislative Day in Springfield on April 27, 2023 along with 25 local business professionals from a variety of industries.

The group heard from Representatives Norine Hammond and Dan Swanson, as well as Mark Raney with the Illinois Farm Bureau.

With breakfast/lunch sponsored by Western Illinois University and phone power banks by iDoc, the group met at the Illinois Municipal League (IML) to hear from Robert Stephan, Intersect Illinois and Brad Cole, IML. The group traveled to the Illinois State Capitol and were introduced to Governor JB Pritzker for a speech and photos, before walking to the Stratton Building to meet with Senator Michael Halpin, and ending the day at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with IDOT Secretary Omer Osman.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Chamber Day 2023 The staff of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce attended Chamber Day 2023 in Springfield, hosted by The Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE).

Chamber Day is the annual meeting of the Illinois Chamber federation of both Illinois chamber members as well as dozens of community based chambers and their members. The purpose of this event is to discuss critical issues and become informed on public policy that is affecting our employers and businesses.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AMBASSADORS As the public relations arm of the Chamber, members of the Ambassadors committee represent the Chamber by hosting Business After/Before Hours, attending ribbon cuttings, and recruiting new members. Our Ambassadors enhance the image of our business community and the organization by presenting a positive and professional attitude at Chamber events and throughout their interactions with the business community. These 20+ volunteers are the ultimate Chamber cheerleaders. We are reserving this spot each month so that you can get to know each of our Ambassadors just a bit better.

Ambassadors

MEMBERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP Whether you have been with the Chamber for a day or a decade; make the most of your membership with a full range of benefits and opportunities for you and your business.

Membership & Sponsorship

Chamber Benefits

COMMUNITY LEADERS

THANK YOU!

The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to extend a special thank you to our community leaders, who support the Chamber and the business community via event sponsorships, marketing opportunities, volunteer hours, and more.

LOCAL STATS

LOCAL STATS

LOCAL STATS

STAY CONNECTED

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

YOUTUBE

SNAPCHAT

WEBSITE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

LAUREN MERRITT

SHAY HOLLAND

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARKETING DIRECTOR

CONTACT US 309.847.4855 214 N. LAFAYETTE STREET - MACOMB, IL MACOMBAREACHAMBER.COM