EXPLORE NEW OPPORTUNITIES
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP
OCTOBER 2026 A DIGITAL LOOK AT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY
YOUR CHAMBER OUR VISION To serve as an advocate for the business, professional, and educational community's collective efforts to enhance the economic climate and quality of life for all.
OUR MISSION To promote the growth and development of the Macomb Area.
OUR SERVICES Increased Visibility Networking Opportunities Business Resources Advertising & Marketing Educational Connections
OUR INFORMATION
OUR PURPOSE The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce strives to promote the development and growth of the Macomb area by serving as a resource for visitors and residents, as well as being an active voice for business and commerce. Our strong commitment to our membership and community partnerships keep Macomb and McDonough County and the forefront of business development.
(309) 837-4855 info@macombareachamber.com www.macombareachamber.com
STEVEN
BRODY Executive Director
contact. steven@macombareachamber.com
309.837.4855
We are amid Harvest Season. I know this from traversing around all the large farm vehicles on our local roads. Please drive with extra caution and allow our farmers to clear their fields. We are grateful to our friends in the Ag community whose tireless work is key to our region. Our annual Legislative Luncheon is coming up quickly on October 13 at Park Place. Thanks to Comcast Business for serving as our Presenting Sponsor, as well as our other sponsors. We look forward to an engaging time of networking and interaction with our elected legislators, who are all confirmed to attend (as of press time). Please contact our office to register if you have not already done so. Your cost is only $40.00 for members, and $50.00 for non-members. Our next Business After Hours will take place on October 21. This month’s hosts are our friends at Wesley Village. It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is only open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership.
On October 29, the Chamber is excited to welcome Dr. Tahir Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of the WIU Cybersecurity Center, as he provides a presentation on Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: Protecting Your Business in a Changing World. Please refer to the flyer in the newsletter for further information and how to register. This event is free to Chamber members, and $10.00 for non-members. This will mark the end of our workshops for 2026. Your participation in our annual survey provided recommendations
for
topics
that
assisted
in
scheduling the seven workshops to meet your needs.
Please
make
sure
to
continue
this
engagement next year so we can schedule more workshops that add value to your business or organization. Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. It is a pleasure working with you!!!
SHAY
HOLLAND Marketing Director
contact. shay@macombareachamber.com 309.837.4855
Staying invested Means Showing Up So I’m going to hit you with the truth straight from the top - Your Chamber membership is only as valuable as what you put into it. It’s not about just paying your dues once a year and putting a logo on a website. And if it is, then that’s okay. If it’s not, then let’s keep reading.
owner.
Share
what’s
happening at your business. Bring an idea. Sponsor something. Introduce us to someone who should be a member. Or simply stop by and say hello. You don’t have to make every event or be involved in everything. We know you’re busy. But the Chamber is better when our members are actually part of it.
but
your
time,
participation
are
ideas,
connections,
and
what
make
work
that
meaningful. We want to know what you need. We want to your wins, help when things get difficult, and
Come to an event. Grab lunch with us. Meet business
working on behalf of the business community,
hear what you’re seeing. We want to celebrate
It’s about showing up when you can.
another
Your membership helps keep the Chamber
create opportunities for you to connect with other people who are doing business here. So
as
you
consider
your
Chamber
membership, we hope you’ll do more than renew it - Use it. Be Part of it. Show up. Because a strong Chamber isn’t built by the staff or the board alone. It’s built by the businesses that choose to stay involved. And we’re grateful you’re one of them.
RENEWALS SEPTEMBER
Thank you for investing in our partnership and the area business community.
RYAN
BAXTER
Dr. Matthew McClure
CLUB 150%
A voluntary membership enhancement to better fulfill the Chamber mission.
RICH WESTEN
Dr. Matthew McClure
NICK CURTIS
BAILEY CALE
GENE CURTIS
JUSTIN DERRY
CLUB 150%
A voluntary membership enhancement to better fulfill the Chamber mission.
KALI FOXALL
STEVE SILBERER
THE BUSINESS LEAD
NEWS
COMMUNITY
Keeping you connected to what’s happening around your community.
NEWS
COMMUNITY
Keeping you connected to what’s happening around your community.
Macomb Names New Community Development Director
Minter Lawver Wealth Management Forms New Partnership
MACOMB, Ill. — The City of Macomb has hired Julie Leonard as its new community development director.
MACOMB, Ill. — Minter Lawver Wealth Management began operations September 1 following the partnership of Edward Jones financial advisors Matt Lawver and Seth Minter.
Leonard, who most recently served as the economic development and community development coordinator for Payson, Arizona, began her new role with the City of Macomb on September 21.
A native of Hanna City, Illinois, Leonard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Knox College in Galesburg. She succeeds Cesar Suarez, who is returning to the Chicago area. Information: cityofmacomb.com
The firm will provide financial planning and wealth management services to individuals, families and businesses, with a continued focus on serving clients and the communities in which they live and work. The firm’s staff includes Jessica Pittman, who serves as Associate Financial Advisor Trainee, and Alisha Teslicka, Sr. Branch Office Administrator. Information: edwardjones.com
Submit your news: shay@macombareachamber.com
NEWS
COMMUNITY
Keeping you connected to what’s happening around your community.
COMMMUNITY SUPPORT
Highlighting area resources right in your community.
RIBBON CUTTING
Western Illinois University - Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts - September 15
Photos: Western Illinois University
MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University (WIU) celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new 100,000 square foot Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA) on September 15, joined by students and the Macomb community.
We are ready to welcome visitors throughout the region to campus, while also celebrating the inspiration, creativity, and educational opportunity that this world-class venue provides for our students. - President Kristi Mindrup
Western Illinois University
This space offers WIU students and the surrounding community 100,000 square feet of performance, rehearsal and teaching space, supporting academic programs in Theatre, Music and Dance.
The GCPA is the first new state-funded academic building at WIU in more than 40 years. The State of Illinois has invested $119 million into building the center, providing the Western Illinois region with a first-class destination for arts and culture. With this new facility, WIU is establishing itself as a major arts destination in the region. It will also bring significant economic benefits to Macomb and McDonough County through jobs, tourism and as a cultural landmark. For more information, visit wiu.edu
RIBBON CUTTING
Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce - September 16
MACOMB, IL — The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on September 16 to celebrate the Chamber’s 90th anniversary at 214 N. Lafayette Street.
We are grateful for your support and partnership for the last 90 years and the many years to come. - Steven Brody
Executive Director
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce was presented with a mayoral proclamation from the City of Macomb, IL in honor of our 90th anniversary and declared September 18, 2026 as Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Day. Founded September 18, 1936, as the Macomb Community Association, the organization was created to promote the growth and success of the local business community. It became the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce in 1947 and has continued its commitment to supporting businesses and the community. 2026 marks nine decades of leadership, partnership, and service to businesses and citizens throughout McDonough County and beyond. For more information, visit macombareachamber.com
RIBBON CUTTING
Derek Zahm - State Farm Insurance - September 16
MACOMB, IL — The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting on September 16 to celebrate the newly remodeled office of Derek Zahm – State Farm, located at 1120 E. Jackson St. Derek Zahm and his team have been serving the Macomb community since 2011, providing insurance services for individuals, families, and businesses throughout the area. The office offers a variety of insurance products, including auto, homeowners, renters, life, health, and business insurance. The updated space marks an exciting new chapter for the local agency and reflects its continued commitment to serving customers and the Macomb community. For more information, visit sfinsuresmacomb.com
They knocked it out of the park with this remodel and we are so excited to welcome everyone into our new office. - Derek Zahm
Insurance Agent
RIBBON CUTTING
J&J Designs - September 18
Macomb, Ill. — The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on September 18 to celebrate the grand opening of J&J Designs located at 116 N. Side Square. Owner Jami Miller started out in the back of her husband's business with two industrial embroidery machines. Two months ago, Miller and long-time friend Jenna Van Hove launched J&J Designs and set out to expand their line of custom apparel and graphics on tshirts, sweatshirts, caps, bags, and more. Affectionately self-proclaimed as a "mama bear owned and operated business," J&J Designs has dedicated displays in their new retail space to support the Macomb Bombers and area athletics. As the business grows, there are future plans to add additional services such as engraving. For more information, call (309) 333-2083 or find them on Facebook.
We absolutely can't wait to share our adventure with you all! We hope you are as excited as we all are for what comes next! - Jami Miller Owner
RIBBON CUTTING
Western Illinois University - Emergency Operations Center - September 21
Photos: Western Illinois University
MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University (WIU) held a ribbon cutting Monday, Sept. 21, for its new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Sallee Hall. The $2.3 million center was made possible through an Illinois Emergency Management Agency grant and expands WIU’s emergency management and public safety training capabilities. WIU President Kristi Mindrup, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, LEJA Director Jamie Johnson and Office of Public Safety Chief Derek Watts joined the ceremony.
This new center will provide state-of-the-art technology that will be available to students as part of Emergency Management program and School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA). In the near future the EOC could serve the west central Illinois region as a coordination hub for any weather or safety emergencies. This EOC is unique in that it is designed for and will offer the only known available apprenticeship opportunities to Emergency Management and Public Safety students in the nation. For more information, visit wiu.edu/leja.
This is about more than opening a center. It’s about opening up new opportunities for our students, for this university, and for the communities we serve. - Jamie Johnson
Western Illinois University
GROUND BREAKING
City of Macomb - Waste Water Plant Improvements- September 23
MACOMB, IL — The City of Macomb, IL held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 23 for the site of the new water treatment plant at Ward and Grant streets. Replacing the city’s 100-year-old existing system, the new facility represents a major investment in Macomb’s infrastructure. Funding for the new plant was $42,267.86 million and was provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program. The new one-story structure and is expected to be completed by December 2028. Information: cityofmacomb.com
At the end of the day, we’ll have a sustainable quality water source for generations to come for the citizens of Macomb. - Mayor Michael Inman City of Macomb
RIBBON CUTTING
Western Illinois University - Student Engagement Center - September 23
Photos: Western Illinois University
MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University's Office of Student Engagement invited the campus community to join them in celebrating its new Student Engagement Center on Wednesday, September 23. The newly revamped Student Engagement Center, formerly known as the Student Organization Center, underwent renovations during Summer 2026 to create a new area that promotes student engagement and involvement on campus. It features lounge space, a suite for the Office of Student Engagement and dedicated student spaces, including collaboration rooms, a podcasting room, a Zoom room and a relaxation room. Information: Office of Student Engagement at ose@wiu.edu or 309-298-3232.
The importance of getting students involved and connected with campus is unparalleled. - Nick Katz Director of Student Engagement
Western Illinois University
NEW
MEMBER Welcome to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
NEW
MEMBER Welcome to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
NEW
MEMBER Welcome to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
NEW
MEMBER Welcome to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
DIRECTORY DELIVERY
Bringing Community Guides to the Community
DIRECTORY DELIVERY
Bringing Community Guides to the Community
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Derek Zahm - State Farm Insurance - September 19
REAL ESTATE AREA
Quarterly Local Market Update
Peoria Association of Realtors | 309mls.com | 309.688.8591
REAL ESTATE AREA
Quaterly Local Market Update
Peoria Association of Realtors | 309mls.com | 309.688.8591
$40
MEET THE MEET THE TEAM TEAM Thank you for support and continued partnership. We are honored to get to work alongside you.
Steven Brody
Shay Holland
Executive Director
Marketing Director
214 N. Lafayette St. - Macomb, IL
309-837-4855