Message From the CEO

Chris Hembrough President and CEO

In a recent edition of the Update Magazine we mentioned our collective, community-wide desire to eventually return to some sense of normalcy, as well as our desire to open the doors to some of your favorite Chamber offerings. Understanding all things remain fluid and could change in a moment’s notice, as of this writing, we plan to host two of our most popular events which were postponed earlier this year, The State of the City (page 7) and Small Business Awards (pages 10-11) luncheons.

Chamber guidelines for such meetings and events have been established and can be found on page 6 of this magazine and on our homepage. Rest assured the health, safety, and comfort of our members and participants are our top priority. Appropriate guidelines, precautions, and procedures for in-person meetings permitted in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan will be followed.

Attendance at the State of The City and Small Business Awards luncheons will be limited. Each event will utilize multiple rooms and each room will have its own registration/check-in area. All rooms will have enough space for social distancing to be observed, and no more than 50 people will be allowed in each room. After lunch is served the respective programs will be live streamed to each room. While not ideal, these venues will allow us to hear from the Mayor and to celebrate the achievements of our small businesses.

Leadership Springfield Begins

The Chamber’s 14-week series of half day leadership and community connection programs begin on September 2. Participants will gain valuable leadership skills, exposure to our community’s most recognizable leaders, and an in-depth look at critical issues affecting our region. All 36 emerging leaders will be part of a team tackling a significant challenge or project for one of the following local organizations: The American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club of Central Illinois, Building Board Diversity (United Way of Central Illinois and Forefront), Downtown Springfield

Advocacy

Inc., EP!C, and Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.

UIS Chancellor, Dr. Susan J. Koch Retires

The Chamber wishes to thank Dr. Susan Koch, the former Chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield who retired on June 30, 2020, for her numerous contributions to both UIS and the community at-large. We also thank Dr. Koch for her years of service on the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. We welcome Katherine Battee-Freeman, Director of the UIS Career Development Center, to the Chamber Board.

As we move into the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to represent your interests, provide needed resources and support, and opportunities for both professional development and strategic connections. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we can assist or serve you in any way.

As always, we are grateful for our partnership and the privilege to serve you. Thank you for your investment in membership, the work of The Chamber, and the community at-large, especially in

Chamber’s Core Functions

these challenging times. As a significant voice of business, we support legislative policies and practices conducive for a thriving business community and local economy, and oppose those that are not.

Business Resources & Support We connect local businesses to resources that reduce barriers to growth and expansion.

Leadership & Professional Development We offer opportunities for professional growth and leadership development to members and their employees.

Visibility & Connections That Matter We provide marketing, programming and relationship-building opportunities to help members make strategic connections.