August 2023 Newsletter

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.

To promote the growth and development of the Macomb Area.

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.

309-837-4855

shay@macombareachamber.com

SHAY HOLLAND MARKETING DIRECTOR

Welcome to August,

We're all cherishing those last, slow days of Summer before it's back to school, Fall events, and busy schedules. As you're filing out your calendars with all those appointments, meetings, and reminders; make a note to revisit your career options or hire a bit more help in the profession you are already loving.

The job posting section of our website has become a hyper-local resource for the latest employment opportunities right in the Macomb region. We know being an adult is hard enough and you don't have to completely uproot it all in order to find a job that fits your lifestyle. Maybe you've been taking it all on yourself and it's time to hire some help. Maybe you need a job that let's you work from home. Maybe inflation has hit your wallet and it's time to up your income. Whatever your reason, we invite you to visit macombareachamber.com/jobs to help get you started.

You'll find the latest listings in a variety of industries and skill levels, without any of the hassle of pop-up ads, sign ups, or the request for any personal information. Chamber members can enter in their own jobs or simply contact our office and we'd be happy to assist you. Let's get you loving your job, your coworkers, and your company just a bit more.

My contact information is below 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!

MEMBER RENEWALS

Thank you to our members who have continued their quarterly/semi-annual investment with us. We appreciate your support of the local business community.

MEMBER RENEWALS

U L Y R E N E W A L S

Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us. our support of the local business community.

of Directors

Financial Advisor: Seth Minter

McDonough County Board

150% 150% 150% CLUB CLUB CLUB

150% CLUB

The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement that provides additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Members who opt in will pay 150% of their membership dues and be recognized in our monthly newsletter and at our annual awards, plus additional digital recognition throughout the year. Members are not required to join the 150% Club. 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!

GENECURTIS

150% 150% 150% CLUB CLUB CLUB

150% CLUB

The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement that provides additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Members who opt in will pay 150% of their membership dues and be recognized in our monthly newsletter and at our annual awards, plus additional digital recognition throughout the year. Members are not required to join the 150% Club. 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!

RICHWESTEN

Paula Knight

150% 150% 150% CLUB CLUB CLUB

150% CLUB

The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement that provides additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Members who opt in will pay 150% of their membership dues and be recognized in our monthly newsletter and at our annual awards, plus additional digital recognition throughout the year. Members are not required to join the 150% Club. 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!

Financial Advisor: Seth Minter

General Dentistry

Nicholas D. Doll, D.M.D

GOLF OUTING VOLUNTEERS

We want to take a moment to thank all of the phenomenal volunteers that helped us run The Chamber Golf Outing on July 14!

We could have never pulled off such a successful event without each and every one of these people who took time out of their busy schedules to assist us!

THANK YOU!

First of all, a HUUUUUGE shoutout to Laura Leezer who went above and beyond being the right hand lady all day at the golf outing! She was there from the getgo to help setup, get sponsors to their holes, direct golfers to their carts, shuttle countless people around the course throughout the event, take most of the photos, and breakdown and pack up the event!

We are forever grateful for her dedication to the Ambassador Committee and the Chamber and for being such an amazing friend to our staff

We also had lots of help from Ambassadors Rachel Lenz, Alexa Shaw, Abram Olson, Shyann Thomas, Jake Green, Todd Gilliland, Miranda Taylor, and Kaleb Greenlief; as well as board members Pat Osterman, Seth Minter, Ketra Roselieb, Mike Woodrum, and Lisa Ward. Finally, we had a few Chamber friends that helped out as well - Barb Coker and Shannon Sutton. The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates your time and talents!

THANK YOU!

GOLF OUTING SPONSORS

GOLF OUTING PLAYERS

GOLF OUTING PLAYERS

GOLF OUTING PLAYERS & MORE

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The S

The Amb e grand opening of The Small Towner Event Venue (6 W. Side Square), a new Chamber member and new business in the Macomb community. Owner Kari Kelso completely renovated the entire interior and exterior to become a blank canvas for unique events and celebrations that is known as, "a small town venue with big style." The aestheticfocused rental space includes tables, chairs, linens, use of Bluetooth speakers, a full assortment of photo backdrops, neon signs, and light decor to make the space your own. For booking information and rates, visit honeybook.com/.../cf id/642c821de99cf915fa40e918 and find them on Facebook/Instagram

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Western Illinois Regional Council

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on July 26 in conjunction with Business Before Hours on graciously hosted by the Western Illinois Regional Council & Community Action Agency (WIRC) to celebrate their multipurpose, community-driven location at 133 W. Jackson St. The WIRC partners with people and communities to improve lives and neighborhoods via a myriad of available resources touching on food security, domestic social services, crisis intervention, employment assistance, home improvement expertise, recycling facilities, and more. The WIRC prides themselves on being an inclusive space that welcomes all who walk through their doors, stating, "Whether you need a helping hand or want to be helpful to others, you are in the right place " For more information on programs and services, please visit wirc org

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?

LOCAL EVENTS

Whether you are a student at Western Illinois University or Spoon River College, a resident of Macomb, or a visitor from out of town YOU are invited to join us for the 2023 Downtown Block Party and get to know the heart and soul of Macomb! Sponsored by the City of Macomb, Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, Western Illinois University, Spoon River College, and Macomb School District.

Live Music by ODD FELLOWS! Foam Party! Sponsored by Spoon River College

Local Celebrity Dunk Tank with Prizes!

Chick's Lip Eating Contest!

Free Macomb T-shirts

Balloon Animals

Lots of Giveaways!

Games!

More details being added all the time!

For more information and to register your business for a Block Party spot, CLICK HERE!

BLOCK PARTY!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Macomb announces new police chief

MACOMB, IL – Macomb Mayor Michael Inman announced that he will appoint Interim Macomb Police Chief Jeffrey Hamer to fill the Police Chief position on a permanent basis. Chief Hamer will succeed Jerel Jones who left the position, earlier this year, for a position as Chief in suburban Flossmoor, Il. Inman will seek the concurrence of the Macomb City Council, at its Monday August 7, 2023, meeting, to hire Hamer as the City’s new Chief of Police.

Chief Hamer is a 22-year veteran of the Macomb Police Department (MPD) and has served many roles within MPD. Hamer has been a Field Training Officer (FTO), Verbal Judo Instructor, and he has been very active in implementation of technology in the Department throughout his career. Hamer was initially promoted to Sergeant where he supervised dayshift patrol activities. Hamer was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant, where he supervised patrol officers and functioned as the Tactical Commander for the multi-agency Strategic Response Team (SRT) Chief Hamer has played a vital role in getting the MPD fully accredited, while acting as the ILEAP Accreditation manager for the Department.

He served as the Body Worn Camera administrator for the past two years and assisted in officer training, rolling out the program, and oversight of the project. Hamer most recently served as the Administrative Lieutenant as well as Operations Commander prior to assuming the Interim Chief role

Hamer also served for three years as a Corrections Officer with the McDonough County Sheriff’s Department prior to joining MPD.

Chief Hamer holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University (WIU) as well as a Master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lewis University Hamer is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (323rd). He is a member of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, a big brother to Luke through Big Brothers Big Sisters and he is very active in several community, civic and non-for-profit organizations, in Macomb.

“I am excited to lead the brave officers and staff of the Macomb Police Department as we move the community and agency into the future”, Chief Hamer stated, “and I am thrilled to be the City of Macomb’s next Chief of Police,”Hamer added.

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

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.

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LOCAL STATS

LOCAL STATS

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