I hope everyone had a wonderful July. I just returned from a week in Colorado, where I spent a lot of time exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. I celebrated my birthday by ziplining for the first time! The tundra in the mountains was breathtaking, and the trails were fantastic. Bear Lake, formed by a glacier, was incredibly serene with its still waters. I also hiked around a stunning waterfall. The elevation and altitude were quite the challenge, but the experience was unforgettable.
August has plenty of exciting events in store! Our Downtown Block Party is on August 23 from 4:30-6:30 in Chandler Park. Businesses can reserve a space to set up along the sidewalks. We are also accepting logo sponsorships for the t-shirts that we will distribute during the event. The cost is $250 for a large logo and $125 for a small logo. Please let us know by August 8 if you’re interested in sponsoring. Looking ahead, join us next spring for a nine-day adventure in Italy! We’re organizing a group trip to Rome and the Amalfi Coast in April 2025. Check out the flyer below for more details—it’s an incredible opportunity!
Thank you for being such wonderful Chamber members. Have a fantastic August, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
As always, contact me anytime at lauren@macombareachamber.com or (309) 837-4855.
Welcome to August!
I recently attended a Chamber industry event where one of my fellow business professionals referred to the Chamber as, “The front porch of the community.” I quickly wrote this down, because living in a rural city, it immediately resonated with me. The feel of a neighborhood changed when backyards became the new hangout and fences became the new norm I live on a very busy, residential street and if you want to know the weather you look out to see if Tom is carrying an umbrella today or if it’s cold that means Ms. Sue’s dog is wearing a tiny, plaid sweater. The people in my neighborhood are the ones I see every day, the bearers of information, the ones who live, work, and play right outside my front door. If I hide in the back, I miss out on the unique vibrancy that makes my neighborhood tick.
That front porch philosophy spills over into my role at the Chamber. The bulk of my day is spent sharing information, guiding people to resources, and answering questions to help everyone move about their lives just a bit easier. Maybe our office serves as tech support and someone needs assistance downloading an app on their phone, maybe they lost their dog and don’t know where to start looking, maybe they just want the best darn cup of coffee in the city - whatever it is, they get to land on my front porch and I am more than happy to pull up a chair and let them sit down for a while.
In our increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose touch with the people right outside our doors. But the front porch is an opportunity for meaningful, face-to-face connections. It becomes a gathering place where friendships flourish, where we can engage in heartfelt conversations, and where generations can come together. By embracing the front porch, we can strengthen our sense of belonging, personally and professionally
At the end of the day, that’s what the Chamber does. That’s what I do. That’s the other duties as assigned part of being Marketing Director and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you need to reach me, please email me at any time. I assure you no question is too weird - that’s why I’m here! So get out and enjoy August and let’s make it a great month!
MEMBER RENEWALS
J U L Y R E N E W A L S
Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us. We appreciate your support of the area business community.
General Dentistry
Nicholas D. Doll, D.M.D
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!
Financial Advisor: Seth Minter
KaliFoxall
NEW MEMBER
NEW MEMBER
NEW MEMBER
ICE CREAM SOCIAL 8/2
WESLEY VILLAGE RETIREMENT CENTER 1200 E. GRANT ST., MACOMB. 6-8 PM
8/6
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
MACOMB POLICE DEPARTMENT 120 S MCARTHUR ST, MACOMB 5-7 PM
MCDONOUGH DISTRICT HOSPITAL 525 E. GRANT ST., MACOMB 1-4 PM
- JULY 17
BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS
MCDONOUGH COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - JULY 24
RIBBON CUTTINGS
TimbukTech, Inc.
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting during Business After Hours on July 17 graciously hosted by TimbukTech, Inc. (at The Small Towner Event Venue) to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Dedicated to giving back to the community, Timbuktech has given over $400,000 to local organizations including Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation, McDonough County Sheriff's Office, and more. With Illinois locations in Macomb, Canton, Peoria, and Washington; TimbukTech is committed to being, “ your technology partner for business success. For information, visit www.timbuktech.com
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Destination 6 Pro Wrestling
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on July 16 to welcome Destination Six Pro Wrestling as a brand new Chamber member. Housed in a former church located at 136 W. Carroll St., Cece Impact and family have renovated the space to include a full wrestling ring and made it their mission to provide action-packed entertainment to locals and visitors of all ages. The much-anticipated July 20 NO TURNING BACK X event was sold out to a crowd of 180 fans. For upcoming events and more, follow Destination Six on Facebook/Instagram.
How to keep it in your community. Easy and Affordable.
How can I help promote the Chamber Gift Certificate Program?
What are Chamber Gift Certificates?
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 our region!
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 our office and we’ll get you on the list.
We love when our members and the community help keep it local by promoting the Chamber Gift Certificate Program:
Buy them for your employees, family, friends, teachers, etc.: Chamber Gift Certificates are a win-win since Chamber gift certificates never expire, can be purchased in any amount, 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?
