FEB 2024 NEWS by MacombChamber

FEBRUARY 2024

www.macombareachamber.com

Chamber News A digital look at your Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and the local business community

YOUR CHAMBER

Helping Businesses to Grow Better Together

ABOUT US:

OUR STORY 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.

OUR SERVICES Providing Visibility Networking Opportunities Business Resources Advertising & Marketing Gift Certificate Program Educational Connections macombareachamber.com info@macombareachamber.com

OUR MISSION

OUR 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.

To promote the growth and development of the Macomb Area.

WHY CHOOSE US?

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.

214 North Lafayette Street Macomb, Illinois 61455

LAUREN MERRITT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 309.837.4855 LAUREN@MACOMBAREACHAMBER.COM

CHAMBER UPDATE MERRITT GRADUATES FROM U.S. CHAMBER FOUNDATION EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, January 26, Lauren Merritt, Executive Director of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce graduated from the eighth cohort of its premier business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges. “It was a true honor to be a part of the Business Leads Fellowship Program,” says Merritt. “I learned a great deal and built relationships with workforce development experts, as well as other chamber leaders from across the country. I plan to take these resources and put them to work in our community so we can address our talent pipeline management needs.” “We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Cheryl Oldham, Senior Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”

Lauren Merritt receives her certificate of completion for the Business Leads Fellowship Program from Caitlin Codella Low - Vice President, Policy and Programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Following a competitive application and selection process, Merritt was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the eighth class of this program. The six-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, covered the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development. Upon graduation, Business Leads Fellows join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 300 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives. For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.

SHAY HOLLAND MARKETING DIRECTOR 309.837.4855 SHAY@MACOMBAREACHAMBER.COM

Hi Chamber Members, We’re a month into 2024 and some of those New Years resolutions are still going strong (Congratulations!), while others were simply just a thought we saw on a flashy Instagram story somewhere but we scrolled right past (that’s okay too). We can all agree that it might be time to refresh, reset, and recenter ourselves. So can we talk about the 2024 career goal elephant in the room? NETWORKING. Stay with me here. I get it. I'm an introvert by nature, with social anxiety, and large groups just aren't my scene. The thought of having to introduce myself and make small talk can sometimes be crippling; but I also remember 2020 and if that taught me anything, it’s that Zoom meetings and social media just don't have the same connection as talking with someone face to face. We are blessed with a very welcoming, warm business community and if you just jump in - they’ll be ready to greet you with a smile. I see it happen every month at our Chamber events and it’s nothing short of amazing. Let’s help you become a part of it. So if you are like me and the thought of putting yourself out there is a little intimidating; I promise we can do it together. Come find me in the crowd. We'll take deep breaths, we’ll get brave, and we'll be glad we went after all. We can do this! Contact me any time. No idea is too small and no question is too weird. Let’s help you find the information and resources you need to be your best business self. Let’s make it a great month!

MEMBER RENEWALS JANUARY RENEWALS Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us. We appreciate your support of the local business community.

Financial Advisor: Mike Eckardt

150% CLUB 1 50 % CL UB

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!

GENE CURTIS

RICH WESTEN

GREG J. BUTLER, CPA

Paula Knight

150% CLUB 150% C LUB

Dr. Matthew McClure

General Dentistry Nicholas D. Doll, D.M.D

Financial Advisor: Seth Minter

150% CLUB 150% CLUB

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

HOLLISTER HOME CENTER - JANUARY 17

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION - JANUARY 24

BUSINESS AFTER/BEFORE HOURS 2024

NEW MEMBERS

RIBBON CUTTING

Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on January 11 for Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb, formerly Cassady Martial Arts, at 1601 W. Jackson Street, Suite 202 in Macomb, Illinois. Owners and operators Andy and Michelle Cassady, who hold advanced degrees in martial arts, set out to help teach children and adults confidence, self-defense, and personal goal fulfillment via the Certified Royce Gracie 360 location using his Jiu Jitsu curriculum. Royce Gracie is a Brazilian retired professional mixed martial artist who created the Royce Gracie program to enable people of all ages, sizes, and abilities to defend themselves in real-world situations. The academy offers several personal and group classes for adults and children on a weekly basis, as well as running a youth leadership program enabling students to engage with the next generation of class participants. For a full class list and more information, call (309) 836-2002 or visit roycegraciemacomb.com

RIBBON CUTTINGS

How to keep it in your community. Easy and Affordable.

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. How can I help promote the Chamber Gift Certificate Program? 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?

LOCAL EVENTS SHARE YOUR EVENTS

Share your Chamber member events via your Chamber Member Information Center account, on our website, or email them to us!

STAY IN THE KNOW

Check your email and follow us on social media for local updates and activities!

macombareachamber.com/events

FIND LOCAL EVENTS

Find a full list of Chamber & Chamber member events under the What's New? tab on our website.

SAVE THE DATE FIND AND PROMOTE QUALTY JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR REGION Find a new and exciting career at the McDonough County

Individuals who need assistance with building or rebuilding

Jobapalooza! Dozens of employers from throughout the county

their resume will have the opportunity to participate in two

will be available to answer your questions, accept applications

workshops prior to the March 27 event. In addition, there

and resumes, and some will even be able to interview and hire

will be support stations; the day of the event to help job-

on the spot! It's never been easier to find employment!

seekers with various tasks, such as printing their resumes on quality paper. Check back with us for updated

The job fair, which is open to part-time, full-time and seasonal

information.

job seekers, ages 16+, will be held from 1-4 p.m., and will feature prospective employers from McDonough County retailers, nonprofits, government and educational organizers and industries. The event is sponsored by the McDonough County Quality of Life Committee, Community News Brief, Lisa Ward (formerly of Magnolias), Macomb Area Chamber of

March 27, 2024 1- 4 pm Spoon River College Outreach Center

Commerce, Macomb Area Economic Development Corp.,

2500 E. Jackson St., Macomb

Macomb Park District, Spoon River College, Western Illinois

Information: bit.ly/jobapalooza24

Regional Council, Western Illinois University and Workforce Development.

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

LOCAL STATISTICS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

LAUREN MERRITT

SHAY HOLLAND

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARKETING DIRECTOR