Jan 2025 News (2)

JANUARY 2025

CHAMBER NEWS

A DIGITAL LOOK AT YOUR AREA BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Happy

NEW YEAR

2025

YOUR CHAMBER OUR MISSION 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.

OUR VISION 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

Hello, I'm

Steven Brody

Welcome to 2025!!!

I trust you all had a wonderful holiday season spent with family and friends. It is always a wonderful opportunity for fellowship. Now it is time to take a deep breath and turn the page as we partner together to unfold the events, activities, and services for a successful new year.

First and foremost, don’t forget to notify our office of any pertinent contact information updates related to your business or organization.

The Community Guide and Business Directory will begin to take shape, and it is vitally important that your information is correct.

Please remember that only members in good standing are listed in the publication. Therefore, as a benefit of membership, please make sure you are current on your renewal investment with us. Thank you in advance to all who will make the additional investment of placing an advertisement to further highlight yourselves to the reader.

Executive

Director

Business After Hours will kick off the year on January 15 at McDonough District Hospital, in Health Services Building 2. Business After Hours is always a wonderful way to network with colleagues and peers in our community. It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is only open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership. Of course, feel free to bring a non-member along to see what he/she is missing, and encourage them to join!

Finally, nominations for our Annual Awards are due on January 10. Your nomination must include a brief explanation of why the person or organization is worthy of distinction as either Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, or Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year. We will also recognize Ambassador of the Year,and our retiring Board members. March 20 will be here before you know it, so SAVE THE DATE!!!

Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce.

steven@macombareachamber.com

309.837.4855

Hello, I'm

Shay Holland

As we bid farewell to another year, we’re filled with gratitude for your continued support, engagement, and dedication. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Whether 2024 treated you with kindness or left you facing challenges, we’re ready to meet you right where you are.

The new year brings with it fresh opportunities, renewed energy, and a chance to set our sights on finding innovative ways to best serve our business community. Myself and the Macomb Area Chamber are committed to making this year even more impactful and fulfilling for everyone involved.

Here are the best ways to stay up-to-date on all the 2025 action:

Marketing

Director

Find events, updates, and resources emailed to you from your Macomb Area Chamber. Mark your calendar to attend Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, and more. There’s something for everyone.

New Initiatives: We’re continuing to partner with economic drivers to further our mission and create meaningful change. That means new members, new businesses, and upgrades to your quality of life.

Don’t be a stranger! If you have a question or idea - email me at any time. I’d love to collab with you.

Keep your info updated! If you changed your name, address, email, etc. let us know so we can make sure that all those customers and clients are able to find you!

I am truly honored to get to work with you, and for you, each day. Your involvement is what makes our quirky, personable community thrive. Together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.

My contact information is above and I encourage you to reach out; I promise no idea is too small and no question is too weird. That is what I, and the Macomb Area Chamber, are here for; to help you find the resources you need to be your most successful self!

Let’s make it a great year!

shay@macombareachamber.com

309.837.4855

UPDATED OFFICE HOURS

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

Financial Advisors: Preston Gray LORRAINE EPPERSON

150% CLUB The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.

GENE CURTIS

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

RICH WESTEN

McDonough County

Board of Directors

Dr. Matthew McClure

GREG J. BUTLER, CPA

150% CLUB The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.

Financial Advisor: Seth Minter

KALI FOXALL

THE BUSINESS LEAD

Evan’s Recycling STEVE SILBERER

Western Illinois Natural Medicine

NEW MEMBER

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

RIBBON CUTTING

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber joined in a ribbon cutting on December 4 to help the City of Macomb, IL celebrate the recent completion of the Johnson Street Project. With additional turn lanes, sidewalks, and signage; the area now allows for THE BUSINESS LEAD better traffic flow, student safety, and enhances the overall quality of life in our community. A Lorem ipsum dolor sit ofamet, special thank you to Illinois Department Transportation; IMEG; Macomb 185 Schools; consectetur elit.during the construction of this project. For and all the citizens of Macomb adipiscing for their patience Fusce eu nibh ante. In ac more information, visit www.cityofmacomb.com. quam et nibh consequat consectetur. Aliquam ante justo, aliquam ut blandit ac, luctus vel ipsum.

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NEW ILLINOIS LAWS EFFECTIVE JAN. 1, 2025 On January 1st, 2025, new laws passed in the Illinois statehouse and were signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker took effect.

Here are some of the notable laws:

Wages & Employment

Consumer Protection

Minimum Wage Increases: Insurance and Medical Devices: General: $15/hour.

Insurers must cover medically prescribed hearing aids.

Tipped Workers: $9/hour.

Epinephrine injectors capped at $60 per twin pack.

Workers under 18 (working <650 hours/year): $13/hour.

Free Trial Notifications Subminimum wage for disabled workers eliminated.

Businesses offering free trials over 15 days must Pay Transparency: notify customers 3 days before cancellation.

Employers with 15+ employees must include salary and benefits in job postings.

Applies to internal, external, and remote positions performed in Illinois.

Non-compliance penalty: $500 fine after January 14, 2025.

Worker Freedom of Speech Act: Employees can skip mandatory meetings on political/religious matters without retaliation.

Non-compliance penalty: $1,000 per violation.

Restrictions on Employment Verification: Employers cannot voluntarily use E-Verify unless federally required.

Employers must notify employees of discrepancies and allow corrections.

Transportation

Business Operations Digital Driver’s Licenses: Digital IDs will be accepted, but physical credentials are required upon law enforcement request.

Mandatory Job Postings for Child Abuse Reporting: Businesses like schools, hospitals, and daycare centers must display signs with abuse reporting instructions.

Plastic Bottle Ban in Hotels: Hotels with 50+ rooms are prohibited from offering single-use plastic bottles (expands to smaller hotels in 2026).

Gym Membership Cancellations: Must allow cancellations online or via email.

Driver's License Changes: Option for 8-year licenses instead of 4 years.

Free replacement plates for stolen license plates.

Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way: Drivers must change lanes or reduce speed when approaching emergency or construction zones.

Vehicle Towing Fees: Stolen vehicles recovered within 7 days won’t incur storage fees.

Other Key Changes Property Tax Study: State to evaluate and recommend improvements for the property tax system.

Autism-Awareness Training for Police: Required every three years to better interact with individuals with autism.

Terminology Updates: “Offenders” replaced with “justice-impacted individuals” in state documents.

These changes may require businesses to update policies, train staff, and adjust operational procedures.

For specific information, visit illinois.gov.

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?

COMMUNITY LEADERS

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CHAMBER CONNECTION Stay Social for Our Latest News & Updates

@macombchamber @macombareachamber @macomb-area-chamber-of-commerce @macombareachamber @macombareachamberofcommerce 214 N. Lafayette Street . - Macomb, IL 61455 309.837.4855 www.macombareachamber.com info@macombarachamber.com