JAN 2023 CHAMBER NEWS by MacombChamber

2024

JANUARY

CHAMBER NEWS

A DIGITAL LOOK AT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY MACOMBAREACHAMBER.COM

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

SHAY HOLLAND MARKETING DIRECTOR 309.837.4855 SHAY@MACOMBAREACHAMBER.COM

2024. To some of you, you are ready to run right into a new year. A new year brings new hope, perspective, and opportunity. To some of you, you are limping into the next year still battered and bruised. Good riddance 2023! To some of you, you are ready to hesitantly dip a toe in the water. What if 2024 is exactly the same? To some of you, you could care less what year it is, nothing ever changes you say. To some of you, you just want to fly under the radar, do your work, and be left alone. We get it. To all of you, we at the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce will meet you where you are. If you are ready to go full force into the future, we're ready to help turn your ideas into reality and set you on the path to thrive. If you are barely hanging on, we're ready to compassionately, baby step help you to survive. We got you. However you are greeting the new year; there is a spot for you at the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. With hundreds of members and thousands of business professionals, we're ready to meet you where you are. We know that not just some of you, but all of you, have different expectations and needs. Not just some of you, but all of you, are unique in your positions and passions. So again, let us meet you where you are. If you do nothing else in 2024, make this the year you make your Chamber needs known. Whether you are entering the new year on the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, we value you as a Chamber member. Hit us up with all your new ideas and we'll be ready! As we slide into a new year - whatever that looks like for you, we hope you continue to work with you together to make this year full of potential. We will keep coming up with tools to help you live and love local. We welcome you to share yours with us at any time. And if I can be of any help, personally or professionally, I'd love to talk to you via email at shay@macombareachamber.com or schedule an office time. Thank you. Let's make it a great month!

MEMBER RENEWALS DECEMBER 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: Preston Gray

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

MIDAMERICA NATIONAL BANK - DECEMBER 20, 2023

NEW MEMBERS

BUSINESS AFTER/BEFORE HOURS 2024

RIBBON CUTTING

Chubby’s Smoke & Steakhouse

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on December 12 to celebrate Chubby's rebranding to Chubby's Smoke & Steakhouse (2 West Side Square in Macomb, Illinois). The restaurant, in operation for 11 years now also includes a full-service bar, banquet space, and catering options. The eclectic menu features newly updated classics (available starting on Dec. 14) including Certified Angus steaks, seafood, pasta, smoked meat entrees, cocktails, and weekly specials. For information, call (309) 836-2482 or find them on facebook.

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.

2023 Annual Awards

NOMINATIONS With the end of the year fast approaching, we are preparing for our 2023 Annual Awards. Every year, the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce awards a Business of the Year, Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year, and a Business Leader of the Year. Before the Chamber Board of Directors can vote on the recipients of these distinguished awards, we need nominations. Anyone may provide nominations for these awards. Nomination Deadline: January 12, 2024. All nominee criteria is for contributions to the Macomb area community in 2023 Please fill out the required form to submit your nomination or email them to lauren@macombareachamber.com. You must also write a brief explanation of why you are nominating the business or person. If this is not included, your nomination is not valid and will not be entered. Business of the Year Criteria . Nominee must be an active business with a location in the Macomb Area. Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Chamber of Commerce (see membership directory). Nominee must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics: Revenue growth and/or job growth. Innovative products or services. Provides exemplary customer service. Encourages and provides professional development of staff. Volunteers in the Macomb Area community.

This is a new award, so there are no previous winners. However we have moved a previous business of the year recipient here since they received an award in the last three years: 2021 - McDonough County Health Department

Business Leader of the Year Criteria Nominee has demonstrated excellence in their profession. Nominee is an active Chamber member (see membership directory). Nominee has often gone the extra mile to get involved in programs and activities that benefit our community. Nominee displays leadership, initiative, creativity and dedication professionally. Nominee inspires others to get involved or makes a difference in the MACC Previous Winners (ineligible for 3 years): lives of others. 2022 - The Wine Sellers. 2021 - Moved to Service Organization/Non-Profit category below. 2020 - Magnolia's Restaurant & Catering MACC Previous Winners (ineligible for 3 years): 2022 - Johnnie McKee & Brian Kerr. 2021 - Lynne Campbell, Community News Brief. Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year Criteria Nominee must be an active service organization or non-profit with a 2020 - John "JB" Biernbaum, Western Illinois University location in the Macomb Area. Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Chamber of Commerce (see membership directory). Nominee must have demonstrated one or more of the following characteristics. Makes a meaningful and positive impact in the Macomb Area For more information and to nominate community. visit: bit.ly/maccawards23 Provides innovative and/or exemplary services. Maintains a responsible and rewarding environment for staff and/or volunteers.

CHAMBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVE MACOMB AUDIOLOGY MOVING TO MDH CAMPUS

KING CHIROPRACTIC MOVING TO FORMER MACOMB AUDIOLOGY LOCATION

MACOMB, Ill. – McDonough District Hospital announced that Dr. Christine Standard with Macomb Audiology is moving her practice to Health Services Building 2 (515 East Grant Street) Suite 114 on the hospital’s campus. The new office will be next door to the MDH Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic on the first floor of HSB2. Though Dr. Standard is moving her clinic location to the MDH campus, Macomb Audiology will remain an independent practice. For 29 years, Dr. Standard has practiced Audiology and assisting individuals in west-central Illinois with their hearing needs. To schedule an appointment with Macomb Audiology, call (309) 836-5031.

King Family Chiropractic will be moving to the former Macomb Audiology location at 227 S. Randolph Street, Macomb. They will be celebrating their 14th year in business. To schedule an appointment, call (309) 837-6932

HOMETOWN CAFE RELOCATES ACROSS EAST JACKSON STREET Hometown Cafe has relocated to 1302 W. Jackson Street, which was the former Macomb Steakhouse/Red Ox. For dining information, visit them on Facebook.

New Business Grant Program

Illinois Back to Business New Business Grant Program (B2B NewBiz) Apply for a grant of up to 30,000! Illinois B2B NewBiz will provide financial relief to businesses that started during the pandemic in the industries most impacted by the pandemic. Businesses that started during the pandemic have not been eligible for state grants and most federal emergency support provided for emergency relief to small businesses thus far. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 11, 2024. To be eligible for a grant award under Illinois B2B NewBiz, for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations must meet all the criteria listed below: Started operations between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Had gross receipts of at least $25,000 and up to $20,000,000 in 2021 (annualized if started during 2021). Currently active operations in Illinois. Have not received a Back to Business (B2B) grant prior to 2023. Business Interruption Grant (BIG), Back to Business (B2B) Grant issued prior to 2023, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), or Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grant (RRF). Must meet one of the following two criteria: The business or nonprofit is in a priority industry as defined for the previous Back to Business program A list of priority industries and their definitions can be found here. The business is majority owned by an individual or individuals that became eligible for and received unemployment insurance benefits – including from Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – between March 13, 2020, and the date the business began operations. For information and to apply, visit www.b2bnewbiz.com

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

STAY CONNECTED

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

LAUREN MERRITT

SHAY HOLLAND

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARKETING DIRECTOR