I hope this letter finds you well and thriving as we move into the second half of the year. June was a month of growth, learning, and community for us at the Chamber.
One of the highlights for me personally was attending a week of classes for the Institute for Organizational Management (IOM), the professional development program for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This program is designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize chamber professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of non-profit management. I took away a wealth of knowledge and am eagerly looking forward to the next three years in the program.
June also featured the much-anticipated Gold Rush Golf Outing at Golf Hills. We enjoyed a fantastic turnout and gorgeous weather, and it was heartwarming to see everyone having such a good time. A huge thank you goes out to all the amazing volunteers - this event wouldn’t have been possible without your dedication and hard work. I also want to extend my gratitude to our event sponsor, MTC Communications, and to all the many other sponsors who made the day extra special.
Looking ahead to July, I am beginning to plan the Macomb Business Academy, which kicks off on September 5. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting initiative. Additionally, I will be taking a much-needed vacation to Colorado at the end of the month, where I will celebrate my birthday and my 20th wedding anniversary with my husband, Jeremy.
Wishing everyone a wonderful month ahead. Please feel free to contact me anytime at lauren@macombareachamber.com
Welcome to July!
I’m writing this one fresh off the 2024 Chamber Golf Outing, which is always our biggest and best event of the year. With an office of two, we rely heavily on our volunteers to help us set up, take photos, tear down, and SO SO much more. Thanks to all who donated their time and talents.
The event was a resounding success, and it would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and support of each one of you. From the early morning tee-offs to the final round of applause, your presence and participation truly made the day memorable. And for whomever did a reverse rain dance, THANK YOU MOST OF ALL!
We want to thank you for your patience as the Summer tends to take on a life of it’s own, resulting in some muchdeserved Chamber staff vacations, last-minute work from home days with kids thrown in the mix, and special seasonal events which often take a lot of staff time and focus. We can assure you, we are back to business and ready to help meet your member needs!
So what’s next for the Chamber? We have Business After/Before Hours as usual and we’ll hit the ground running planning the 2024 Downtown Block Party for August. Be sure to follow us on social media and check your email for all the latest and greatest ways to get involved in the Chamber.
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 July and let’s make it a great month!
CHAMBER NEWS
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently awarded $5 million in grant funding to 151 recipients through the Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers program, including the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
"Small businesses are the backbone of our growing economy," said Governor JB Pritzker "That's why my administration is providing support to local chambers of commerce through the B2B Local Chambers grant program. The 151 grantees announced today will amplify our efforts to help small businesses who may have been overlooked by previous pandemic aid efforts access the necessary marketing and development resources they need to thrive.
MBER OF COMMERCE B2B GRANT
Local chambers of commerce play a vital role in supporting businesses in communities across Illinois The B2B Local Chambers funding will be used by chambers to market and develop localities, provide small businesses with professional development, and more to support small businesses and entrepreneurs while bolstering economic development.
"Local chambers serve as vital advocates and champions for economic growth in our business communities," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "The B2B Local Chambers' program is investing $5 million to strengthen these organizations' resilience by providing resources to support entrepreneurs, attract new development, and drive prosperity in every corner of our state."
Eligible chambers of commerce included organizations of businesses and professionals dedicated to improving the economic climate and business development of the community in which they are located that experienced a negative economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic Eligible chambers have an annual revenue of $1 million or less
Since the onset of the pandemic, DCEO has allocated $1.5 billion in pandemic-related support for businesses, including $705 million through B2B and BIG, $899 million in Childcare Restoration Grants (administered in partnership with DHS), $18.5 million in local CURE funding specifically allocated to businesses, $14 million in Emergency Hospitality Grants, and $3.5 million in BIG agriculture grants.
CHAMBER NEWS
MERRITT OF MACOMB AREA CHAMBER COMPLETES FIRST YEAR AT INSTITUTE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U S Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Lauren Merritt, executive director of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her first year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Midwest Institute in Madison, WI
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities
The U S Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.
For more information, visit: www.institute.uschamber.com
NASHHONORED FORCOMMUNITY ACTIONWORK
(Macomb, Illinois, June 24, 2024) – For over 40 years, Suzan Nash of Macomb was an employee of WIRCCommunity Action Agency (WIRC), a nonprofit organization that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. During her time at WIRC, Suzan worked in several departments within the agency and quickly rose to the top position serving as the Executive Director She created many innovative programs, and led her team to implement programs that improved the lives of people with lower income. Her excellent work and service was noticed. At a recent conference hosted in Springfield, Illinois, Nash was recognized for her outstanding efforts by her peers and inducted into the Illinois Community Action Hall of Fame.
The award was given to Nash by the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) at a reception attended by Community Action representatives from across Illinois. There are over 30 agencies in Illinois, and over 1,000 across the United States No matter where they are located, all community action agencies share a mission to help people and change lives by working to end poverty.
WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC) is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties through their social service programs and community development services. The Agency is one of over 1,000 community action agencies across the United States working to end poverty. To learn more, call WIRC’s Macomb office at 309-837-2997 or Galesburg office at 309837-5115, find them on social media, or visit the website www.wirpc.org. WIRC is an equal opportunity provider and employer
MEMBER RENEWALS
J U N E 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.
LBERER
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
WED. THURS. TUES. THURS.
JULY EVENTS
FARMERS
ACTIVE YOUTH DAYS 1:30-3:30 PM YMCA OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY SUNRISE YOGA 13 JULY 7 AM VETERANS PARK RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP 11 JULY 11 AM SPOON RIVER COLLEGE OUTREACH CENTER KIDS NIGHT OUT 5 JULY 6-9 PM ROYCE GRACIE JIU-JITSU ACADEMY
SUMMER FAMILY FLICKS 10 AM VIP RIALTO CINEMAS
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
MACOMB PARK DISTRICT - JUNE 26
RIBBON CUTTINGS
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce helped the Macomb Park District celebrate their new Park Golf Course located at Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center (9757 US Hwy 36) as part of their Business After Hours event on June 26. Park Golf is a form of golf involving one ball, one club, and a larger cup to allow for players of all abilities and mobility levels to enjoy the game. The park district has the distinction of having the only park golf course in the State of Illinois. For information: visit www.macombparks.com
2024 CHAMBER GOLF OUTING
GoldRush
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?
