November 2023 News

2023

NOVEMBER

CHAMBER NEWS

A DIGITAL LOOK AT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY

MACOMBAREACHAMBER.COM

TABLE OF 3. ABOUT US

contents

4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE 5. MARKETING DIRECTOR UPDATE 6. MEMBER RENEWALS 8. 150% CLUB 12. BUSINESS BEFORE/AFTER HOURS 15. RIBBON CUTTINGS 18. SUPPORT LOCAL 20. LOCAL EVENTS 23. AMBASSADORS 24. ANNOUNCEMENTS 26. MEMBERSHIP/SPONSORSHIP 27. COMMUNITY LEADERS 28. LOCAL STATS 31. LOCAL JOBS 32. STAY CONNECTED 33. THANK YOU

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.

CONTACT US 309.837.4855

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

Hello, Welcome to November! I know we’re all in full Fall mode, but we are an office of planners and we are gearing up to all embrace the magic of the holiday season. Each year we working feverishly like little elves in our office workshop to stamp, date, and print all those Chamber Gift Certificates for you.

In order to save time, we welcome you to call your order in ahead of time and we can get your gift certificates ready for pickup with the payment of your choice. We do pass on a small processing fee to each customer for credit/debit card transactions, but gladly accept cash/checks as well. If you are a Macomb Area Chamber member, we can even invoice your business! We are now accepting bulk holiday orders as well (200+) and encourage you to get these in

by November 15 so we can get them in your hands for the holidays.

And if you find yourself needing gift certificates on a Saturday, gift certificates can be purchased at the following banks: Clock Tower Bank, First Bankers Trust, MidAmerica National Bank, Fortress Bank, and United Community Bank.

What we're saying is, we're gonna make purchasing gift certificates as easy as possible. Just call, email, or stop by and we'll take care of you. No hassle, no fuss. We promise.

My contact information is above and I encourage you to use it as many times as you need to; I promise no idea is too small or no question is too weird. That's what I, and the Macomb Area Chamber, are here for; to help you find the resources and information you need to be your best business self.

Let's make it a great month!

MEMBER RENEWALS OCTOBER RENEWALS Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us.

We appreciate your support of the local business community.

MEMBER RENEWALS OCTOBER RENEWALS Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us.

We appreciate your support of the local business community.

Dr. Matthew McClure

150% CLUB 15 0% C LU B

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

150% 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!

RICH WESTEN

Paula Knight

GREG J. BUTLER, CPA

150% 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

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

150% 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!

Dr. Matthew McClure

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

OCTOBER 28 - THE BAILEY HOUSE

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS OCTOBER 25 - BRIDGEWAY

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Crossing Macomb

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on October 5 to celebrate the Crossing - Macomb's 16th anniversary and to introduce Kaleb Greenlief as the recently appointed lead pastor of the congregation. The Crossing, located at 1600 W. Jackson Street, is part of a non-denominational, multi-site organization made up of eleven campuses and an online option which broadcasts services from Quincy, Illinois. The Crossing Macomb features a thrift store, preschool, life groups, community support groups, youth worship, and more. Service times are Thursdays at 6 pm; Sundays at 9 am and 10:45 am. For information: thecrossing.net

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Crafty Coop, LLC.

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on October 20 to help celebrate the five year anniversary of The Crafty Coop, LLC (206 N. Lafayette St., Macomb). Owner Laci Todd set out to provide a cozy studio with a relaxed atmosphere where customers can gather to create and share their story. Customers can paint your own pottery; which allows individuals to select a piece of pottery to paint using a variety of colors. Pieces are glazed, fired on site, and available for pick-up usually within a week. The Crafty Coop holds workshops that feature various crafts, kids activities, holiday festivities, collaborations with local small businesses, & more. Ever the animal lover, Todd named the store after her love of ducks and chickens combined with her D.I.Y. nature. The Crafty Coop is available for parties and events by contacting the studio. Hours are Wed.Fri. 4:30-7:30, Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. Noon-5 pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday.

For information, visit thecraftycoopmacomb.com or call (309) 331-0965.

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.

LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON OCTOBER 23 The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held the 2023 Legislative Luncheon presented by Comcast Universal on October 23 at Park Place of Macomb, who catered a delicious gourmet mac and cheese meal sponsored by McDonough District Hospital with fresh flower arrangements from Western Illinois University. A signature mocktail was served thanks to Hanson Professional Services Inc. and cupcakes capped off the event from Hummingbird Bakery LLC due to the generosity of Credit Union 1, Grand Prairie of Macomb, iDoc Macomb, and Terrill Title Company, Inc. Representative Dan Swanson and Representative Norine discussed issues directly impacting our local and regional communities; including education, law enforcement. workforce development and more.

Pictured from left to right: Jake Seukunian, Chief of Staff to Senator Neil Anderson; Patrick Osterman, Vice President of Business Strategy at McDonough District Hospital/Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman; Michael Inman, Mayor of the City of Macomb; Representative Norine Hammond; Lauren Merritt, Executive Director of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce; Art Svymbersky, Manager of Government Affairs at Comcast Universal; Representative Dan Swanson

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.

AMBASSADORS

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 STATS

LOCAL STATS

LOCAL STATS

STAY CONNECTED

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

SNAPCHAT

LINKEDIN

TIKTOK WEBSITE

YOUTUBE WEBSITE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

LAUREN MERRITT

SHAY HOLLAND

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARKETING DIRECTOR

CONTACT US 309.837.4855 214 N. LAFAYETTE STREET - MACOMB, IL MACOMBAREACHAMBER.COM