It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you of my decision to resign as Executive Director of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. After much thought and reflection, I am excited to share that I will be stepping into a new role as Office Manager at Wesley United Methodist Church starting in October. While I am thrilled about this new chapter and the opportunity to serve my church, leaving the Chamber is bittersweet.
Over the past six-plus years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many wonderful people to help promote and grow our community. Together, we’ve accomplished much, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made and cherished every experience and connection.
As part of this transition, I kindly ask that moving forward, you begin using the email address director@macombareachamber.com for all Chamber-related communications. This will ensure a smooth handover and continuity as we move through the process of finding my successor.
Rest assured, the Chamber is in great hands. I am currently working closely with the Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition and will remain fully engaged in my duties until a new Executive Director is selected and onboarded. The job posting can be found at bit.ly/macombchamberdirector. I am confident we will find an excellent candidate to continue our work in supporting the Macomb business community.
Although I will no longer be serving in an official capacity, I plan to stay involved in the Chamber, so don’t be surprised if you see me at Business After Hours or other events in the future! I will miss the day-to-day interactions and the many friendships I’ve built, but I am excited to continue supporting the Chamber’s mission from a new perspective. Thank you for all the support, trust, and kindness you have shown me during my time here. It has been an honor to serve this organization and this community
With much love,
Welcome to October!
SHAY HOLLAND
Much like the leaves, we are moving through an exciting period of transformation in the business community and in our office. As you read above, we will have some staff changes at the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. I personally can’t thank Lauren enough for using all her super sharp, left-brain leadership abilities to make the Chamber and the business community so successful and inclusive for the last six years. She will be deeply missed, but I am certain she will quickly bless her new office with her green thumb and attention to detail.
Change is often seen as disruptive and it can be for a bit but it is also the one true way to make progress Our business community is fueled by advancements in technology, shifting customer expectations, and new industry standards which create an environment ripe for fresh approaches. For those of us willing to embrace these changes (we’ll get there together), the possibilities are endless. Gone are the days of, “well that’s the way we’ve always done it.” We’re always looking ahead.
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce has been in existence since 1939 and every Chamber employee has left a mark on the organization, secured a place in it’s history, and helped shape the way we operate today. We will guarantee that we will remain committed to the growth and development of our members, the business community, and the region for years to come.
Embracing change is essential to us meeting your individual business/organization needs and we will continue to stand behind, that because adaptability isn’t just about surviving it’s about positioning ourselves to lead.
We see these changes as a chance for our community to shine. As an organization, we are committed to helping you navigate it all through strong partnerships, expert-led events, and resources designed to keep you ahead of the curve. Together, we have the opportunity to build a brighter, more innovative future. Change is not something to fear, but something to embrace, and we’re excited to see how our members will continue to grow, evolve, and lead in this dynamic time.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
MEMBER RENEWALS
S E P T E M B E R 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.
LMA SMIDD
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
McDonough County Board of Directors
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
STEVE SILBERER
NEW MEMBER
NEW MEMBER
NEW MEMBER
Mental health services expand in Illinois
North Central Behavioral Health Systems (NCBHS) has announced the opening of the Hygienic Institute building in La Salle, Illinois. The institute, originally established in 1914 to provide healthcare access in response to epidemics, has a long history of serving the La Salle, Peru, and Oglesby communities. NCBHS chose to retain the Hygienic Institute name to honor its legacy, while its current use focuses on offering behavioral health services, including crisis management, substance use treatment, and outpatient care. This new facility will support NCBHS's mission to enhance mental health services in the region.
The Hygienic Institute building, which adjoins NCBHS's main site on a seven-acre campus, will house a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic as an alternative to emergency room visits. The clinic will provide immediate assistance to individuals facing mental health crises such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or overwhelming anxiety. Trained professionals at the clinic will offer support, assessment, and guidance to those in distress, aiming to deliver seamless access to care through personalized treatment plans and connections to long-term services.
In addition to the urgent care clinic, the Hygienic Institute will offer a range of other behavioral health services, including individual and group therapy, case management, and medication management. An Intensive Outpatient Program for Adults, featuring evidence-based therapy, will also be available, helping participants manage their mental health while living at home. NCBHS plans to host an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony in November to introduce the community to the new facility and its services.
Information: visit www.ncbhs.org
HORN FIELD CAMPUS - SEPTEMBER 18
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Grand Prairie Supportive Living
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on September 4 for Grand Prairie Supportive Living (1307 Meadowlark Lane - Macomb) as they celebrated the completion of a multi-year refresh to their supportive living community. The updates included new paint, carpet, and flooring throughout, as well as lounge furniture and enhancements to resident apartments. Grand Prairie offers health, wellness, and independence to 77 residents with various dining options, onsite activities, outdoor sitting areas, transportation, beauty/barber salon, coffee lounge, and more. For information or to schedule a tour, call 309-833-5000
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Randolph Street Spa
for
Randolph Street Spa (219 N. Randolph St., Downtown Macomb) to celebrate their recent grand opening and investment with the Chamber. Owners Dave and Lihua saw a need in the community and set out to bring a tranquil environment, matched with Lihua's 30 years experience in massage techniques. Services include relaxation experiences, therapeutic massage, head and neck treatments, pain alleviation, hand and foot care, and more. To book an appointment, call (309) 575-4759. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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?
