October News 2023

CHAMBERNEWS

A DIGITAL LOOK AT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS CCMMUNITY

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.

To promote the growth and development of the Macomb Area.

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.

309-837-4855

Phone Email

shay@macombareachamber.com

SHAY HOLLAND MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hello Chamber Members,

Welcome to October! It may only be Fall, but our office is always planning ahead months in advance. We are already hard at work of putting together our 2024 Macomb Area Community Guide & Business Directory to be ready to welcome locals, visitors, and students to the new yea

We pack this little book with loads of community information, photos, events, and more - including your Chamber business/organization listing! This directory is becoming the go-to read at area hotels, medical waiting rooms, college campuses, restaurants, government buildings, the train station, and more. We want to make sure all those readers (and potential customers) know how to find you and your services as easily as possible.

A lot can happen in a year, so we invite you to update your Macomb Area Chamber business directory page via the Member Information Center (if you need your personalized log-in, please contact our office) visit our website, or simply call me and we can go over it all low-tech style. We'll get it all spruced up now, so the new year can have you reaching those goals, connecting with clients, and engaging with your community.

My contact information is below 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

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 local business community.

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!

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!

RICHWESTEN

Paula Knight

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

General Dentistry

Nicholas D. Doll, D.M.D

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Weaver Guns and Ammo

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 1 to celebrate the grand opening of Weaver Guns and Ammo Inc. - WG&A (233 East Jackson Street). Owner, Tim Weaver took his six-year online business, and after an extensive remodel, opened the brick and mortar store to much success on August 26, 2023. WG&A is a federally licensed retail and online store which supports, "shooting competitions, freedom, outdoor sports, and your right to be you." With a full range of firearms, apparel, local metalwork, and US-produced coffee brands, Weaver Guns and Ammo is ready to help you celebrate your freedoms safely. Information: visit weavergunsammo.com or find them on Facebook/Instagram.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Land of Lincoln Credit Union

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on September 27 to welcome a new member to the Macomb Area Chamber; Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) located at 113 E. Depot St. in Colchester, IL. Following LLCU's acquisition of Colchester State Bank, the full-service financial institution now serves over 35,000 members and is open to anyone who lives or works in 28 Illinois counties and their immediate family members. LLCU offers 14 convenient locations in ten cities to best serve the needs of its membership. For more information, visit llcu.org.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

SUPPORT LOCAL

What are they?

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 Macomb!

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 at (309) 837-4855 or info@macombareachamber.com.

How can I help promote the Chamber Gift Certificate Program?

We love when our members and the community help #keepitinmacomb by promoting the Chamber Gift Certificate Program. There are several ways you can do this:

Buy them for your employees, family, friends, teachers, etc.: Chamber Gift Certificates are a win-win since Chamber gift certificates never expire and happy to have a certificate to spend however they would like 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?

2023 Quality of Life Award Recipients

The McDonough County Community Quality of Life (CQLC) Advisory Committee presented their 2023 awards on September 12 The awards are given to those who exemplify the mission of the (CQLC) which is to "promote efforts that contribute to the excellence of our community and to monitor and give advice regarding maintenance enhancing community quality of life, including the prevention and reduction of crime that adversely impacts our neighborhoods" Those awarded show exceptional service to McDonough County.

The first award was presented by Macomb Mayor Michael Inman to Amy Fansler-Milas, who was nominated by YMCA Director Nick Knowles, for her dedication and work with the Circus at the McDonough County YMCA. Knowles stated, "Amy developed, with little to no budget, a YMCA circus back in 2011 and it continues to thrive today The circus became an outlet for athletes with nonconventional athletic skills to shine with acrobatic, juggling and other traditional circus skills.”

Retired Ex-Director of WIRC, Suzan Nash presented the next award to Richard Chamberlain for his work with the Good Food Collaborative Chamberlain was nominated by present WIRC Director, Roger Pavey who stated, “The Good Food Collaborative food pantry at WIRC is serving hundreds of residents in a dignified and respectful manner Richard Chamberlain and a small group of Board volunteers started with no resources other than their determination and their love for fellow humans. They marshalled dozens of volunteers and collected donations and fed people when they needed it most."

Jeremy Robinett of WIU's RPTA presented Rachel Lenz, Executive Director of Macomb Park District, with the third award for her work in perfecting and transforming the many parks in Macomb. Guy Gradert, WP Superintendent of Schools, nominated Rachel and had this to say, "Rachel's leadership has been instrumental in continuing to update and improve the parks in Macomb. Moreover, she effectively facilitates the cooperation of multiple agencies and organizations to work together for the common good of our community ”

The final and most prestigious award, the Clyde Cronkhite Award, was presented to Jeremy Robinett. Derek Watts, WIU Office of Public Safety Director nominated Robinett for his many hours volunteering within the community, his commitment to his position at WIU in the RPTA department and beyond, and for his numerous hours of advising students and leading by example "Jeremy Robinett has done more in the Macomb/McDonough county area in the nine years he has been here then many others do in a lifetime Every time I go somewhere for an event I see Jeremy volunteering his time I would say Jeremy’s talents are taking care of others whether it be as an advisor, leader, coach, committee member, or advocate Jeremy mentors, advocates, and campaigns for many students at WIU to make sure they are successful students and community members." stated Derek Watts.

MDH LABORATORY EARNS REACCREDITATION FROM CAP

College of American Pathologists (CAP)

honors McDonough District Hospital

MACOMB, Ill. – The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the McDonough District Hospital Laboratory based on results of an on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation program

Recognized for rigorous and robust standards CAP accreditation elevates quality and mitigates risk, an important way that laboratories can contribute to improved patient outcomes

The on-site inspection team included practicing pathology and laboratory medicine professionals. Following the inspection, MDH’s laboratory recorded one of its best-ever showings.

“CAP Accreditation requires daily excellence by laboratory staff. The inspectors look at two years’ worth of testing and supporting documentation to ensure the highest standards are met,” said Dr. Jennifer Jones, Chief of Pathology. “We are fortunate to have experienced laboratory leaders, technologists and technicians, phlebotomists and clerical staff dedicated to the gold standard of patient care. This accreditation demonstrates the professionalism and teamwork I witness from them daily ”

MDH is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide

“We are immensely proud to announce that our MDH Laboratory team has once again demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and commitment to patient care during our inspection by the College of American Pathology,” said Brittany Doll, MDH Laboratory Director. “This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of the MDH Laboratory professionals to the highest standards of quality to provide accurate and reliable diagnostic services to our community. Excellence in laboratory medicine isn’t just a goal, it’s our steadfast commitment.”

During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management. These reviews help verify activities reflect the most recent best practices.

With over 23,000 laboratory participants, in addition to accreditation, the CAP offers proficiency testing/external quality assessment (PT/EQA) programs, quality improvement tools, and protocols and guidelines to ensure excellence in all areas across the laboratory Built on a foundation of pathologist expertise, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) partners with laboratories worldwide to elevate the quality of laboratory medicine with best-in-class solutions designed to drive operational excellence, achieve diagnostic confidence, and ensure the best patient care.

The United States Federal Government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, which started in the early 1960s, as being equalto or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program.

The MDH Drive-Thru is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on the weekend from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. To learn more about the laboratory services offered at MDH and the MDH Drive-Thru, log onto www MDH org

About the College of American Pathologists: As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, go to www.cap.org.

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