I hope this letter finds you well as we transition into the fall season. It’s hard to believe how quickly the summer has flown by, and August was especially busy for us at the Chamber. One of the highlights was the Downtown Block Party in Chandler Park, which turned out to be a tremendous success. We were thrilled with the huge turnout and enjoyed a day filled with fun, community spirit, and perfect weather. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the businesses that participated and to the incredible volunteers who made the event possible. Your dedication and hard work truly brought the event to life.
As we move into September, I’m excited to announce the start of the Macomb Business Academy on September 5. This 12-week course is designed to cultivate and develop the emerging leaders in our community. We still have a few spots available, so if you or someone you know is interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Looking ahead, be sure to save the date for our Legislative Luncheon on October 8. We’ve already confirmed the attendance of Sen. Mike Halpin, Rep. Dan Swanson, and Rep. Norine Hammond. It promises to be an informative and engaging event. Keep an eye out for more details and registration information later this month.
Thank you for your continued support of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Wishing you all a productive and enjoyable September. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here to help.
Contact me anytime at lauren@macombareachamber.com or (309) 837-4855.
Welcome to September!
We’re fresh of the 2024 Downtown Block Party, which was the ultimate kick off to Fall. We love all the ways you all celebrated what community means to you - from foam parties to fire trucks, games to goats, snow cones to swag giveaways; you all have made this place uniquely your own year after year.
We realize you all can live anywhere, but so many of you actively choose to make the Macomb Area their place to live, work, study, and play. This area is filled with hard-working, salt of the earth, value-driven people who care about the houses and the businesses directly next door to them.
Our region is also one full of change and growth, and if 2020 had taught us anything, that doesn’t always feel good for everyone all at once. Sometimes that can mean we all need to come alongside our fellow neighbors and lend a hand, offer support, and dig deep to give a little grace.
If you are needing resources, on literally anything, I welcome you to contact our office. We have a website full of local businesses, jobs, events, and more ready to help you. If you don’t see what you are looking for or don’t even know where to start searching - just pick up the phone, stop by, slide into our DMs - and we’ll be there. That’s what neighbors do.
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 September and let’s make it a great month!
MEMBER RENEWALS
A U G U S T 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.
Arnold Boyer, LLC.
ancial
McDonough County Board of Directors
Advisor: Seth Minter
Chuck Laird
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!
SheearnedherBachelorofSciencedegreeinNursingandaMasterofScience degreeinHealthcareManagement&LeadershipfromWesternGovernors University McCrediealsocompletedanAdvancedManagementSeriescertificate fromtheUniversityofIowa
COOKING COURSE: CHINESE CUISINE 9/20 SPOON RIVER COLLEGE OUTREACH 5:30-7PM REGISTER HERE
MCDONOUGH COUNTY QUALITY OF LIFE AWARDS WIU - LAMOINE ROOM, 4:30-6PM REGISTER HERE EXTENDING THE PRAIRIE
9/20
REGISTER HERE
DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY
CHANDLER PARK - AUGUST 23
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
THE
SMALL TOWNER EVENT
VENUE
- AUGUST 21
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Macomb School District
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on August 2 as Macomb 185 Schools welcomed in the 2024-2025 school year with a fleet of 18 brand new buses proudly displaying "Macomb School District 185" on the side of each one. Busing is available for students five days a week, as well as to and from extracurricular and athletic activities. For information, visit macomb185.org.
Bickford of Macomb
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on August 14 as Bickford of Macomb welcomed their new partner - Curana Health who offers on-site, value-based healthcare to senior living residents allowing them to improve health outcomes, prevent oncoming illnesses, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. Services include primary care, lab work and x-ray coordination, blood pressure checks, ear cleanings, medication management, and more. For information on Bickford of Macomb, visit bickfordseniorliving.com.
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?
