Sept 2023 News

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

shay@macombareachamber.com

SHAY HOLLAND MARKETING DIRECTOR

Hello Chamber Members,

Welcome to September! We're still on a high around the office from the 2023 Downtown Block Party. It is no doubt, the happiest event of the year, but it if we're being honest., it takes a lot of extra hands to make sure everyone has a great time. A special thank you to the City of Macomb, Western Illinois University, Spoon River College, and the Macomb School District 185 for helping with planning, sponsorships, marketing, volunteering, and so much more! We simply couldn't have done it without you.

If you braved the heat to hit the 2023 Downtown Block Party; thank you for coming out to join in the fun We are an office of planners and we spend a lot of time nailing down vendors and pouring over activity budgets to make this event a success, but we love the way the Downtown Block Party takes on a life of it's own each year. No two block parties are ever the same, because it's the community that put it's own unique stamp on it every time. From churches to chickens, fire trucks to fraternities, balloons to banks; this event is a true melting pot of all the fun, funky ways that our members and the whole town #keepitinmacomb every day

Our Chamber is like a family with 300+ kids; no two are alike and every one has their own unique role to play. It can get a little crazy, personalities can clash, communication styles can differ, but at the end of the day we all just want the same thing - for each other to be happy, healthy, and successful. Thank you for buckling up with us. We can't wait to embrace every twist and turn with you that makes the ride that much more exciting.

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

Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us. We appreciate your support of the local business community.

SLATER CONSTRUCTION

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 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

NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

AUGUST 16

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Macomb Middle School

The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce took part in a celebratory ribbon cutting on August 10 to honor the grand opening of the new Macomb 185 Schools Macomb Middle School (MMS) located at 1531 S. Johnson St. A project 30 years in the making, the 80 thousand square foot building includes specific pods for 6-8th grades, state-of-the art instructional technology, an 800-person capacity gymnasium, a student enrichment media center, and many other amenities. The School District wishes to extend a special thank you to Superintendent, Dr. Mark Twomey; Dana Isackson; MMS Principal, Brock Bainter; MMS Vice Principal, Brett Burton; Scott Schauble and the maintenance team; Macomb Middle School faculty and staff; Gary Guarin and the custodial staff team; Macomb 185 technology department; MMS PTO; MMS student volunteers, and all of the community and parents who have made this day possible. For more information, visit macomb185.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?

LOCAL EVENTS

LOCAL EVENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Humane Society fundraiser a huge success

A recent “10K Match” in support of the Humane Society of McDonough County’s (HSMC) dream of a new animal shelter was a huge success. HSMC members Allen and Patti Nemec promised a $10,000 gift to the HSMC once a matching $10,000 was received in combined donations designated to their ongoing “shelter campaign” from fellow animallovers in the community. Thanks to the amazing generosity of many big-hearted supporters that amount was met, plus more In less than two months the “10K Match” (including the Nemec’s gift) brought in $25,396.00 to be added to the HSMC’s New Animal Shelter Building Fund. This Building Fund is separate from the annual operational budget that is necessary for the HSMC to continue the many services and initiatives provided to animals and petowners in need on a daily basis.

The new McDonough County Animal Shelter will be a 21st century facility that not only accommodates the needs of lost and homeless animals, but is also an inviting place for community members to find a new pet, volunteer, and access resources. While the maximum number of animals housed at the new shelter will not increase, the following improvements will make a much-needed difference

Modern housing and lighting will provide for optimal viewing of the animals and greatly improve their health and living conditions.

A “meet and greet” room will offer the opportunity to get acquainted with a potential pet in privacy and comfort. Critically important intake, quarantine and isolation areas with efficient HVAC systems will inhibit disease spread and provide a safer and healthier environment

Animal drop-off kennels connected to the main building will provide safe and secure temporary housing.

Adequate office, food preparation, laundry and storage space will provide for orderly maintenance of shelter records and more efficient handling of food and supplies Parking spaces will accommodate staff, visitors, and volunteers.

An all-purpose room will allow for education, training, and staff breaks

ADA compliance will make the new animal shelter accessible to all.

Currently we have over $425,000 designated for the Building Campaign. The Humane Society of McDonough County is a 100% volunteer organization (solely dependent on membership dues, donations, memorials and gifts) that works in support of, but separate from, the McDonough County Animal Shelter. It will take a very large “village” to make the dream of a new county animal shelter a reality, but the success of the “10K Match” is an obvious reminder that there are many who are committed to making that happen. Our most sincere thanks to everyone who chose to be a part of this match and who support the hard work of the HSMC in so many important ways.

To learn more, please visit www hsmcil org or follow them on facebook.com/HSMCIL.

- Patti Psquesi-Nemec

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Local bank offers business grants & sponorships

Old National is the sixth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest and a top 35 U S bank

As a regional bank with approximately $48 billion in assets, we have the heart, culture and DNA of a smaller community bank, we are proud to have strong relationships with our clients and communities and an inclusive work environment that empowers our team members to deliver their best.

Throughout our more than 180-year history, Old National Bank has been focused on strengthening the communities we serve through corporate sponsorships and Foundation grant awards. This commitment to charitable giving serves as the cornerstone of our identity and helps define our mission as a community bank.

Old National sponsorships provide monetary support for events or activities, while enabling us to partner with many community organizations Typically, such sponsorships are in exchange for advertising and/or publicity that directly benefits Old National.

The Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations to fund widespread community impact programs and/or projects. It is part of our overall charitable giving initiative, which enables us to support programs that improve quality of life in areas of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. We believe in supporting where our clients, team members and shareholders live and work.

Sponsorships vs Grants: What’s the Difference?

The comparison below can help you determine which is more appropriate for your organization: a sponsorship request or an Old National Bank Foundation grant request.

SPONSORSHIPS

One-time events

Special events (races/walks or benefits)

Fundraisers

Golf Tournaments/Scrambles

Corporate tables at galas

Advertisements

Sporting Events

FOUNDATION GRANTS

501 (c)(3) Tax Exempt Organizations

Opportunities that support our funding priorities

Initiatives that have widespread community impact with measurable outcomes

Priority consideration is given to initiatives that support low- to moderate-income populations

To find out more information on grants and sponsorships, visit Sponsorships and Grants | Old National Bank

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY NEWS

WIU Athletic Gala hits big numbers

When the books closed on the 34th Annual Purple and Gold Gala for the Western Illinois University Athletics Department, it went down as one of the most successful evenings in the event's long history. While some final gifts are being processed, gross receipts for the evening topped $82,000 from the August 12th event

The Gala returned to the University Union with 333 guests attending. While no formal theme is associated with the event, all attendees were encouraged to wear their favorite sneakers, which included many in purple, a few in gold, and even a pair with roller skates as fashioned by women's head basketball coach J.D. Gravina.

The evening began with a silent auction and reception in the Brattain Lounge at 5 p.m. In addition to over 125 silent auction items, guests had the opportunity to purchase a ticket for one of two $500 cash drawings The event once again featured a variety of food stations instead of a formal dinner. The silent auction closed at 6:45 p.m. as guests gathered to hear from Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb and former standout student-athlete Victoria Kappel Lowderman Auction Company conducted the live auction which featured trips with athletic teams, unique dining opportunities, vacation trips, autographed memorabilia and a highly prized duck hunting trip

"I certainly felt a lot of positive energy in the room on Saturday night," Bubb said. "I believe the excitement of going into the Ohio Valley Conference, the strong support for our athletic teams, and people coming out to support a good cause all led to a great evening."

The online, silent, and live auctions generated over $68,000, including a special "Fund A Need" which raised $9,650 for the Leatherneck Cheer, Dance, and Bands that perform at Leatherneck home games.

In addition to the silent and live auctions held on Saturday, fans had the opportunity to bid on a number of items via an online auction for the five days leading up to Saturday's event.

For more information, visit the official Purple & Gold Auction website. All proceeds from the 34th Annual Purple & Gold Auction will enhance the Division I experience of Leatherneck student-athletes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY NEWS

WIRC debuts new bicycle program

(Macomb, Ill., August 29, 2023) - In rural areas like western Illinois, where many households own a car and public transportation options are uncommon, people who cannot drive or afford a car often struggle with accessing everyday services. Lower-income and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to falling through the cracks. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) is pleased to announce they now have a program created to address the needs of those individuals: The Ride Forward Project (RFP).

WIRC officials say RFP provides a bicycle or tricycle to income-eligible individuals so they can access community services or get to and from work. The brand-new program is open to eligible individuals who live in Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, or Warren County in western Illinois

The idea for RFP came from observations by WIRC’s Community Services & Public Relations Director, Jamie Roth. Roth says she saw the need for a program like this after having conversations with customers and reviewing survey data.

“A noticeable amount of our customers are walking to our offices to access services, even with public transportation options in certain areas,” said Roth. “In our survey, many customers are telling us they do not have a driver’s license, cannot afford a car or car repairs, and are worried about traveling to work. The idea behind the Ride Forward Project is that it empowers them to travel on their own terms, and just happens to also be good for the environment and their own physical health.”

Roth emphasized this program is not a toy program for kids. “If an older teenager needs a bike to get to and from work, an exception could be made after we hear their story Otherwise, this program is meant to help adults who meet our program criteria.”

Individuals must meet the needs and income criteria to be considered for the program To apply, people must schedule an appointment to meet with a WIRC case worker and provide income documentation. If approved, their case manager will then order a bicycle or tricycle for them, depending on their physical abilities and needs They will also get accessories such as a basket, helmet, reflectors, a reflective vest, and other various safety items.

Funding for the Ride Forward Project at WIRC is provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). WIRC is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. The Agency has offices in Macomb and Galesburg

For more information, find them on social media, visit their website at wirpc.org, or call 309-837-2997.

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

The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to extend a special thank you to our community leaders, who support the Chamber and the business community via event sponsorships, marketing opportunities, volunteer hours, and more.

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LOCAL STATS

LOCAL STATS

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