DECEMBER 2024 CHAMBER NEWS
DIGITAL LOOK AT YOUR AREA BUSINESS COMMUNITY
STEVEN BRODY
Executive Director
steve@macombareachamber.com
309.847.4855
It is indeed an honor and a privilege to serve as your executive director for the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. I wish to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the Chamber Board of Directors for entrusting me with this important role in the community.
I come to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce with previous years of Chamber experience under my belt, having been executive director in Galesburg and Burlington (IA). The benefit is that I have a firm understanding of the role and have already reacquainted myself with some of the same colleagues and partners I worked with in the past.
In the coming weeks, I will continue to establish relationships with community leaders, public officials, chamber colleagues in neighboring communities, and most importantly, you the members of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Please feel free to reach out to me at steven@macombareachamber.com, so I can come visit your place of business.
Our joint success relies on communication, and my commitment to you is to not be in the office all day, but to be out and about. The executive director is the voice of the business community, but to do that requires being the eyes and ears to understand your issues and needs.
I look forward to working together to growing our membership, and to consider ways to improve the programs and services provided as benefits of membership. For now, may you all have a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a successful 2025!
SHAY HOLLAND Marketing Director
shay@macombareachamber.com
309.847.4855
Let’s Make This Holiday Season a Little More Local
I love the holidays it’s a time of joy, cookies (my favorite food), and yes, the quest for the perfect gift. But as I walk through our community and see the creativity, hard work, and heart that our local businesses pour into what they do, I’m reminded of how much thinking local matters.
When you support local business like the bank on your block, the salon down the street, or the gym you pass every day, you’re doing more than buying something special you’re helping someone’s dream stay alive. You’re fueling our local economy, creating jobs, and keeping our community vibrant.
Local businesses aren’t just places to buy things; they’re part of our story. People remember your name, your favorite coffee order, or that you loved the scarf they recommended last winter. They ask about your pets, follow you on Facebook, sponsor your child’s sport team, and more. They are your neighbors and friends, and they actively care about your experience with them. Our local businesses are what make each community uniquely ours.
This holiday season, I encourage you to:
Stop by your favorite local shop and see what treasures they have for gifting.
Explore the holiday markets and fairs happening in our area.
Grab gift cards and Chamber Gift Certificates from local businesses for those hard-to-shop-for friends.
Every time we choose local, we’re giving back in ways that ripple far beyond the holidays. It’s personal, it’s meaningful, and it’s what makes our community feel like home. Thanks for helping make our little corner of the world shine brighter this season.
We contact information is above and I encourage you to reach out; I promise no idea is too small and no question is too weird. That is what I, and the Macomb Area Chamber, are here for; to help you find the resources you need to be your most successful self!
NOVEMBER RENEWALS
Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us. We appreciate your support of the area business community.
Dr.Matthew McClure
150% CLUB
The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.
GENECURTIS
RICHWESTEN
Dr.Matthew McClure
McDonough County Board of Directors
150% CLUB
The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.
Financial Adviso Seth Minter
KaliFoxall
STEVE SILBERER
NEW MEMBER
NEW MEMBER
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Performing Arts Society Wine Tasting Downtown Macomb, Fri.: 6-9pm, Sat.: All Day cityofmacomb.com
Park Place of Macomb, 6:30-8:30 pm westernpresents.com/wine
Macomb Arts Center macombartscenter.org
Art & Gift Market YMCA Circus Holiday Shows
YMCA of McDonough County, Sat: 6:30pm, Sun: 2 pm macombymca.org Lakeview Nature Center, 4-5:30 pm macombparkdistrict.com
Holidays! macombareachamber.com
RIBBON CUTTING
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on November 6 to celebrate the opening of All About Pieces (124 S. Lafayette St.) in Downtown Macomb. Owner, Kathryn Shrode is realizing her dream of providing a space where everyone can gather to shop quilting and upholstery supplies, work on their craft at one of the many available tables, and even do a few jigsaw puzzles. For more information or custom order needs, call (309) 259-9489 or find All About Pieces on Facebook.
THE BUSINESS LEAD
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RIBBON CUTTING
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on November 14 to celebrate the recent opening of Eras Vintage Resale & Rentals (127 East Calhoun St.) affectionately housed in the bright green building next to Domino's. Owner, Kiley Lee has fulfilled her dream upon winning the City of Macomb, IL Small Business Pitch Competition Contest; a program designed to support entrepreneurs and help bring their business ideas to life. Eras Vintages’ mission is to preserve history and encourage a sense of community by highlighting the quality and unique character of vintage pieces while promoting sustainability. With options to buy and rent pieces, Lee has future plans to offer baked good items, event space rental, holiday events, and more.
THE BUSINESS LEAD
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MEMBER NEWS
HUMANE SOCIETY FUNDRAISER I A RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS
The Brix Challenge 2024, led by Chris Brix to support the Humane Society of McDonough County (HSMC), achieved record-breaking success this year, raising over $37,800. This annual fundraiser, now in its eleventh year, helps cover HSMC’s operating costs, providing crucial support for animals in need. The funds will be used to sustain various services, including direct support for the McDonough County Animal Shelter. The challenge received widespread support from local media, businesses, and individuals, including one generous couple who donated their IRA's Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). The outpouring of generosity will greatly benefit the animals whose lives depend on these services.
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HSMC, a volunteer-run organization, relies entirely on donations and memberships to continue its mission of providing humane care for animals in McDonough County. While the organization partners with the county-run animal shelter, it operates independently to support additional initiatives like spay-neuter programs, emergency medical assistance, and adoption efforts. The Brix Challenge also aligns with a larger campaign to raise funds for a new animal shelter. The success of this year’s challenge not only sustains existing programs but reinforces HSMC’s commitment to expanding its impact and improving the lives of local animals.
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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?
COMMUNITY LEADERS
