COVID-19 Updates
We invite you to visit our website below to keep up on the latest COVID-19 information and resources in our area.
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Macomb Business Academy (MBA) is a program designed to develop leadership potential within the community to meet the demands of tomorrow. MBA identifies emerging leaders within the Macomb area and provides a broad view of civic leadership through direct contact with the leaders and institutions shaping the community. The program runs from September through November with weekly, two-hour sessions. Participants will expand their knowledge and contacts within their community. Register online or mail in an application.
Sessions for 2022 include: Economic Development, Education, Local & Area Government, Shop Local, Transportation, Not for Profit & Service Organizations, Healthcare, Agriculture in our Community, Local Safety & Crisis Response, Manufacturing in our Community, and Creating an Inclusive Community.
Class size limited to 24.
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2022 Annual Chamber Golf Outing
Thank you to all our of sponsors, volunteers, players, caterers, course crew, and all others who made the 2022 Annual Golf Outing such a success one. We pushed through the rain and had a great day full of fun, snacks, prize contests, and a lot of good golf action. We look forward to seeing you next year as the Macomb County Club hosts the 2023 outing.
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Executive Director Letter |
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Hello Chamber Members,
This summer is flying by, as it tends to do, and before we know it fall will be here. With that comes a lot of great Chamber programming and events!
Macomb Business Academy (MBA) begins September 1 and registration is open for you early birds out there. We will also have brochures shortly when they come back from the printer. If your business is interested in sponsoring MBA, please reach out to me and we can set that up. I will send a follow-up email later today with more information on sponsorship and registration.
We are also busy planning the Downtown Block Party, a partnership event between the Chamber, Downtown Development, the City of Macomb, Western Illinois University, and Spoon River College. It is scheduled for Friday, August 26 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Be on the lookout next month for more information on what we have in store! Check out the event website for updates as they come in!
Businesses, you can register your space through this Google Form. There is no fee to set up in Chandler Park for the event!
Summer is not over yet, so get out there and enjoy the warmth and sunshine while we have it!
As always, contact me at any time by emailing lauren@macombareachamber.com or calling the Chamber office at (309) 837-4855. I always welcome your questions, comments, and concerns.
Lauren
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Marketing Director Letter
Hello Chamber Members,
We're in the thick of Summer now and things are starting to heat up (literally) all around the community. We're seeing more concerts, kids activities, marathons, fundraisers, festivals, camps, and more. Send them our way and we'll keep sharing them on our events calendar for all to see at macombareachamber.com/events.
More than just promoting all the fun things to do in Macomb, we realize some of you may still be wondering, "What exactly is a Chamber of Commerce anyway?" We're fresh off our very successful Annual Chamber Golf Outing, our one fundraiser for the year, and we're so thankful for all the support we receive from that event and all year.
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization, meaning we are fully funded by your membership dues. We are not a State or City entity, nor do we received any kind of tourism tax dollars. What we do is provide a platform and a partnership for our local businesses and professionals to work together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in the community. You already do that on your own each day, we just want to be there to help connect you to others who can help you be your best personal and professional selves through marketing options, business visibility, networking opportunities, and career resources in a one-stop shop, streamlined format.
We are honored that we get to work with you on your behalf each day. We will continue to do so every day; no matter how big or small your business is, whether you are directly in Macomb or hours away, and whether we shake your hand on the daily or have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you face to face. That is what we will do for you.
So what do we ask of you?
Try Networking: Many businesses join the Chamber for networking opportunities. You’ll meet other members of your community and form personalized business relationships.
Over time, the relationships you build can lead to valuable business partnerships. Plus, if your business ever runs into trouble, you have a network to turn to for assistance.
Make your Voice Heard: The Chamber exists to support the interests of our members.
So if there are issues that could directly impact our area businesses, the Chamber will work with local and State representatives to advocate for your needs.
If you see that there is a problem that needs to be addressed, you can bring the issue to us and we will do what we can to get you the resources you need. As a chamber member, this could be your opportunity to advocate for businesses like yours and those around you.
Use your Membership: As a Chamber member, the most important thing you can do is get involved. Attend the events, read the emails, make an effort to meet other business professionals, and look for ways to help them grow their businesses.
Take advantage of any free publicity you receive through your membership and the instant credibility that come with being a Chamber member. View us as a valuable business tool, and make the most of all the perks that come with membership.
And if you are still confused or find yourself missing something, 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!
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Gift Certificates
Macomb Area Chamber Gift Certificates aren't just for the holidays. There is always an occasion to celebrate. Weddings. Baby Gifts. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Retirement. Or Just Because. They never expire. They never go out of style. They make the perfect Shop Local gift all year!
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Find up-to-date City of Macomb information by visiting their website or social media pages below. |
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Announcements & Opportunities |
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2022 Macomb Area Community Guide & Business Directory
This full-color, glossy guide contains a host of community information and lists members alphabetically and by category for easy reference. The membership guide is distributed throughout the community and region, to local hotels, new Macomb residents, and at WIU student and faculty orientations as a handy reference to your business. We distribute 3,000 copies of our Community Guide & Business Directory every year! Only member businesses are included. Get yours in our office, at several area businesses, or view a digital copy below.
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Local committee seeks award nominations |
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Business After Hours/Business Before Hours |
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Business After Hours is held monthly from 4:30-6 pm at a different member business location each month. This event allows members an opportunity to meet and network with fellow business leaders. There are always drawings and winnings, making for a wonderful mix of business and pleasure at the end of a work day.
Business Before Hours is held quarterly from 8-9 am. This event gives our members another opportunity for networking in the morning. Perfect for those that might have a full agenda after work!
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June Business After Hours - Midwest Grass & Forage |
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Midwest Grass & Forage (1300 East University Drive) is an independent, family-owned and operated seed retailer in Macomb, Illinois with dealers throughout Illinois and Eastern Iowa. They carry a wide variety range of agricultural and recreational seed and products. The Midwest Grass & Forage team has over 50 years experience in agronomics, soil health, and pasture management. |
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Ambassadors
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber. They enhance the image of our business community and the organization by presenting a positive and professional attitude at Chamber events and throughout their interactions with the business community. These 20+ volunteers are the ultimate Chamber cheerleaders.
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Young Professionals of Macomb |
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The Young Professionals of Macomb (YPM) is a group brought together by the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce that seeks to provide young professionals foundational steps toward their new or existing careers. With this new resurgence we have curated opportunities for members to gain professional and educational resources from successful professionals within the community that they can integrate into their work spaces. While also fostering time for members to network, engage and share ideas amongst themselves. Membership is free and open to any interested professional in the community that ranges from ages 20 to 40. |
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Macomb Beautiful Association Community Mural
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce joined in as the community gathered together to celebrate the Macomb Beautiful Association's (MBA) 50th anniversary on June 16. A full-color, floral mural was gifted to the City of Macomb through a public fundraising campaign created by the MBA. The work of Bill Howard, a professor in the Art and Design department at Western Illinois University, was unveiled on the side of the Gelsosomo's Pizzeria building (221 N. Randolph St.). Howard and a group of volunteers hand painted individual panels that were installed on the brick wall.
MBA was formed in 1972 for the sole purpose of improving the beauty and livability of Macomb. The organization encourages good landscape design and promotes environmental improvement projects, creating an opportunity for public participation in all endeavors. MBA president Barb Knox states, “To honor the hundreds of members and businesses of Macomb who have supported and championed our efforts for the past fifty years, the MBA wanted to say thank you in a visually spectacular way."
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Calendar of Events
Welcome to a new month! Local events are in full swing this holiday season. You will find a full range of Chamber member events on our monthly calendar.
As a FREE member benefit, we invite you to send your events to us and we will include them on our website calendar. Whether virtual or in person, we want to help get the word out about the new ways you are helping us all #keepitnmacomb and beyond!
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Member Renewals
Thank you to our members who have continued their yearly investment with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce within the last month. Your support of the local business community is critical, now more than ever, as we look forward to working with you to serve as a platform that provides opportunities for growth and development for your organization and the Macomb area as a whole.
Click on the logos below to learn more about each member:
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Job Postings
With several industries and career opportunities in our region, the Job Postings section on the Macomb Area Chamber website has become a one-stop shop for posting and finding quality positions and ideal candidates right in the immediate area. You can find job openings, training programs, and and more at our website below.
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Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
214 North Lafayette Street
Macomb, Illinois 61455
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