Restore Illinois
As McDonough County remains in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, we invite you to visit the links below to keep up on the latest COVID-19 information, mask mandates, and resources.
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Executive Director Letter |
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Hello Chamber Members,
It’s finally March and I sit here on the first day of the month enjoying the sunshine and nearly 60 degree temps. I look forward to the first blooms and green grass that will bless us this month, but not before we will surely have to endure a few more frigid days. But spring is right around the corner, and that’s enough to warm my spirit!
There are many things to celebrate, and it feels good to finally be able to celebrate together! This month our Young Professional of Macomb are hosting a Getting to Know You Party at Magnolia’s on March 28 at 5 pm. Some amazing food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided for our young professionals (including students from WIU and SRC) and a cash bar will be available as well. We hope you will help us spread the word so we can grow this group of energetic up-and-comers! You can learn more about YPM at macombareachamber.com/ypm.
We will also finally be able to celebrate our annual award winners on April 5 for our first ever Annual Awards Happy Hour at Forgottonia Brewing! Tickets are available now for $30 ($40 at the door). You can register at bit.ly/awardshappyhour21. Registration includes two drink tickets (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic), catered hors d'oeuvres, and swag bag. It is sure to be a fun time! I hope you can join us.
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.
Remember, only 19 more days until Spring! Warmer and sunnier days are ahead.
Lauren
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Marketing Director Letter
Hello Chamber Members,
Welcome to March. Many of us are officially in Spring mode now and we're ready to cast off the cold and embrace the sunshine brought on by longer days and shorter nights. Many of us are ready to spruce up our homes, our wardrobes, and our yards - but it's also the perfect time to dust off our career goals too. Maybe the last few years of virtual everything have put a dent in the whole idea of "meeting new people and getting more involved in the community." So let's revisit all those past plans and put them into action. Where do you start? We have a few ideas right here.
Try any of these:
- Business After/Before Hours
- Chamber Luncheons
- Macomb Business Academy
- Young Professionals of Macomb
- Ambassadors Committee
- Government Affairs Committee
- Transportation Committee
- And so many more!
These are just a few of the ways you can step out of your comfort zone and connect with local business professionals. We are blessed in this region to have a close-knit community, where everyone seems to have a more the merrier mentality when it comes to success. So make this Spring the season you start putting your goals into practice. Start small; attend one event, shake one hand, and see where it takes you. It just might open up a whole world of possibilities for you, your career, and your business.
Per usual, if you need to reach me with any marketing or member needs, hit up shay@macombareachamber.com or call the office at (309) 837-4855.
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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The City of Macomb is actively working with several local agencies and state authorities to provide the clearest and most up-to-date information, events, and municipal developments for all citizens. For more information, visit their website.
The City of Macomb continues to routinely share community updates on a variety of topics via a series of videos which can be viewed via the City of Macomb on YouTube.
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Announcements & Opportunities |
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The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their 2021 Annual Awards Happy Hour event on April 5, 2022 from 5 to 7 pm at Forgottonia Brewing located at 324 North Lafayette Street in Macomb.
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce will take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of several members, citizens, and community leaders who played a vital part in the 2021 business community. Awards include Macomb Area Ambassador of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Business of the Year, and the Chairman’s Award.
Business of the Year nominations include Good Food Collaborative, Community News Brief, Woodrum Automotive, Forgottonia Brewing, The Wine Sellers, and the McDonough County Health Department.
Business Leader of the Year nominations include Dr. Mark Twomey—Superintendent of Macomb School District 185 and Lynne Campbell—Community News Brief.
Tickets are $30 in advance for each individual or $40 at the door. Includes two drink tickets, catered h’ordeuvres, and a swag bag.
Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce office at (309) 837-4855 or via email to info@macombareachamber.com. Reservations can also be made in person at the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce (214 North Layette Street, Macomb).
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly, volunteered their time, donated their resources, actively contributed to the viable success of the community, and helped to promote the positives within Macomb’s unique and ever-evolving business community now and for years to come.
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2022 Macomb Area Community Guide
and Business Directory
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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 or view a digital copy below. |
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Support WIU Alternative Spring Break |
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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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February Business After Hours
Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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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 Program (YPM) is finally here! The Young Professionals of Macomb 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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Phoenix Food Shack: The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on February 9 for Phoenix Food Shack (814 W. Jackson Street, Macomb), to welcome the new business and new Chamber member to the community. Open since December 2021, Owner, Tonya Davis offers "a twist of foods with healthy options." The ever-changing menu includes gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, Maid-rites, soups, salads, teas, lemonades, and seasonal options. Hours of operation are Wednesday-Saturday 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, closed Sunday-Tuesday. Phoenix Food Shack accepts Chamber Gift Certificates. Drive-thru options available.
Information: (309) 421-0765 or find them on Facebook.
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The Wine Sellers: The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on February 24 for The Wine Sellers (121 S. Randolph Street). Owners Craig and Julia Burns took over the business in November 2019; however, they were unable to hold a ribbon cutting previously due to COVID-19 protocols.
The Wine Sellers offers fine wine, craft beer, and select spirits for purchase in the store or to be enjoyed on site in a relaxed and casual setting. The Wine Sellers recently expanded into the next door Taylor Hall, which is now called the TWS Lounge or simply "The Lounge." The space has been outfitted to serve as a hang out for patrons, complete with new furniture, a record turntable, a free book lending library, and weekly live music. The space fits up to 50 people and is available for rent for private events.
In keeping with The Wine Sellers "focus on wellness and the arts," upcoming additions to the lounge include a stage, graphic wall decals, and the work of local artists on display. There are also outdoor live music events on their back patio in the warmer months.
Hours are Mon.-Fri. 1 pm-8 pm; Sat. Noon-8 pm.
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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!
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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 business:
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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 on our website below.
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Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
214 North Lafayette Street
Macomb, Illinois 61455
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