Executive Director Update |
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Marketing Director Letter
Hello,
As soon as November rolls around, our office starts thinking of the cool ways to #keepitinmacomb this holiday season. Truth be told, we have been in the planning stages for our busiest time of year for the past few months. We love to help you shop local all year, but there is definitely something rewarding about finding the perfect way to celebrate right here in your own neighborhood. So let's talk Chamber gift certificates.
The Chamber Gift Certificate Program has been in existence since the mid 1980's and remains as popular as ever. We sell nearly $200,000 worth of certificates every year, which are good at over 140 local businesses, meaning all of that money stays in Macomb! Find a list of participating businesses here.
While I personally love some digital marketing and online life hacks, there is something to be said for the no fuss, no muss ease of our paper Chamber gift certificates. We keep it simple so you can buy and spend with ease. Rest assured:
- Gift Certificates never expire
- Gift Certificates never depreciate in value
- Gift Certificates can be purchased in any denomination
- Gift Certificates can be purchased with cash. check, credit/debit, or invoice to your Chamber business
What a wonderful way to say thank you to your employees, family, friends, teachers, area service workers, and anyone else who needs to be recognized for all that they do for you.
So send your gift certificate orders our way via email, phone, or walk in and and we'll get them ready for you so you can look like a holiday rock star!
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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2022 Legislative Luncheon |
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Thank you to all 115 attendees of the Macomb Area Chamber 2022 Legislative Luncheon held at on October 13 at the Macomb Dining Company presented by Comcast Universal. Our sincere appreciation to State Senator Jil Tracy and State Representative Norine Hammond for discussing public safety, education, healthcare, transportation, and so many other vital topics in our region. Our delicious lunch sponsor was NTN-Bower Macomb with sweet treats by Credit Union 1. The lovely floral arrangements completed the tables compliments of McDonough District Hospital, Macomb Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, and Western Illinois University.
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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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New WIU Mascot Bobbleheads Available
To commemorate the legacy of the late Col. Rock III (Rocky), who resurrected Western Illinois University's live mascot program when he joined the Leatherneck family in 2010, Rocky's face is now on an officially licensed and limited edition bobblehead, produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. Col. Rock IV's (Ray) bobblehead was unveiled on Jan. 7, 2022.
The bobbleheads, which are individually numbered to 2,022, are available for $25 at the University Bookstore. A portion of the proceeds from the bobblehead sales support WIU's live mascot program. The bobbleheads can also be purchased through the Bobblehead Hall of Fame's online store.
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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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October Business After Hours - St. Paul Catholic School |
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October Business Before Hours - YMCA of McDonough County |
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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 Business Academy
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 that allow participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge and contacts within their community.
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2DYE4 Hair & Co.: The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on September 30 and celebrated the grand opening of 2DYE4 Hair & Co. (129 S. Randolph St., Macomb). Owner, Gabrielle Murphy and her team operate a full service salon including specialty hair coloring, haircuts, and custom makeup application. They offer in house and traveling bridal services.
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Wesley Village Epperson House: The Ambassador Committee for the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on October 6 for the Wesley Village Epperson House (1200 E. Grant St.), the final phase of the Home Healthcare Center, which allows senior residents the opportunity to live within a secure, state-of-the art, home-like environment while receiving assistance with daily tasks and health concerns. Wesley Village provides essential care and 24-hour nursing and support in a personalized atmosphere that values each resident's unique character.
Wesley Village offers residents various choices to fit their personal needs, including independent living homes, apartments, home healthcare, a health care center, memory care unit, and a rehabilitation center.
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The Shed Jiu-Jitsu Academy LLC: The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on October 12 for The Shed Jiu-Jitsu Academy LLC, a branch of Pedigo Submission Fighting. Owner/Coach Michael Feld originally started the business in a literal shed before eventually growing into the current space located at 212 S. Collins Ave., Macomb. The Shed is a family-oriented training center that offers competition level Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, cardio training, kickboxing, self-defense, and kids classes for all ages and abilities. The Shed emphasizes building self-esteem and confidence, while meeting the personal goals of each individual.
For gym times and classes, visit their website or find them on Facebook/Instagram.
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Western Connection: The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on October 20 to welcome The Western Connection to the Macomb Train Station (120 East Calhoun St.). The shop, which was organized and is being maintained by WIU Outreach Programs Director Sally Adams, opened on October 21 as part of WIU's Homecoming weekend. The Western Connection will be open from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
"If the WIU flutter flag is on display outside, we're open," Adams said.
Adams happened upon the idea for a WIU-based shop in the train station when she saw an out-of-state university's shop. She started thinking about what Western could do to showcase items that WIU students make, build and grow, along with offering WIU apparel and tickets to University events for sale to visitors coming into town.
"I started talking with city officials to learn more about the spaces available, and I instantly fell in love with the train station. Our Macomb Convention & Visitors Bureau is in the depot as well so it doesn't get any more town and gown than that," she added.
WIU metal décor items made by engineering technology graduate students, popcorn from the WIU Allison Farm, event tickets and University Bookstore swag will be available for purchase. Event tickets will be sold from the former "Barry's Taxi" window (hours will vary for the ticket window). The Western Connection will be staffed by WIU employees and students.
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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 much appreciated 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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