February 5, 2026

Chamber News & Events

Reserve Your Seat at Our 24th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration!

Registrations are now open for the Chamber's 2026 Mardi Gras Celebration, taking place on Saturday, February 21st, from 6-10 p.m. at Prairie View Reception Center. To reserve your seat scan the QR Code or click the button below. There will be no ticket sales at the door.

February Luncheon to Feature the "State of Our Community" ~ Register by February 6th

February 11

Chamber Board Meeting - 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Chatham Area Public Library



February 12

Chamber Luncheon - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Prairie View Reception Center



February 21

Chamber Mardi Gras Event - 6-10:30 p.m., Prairie View Reception Center



March 5

Business After Hours, Hosted by Dream Vacations - 5-7 p.m., location TBD



March 11

Chamber Board Meeting - 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Chatham Area Public Library



March 12

Chamber Luncheon - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chatham Area Public Library



March 26

Chamber Blood Drive - 3 to 6 p.m., Chatham Village Square

Want to see more events? Click here!

Sponsorships Still Open for Mardi Gras; Silent Auction Items Being Accepted


The 2026 Mardi Gras Celebration, presented by Bank of Springfield - Chatham Banking Center, will take place on February 21st at Prairie View Reception Center in Chatham. This year, hundreds of guests will enjoy live music by Dave Littrell, a catered meal featuring creole dishes by Fulgenzi's Cateringdrinks by Just the Basics Mobile Bar, and dessert by Apple Barn. There will be amazing auction items, games and much more.

We are grateful to the sponsors who've jumped on to support! There's still time if you'd like to join our growing list! Details are online at https://www.chatham-il-chamber.com/mardi-gras-community-celebration.

Chatham Chamber Scholarship Applications are Open!

Each year, the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce awards scholarships to three local graduating seniors. The students receive a $1,000 scholarship to be applied to the college or university of their choice.


Applications are judged on a combination of academic achievement, volunteer work experience and future goals. To qualify, high school seniors must:

  • Reside in Sangamon County
  • Be either employed by a Chatham Area Chamber member, or their parent/guardian must be employed by a Chatham Area Chamber member. Not sure if the employer is a member of the Chatham Area Chamber? Just ask the business, or go online to the Chambers website to check our member roster.


The goal of the Chamber Scholarship Program is to promote business

within the community. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Senior may apply online, or download and print the application and return it to the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 E. Mulberry St., Chatham, IL 62629.

February 2026

Member of the Month

Docs Just Off 66


Pictured L to R: Jared Koester, Will Formea, Becca Lamon, Wendy Dulakis, Amanda Coyle, Courtney Bouvet, Marcie Williams, and Casey Claypool.

Congratulations to Docs Just Off 66 for being chosen the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Month for February!


What began in 1884 as Decks Drugstore, is today a must-see for Route 66 travelers, or anyone who just wants great food!


In December 2021, Chatham residents, Steve and Casey Claypool, purchased Doc's Soda Fountain and renamed the historic business, Docs Just Off 66. The business has been completely renovated, and reopened on June 18, 2022.

The nostalgic soda fountain is still in place, all the relics from the pharmacy and drug store have been put on display, and the new owners expanded the restaurant and added a full-service bar and gaming to this historic stop along Illinois Route 66. Docs Just Off 66 has successfully preserved the history and nostalgia of the longest operating business in Girard, Illinois.


Just a short distance from Chatham, but well-worth the drive, come in and enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, and more. Then treat yourself to delicious ice cream, shakes & malts, sundaes and ice cream floats from their old-fashioned soda fountain!


Docs is open Sundays through Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. They are closed on Wednesdays. Reach Docs at 217-627-3491 or go online to docsjustoff66.com.


The Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Docs Just Off 66 as our Member of the Month for February.


Library News

The Many Worlds of Magic: Wonderland Mini Golf

Step into Wonderland and putt your way through a whimsical mini golf course filled with curious surprises and playful twists! This magical, topsy-turvy adventure is perfect for the whole family. For all ages. Groups of up to 5 may play together.

Upcoming Member & Community Events

Please note: The Chamber reserves the right to request modifications to submissions to ensure software compatibility.

Be Strong Mental Health is Offering Low Cost Mental Health Therapy

Be Strong Mental Health is currently offering low cost therapy in conjunction with Masters Level Intern from the UIS Human Development Department. There is still space available for incoming clients. Call 217-979-5645 to schedule.

You're Invited to Speak at GIS' Career Week!

Mark Your Calendars for the 26th Annual Senior Celebration on May 20

Office Space Available


(Photo top)

602 E. Walnut, Chatham 

Unit A - 644 sq ft - Leasing for $900 a month - water sewer included. Great space for retail shop, office, ice cream shop, novelty store...the possibilities are endless! Situated in the middle of Chatham on high traffic road, it offers great visibility along with a high traffic count.


(Photo center)

602 E. Walnut, Chatham

Unit C - 513 sq ft - Leasing for $700 a month - water sewer included. Great storefront available immediately! Ideal for a small office or boutique. Attractive frontage with excellent visibility and endless possibilities for your business.


(Photo Bottom)

602 E. Walnut, Chatham - selling for $240,000

This building is available for purchase! Opportunity to own solid strip style building in Chatham. Currently divided into 4 separate units. Building has a new roof and units have been updated. High visibility! Great investment.

If interested in any of these spaces, call or text Todd Musso at 217-725-5458, or email tmusso@mussoteam.com.

Strengthening Support for Our Families in Region 51!

We are proud to share how Birth to Five Illinois and the Sangamon County Recovery-Oriented System of Care (ROSC) have joined forces to expand access to essential trainings, education sessions, curriculums, and support groups across Region 51!


Through this collaboration, parents, caregivers, and professionals now have easier access to a wide variety of community resources designed to uplift families, providers, and professionals.



Whether you’re looking for educational workshops, peer support, or helpful tools for your journey — we’ve got you covered!

Dream Vacations' 1st Quarter Sweepstakes is Underway!

St. Joe's Preschool Registration Now Open

Chatham PD to Offer BASSET Training

Is your business or organization looking to hire?

Send your employment notices to us, and we will include them in our Network News!


Email your notices in PDF form or a link to your website, and we will post them for up to four weeks, for FREE! This is just another great benefit of Chamber Membership.

Share Your News & Events with Us


We're happy to include our members' news and events in our weekly Network News, at no cost! Simply email us at the link below and include any graphics you would like included.