Meet Our 2026 Ambassadors!

Chamber Ambassadors act as liaisons between the Chamber and membership. The Ambassador position is crucial to the maintenance of membership of the Chamber, but in their position they serve as much more.

They are:

• Educators: Inform members and prospective members about the Chamber and its services and benefits.
• Communicators: Keep the information channels open between members and the Chamber, acting as a sounding board to gather ideas and suggestions for improving member programs and services.
• Motivators: Encourage members to be involved with the Chamber events and programs and inspire members to grow and more fully benefit from their investment in the Chamber.
• Mentors: For new members.
• Cheerleaders: for the Chamber, assisting in ribbon cuttings, networking, and socializing.

Chatham Chamber Community Blood Drive is

Thursday, March 26

Be Chatham Strong—donate blood to help patients in need and support a healthy blood supply for our community. Every donation makes a lifesaving difference.


Thursday, March 26

3-6 p.m.

Donor Bus @Veterans Memorial Square in Chatham


 Click here to book your appointment today!


Can't make it to the blood drive? Donate at an ImpactLife Donor Center and credit Chatham Strong. Your donation can make all the difference. 

Attention Chamber Members:

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.

March 2026

Member of the Month

Chatham Clarion

Pictured L to R: Erin Bidleman, Brandy Brown, Joe Michelich, Janet Deatherage, and Courtney Bouvet.

Congratulations to the Chatham Clarion, for being chosen as the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Month for March! 

The Chatham Clarion is one of six weekly newspapers published by South County Publications, which is based in Auburn, Illinois. The others are: Auburn Citizen (includes Divernon News), Rochester Times, New Berlin Bee, Riverton Register (includes Tri-City Register) and the Williamsville/Sherman Sun-Times. All publications are based in Sangamon County. The Clarion has been in publication since 1962.

The Chatham Clarion focuses on local news, sports, and feature items. They are community-based and family-owned. They do not charge for items such as obituaries, engagements and weddings, but reserve the right to edit. Interested individuals can submit news items or ad inquiries to: southco@royell.org. Call 217-438-6155 for more information.

The Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the Chatham Clarion as our Member of the Month for March.

Library News

Upcoming Member & Community Events

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

Chamber Member's New Children's Book is Published - Book Signing March 21st at Scoop Du Jour

Jessica Derhake, owner/founder of JD Haley People Strategies, has authored and illustrated a new book, "Goodbye Starlight," for children navigating grief and loss. A book signing will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, March 21st, at Scoop Du Jour in Chatham.

Adult Easter Egg Dash is March 21st

Get out your running shoes, do a couple stretches and get ready for Chatham-Auburn VFW's annual Adult Easter Egg Dash on Saturday March 21, at 214 W. Chestnut in Chatham. There will be a plethora of prizes to be won!

Registration starts at 3 p.m., $10 per person. The dash begins at 4 p.m.. Must be 21 to participate in the dash (Bring your ID)!

Trivia Night on April 24 to Benefit the Ball-Chatham Senior Center

26th Annual Senior Celebration May 20

Titan Fuel's Shrimp Boil & BBQ Coming June 4th!

Receive a Free Gift with any $50 Purchase - Through March - at BJ Grand Salon & Spa

Spring Specials at Big Dog Construction for Windows and Doors

Land of Lincoln Goodwill is Offering Free Access to Google's AI Essentials Online Course

Illinois Senior Games Coming Soon

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

Birth to Five Region 51 Family Connection News

Please enjoy the Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 Family Connection--Spring Edition! One of our favorite weeks is coming up in April- Week of the Young Child, learn more about the festivities here!

Button: Contact Amanda DeFord at adeford@birthtofiveil.com if you have an event that you would like to see highlighted in future Family Connections!