March 19, 2026

Chamber News & Events

Luncheon Held March 12th

The Chatham Area Chamber's March Luncheon was held on the 12th at the Chatham Area Public Library. Our presenter was Josh Mulvaney, Director of Technology for the Ball-Chatham School District. Nearly 50 people, whether AI novices or pros, learned more about how to make AI work for their business. Thanks to Hy-Vee Market Grille for catering our event, and to Janet Deatherage from the Chatham Clarion for being our Business Exhibitor!

Beginning March 30 - The Chamber is Collecting Marketing Materials for Chatham New Resident Packets!

March 23

Groundbreaking Ceremony & Reception for the new Village of Chatham Municipal Center - 12 Noon, 113 Market St., Chatham


March 25

Ribbon Cutting & Reception - 4 p.m. - Agility Security Solutions, 1209 S. 4th St., Suite B, Springfield


March 26

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


April 9

Chamber Luncheon - Speed Networking - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rt. 66 Motorheads


April 22

Wake Up Chatham Chamber - 7:30 - 9 a.m., Chatham Train Depot


May 14

Chamber Luncheon - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Crowne Plaza, Springfield


May 16

Chamber/Jaycees Village Clean Up Day - 9 a.m., Veterans Memorial Square, Chatham

Want to see more events? Click here!

April Chamber Luncheon to Feature Speed Networking

Speed Networking is planned for our April luncheon!

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Motorheads will serve:


Autumn Berry Chicken Salad (diced chicken breast mixed with cranberries, pecans, and celery stirred into a sweet and smooth dressing, topped with baby Swiss cheese and mixed greens - served on a croissant)

or

The Black Caddy (a spicy Southwestern vegan burger made with a blend of black beans, brown rice, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers, served on a brioche bun)


Potato chips; choice of water/tea/lemonade; and brownies.  

Format:

  • This month's speed networking luncheon will be a fast-paced, yet structured event designed to facilitate quick and efficient business connections. We will have up to six timed rotations, or table changes, so that everyone will have a chance to meet a variety of people. Don't forget to bring your business cards! 

Lunch is $20 per person

  • You have the option to pay by credit card when you register at the link below, or pay with cash, check or credit card at the door. 


Please RSVP by 4 p.m., April 3rd.


If you confirm you're attending the luncheon and your plans change,

please notify the Chamber office as soon as possible since we must

pay for every confirmed reservation.

Motorheads Bar & Grill, 600 Toronto Rd., Springfield

Groundbreaking Ceremony & Reception Slated for March 23rd ~ All are Welcome to Attend!

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)!

Walk to Remember April 18

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 Image Skincare Retail 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

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 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.

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