February Chamber Courier 2026 by Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Canton IL

FEBRUARY ISSUE

The Chamber Courier

The Monthly Business Publication for the Canton Area

Vice President: Cade Fawcett - Ipava State Bank

cANTON aREA cHAMBER OF cOMMERCE bOARD OF dIRECTORS

Executive Board Executive Board

President: Maggie Connell - Edward Jones

Board of Directors Board of Directors

Tanaya Krulac - COOK Medical

Jason Gumbart - Apex Seed Company

Alesia Shaw - Graham Health System

Jacque Nelson - MidAmerica National Bank

Brette Orwig - Orwig Auto Body

Dee Clark - State Farm Insurance

Sarah Nottle - Salvation Army

Julie Tarvin - Canton Union School District

Makaylynee Correa- Student Representative

www.facebook.com/CACC61520

Executive Director Report Seth Klinedinst

I’m excited to officially step into the role of Executive Director of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and begin working alongside all of you. I’ve already had the opportunity to connect with many members, and I truly appreciate the warm welcome and support as I continue learning the ins and outs of the Chamber.

We have a busy and exciting calendar ahead, and I’m looking forward to continuing the strong lineup of Chamber events that bring our business community together. In the coming months, we’ll be preparing for several key events, including our Annual Dinner, ongoing Business After Hours, and planning efforts for signature events like the Canton Cruise-In, Golf Outing, and other community-focused programs that our members have come to value.

Our Youth Leadership Academy is also underway, and I’m excited to support this important program as it continues to invest in the next generation of local leaders. Programs like YLA, along with our networking and promotional opportunities, remain a strong focus as we look ahead.

As we move into the year, my goal is to build on the great foundation already in place, keeping our events engaging, our communication clear, and our Chamber accessible and valuable to all members. I look forward to working with the Board, committees, sponsors, and members to keep the Chamber moving forward.

The torch has been passed. With gratitude for Carla Bobell’s leadership, I look forward to what’s ahead for our Chamber.

Grateful for our community and its support.!

Contact Info.

Phone: (309) 338-6091

Email: SethKlinedinst@CantonIllinois org

Sincerely,

Seth Klinedinst Executive Director Canton Area Chamber of Commerce

Zack Krulac Area Sales Manager

Welcome, Farmers National Company!

Farmers National Company has been a trusted leader in agricultural and landowner services since 1929. The company provides professional farm and ranch management, real estate sales, auctions, and consulting services designed to help landowners protect, manage, and grow the value of their land. As a 100% employee-owned company, Farmers National Company combines nationwide expertise with strong local knowledge to serve landowners with integrity and long-term vision.

Zack Krulac recently joined Farmers National Company and serves as the local representative for the Canton, IL area. Zack is focused on building relationships with landowners, farmers, and local businesses while helping clients navigate land management and real estate opportunities. He is excited to become an active member of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth of the Canton community.

(309) 338-7873 PO Box 93 Canton, IL 61520

Zack Krulac

Spoon River College Spotlight

Hello and Happy New Year! Students are back after enjoying a winter break, and employees are back in the swing of a new semester.

A 2025 highlight was being named a Top 200 U.S. Community College by the Aspen Institute (for the second time!) based on student outcomes data, including retention, completion, and transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates. This makes us eligible for the $1 million 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. As one of the smallest community colleges in Illinois, we are extremely proud of this achievement.

February is designated as Career and Technical Education month by the Association of Career and Technical Education, celebrating the accomplishments and the importance of CTE programs. Our first College Visit Day of 2026 is February 26 and will showcase the CTE programs we offer.

Fall 2025 enrollment numbers marked the highest enrollment of the past four years. We saw a 4% increase in credit hours; a 7% increase in full-time students with those aged 26-30 driving that growth; and an 18% increase in online learning. Dual credit enrollment remains strong with 293 students in Canton High School’s Running Start program are on the right track to receive their associate degree in May a week before they receive their high school diplomas.

Spoon River Coappreciates the continued support from our Chamber partners, such as the career professionals and businesses who participate in our annual 10 Grade Career Expos and the Lifelong Learning Conferences, to name just two.

Best wishes to Carla, and congratulations to Seth! We remember when he was a SRC student just trying to teach President Oldfield how to ride a unicycle.

Canton School District Spotlight Canton School District Spotlight

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Canton athletics has also experienced an outstanding year. The Canton High School bowling team captured its regional title and are advancing in postseason competition. In addition, the Canton girls wrestling team delivered an exceptional performance at the Girls Canton Invitational Wrestling Tournament, finishing first overall. This achievement highlights the continued growth and success of girls’ wrestling in our community, and we look forward to hosting the tournament again next year.

Over the past five years, Canton School District #66 has made significant investments in improving our facilities, and this work will continue into the summer months. At Canton High School, additional paving will be completed in the student parking lot, and a portion of the roof will be replaced. Eastview and Westview Elementary Schools, along with Ingersoll Middle School, will continue updates to tile in their buildings. Memorial Stadium will see improvements with the replacement of the handicap-accessible ramp, and Alice Ingersoll Gym has recently received a refinished floor and new basketball hoops. This summer, the exterior steps and handrails on the south side of the gym will also be replaced. Looking ahead, visitors will notice state-of-the-art sound systems being installed this summer at Alice Ingersoll Gym, the south gym at Canton High School, and the gym at Ingersoll Middle School.

Together, these academic, athletic, and facility improvements reflect our district’s ongoing commitment to excellence and to preparing students for success in school and beyond.