The roller coaster weather month of March is finally behind us I don’t know about you, but I am not a fan of 50-degree temperature drops in one day, or ice on Monday and 80’s on Friday. It is only a matter of time before we start seeing patio dining around town.
Our Master the Disaster Workshop had over 30 people in attendance, which is an excellent turnout Thanks to Nikki Duffy with the McDonough County Health Department for putting on an informative and interactive presentation.
This month, the Chamber is hosting a workshop entitled “HR Wake Up Call; What Employers Get Wrong”. We are already receiving strong registrations, so make sure you sign up to attend on April 21 from 8:30-10 am.
The Chamber once again served as a community partner for the McDonough County Jobapalooza job fair on March 24. We are thankful to the 28 employers and approximately 200 job seekers for their participation and to everyone who played a role in the day’s success. Many have said this was the best one on record!
STEVEN BRODY
Executive Director
The 2026-27 Community Guide and Business Directory have arrived and are ready for distribution. Please let us know how many you would like and we will happily deliver them.
Macomb Business Academy is off and running. We have an enthusiastic class of 18, and they are excited to learn all about our community and the ways to connect further at the conclusion of the Academy.
The next Business After Hours will take place on April 15 at Spoon River College It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership Be sure to stop by as this one is sure to be well attended
If you missed the informational webinar by Indus Travel on the October Greece trip, it will be available on our website for viewing. A reminder that this trip is open to the public, not just Chamber members, so please invite your family, friends and colleagues for the trip of a lifetime. The deadline for registering and full payment is June 21.
Now is the time to clean your golf clubs and mark your calendar for the Chamber Golf Outing on Monday June 22 at Macomb Country Club. This promises to be a fun day for all, with lots of sponsorship opportunities and enjoyable activities along the way.
With the warmer temps, I am excited to resume the ongoing installments of Stops with Steven Please reach out and invite me to your place of business We will post the visit on social media, and I will learn a thing or two about your business and organization as well
Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
A few weeks ago, I opened an email that made me pause. It started with: “I have a crazy question for you…”
And it was exactly that; an invitation to rappel down the side of the Hotel Blackhawk Eleven stories In public. For a great cause.
I reread it a couple times.
It was one of those opportunities that sounds exciting and also just a little uncomfortable. The kind where your first instinct is to overthink it and quietly wonder, “Am I really the right person for this?”
For a minute, I considered all the reasons to say no. Too busy.
Not exactly a fan of heights. Probably better suited for someone a little braver. Probably better suited for someone a little thinner.
SHAY HOLLAND Marketing
Director
Not because I suddenly felt completely confident, but because I didn’t. Because growth rarely shows up wrapped in convenience. Because the things that stretch us are usually the ones worth leaning into.
Saying yes didn’t magically erase the nerves. But it did open the door to something new and a reminder that sometimes the only thing standing between us and something meaningful is our willingness to try.
So here’s your gentle nudge (and mine, too): Say yes to the thing that makes you hesitate a little. Ask the extra question. Take the seat at the table.
Lean into the moment, even if you’re not 100% sure you belong there yet.
You might be more ready than you think. And if nothing else, you’ll grow in the process.
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.
And then I said yes.
Let’s make it an adventurous month! Shay
Hi Everybody,
MARCH RENEWALS
Thank you to our members who have continued their annual investment with us as we can continue our partnership for another great year. We appreciate your support of the area business community and wish you much success.
150% CLUB
The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.
Dr.Matthew McClure
GREG J. BUTLER, CPA
150% CLUB
The 150% Club is a voluntary membership enhancement to provide additional support to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and it’s mission.
FinancialAdvisor: SethMinter
KALI FOXALL S
COMMUNITY EVENTS
WELCOME
WELCOME
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
4 Annual Jobapalooza Fuels local Hiring Efforts
By Community News Brief Staff
Approximately 200 job-seekers met with 28 companies across all industries at the fourth annual McDonough County Jobapalooza Job Fair on March 24 at the Spoon River College Outreach Center.
The countywide job fair is hosted by McDonough County Quality of Life Committee (QOLC), a collaboration between the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, Macomb Area Economic Development Corp.(MAEDCO), Macomb Park District, Spoon River College, Western Illinois University and Workforce Innovation Board of Western Illinois. County retailers, nonprofits, government, finance, medical and health and manufacturing were among the employers participating
Noted Kim Pierce, MAEDCO President and CEO and QCLC Jobapalooza committee chair,“This event is a great way to bring local employers with open positions in front of a large group of potential employees all in one place. We have a wide range of jobs in a wide range of fields available throughout the county. This year’s number of individuals looking for work was nearly double from last year,”
Prospective employers included McDonough County retailers, nonprofits, government, finance, medical and health, and manufacturing.
Macomb Area Economic Leaders Urge Passage of Equitable Funding for Public Universities
MACOMB – The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Macomb issued the following statement in support of legislation (SB13/HB1581) that would spur economic growth by providing equitable funding for public universities, including Western Illinois University (WIU):
WIU is critical to our regional economy, driving economic growth by developing a skilled workfor fueling innovation through research, and anchoring local business investment. We urge members of the General Assembly to vote in favor of this llegislation, as equitable funding will provide all universities with the predictability and stability needed to support he success of students, our community, and our state. This additional investment in higher education will result in more students graduating in Illinois each year, generating an estimated $5.3 billion in economic investment in towns and cities across Illinois. With an estimated investment of over $101 million in WIU over the next decade, the economic impact in Macomb will be substantial. It’s time lawmakers take action to advance student and community achievement.
Michael Inman, Mayor, City of Macomb
Kim Pierce, President and CEO, Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation
Steven Brody, Executive Director, Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
Jock Hedblade, Executive Director, Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
MEMBER NEWS
Humane Society Casino Night Raises 50K
The Humane Society of McDonough County’s Fourth Annual Casino Night, held on March 7, raised $50,250 for its new shelter building campaign, bringing the total funds raised to more than $1 1 million HSMC
President Bonnie Smith-Skripps said the building committee is currently working to determine construction costs while continuing to evaluate potential sites.
Plans for the new facility include expanded cat rooms, dog kennels with outdoor runs, quarantine areas,
a veterinary exam space, meet-and-greet rooms, and an all-purpose room for training and education. While land was previously donated east of the current shelter on Tower Road, concerns about soil quality have led the committee to explore alternative locations as planning moves forward.
Information: hsmcil org
RIBBON CUTTING
The Ambassador Commitee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 26 to celebrate the 95th birthday of Maurices, located at 1690 E. Jackson Street. Opening their first store in Duluth, Minnesota in 1931; Maurices now has 900 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Featuring inclusive sizing from 0 to 24, their retail motto of "people first. be kind, authentic, curious & agile. work smart & have fun!," has made them a local cornerstone for "feel good fashion for real life." For information, visit maurices.com
