If you’re like me, you’re rooting for Punxsutawney Phil to pronounce an early Spring, following the below zero temps and wind chills in January.
Your Chamber Board met last month to review programs and services. The Board is pleased to welcome several new members as we are now back to a full roster. Welcome aboard to Josh Alden (Pella), Anne Ingersoll (Bloom Macomb), Justin Powers (MTC), Blake Severs (Macomb Park District), Alyson Sturgis (Sullivan Taylor Uptown), and Dustin Teel (Kunes Auto Group). We look forward to their contributions and their willingness to serve. We also thank retiring Board member Eric Blakeley (All Pets) for his service over the years.
This year’s member satisfaction survey will be emailed at the beginning of this month. I have always believed in the importance of reaching out to the membership to gauge how the Chamber is doing and to solicit ideas to be a better business partner. Your feedback and responses were responsible for the well-attended workshops last year.
STEVEN BRODY
Executive Director
We look forward to your attendance at our Annual Awards on February 5, as we will honor Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year. We will also recognize Ambassador of the Year, and our retiring Board member.
There is still time to advertise in this year’s Community Guide and Business Directory. All members have the opportunity of placing an advertisement to further highlight yourselves to the reader and the community. Please remember that only members in good standing are listed in the publication. Therefore, as a benefit of membership, please make sure you are current on your renewal investment with us.
The next Business After Hours will occur on February 18 at The Lamoine. It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership. Finally, don’t forget to register for the following events: Master the Disaster emergency planning workshop with the McDonough County Health Department on March 3 Macomb Business Academy which starts on March 26 and runs for eight weeks.
Chamber of Commerce sponsored trip to Greece in October. Final payment deadline is June 21
Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce.
Hi Everybody,
February always seems to arrive with a full calendar and very little breathing room, and this year is no exception. I literally have a kitten walking across my keyboard as I try to type this.
At the Chamber, things are moving fast Between events, member support, planning ahead, and responding to what feels like a constant stream of emails and calls, our days are full in the best (and sometimes busiest) way. It’s a reminder of just how active and engaged our business community truly is. You are all moving and shaking and getting things done, and we’re right along with you for all of it.
This time of year is about momentum. Some businesses are settling into their plans for 2026, others are adjusting, pivoting, or simply trying to keep up; and all of that is okay. Progress doesn’t always look neat, and success doesn’t always come with a clear roadmap. You don’t have to have it all together all the tine to accomplish things. We’re all just winging it after all, right?
SHAY HOLLAND
Marketing Director
What we continue to see, and what we’re most proud of, is the willingness of this community to show up, support one another, and keep moving forward even when things feel hectic. When we do get a chance to slow down and take a deep breath, we discover that this little corner of the world is pretty magical. You all are something special doing great things.
As always, the Chamber is here as a resource and a sounding board. Whether you need help promoting something new, finding a phone number, or just figuring out your next step, we’re glad to be part of your journey.
Thank you for being part of this Chamber and this community. We’re looking forward to everything still ahead this year, even if it comes at a fast pace. We’ll put on our running shoes and handle every ounce of it! We promise to come up along side you every step of the way.
My contact information is above 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.
Let’s make it a great month!
JANUARY 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.
Financial Advisor: Mike Eckardt
150% CLUB 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
150% CLUB 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.
Financial Advisor: Seth Minter
KALI FOXALL
STEVE SILBERER
COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS
MCDONOUGH COUNTY CELEBRATES 200 YEARS
The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce joined in a historically significant ribbon cutting on January 26, 2026 as McDonough County Illinois celebrated it's bicentennial at the McDonough County Courthouse Marking 200 years since it's establishment on January 25, 1826; the ribbon cutting kicks off a year-long series of events, activities, and ceremonies to honor the rich traditions and the people who paved the way for growth and progress.
For more information on McDonough County, watch the Community News Brief for special features and publications or visit the McDonough County Board website at mcg mcdonough il us/index html
