July 2026 NEWS

CHAMBERCONNECTION

UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMING SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The month of June certainly provided everyone with lots and lots of rain. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in neighboring communities who are recovering from tornadoes.

The rain caused our Annual Golf Outing to be delayed for one week. We appreciate all the teams that were able to reschedule and enjoy their round at Macomb Country Club. Thanks to Jake Mann and staff for their hospitality and cooperation, our volunteers, sponsors, and players.

Members will get a two-fer this month as there will be two Business After Hours to enjoy. The first will take place as normal on July 15 at Graham Health System’s new location on West Jackson Street. The second, rescheduled due to severe weather, will be July 29 at Bickford of Macomb. Both will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, are only open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership.

STEVEN BRODY

Executive Director

Please note that the Gift Certificate Redemption Service Charge increases from 1.75% to 2.0% as of July 1. We are grateful for the thousands and thousands of dollars that flow into our local businesses, thanks to Chamber Gift Certificates.

Our next informational workshop is entitled “How to Advocate”. Join Elliot Richardson from the Small Business Advocacy Council for an engaging discussion about the 2026 Springfield legislative session, its impact on the small business community, and meaningful engagement. Come join us on July 21 from 8:3010am at Macomb City Hall. Our overflow site will be the Spoon River College Outreach Center. The workshop is free to Chamber members, and only $10 for non-members.

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. We are here to answer your questions, and to work collaboratively on your success. We are always happy to pay you a visit and promote you on social media.

I will continue to traverse the community to drop off Community Guides. We encourage everyone to stop, shop and support our local Chamber members. As always, thank you or your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce

SHAY HOLLAND

Marketing Director

Some of you are involved every week. Some of you show up once a year Some of you simply want to support the community and know we're here when you need us. Every membership looks different.

Some of you are sitting deep in your imposter syndrome, wondering what you could possibly contribute. Some of you are simply too embarrassed to admit that you don’t know how any of it works, and some of you think that the Macomb Area Chamber is too busy to help you and you don’t want to bother us. While that may be your truth, it’s not true. You are enough and we need you.

One thing I've learned after working at the Chamber for more than a decade is that there are plenty of you that have been members for years and still aren't quite sure what we do or who we are. I get it. That’s okay, but let’s change that for you.

Sometimes a membership has been around longer than the person currently sitting behind the desk. You step into a role and inherit a Chamber membership along with a hundred other responsibilities.

You know you’re a member, but aren't exactly sure what that means or how to make the most of it.

A lot of you have been members for years but have never attended an event, served on a committee, or reached out because you aren’t sure where to start. Maybe you’re wondering if you're "doing Chamber membership right."

There isn’t a right way.

But if you've ever thought, "I should probably know more about what the Chamber does," or "I'd like to get more involved, but I don't know where to begin," you're not alone. Send me an email, let’s meet up for coffee, and have a gab sesh. Come as you are with all of your questions.

Whatever that looks like for you. Stop by. Call. Send an email. Slide into our DMs. Join us for a luncheon, a Business After Hours, or a ribbon cutting. Tell us about your business. Tell us what challenges you're facing. Tell us what you'd like to see from us.

You don't need a title, a committee assignment, or years of experience to be involved. You just need a willingness to start the conversation. I promise, we are listening.

My contact information is below and I encourage you to use it as many times as you need to; I assure you no idea is too small or no question is too weird. That's what I, and the Macomb Area Chamber, are all about.

Let’s make it a great month!

JUNE 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.

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

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.

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING

June 29- Macomb Country Club

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING

June 29- Macomb Country Club

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING

June 29- Macomb Country Club

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING

June 29- Macomb Country Club

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING

June 29- Macomb Country Club

COMMUNITY EVENTS

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

$40

COMMUNITY NEWS

Smoke-Free Illinois & Your Business

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking and vaping in public places and workplaces, including private clubs and gaming facilities. It also prohibits smoking within fifteen feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes.

Businesses are required to post No Smoking or E-Cigarette Use signs at all establishments.

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act does not prohibit smoking in private residences, including apartment complexes. If you are experiencing smoking nuisances in your residence, we encourage you to discuss with the property manager and see if smoking is included in lease terms.

Complaints submitted under the Smoke-Free Illinois Act help local officials focus enforcement efforts and are shared only with authorized enforcement agencies. Providing your name and contact information is optional, and any information you choose to provide will be kept confidential and may be used for follow-up regarding your complaint.

Any person may submit a complaint about a violation of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act by calling 866-973-4646 or at idph.state.il.us/sfi/public/.

NEW DESIGN

OLD DESIGN

GIFT CERTIFICATE UPDATE

Starting July 1, the rate for gift certificate redemptions will increase from 1.75% to 2%. This helps cover rising material costs and ensures the future success of this long-standing local program.

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS