November 2025 News (4)

NOVEMBER 2025 CHAMBER NEWS

Welcome to November. As we gather later this month with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, you may see a lot more facial hair, as No Shave November will be in full gear!

This month marks my one-year anniversary with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. With that, please allow me to express my gratitude. I am thankful to the Board for entrusting me with this important position. I am thankful for a wonderful co-worker in Shay that makes coming to work every day a pleasure. I am thankful for the community partners working together to grow and sustain the Macomb area. I am thankful for the Ambassadors who cheerfully welcome members every month at Business After Hours. I am thankful for getting out and visiting so many of you, oftentimes by delivering our Community Guide and Business Directory. I am thankful to you, the members who continue to support the Chamber through your annual investment, advertising, and participation in our special events.

STEVEN BRODY

Executive Director

Speaking of gratitude, thanks again to everyone who attended our annual Legislative Luncheon last month at Park Place. Thanks to Comcast Business for serving as our Presenting Sponsor, as well as our Dessert and Centerpiece sponsors. Thanks to the 120 in attendance and our legislators for their thoughtful answers to the questions posed.

The next Business After Hours will take place on November 19. This month’s hosts are our friends at the WIU Multicultural Center. It will be held from 4:30-6pm, and as always, is only open to Chamber members as another benefit of membership.

On December 2, the Chamber welcomes Richard Russo with David & Campbell LLC, as he provides a presentation on employment law. Please refer to the flyer in the newsletter for further information and how to register. This event is free to Chamber members, and $10 for non-members.

Mark your calendar for our Annual Awards on February 5, 2026 at Park Place. Nominations are now open for you to submit for Business of the Year, Service Organization/Non-Profit of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Please send them via email to steven@macombareachamber.com.

Thank you for your participation and partnership with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Here’s to Year 2!

Hi Everybody,

We are all finally in full Fall mode. I’m sure you are savoring those fun-sized candy bars, peeping those leaves and sipping those PSL lattes; but we are blessed to be busy as we gear up to embrace the magic of the holiday season. Each year, I go into elf mode; working feverishly in our office workshop to stamp, date, and print all those Chamber Gift Certificates for everyone on your nice list. Giving the gift of local just hits different.

To ensure we keep you in the holiday spirit, we welcome you to call or email your order in ahead of time and I will get your gift certificates ready by your requested date with the payment of your choice. We do pass on a small processing fee to each customer for credit/debit card transactions, but our office gladly accepts cash/checks as well. If you are a Macomb Area Chamber member, we can even directly invoice your business!

SHAY HOLLAND Marketing

Director

Our office is are now accepting large gift certificate orders (500+) and we encourage you to get these in by November 15 so we can get them in your hands for the holidays. Please include the amount needed, denomination, requested date of delivery, and payment method so we can best assist you.

If you find yourself needing gift certificates outside of the Chamber office hours, they can be conveniently purchased at Clock Tower Bank, First Bankers Trust, MidAmerica National Bank, Fortress Bank, and United Community Bank.

The Chamber is ready to help making shopping local easier than ever! Just call, email, social media message us, or stop by and our office will take care of the rest!

My contact information is above and I encourage you to reach out; I promise no idea is too small and no question is too weird. That is what I, and the Macomb Area Chamber, are here for; to help you find the resources you need to be your most successful self!

Let’s make it a great month

TheArtof CHAMBER WORKSHOPS CHAMBER WORKSHOPS

CONFLICT RESOLUTION - FOSTERING A MORE PEACEFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a free business protection workshop on October 21 2025 with special guest speaker, Erik Christian, Principal Consultant with HR Fit, LLC.

The 40+ attendees learned about causes and types of workplace conflict, importance of resolving conflict, methods to communicate, and more.

HR Fit, LLC is a Peoria-based company offering customized HR support, from recruiting and compliance to training and employee relations. They provide flexible, scalable solutions to help organizations of all sizes strengthen their people practices and workplace culture.

Please watch your email and social media for future workshops hosted by the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce.

For information on HR Fit, LLC. visit hrfit.com

OCTOBER 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.

Dr.Matthew McClure

KALI FOXALL

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.

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

COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

MemberMoments

Kunes Auto Group of Macomb is proud to announce the promotion of Dustin Teel as the dealership’s new General Manager

Dustin has been a valued member of the Kunes team for 16 years, where his Customer First approach has earned him a loyal base of customers and colleagues alike His commitment to service and dedication to the community have been key drivers of his success and growth within the company.

Many employees and long-time customers recognized Dustin’s leadership potential early on, and his promotion is a natural step in his career As General Manager, Dustin looks forward to continuing to serve McDonough County and leading the dealership with the same passion and integrity that have defined his career. Information: kunesmacomb.com

MemberMoments

A spot to share your business & organization news

Bridgeway announces new CEO

Bridgeway is proud to announce the appointment of Staci Danner as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025

Staci has dedicated more than 26 years of service to Bridgeway, most recently as Chief Financial Officer. Her deep knowledge of the organization, commitment to its mission, and steady leadership uniquely position her to guide Bridgeway into its next chapter.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bill Nelson for his extraordinary 37 years of service, including a decade as CEO His vision and care have left a lasting mark on Bridgeway and the communities we serve. We also wish to acknowledge the many contributions of other leaders who have helped shape Bridgeway’s growth and success.

As Staci steps into her new role, she has reaffirmed Bridgeway’s commitment to its people and its mission through four guiding pillars: People First, Transparency & Listening, Follow-Through, and Culture of Growth & Leadership.

Bridgeway is also committed to building a world-class culture of emotional wellbeing. Recognizing that this work cannot be done alone, we have partnered with external experts to help turn employee voices into practical systems and sustainable change.

Staci’s vision is clear: to guide Bridgeway into its next era of growth and impact — For employees, for consumers, and for the communities we serve.

Bridgeway’s future is rooted in its people and together, with Staci’s leadership, we look forward with pride, optimism, and possibility.

Media requests can be made through Director of Community Engagement James Clark at jamesc@bway.org.

MemberMoments A spot to share your business & organization news

Cassady breaks black belt barriers

Macomb, IL — Michelle Cassady has achieved a truly historic milestone, earning her Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt directly from Royce Gracie himself This accomplishment makes her the first and only female Royce Gracie Black Belt in Illinois and one of only nine women worldwide to hold this distinction.

In 2025, Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb was also recognized among the Top 300 Martial Arts Academies in the World, a distinction that reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction. “Our focus is not on competition,” Michelle explains. “It’s on creating leaders helping people grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit. Jiu-Jitsu is the vehicle, but the goal is a better life.”

For information: call (309) 836-2002 or visit roycegraciemacomb.com

WGEM receives top honor broadcasting awards

Springfield, Illinois – WGEM News received top honors on October 27 at the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s annual Silver Dome Awards banquet held at the DoubleTree Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield. Named after the iconic dome on the Illinois State Capitol, the Silver Dome Awards recognize the “Best of the Best” in Illinois broadcasting. Entries are judged by markets by out-of-state professional broadcasters

WGEM is proud to announce its recognition with two prestigious first-place awards at the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Silver Dome Awards. The station was honored with the coveted "Best Newscast" for "WGEM News at Ten," with credit going to Marco Milani, Daniel Winn, Giani Petersen, Andy Bowman, Wes Shelor, Brian Inman, Brendan Reidy, Jim Roberts, and Chad Douglas. Additionally, WGEM's own Dylan Smith received the top award for "Best Investigative Report" for "County Deputy DUI Dismissal".

"We are incredibly proud of our team's hard work and dedication," said Ben Van Ness, WGEM Vice-President and General Manager. "These awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association are a testament to our unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and serving our communities with accurate, impactful news "

The station was also a finalist for Station of the Year” and Brendan Reidy was a finalist for “Best Sportscaster.”

Information: wgem.com

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

TheAmbassadorCommitteeoftheMacombAreaChamberofCommerceheldaribboncuttingon October2asBigBrothersBigSistersofWarren&McDonoughCounty(1401W.UniversityDrive) celebratedtheir25thanniversaryofprovidingchildrenfacingadversitywithstrongandenduring, professionallysupported1-to-1relationshipswithcaringadultvolunteersthatchangelivesforthebetter. BigBrothersBigSistersoftheMississippiValleyoffersfamily-friendlyactivities,mentorshipandmental healthprograms,andenrichmentopportunitiesforareachildrenages7through18.

Formoreinformationonvolunteeringorgiving,visitbbbsmv.org

LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON AN ANNUAL CHAMBER EVENT

MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 120 attendees to its 2025 Legislative Luncheon on October 7, held at Park Place of Macomb and presented by Comcast Business.

Guests heard updates and insights on key issues directly impacting the region from Illinois

Representative Dan Swanson, Representative Norine Hammond, and House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, who served as a special guest speaker. Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Steven Brody, served as moderator and presented a series of questions submitted by the attendees prior to the luncheon.

The event featured dessert from Simply Sweet, generously provided by Grand Prairie of Macomb, Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Mike Eckardt, and Bridgeway. Floral centerpieces from Hy-Vee added a seasonal touch, courtesy of Bickford of Macomb, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, and Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Mike Eckardt.

The Legislative Luncheon provides local business and community leaders with an opportunity to connect with state legislators and discuss policies shaping the future of west-central Illinois.

For more information about upcoming Chamber events, visit macombareachamber.com or follow the Chamber on social media.

Macomb Youth Leadership Organization kicks off

MACOMB, Ill. Fourteen Macomb High juniors that are part of the Macomb Youth Leadership Organization (MYLO) met their Business Partners for lunch on October 28 at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria. MYLO is a partnership of Macomb High School, the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Illinois Extension. MYLO is a three year program which exposes participants to a variety of leadership development exercises and events. Each year of the program provides a different experience. Students interested in being part of MYLO apply at the end of their freshman year and are selected by a panel of teachers and advisors.

During the second year of the program, MYLO students are paired with a local business professional that works in the student’s career field of interest.

According to Chamber Executive Director Steven Brody, “We pair the students with a Business Partner that can provide them with an in-depth look into their field of work. We encourage the business partners to invite the student to meetings, job sites, or any other task that provides a realistic view of not only what they do at their job, but what they do here in Macomb.”

The intent is to show the students that Macomb offers a variety of career opportunities that many think they might only find in a larger metropolitan area. “These students are some of the top members in their class, having been selected by through an application process to participate in the program. The hope is that we encourage the students to consider working in Macomb after completing their education. These are students that can add value to our community” stated Hailea Hadsall, MHS faculty and MYLO advisor.

Brody and Hadsall recognized the contributions of the participating Business Partners as part of the continued success of the program. “The students always have so many wonderful stories to tell once they complete their job shadowing” Hadsall added. Business Partners are asked to meet with their student twice during the school year for a minimum of two hours each visit to keep it manageable for the busy partners. However, students are often exposed to a wealth of information in that time.

For information, contact Steven Brody at the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, 309-837-4855.

CITY OF MACOMB - OCTOBER 15