January 8, 2024

Leader in Economic, Community, Talent and Member Development

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Make a Difference in Our Community—Become an iRead Volunteer This Spring!

Why is This Volunteer Program So Important?

• Only 22.9 percent of 3rd graders met or exceeded 2023 state reading tests in Champaign; and in Urbana, it’s only 7.9 percent.
• Only 27.2 percent of 3rd graders met or exceeded 2023 state math tests in Champaign; and in Urbana, it’s only 11.1 percent.
• This achievement gap in our schools must be fixed and we need your help to address it now.

Quick Facts About Volunteering:

• Volunteer this spring to build literacy and math skills for kindergarten and first grade students.
• Just one hour a week for seven weeks can make a difference in a child’s life.
• Complete training provided.
• Help create opportunities and combat poverty and violence for our littlest residents.
• Your help is crucial to changing lives and to creating a prepared workforce.

Program Dates: March 19 - April 26, 2024

Application Deadline: February 9, 2024

The need for volunteers is great. Please sign up today and forward this to your friends, family and co-workers!

Marketing your business is incredibly important. Now is not the time to go silent. We want to help you reach the business community with our affordable marketing opportunities. Reach thousands on a small budget when you choose one of our marketing bundles. Each bundle has been carefully created to give you the most bang for your buck.

Deal 1

• Commerce Connection Full Page Ads (6 issues)

• Trends Report Full Page Ad

• e-Connection Banner Ads (2 months)

• Unbundled Cost: $5,187

• Bundled Cost: $3,500

Deal 2

• Commerce Connection 1/2 Page Ads (6 issues)

• Trends Report 1/2 Page Ad

• Email Footer Banner (2 months)

• Unbundled Cost $3,116

• Bundled Cost: $2,000

Deal 3

• Commerce Connection 1/4 Page Ads (6 issues)

• Trends Report 1/2 Page Ad

• Website Banner (4 months)

• Unbundled Cost: $1,852

• Bundled Cost: $1,000

It is that time of year when many companies are renewing their employee health insurance benefits. Did you know the chamber can help you save money on health insurance premiums? In partnership with Health Alliance, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce offers a member-only health insurance plan. Qualifying companies can enjoy benefit plans currently unavailable to traditional small-group employers at cheaper rates than buying off the exchange.

Ask your broker to quote you the chamber plan. If you do not have a broker, contact the chamber, and we will connect you with our account representative at Health Alliance for more information.

Good Energy, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s new trusted energy partner, is pricing electricity and gas exclusively for Chamber members through our energy co-op program. The next round is coming up soon. 

Benefits: 

Risk-Free

• No application fee
• No risk of canceling your existing contract
• Include any combination of electricity and natural gas accounts

Cost-Savings 

• Custom analysis of your energy consumption and use patterns
• Fixed contract rate to secure the price you pay
• The wholesale expertise and strength of credit through Good Energy 
• Innovative solutions to help ensure the greatest potential savings

Energy Expertise Available Locally

Key personnel dedicated to helping respond and address any situation, question or concerns

Upcoming Events

NETWORKING EVENTS:

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS:

Check out upcoming events at: https://business.champaigncounty.org/events/.

BIGG Tip of the Week

A Sure Way to Sabotage Your Progress

Compare yourself to others. For example – if you start jogging today, don’t compare how far or how fast you can go to someone who’s been jogging for a year. Own where you are. Continue moving forward. And never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Find your happy ending by pushing on to your BIGG success! Get more tips from BIGG Success here.