COVID-19 Updates
We invite you to visit our website below to keep up on the latest COVID-19 information and resources in our area.
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Executive Director Letter |
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Hello Chamber Members,
It feels as though summer just started, yet here we are staring September in the face. I know many of you are thrilled for cooler temps and pumpkin spice everything, but I am a summer girl. Always have been. But it will be okay, I still appreciate the change in
seasons and look forward to watching the leaves start to change later this month and, I
won’t lie, I am looking forward to wearing leggings and long sweaters again…
The Downtown Block Party was a huge success! We are incredibly grateful for all who
volunteered their time and talents to help us make it the best it could be and thank you
to all the businesses and organizations who set up in the park! The Spoon River
College Foam Party, the FOP Dunk Tank, the balloon animals, and the Chick’s Lip
Eating Contest were all huge hits of the night! Our 2022 Shop Local shirt was very
popular, and we ran out well before 6pm, which is crazy considering how many we
ordered! You are sure to see people wearing them all over town! I can’t wait to see what
we cook up for next year’s event!
Looking ahead, it’s about time to plan our annual Legislative Luncheon. It is usually in
October, and I will have more information in the coming weeks.
Finally, now that the students are back in school it’s a good time to alternate wearing
your WIU, SRC, and Macomb Bomber gear on Fridays in your office! Show your spirit
with pride! It really does make an impact on patrons when they see such wonderful
community support.
As always, contact me at any time by emailing lauren@macombareachamber.com or calling the Chamber office at (309) 837-4855. I always welcome your questions, comments, and concerns.
Lauren
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Marketing Director Letter
Hello,
We're coming fresh off a Summer full of fun events (that Downtown Block Party was a blast!), relaxing vacations, and sunny days. And now Fall is the perfect time to get the kids in the classrooms, throw on a sweater, and get back to business.
I have a pre-teen, TikTok-obsessed daughter, which means I am constantly learning new words, new definitions, and new trends. Several times a day I hear her say "That's so on brand!" Or before she gets dressed she asks, "What's the vibe? What's the aesthetic?"
What does that even mean? And what does it have to do with you? Branding is a way of identifying yourself and your business. It is how your customers recognize and experience your business. A strong brand is more than just a logo – it's reflected in everything from your customer service style, dress code, business cards, marketing materials, website, advertising, products/services offered, and the feel of your physical location.
Your brand should reflect what your business stands for and what sets it apart from your competitors – it expresses the qualities, strengths and 'personality' of your business.
Creating a strong brand for large corporations can involve an entire department of in-depth market researchers to work out why customers should be attracted to your business, flashy sales pitches, and global trips to scout out the top industry experts; but we know that's not the vibe of our members, that's not the aesthetic, that's simply not on brand with your business/organization.
We are blessed to live in a tight-knit region, with solid Midwest values, and personalized service. We're an area of businesses/organizations run by our friends, neighbors, and family; who supports, encourages, and lifts one other because we care. We know you all run on passion, convictions, and a lot of coffee on most days to provide the best experience for your customers each day.
So how can we help you stay on brand, share your aesthetic, and figure out your vibe?
Let's start small. Let's baby step this. Let's start with your logo. Do we have your most recent one on your business directory listing? Do you even have one? Do you need help? Let's get started together. Reach out and we'll get you going in the right direction.
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. As my daughter would say, "Slay the day!"
Let's make it a great month!
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Gift Certificates
Macomb Area Chamber Gift Certificates aren't just for the holidays. There is always an occasion to celebrate. Weddings. Baby Gifts. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Retirement. Or Just Because. They never expire. They never go out of style. They fit every budget.
They make the perfect Shop Local gift all year!
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Find up-to-date City of Macomb information by visiting their website or social media pages below. |
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Announcements & Opportunities |
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2022 Macomb Area Community Guide & Business Directory
This full-color, glossy guide contains a host of community information and lists members alphabetically and by category for easy reference. The membership guide is distributed throughout the community and region, to local hotels, new Macomb residents, and at WIU student and faculty orientations as a handy reference to your business. We distribute 3,000 copies of our Community Guide & Business Directory every year! Only member businesses are included. Get yours in our office, at several area businesses, or view a digital copy below.
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Business After Hours/Business Before Hours |
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Business After Hours is held monthly from 4:30-6 pm at a different member business location each month. This event allows members an opportunity to meet and network with fellow business leaders. There are always drawings and winnings, making for a wonderful mix of business and pleasure at the end of a work day.
Business Before Hours is held quarterly from 8-9 am. This event gives our members another opportunity for networking in the morning. Perfect for those that might have a full agenda after work!
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August Business After Hours - Western Illinois University Foundation |
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Downtown Block Party
The 2022 Downtown Block Party held at Chandler Park on August 26 was a festive celebration of all the great ways our community choses to #keepitinmacomb every day. A special thank you to Western Illinois University, the City of Macomb, and Spoon River College, and everyone who volunteered their time and talents to make this very popular event such a successful one. We can't wait to see you next year!
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Ambassadors
The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber. They enhance the image of our business community and the organization by presenting a positive and professional attitude at Chamber events and throughout their interactions with the business community. These 20+ volunteers are the ultimate Chamber cheerleaders.
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Young Professionals of Macomb |
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The Young Professionals of Macomb (YPM) is a group brought together by the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce that seeks to provide young professionals foundational steps toward their new or existing careers. With this new resurgence we have curated opportunities for members to gain professional and educational resources from successful professionals within the community that they can integrate into their work spaces. While also fostering time for members to network, engage and share ideas amongst themselves. Membership is free and open to any interested professional in the community that ranges from ages 20 to 40. |
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Amtrak: The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce gathered with several local community leaders on August 24 to help Amtrak celebrate the $2.7 million improvement to the Macomb station. The improvements include a new 300-foot long boarding platform, with an embedded hydronic snowmelt tubing system, a detectable warning surface, guardrails, trench drain, LED lighting, signage, and a mobile lift enclosure. A new ramp with landing is provided at each of the station exterior doors facing the platform, along with new accessible walkways. For more than 50 years, Amtrak has provided vital transportation services to the west central Illinois region
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Calendar of Events
Welcome to a new month! Local events are in full swing this holiday season. You will find a full range of Chamber member events on our monthly calendar.
As a FREE member benefit, we invite you to send your events to us and we will include them on our website calendar. Whether virtual or in person, we want to help get the word out about the new ways you are helping us all #keepitnmacomb and beyond!
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Member Renewals
Thank you to our members who have continued their yearly investment with the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce within the last month. Your support of the local business community is much appreciated as we look forward to working with you to serve as a platform that provides opportunities for growth and development for your organization and the Macomb area as a whole.
Click on the logos below to learn more about each member:
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Job Postings
With several industries and career opportunities in our region, the Job Postings section on the Macomb Area Chamber website has become a one-stop shop for posting and finding quality positions and ideal candidates right in the immediate area. You can find job openings, training programs, and and more at our website below.
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Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
214 North Lafayette Street
Macomb, Illinois 61455
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