January 2, 2024

Leader in Economic, Community, Talent and Member Development

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THIS SPRING

Help Make a Difference in Our Community by Becoming an

iRead ● iCount(R) Volunteer!

Our schools have a widening achievement gap, which will never be closed if we do not address it. You can be part of the change by becoming an iRead• iCount(R) volunteer this spring. It's just one hour a week for seven weeks to help change a child's life.  

If we want a prepared future workforce, we must build the foundation now. It will take the community's help to make this foundation strong. Your involvement as a volunteer in the iRead• iCount(R) program is crucial in building this foundation and shaping our children's future. 

Strong literacy and math skills are an economic development tool and an anti-poverty, anti-violence strategy for our community. Most importantly, strong literacy and math skills create opportunities for our youngest residents.

The iRead ● iCount(R) Program puts volunteers in elementary school classrooms for one hour per week to work with the students with the greatest needs to improve reading and math skills. This spring semester, Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana Unit 116 schools are doing the iRead Program to help kindergarten and first-grade students with basic literacy this spring. As a volunteer, you will be fully trained in a short and thorough training session.

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!

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

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Trends Report is a valuable resource for over 1,000 Chamber businesses as well as others in the Champaign County community and is a great tool to promote your business.

The comprehensive report includes relevant data and statistics about the community, business climate and more.

As a means of promotion for your business, Chamber members have the opportunity to

purchase advertising space in the Trends Report.

The advertising options that are available to you can be found below. Advertising space is limited and will be sold on a first-contact, first-sold basis.

The advertising space reservation deadline is Friday, March 1 by 4:00 p.m. All artwork must be turned in by this deadline.

Upcoming Events

NETWORKING EVENTS:

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

BIGG Tip of the Week

Reach Your Goals by Changing One Word

You’re on a diet but that donut in the break room is tempting you. A study showed changing just one word will keep you on track of your goal. Say “I won’t eat that” instead of “I can’t eat that.” Removing the word “can’t” helps you feel empowered, instead of restricted. When it comes to self-talk, choose your words wisely and you’ll be a BIGG success! Get more tips from BIGG Success here.