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Anniversary Members

Thank you for your continued support!

 

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHTS

 

Board of Directors Spotlight:

Tammy Sowder

Tammy Sowder is a proud Kankakee County native whose deep roots in the community have shaped both her personal and professional journey. Tammy firmly believes in the power of local connection and is passionate about contributing to the continued growth and vitality of Kankakee County. Since joining Milner Media Partners in July 2017, her dedication and leadership led her to steadily rise through the organization, culminating in her promotion to President & General Manager in January 2024.
 
Outside the office, Tammy enjoys exploring local nature trails, reading, and watching soccer?especially when her son is on the field or when she’s cheering on the Chicago Fire.
We are so happy to have Tammy as a member of our Board of Directors!
 

Ambassador Spotlight:

Sara Jameison

Sara started her career as a CNA and worked in a nursing home before turning to Home Care. She first worked as a CNA for Home Helpers starting in 2015. Sara became the Office Manager in 2018. She now works as the Director of Operations. Sara is responsible for marketing, community events, scheduling, supervising all Home Helpers employees, and overseeing all Home Helpers clients to ensure they are receiving excellent care. In 2025 Sara became a Dementia Connection Specialist. She is eager to use this certification throughout Home Helpers, to better serve one of our most vulnerable populations. Sara is married to her husband James, and together they share two dogs and a cat.

 

 

Thank you Sara for all you do as a Chamber Ambassador!

 

Thank you Peoples Bank of Kankakee County for being a Chamber Investor! We are so thankful for your support of the Chamber!

We are proud to have Gardant as a Chamber Elite member! We appreciate all you do for the business community!

 

CHAMBER NEWS

 
 

 Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Chamber Board of Directors!

 

Are you passionate about supporting local business and shaping the future of our community? The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for our 2026 Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to lead, connect, and make an impact.

Apply today and be part of something bigger! 

 

MEMBER RESOURCES

 
 

Creative Benefit Consultants offers employee benefit solutions and services through brokers who want to make a positive difference in their clients’ lives. Using self-funded products, we focus our energy on the healthcare delivery model, combining it with a top-notch wellness program to reverse the trend of rising healthcare costs for employers and employees.

 

We’re excited to share that several grant opportunities are currently available that could benefit your business or organization. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and see how they might support your goals.

 

Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrade Program (Round 2)

 

Program Details: This program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades.

Eligible Applicants: Existing independently owned, for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program

 

Program Details: This program is intended to address barriers to project, community, and business development in justice-impacted communities caused by a lack of available capital.

Eligible Applicants: Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC) that can provide an Illinois Power Agency EEC certification. An EEC per the definition in the Illinois Power Agency Act, is defined as: a business that is majority-owned by equity eligible persons; a nonprofit or cooperative that is majority governed by equity eligible persons; a natural person that is an equity eligible person offering personal services as an independent contractor. Applicants must submit their Illinois Power Agency Certification. Become an Equity Eligible Contractor.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

 

Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program

 

Program Details: This program will deliver clean jobs training in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to individuals within 36 months of their release to prepare them to work in clean energy and related sector jobs upon release. The program provides classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities, utilizing a standard Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework, connecting program graduates with potential employers in the clean energy industry, and addressing participant needs.

Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations providing employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community; include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments; and, have a history of serving committed persons or justice involved persons.

Application Deadline: Rolling

 

Explore More Grant Opportunities!

 

MEMBER BENEFITS

 

Sponsor a Chamber Chat Newsletter:

Now ONLY $200!

 

Be the exclusive organization featured in one edition of our Chamber Chat newsletter! 

 

Get the Word Out with

Chamber Chat: Members' Edition!

 

The Chamber Chat: Members' Edition newsletter is created by members, for members. It’s your space to share upcoming events, company news, job openings, milestones, and more with fellow Chamber members.

The Members’ Edition is packed with updates from across our membership and goes out the last Tuesday of every month.

 

The next Chamber Chat Members' Edition will go out Tuesday, July 29th. Content MUST be submitted no later than Friday, July 25th to be included.

 
 

2025 CHAMBER CLASSIC

Only a few foursomes remain for the 2025 Chamber Classic Golf Outing! Reserve your spot TODAY!

 
 

We are also accepting donations of raffle baskets! All items are needed by July 25th!

 

Upcoming Events

 
 
 

We're looking for sponsors for our next Young Professionals Network (YPN) event!

 

Get your business in front of emerging leaders, gain exposure, and show your support for the next generation of professionals in Kankakee County.

 

⛳️ Attention Ladies - It’s time to Sip & Chip! 🍷🏌️‍♀️

Join us for a fun and relaxed Women’s Sip & Chip Golf Clinic ? perfect for beginners or anyone looking to sharpen their skills. Enjoy golf instruction, great company, and a refreshing drink while you learn and laugh on the course!

 

Join us for our next Coffee & Connections networking event ? a casual and welcoming way to start your morning with great conversation and valuable connections. This member-favorite event is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow professionals, share your story, and grow your network.

 
 
 

📢 Update: Lunch & Learn on AI Rescheduled!
Our highly anticipated Lunch & Learn on Artificial Intelligence has been rescheduled and will now take place as a webinar. We’re excited to bring this topic to you in a virtual format, making it easier than ever to join the conversation from wherever you are!

 

Event Calendar

 

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