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Anniversary Members: Thank you for your continued support!
 
 

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHTS
 

Board Of Directors Spotlight: Phillip Meli

With 16 years of experience at Nicor Gas, Phil Meli has cultivated strong leadership skills and built lasting relationships with local residents, businesses, and community partners. He takes great pride in the company’s mission and the trust customers place in Nicor Gas to deliver safe, reliable energy that heats homes and fuels businesses.

 

Outside of his professional role, Phil is actively involved in volunteering and community initiatives that create a positive impact. His work with Nicor Gas provides a meaningful platform to stay connected with the people he serves and to help empower communities to thrive.

 

Thank you Phil for your service on the Chamber Board of Directors!
 

Ambassador Spotlight: Chelsea Stanhibel
Chelsea Stanhibel was born and raised in Kankakee and has a deep passion for all things Kankakee County. She has been part of the Gardant team for five years, serving in the Marketing Department and recently stepping into the role of Director of Social Media and Graphic Design. Outside of work, she enjoys networking, golfing, and spending time with her husband, Tim, and their three young children.
 
Chelsea joined the Chamber Ambassador group this year and immediately jumped right in—volunteering her time, attending meetings, and sponsoring events. The Chamber is so happy to have her as part of the team.
 

We are so thankful for our Investor member, STARadio! Illinois. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber!

Thank you Deer Ridge Barn and the Majestic for your Chamber Elite membership! We appreciate your continued support!
 

2025 ANNUAL GALA
 

Don’t miss the biggest Chamber event of the year! This interactive evening celebrates innovation, connection, and community — featuring the highly anticipated Business of the Year Awards.

 

Registration closes TOMORROW - October 24th.

Reserve your seat NOW!
 

MEMBER RESOURCES
 

Health insurance is the benefit employees request most. But as many Illinois small-business owners know, it isn't always easy to find quality health benefits your employees want at a price that fits your budget. 

Working together with the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, the Community Chamber Program gices your small business members-only access to big-business employee health benefits at competitive rates!
 

Tourism Attraction Grant Program

 

The $1.8 million Tourism Attraction Grant Program will provide funding for the development or improvement of tourism attractions in Illinois, such as museums, recreation areas, amusement parks, and more. The goal of the program is to provide assistance for projects that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout Illinois by increasing visitation rates, boosting hotel occupancy, increasing local hotel and sales tax revenue, and more. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, local promotion groups, for-profit entities, and units of local government.

 

Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Attraction grants between $15,000 to $200,000, with a 1:1 match requirement for non-profits and a 3:1 match requirement for for-profit entities. Applications will be accepted until November 3 at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

Tourism Private Sector Grant Program

 

DCEO is allocating $600,000 through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program, which provides funding to entities to attract, host and develop new or enhanced events and festivals across Illinois. The grant opportunity is open to non-profits, government entities, for-profit institutions, and local promotional groups, and as defined in state statute. Matching funds must be provided by private sector entities, which is the origin of the program's name. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes that support new, expanded, or enhanced events and festivals including advertising and marketing, transportation, building or equipment rental, receptions and banquets, registration, entertainment, and more.

 

Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Private Sector grants between $10,000 to $50,000, with a 1:1 match requirement. Applications will be accepted until November 3 at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a webinar focused on the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program at 2 p.m. on October 8. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

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Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program

 

The $2 million Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program will provide matching grants to assist in the promotion of tourism attractions, destinations, and events in Illinois, with $1.2 million for applicants outside of Cook County and $750,000 for Cook County applicants. Grant funding will help tourism partners market their attractions and events to increase visitation by both business and leisure travelers in order to increase overnight stays in Illinois. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and local promotion groups.

 

Eligible entities can apply for Tourism Marketing Partnership grants between $10,000 to $100,000, with a 1:1 match requirement. Applications will be accepted until November 3 at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website for the Cook County application and the Balance of State application. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a webinar focused on the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program at 2 p.m. on October 9. Interested parties are also encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.
 
 

CHAMBER NEWS
 
 

MEMBER BENEFITS
 

The next Chamber Chat Members' Edition will go out Tuesday, October 28th! Content must be submitted by Friday, October 24th to be included! 
 
 

Upcoming Events
 
 
 

Event Calendar
 

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