Chamber All In for Economic Recovery Coalition Update
To our members: The spring session of the Illinois General Assembly concluded in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 9. The Chambers All In for Economic Recovery Coalition stayed keyed into the activity around our platform throughout the session. This note shares an update and celebrates our successes on each platform item. We encourage you to…
Investor Spotlight: Peoples Bank of Kankakee County
Just about 60 years ago, Romy Hammes, a Ford auto dealer, real estate developer and philanthropist saw a need for greater local decision making and decided to do something about it. The doors of Peoples Bank opened in May 1962 and have stayed open to the Kankakee community ever since. Romy was selling Fords in…
Board Spotlight: Rob Warmbir
For a total of six years, Rob Warmbir has been a diligent and driven accompaniment to the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce. While serving as an ambassador for all six years, he has also been on the board of directors for the past three years. He originally joined the chamber in search of new networking opportunities…
Board Spotlight: Brian Creek
Brian Creek is one of the partners at Borschnack, Pelletier & Co., providing tax services, small business accounting, audits, payroll, consulting, etc. to Kankakee County. It is 100 percent locally owned and one of the leading CPPA Firms in the area. Brian grew up in Manteno and currently lives in Bourbonnais with his wife…
New Park district Interim Executive Director
Dr. Edward Piatt Hello Community Members, My name is Dr. Edward Piatt and I am honored to serve our community as the Interim Executive Director of the Bourbonnais Township Park District. Our mission at the park district is to enrich the quality of life through education, recreation and preservation. BTPD serves all ages, from preschool…
5 Reasons to Participate in Speed Networking
By Jasmyne Humble You’ve heard of speed dating, but what about speed networking? While we are not looking to play matchmaker here, you may want to still consider meeting new professionals in the community while enjoying the same type of fun. Here are five reasons why you should participate in the Young Professionals Network (YPN)…
Phillips Auto Group Breaks Ground on Expansion
The team at Phillips Auto Group of Bradley were joined by representatives from their construction contractors to break ground on an expansion to their facility. Phillips began construction on a new car wash that will allow them to easily deliver sparkling clean vehicles to their sales and service guests. Their Frankfort and Lansing locations are…
An Inside Look at Outsider Art: Louis Walker, Jr
Opening Night Art Exhibit Celebration The Community Arts Council of Kankakee County (CAC) presents “An Inside Look at Outsider Art.” Merchant Street Art Gallery of Artists with Autism will host the exhibition and sale of the work of Louis S. Walker, Jr., a Kankakee County native. The exhibit opening will take place on Friday, April…
Pat Martin new Executive Vice President and Community President
Walter H. “Chip” Hasselbring III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Iroquois Federal has announced that Pat Martin has been appointed Executive Vice President and Community President. Pat brings nearly 40 years of banking experience to Iroquois Federal and our Bourbonnais office. Pat holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University. He…
Understanding America’s Labor Shortage: The Most Impacted Industries
“The pandemic caused a major disruption in America’s labor force-something many have referred to as The Great Resignation. In 2021, more than 47 million workers quit their jobs, many of whom were in search of an improved work-life balance and flexibility, increased compensation, and a strong company culture. But a closer look at what has…