Month: January 2022

Chambers All In for Economic Recovery 2022

January 21, 2022 | Commitment to Community

Chambers All In for Economic Recovery releases its 2022 platform below. The overarching message is the same as previous: economic recovery must be a top priority for the business community. As we approach the second anniversary of the pandemic’s declaration with continued efforts against COVID-19, unintended consequences for the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 have surmounted and they risk permanently stunting the prosperity of Illinois’ businesses.  If enacted, the following items will help bolster a business bottom line and allow for continued growth and investment in Illinois.  Utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding to help replenish the unemployment trust fund alleviate the impending financial drain from the state’s businesses.  Provide legal protections to employers who follow the CDC established safety guidelines from claims that COVID-19 was contracted at the place of business. Restructure the…

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Meet our new board chairman, Amy Richter

January 06, 2022 | Membership Tips

Amy Richter is currently the President and CEO of Hospice of Southern Illinois, which is celebrating 40 years of serving hospice patients and families in 27 counties in Southern Illinois. Amy joined the organization in 2009 as their CFO and moved into the President and CEO role in 2017. Before joining Hospice of Southern Illinois, she served as the Corporate Director of Financial and Regulatory reporting for SSM Health. Amy has 36 years of experience in the finance and accounting field, 30 of those years in health care as a licensed CPA, with an MBA from Maryville University in St. Louis. She is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s and is a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. She has served as Past President and Board member of the Greater Heartland Chapter of…

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2021 Annual Meeting Highlight

January 05, 2022 | Membership Tips

On Tuesday, December 21, the Chamber met via Zoom to conduct its Annual Board Meeting. This meeting takes the place of the Chamber’s regular monthly Board of Directors meeting and is open for all Chamber members to attend. The Annual Meeting provided a forum for a wrap-up of the year by Kevin Vick, outgoing Board Chairman and Wendy Pfeil, Chamber President & CEO. Incoming Board Chairman Amy Richter was introduced. Attendees also got to hear from multiple leaders in the community for yearly highlights including Col. Rob Lowe of Scott Air Force Base, City of  Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory, Executive Director of the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants and EconomicDevelopment Dept. Rick Stubblefield, as well as State Representative Jay Hoffman. Highlights from the chamber were bright despite the ongoing pandemic. During a continuously changing time,…

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