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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The Commitment to Community Award is presented quarterly to a Chamber member who demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and/or businesses in the greater Belleville area. The Ambassadors are honored to present this quarter’s award to The EDGE. The EDGE has become a staple and long-standing supporter in the Belleville community. It began as D.S. Vespers on West Main then moved to their current location on South Belt in 1998 in what used to be a grocery store and have since completed nine renovations. They are excited to continue growing and improving their customer experience this year. The EDGE is home to the world’s largest laser tag arena covering over 14,000 square foot and allow up to 60 people to play at a time. They are also known for their…
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The Commitment to Community Award is presented quarterly to a Chamber Member who demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and/or businesses in the greater Belleville area. The Ambassadors are honored to present this quarter’s award to Yaekel & Associates Insurance Services, Inc. Yaekel & Associates Insurance is an independent agency located at 1915 West Main Street in Belleville. Formerly known as the Niemeyer Agency, they were founded back in 1897. For well over 100 years, they have been committed to carrying on a tradition of excellent customer service that clients can rely on. Since they are an independent agency, that means they work for you, not the insurance companies. They have a stellar reputation with hundreds of businesses, professionals, and individuals in our communities. They offer a wide range of…
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The Commitment to Community Award is presented quarterly to a Chamber Member who demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and/or businesses in the greater Belleville area. The Ambassadors are honored to present this quarter’s award to Union United Methodist Church. Union United Methodist Church acquired its name from the union of two downtown churches in 1950, but its heritage extends back to 1819, just five years after the founding of Belleville. Dissatisfied with the state of Methodism in Belleville in 1950, the congregations of First Methodist Church and Jackson Street Methodist Church, both located within sight of the public square, resolved to unite to create a larger organization that would more effectively serve the community. Though located in downtown Belleville and serving that community, the vision of the church…
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The Commitment to Community Award is presented quarterly to a Chamber Member who demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and/or businesses in the greater Belleville area. The Ambassadors are honored to present this quarter’s award to Kaskaskia Engineering Group. Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC (KEG) is a 100% woman-owned and managed engineering and contracting firm that was founded in 2006 by Geri Boyer. Their main office is located in downtown Belleville, Illinois, with branch offices in Geneva, Peoria, Champaign, and Glen Carbon, Illinois, as well as Evansville, Indiana, and St. Paul, Minnesota. Kaskaskia has grown from a two person firm to 45 employees over the past 13 years. They offer Transportation, Geotechnical, Structural, Hydraulic, Environmental, and Construction Engineering services. While the have been involved with many projects, some notable one include…
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