Written By: Julie Workman, Mid-Illini Credit Union
To read our feature story written by Julie please click the cover photo

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that serves over 1,000 businesses and organizations in McLean County and the surrounding area. Our full-time staff is passionate and dedicated to serving the business community and helping our membership thrive. Our organization has something for everyone with membership benefits that include: marketing opportunities, professional development, advocacy, healthcare solutions and much more. All of these great benefits and more can be found here!

In 2014, we were honored to be named the Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). In 2017 we were recognized at the Illinois Outstanding Chamber of the Year, and in 2018 we were recognized by the Associate of Chamber of Commerce Executives with the highest rating of a 5-star certification.

This award is the only one in the nation to recognize the dual role chambers have in leading businesses and communities. To be nominated, a chamber must have demonstrated success in community leadership, be among the top in the nation for financial and membership growth, and have a demonstrable impact on key community priorities.

While we were pleased to win such a prestigious award, we are forever grateful for our members, volunteers and the community partners who contribute so much time and energy to helping us help McLean County businesses succeed.

Our Board of Directors includes over 20 volunteers, representing a wide range of diverse businesses from across the county. Every year, more than 20 different committees help to plan various programs and events that are beneficial to our entire membership.

We’re proud of our heritage and those who have come before us. From the early 20^th century railroads that set us up as a major transportation center to the nation’s very first Steak N Shake restaurant to today’s visionaries who’ve revitalized downtown Bloomington and uptown Normal, we have a great story to tell, and a lot to look forward to. 

Vision

The vision of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is to be a vibrant, progressive business community that works together to make McLean County a great place to do business.

Mission

To support our members, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Promotes commerce, Advocates pro-business perspectives, Collaborates to lead change, and Engages for action for results that strengthen the prosperity of the business community.

History

Rising from the ashes of "The Great Fire of 1900," the McLean County Chamber of Commerce  has been a vital factor in Central Illinois business development for more than 110 years.

With nearly 1,000 members, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is the premier business organization in McLean County, as well as being the largest. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of businesses and individuals investing time and money in a continual community development program. Working together, we strive to improve the economic, civic and cultural well-being of McLean County.

The work of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is vital to the success of the community. We address the concerns of businesses large and small such as: affordable health care, networking, advocacy, transportation and growth. We are also the primary community resource for individuals seeking information about the business climate or the quality of life in McLean County.

Our vision is simple: "to be a vibrant, progressive business community that works together to make McLean County a great place to do business." The McLean County Chamber of Commerce is creating an environment where people want to live and work.

Please bookmark this site and visit often to take advantage of an invaluable on-line resource. This site offers such features as a Calendar of Events, a searchable on-line Membership Directory, Membership Benefits and Programs, on-line Membership Applications, and much more.

Timeline

• 1900 - Bloomington Business Men's Association formed
• 1901 - Bloomington Business Men's Association incorporated
• 1912 - Name changed to Commercial Club of Bloomington
• 1922 - Name changed to Association of Commerce of Bloomington
• 1968 - Association of Commerce of Bloomington and Normal Chamber of Commerce merge to form the Association of Commerce and Industry of McLean County.  The ACI's scope of activities becomes county-wide
• 1984 - Name changed to McLean County Chamber of Commerce