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The McLean County Chamber of Commerce always strives to bring valuable content to the business community - whether it be in person or via video. These videos are designed to streamline the Chamber experience with easily accessible, on-demand information. We want to know how we can best serve you and your business through our Member Education programs. Let us know what topics are of interest to you, and we will do our best to tailor our programming accordingly.
2024 BUSINESS EDUCATION SCHEDULE
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Steph demonstrates how to better integrate your business into the Bloomington-Normal community and align with the good happening here.
Learn MoreLearn about why video content is a valuable asset for organizations to use in their marketing strategy with Dillon Elliott from Fly Square Media.
Learn MoreChatGPT is a product by OpenAI that uses a language model to interact in a conversational way. It can provide instant answers, creative inspiration, and new knowledge. It is trained using human feedback and reinforcement learning.
Learn MoreIn this session, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office will cover the specifics of the state law and provide an overview of how Illinois Secure Choice works and how easy it is for businesses to facilitate retirement savings for their employees. Christine Cheng serves as Director of Secure Choice for the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. In her role, she oversees implementation and expansion of Illinois Secure Choice to improve retirement savings access for private-sector workers, helping to ensure that more Illinoisans can retire with dignity.
Learn MoreJoin Ted Wolf and Bret Johnson as they present on a practical guide to getting started in branding and sales marketing.
Learn MoreEnergy costs are on the rise in Central Illinois! Do you have a plan? Members can receive a free evaluation of their electricity and natural gas spending by our Energy Program partner, Good Energy. They'll help make sure you're on the right track to keep your business running smoothly. Please join our speaker Jerod McMorris and Gary Swantner to learn how you can take advantage of this program.
Learn MoreCanva is an online design tool that allows users to create stunning flyers, social media content, videos, and more. In this session, you will get a basic overview of what Canva has to offer, and learn some tips and tricks to get you on your way to making eye-catching designs!
Learn MoreJoin Dr. Terry Noel of Illinois State University as he discusses developing mentorships between college students and business members.
Learn MoreJoin us for this Zoom presentation with Andrew Cunningham, Director of Legislative Relations, Illinois Chamber of Commerce. He will discuss what bills passed during Spring Session for the Illinois General Assembly and how they could impact your business.
Learn MoreDid you know public speaking is one of the top fears of society? Whether that is true for you or you are looking to find reassurance that you are doing it right, this lunch is for you. Join Rachel Kobus, director of alumni engagement at Illinois State, as she shares tips and tricks on preparing and presenting as well as the do’s and don’ts of public speaking.
Learn MorePlease join Brooke Fenske, Manager of Member Development, as she focuses on realistic best practices for members to get the most out of their McLean County Chamber of Commerce membership. Guest speaker and active member, Brian Plath, of WayFinder, will share his Chamber story and how it has positively impacted his business.
Learn MoreEnergy prices continue to rise, impacting budgets of households and businesses alike. Join Larissa to learn about options to reduce your business's energy costs, from increased efficiency to renewable energy options. Larissa Armstrong is the Assistant Director of the Ecology Action Center and manages their energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. She is a Certified Energy Analyst and Building Performance Professional.
Learn MoreAs a business owner, you can and should know the value of your business. It is easily obtained and invaluable knowledge/understanding. The value of your business has much to do with your future potential. Unforeseen circumstances will alter the path of your business. Knowing and understanding your value prepares you to deal with these changes. You don't need to be an expert in the mechanics and academics of business value, but you do need to be the leading expert in the value of your own business. Join Brian Veeder, Operations Coordinator with Kahuna Accounting, as he discusses the importance of a Business Valuation.
Learn MoreThe first day of any new year is still the number one day for new employment laws to take effect. 2023 is no exception. On January 19, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., join Chamber Member, Scott Cruz, a Labor and Employment Attorney at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C, as he discusses the new employment laws for 2023, and those you may have missed in 2022, that will affect your workplace and require updates to your employee handbook, all to ensure full and complete compliance.
Learn MoreThe GAOI is the statewide trade association for the geothermal heat pump industry in our state. Freitag will provide an overview of the technology, which moves the earth’s natural heating and cooling energy, to our homes and businesses. He will provide energy efficiency and operations cost savings estimates, as well as general information about installation costs.
Learn MoreBelieve it or not, I used to have someone else call in my pizza orders and used to get nervous walking into a room full of strangers. Like it or not, networking is a necessity for pretty much every industry and can provide you with amazing opportunities. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have an outgoing, bubbly personality to be good at networking. With these few tips, you will find it is not so bad, and the more you do it, the more it will feel like second nature.
Learn MoreDuring this session, Integrity’s Chief Information Security Officer Scott Stevens will provide updates on the current cybersecurity landscape with content applicable to both businesses and consumers. You’ll learn about the methods hackers use to gain access to sensitive information and systems, and how to leverage best practices that will help you protect against a cybersecurity breach.
Learn MoreJoin Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle as she provides an overview of the referendum proposed on the November ballot. Following a six-month community engagement process, Unit 5 identified the referendum as a solution to the district’s multimillion-dollar structural deficit. If passed, this would expand the district’s taxing authority for the education fund, though the overall tax rate should go down. Please join us for this opportunity to learn more.
Learn MoreIf you are constantly changing up your marketing efforts, spending too much time analyzing or trying to track what’s working and what’s not, or simply have no clue where to start, this information is for you! We will talk a bit about the top marketing mistakes and then dive into a brief understanding of the buying process, which will ultimately help identify strategies for each stage that will ultimately help you sell.
Learn MoreImmigration has a direct impact on U.S. labor supply and productivity. Amidst the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as policy shifts at the government level between 2019 and 2021, immigration to the U.S. slowed, leaving even more jobs unfilled. One estimate suggests that the U.S. is missing up to 2 million workers because of staggering immigration numbers. The good news? Immigration is still a driving force in expanding our country’s productive capacity and fostering rich cultural diversity, and our government’s response to these impacts of the pandemic included efforts to make it easier than usual for U.S. employers to recruit and employ immigrant workers.
Learn MoreThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Health Alliance Medical Plans, Inc, offers healthcare solutions for all chamber members. Small employers have access to medical coverage that’s up to 17% less than alternative ACA options through the new Association Healthcare Plan, and large employers receive preferred pricing through ECHI.
Learn MoreIf you have not created a LinkedIn profile yet, or have one, but rarely log in, you are missing a huge opportunity. Learn why and how you should be utilizing LinkedIn for your business. We will chat about what your profile should look like and how to use it for Networking, Branding, and Recruiting.
Learn MoreThis presentation will focus on creating your vision statement by answering what a vision statement is, and how you can communicate your vision statement.
Learn MoreThe Illinois General Assembly will soon come to a close after reviewing hundreds of proposed new bills this spring. Top of mind for our business community is which of those bills, if acted upon, will have a direct correlation to rebuilding business, workforce and infrastructure in a post-COVID economy.
Learn MoreJoin us for a conversation on what we can do now to take advantage of tax-efficient giving in 2022 and beyond…in a higher tax environment!
Learn MoreSpiking prices and supply shortages have roiled Illinois electricity markets, causing significant price increases in both utility and alternative supplier charges. Join us for a discussion on the current energy environment and the steps you can take to mitigate your organizations energy costs.
Learn MoreCounty Government plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, but much of its work is done behind the scenes. To highlight the imperative work being done by this legislative body, the Chamber invites all members to attend this event to focus on the State of McLean County government alone.
Learn MoreThis seminar will compel leaders to examine their beliefs and practices pertaining to organizational culture. You’ll walk away with the tools to build an extraordinary workplace culture that promotes advancement of both your organization and its people.
Learn MoreExplore common barriers to effective performance evaluations, such as biases. Compare and contrast your current practice to recommended strategies. Leave with several take-aways ready to apply back on the job.
Learn MoreAttendees will be presented with an in-depth review and discussion of the very latest employment & labor law developments over the past year.
Learn MoreDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) may seem like the newest business buzzword that comes with yet another thing to put on your to do list. But defining what it means to be a part of your business is vital for every operational area. In this talk, Dr. Kate Browne will explain the basics of DEI and how creating a culture of belonging can positively impact your entire business. Attendees will be able to identify and implement the next step that will make their workplace more welcoming.
Learn MoreThe U.S. Government is the world’s largest buyer of products and services. Purchases by military and civilian installations in FY20 amounted to over $600 billion, and included everything from complex space vehicles to janitorial services. Goods and services provided by the private sector are critically important for government operations.
Learn MoreCanva is a free online design tool that gives you the power to design stunning fliers, social media graphics, resumes, and other visual content according to your personal or professional brand. Take a dive into the platform as you learn how to navigate its integral features, understand basic functions, and explore its variety of assets so that you can create designs that will enhance your digital presence and help you accomplish your goals.
Learn MoreJoin PNC Private Bank in this information packed webinar and learn what you need to do now to get your business and yourself ready for a successful transition.
Learn MoreEvan discusses how companies can close the gap with their hiring needs and be more competitive considering the candidate/labor shortage that they are experiencing. Attendees will gain insight to what candidate shortages, low turnout and high employee turnover rates are telling us about employee recruitment and retention and will learn best practices on how employers may want to consider pivoting from their traditional recruiting and hiring processes in 2022.
Learn MoreJoin us as we hear an update from Jessica McKnight on the state of COVID in McLean County, and the effects of the new quarantine period on local businesses and their employees.
Learn MoreThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce presents the conclusion of our four-part "State of" series with the State of Bloomington-Normal.
Learn MoreIn honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we sit down with Scott Stevens of Integrity to discuss the emerging cyber threats you should be aware of to protect your business and yourself.
Learn MoreLearn how to effectively use social media to grow your business.
Learn MoreThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce once again presents the State of Congress, an interactive discussion with Congressman Darin LaHood and Congressman Rodney Davis covering critical issues facing McLean County businesses. This is part III of the Chamber's IV part advocacy series.
Learn MoreThe Member Referral Contest is a great opportunity to help the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and Your Business grow by referring new members! A growing membership strengthens the Chamber’s impact as it advocates on issues of importance to our members.
Learn MoreWe sit down with Jessica McKnight from the McLean County Health Department to provide us an updates on COVID-19 Vaccination Program and Restore Illinois Plan.
Learn MoreLeadership McLean County (LMC), a program of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, presents: Leaders on Loan (LOL). This session will review the intent, application process, selection process and review the project process for Leaders on Loan Projects.
Learn MoreThis interactive session will focus on how to get your business “back to better” by understanding and leveraging three key elements of a successful employer brand that will improve employee recruitment, retention, and engagement; and, in turn, enhance your business success.
Learn MoreWe sit down with Jessica McKnight from the McLean County Health Department to provide us an updates on COVID-19 Vaccination Program and Restore Illinois Plan.
Learn MoreThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce sat down with Kevin Garner, M.D, from Chestnut Family Health Center to discuss the COVID-19 Vaccine and reopening strategies and consideration.
Learn MoreThe 102nd General Assembly recently came to a close after reviewing hundreds of proposed new bills this spring. Top of mind for our business community is which of those bills, if acted upon, will have a direct correlation to rebuilding business, workforce and infrastructure in a post-COVID economy.
Learn MoreWe sit down with Jessica McKnight from the McLean County Health Department to provide us an updates on COVID-19 Vaccination Program and Restore Illinois Plan.
Learn MoreThe CVB will share their achievements, marketing, partnerships, and sales objectives. They will also disclose how they will accelerate the groundwork for recovery. The support the CVB receives from the City of Bloomington, the Town of Normal, the County of McLean, the Illinois Office of Tourism and their community partnerships will be essential as the community rises to the challenge of recovering tourism in 2021!
Learn MoreWe sit down with Billy Tyas, City of Bloomington Deputy City Manager and Leslie Yocum, City of Bloomington City Clerk to discuss the new City Services Hub (or "The Hub") on Thursday, May 20th at 10:00 am.
Learn MoreThe MIC (or Member Information Center) is an internal website just for our Chamber Members! It gives you the ability manage a variety of member activities, such as updating company information, posting a job, and networking between members. The McLean County Chamber Staff will give an over view of the MIC and allow members to familiarize themselves with the easy to navigate menus and explore how to utilize the MIC to enhance your Chamber experience.
Learn MoreJoin us as we sit down with Matt Hawkins of the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to discuss Restaurant week, hosted by the BN Area CVB from May 14-23 and sponsored by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and the Pantagraph. BN Bites & Brews is celebration of local food where customers can discover our prized culinary scene.
Learn MoreWe sit down with McLean County Health Department regarding updates on COVID-19 Vaccination Program, Restore Illinois Plan, and a focus discussion on the 2020-2022 Community Health Improvement Plan Annual Report.
Learn MoreThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce will sit down with Brandy Finney from Integrity Technology Solutions to discuss how you can better utilize Microsoft Teams for remote meetings.
Learn MoreThe McLean County Chamber of Commerce sits down with Nicole Allen from Insight CPAs and Financial PPLC to review the Employer Retention Credit (ERC).
Learn MoreThe American Rescue Plan is here, and it brings a new round of improved programs to help small business stay afloat and even prosper as we work our way to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn MoreCongressman Rodney Davis’ bill the Employer Participation in Repayment Act became law in 2020 and is authorized through at least 2025. This law helps companies recruit and retain employees by making student loan payments by employers tax exempt up to $5,250 a year—similar to tax exemptions for tuition assistance programs.
Learn MoreCounty Government plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, but much of its work is done behind the scenes. To highlight the imperative work being done by this legislative body, the Chamber invites all members to view this virtual event to focus on the State of McLean County government alone.
Learn MoreWe sit down with Shelly Purchis and Norm Griffin from Career Link to discuss Employer Programs such as Incumbent Worker Training, On the Job Training, and Apprenticeship Assistance. Learn more about how your business can tap into the Career Link resources which can offer essential tools to meet the changing demands of the modern economy. Career Link operates through the Illinois workNet Center of Normal, Illinois, an integrated, job-driven workforce system them links diverse talent to business in need of recruitment, hiring, and training assistance.
Learn MoreWe sit down with McLean County Health Department Administrator, Jessica McKnight, to learn more about COVID-19 Vaccinations, Restore Illinois Plan, and the 2020-2022 Community Health Improvement Plan.
Learn MoreWe sat down with Ryan Whitehouse, Chairman of the Connect Transit Board of Trustees, as he gave an update on Connect Transit and what is on the horizon for the transit system. Mr. Whitehouse gave an update on the new electric buses that will be arriving later this year and provided information about the three finalist locations for the next transfer center that is coming to downtown Bloomington in the near future.
Learn MoreAs COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, many employers will be exploring requiring vaccinations of their employees and will need to know the rules and regulations as they make their decision. Join us as we sit down with Lorna K. Geiler, an attorney from Meyer Capel, to unpack the question of if an employer can require the COVID-19 vaccination for employees.
Learn MoreWe sit down with McLean County Health Department Administrator, Jessica McKnight, to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination program and Restore Illinois Plan.
Learn MoreThe Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened up a new round of PPP Loans for first-time borrows and a new PPP Second Draw Program for previous PPP borrowers. Join us as we sit down with Steve Timmermann and Brian Davis to review the new applications and take look at the program criteria for both the First Draw and Second Draw programs of the PPP Loans.
Learn MoreDid you know that the Chamber’s online member directory is the most visited page on our website? Not only that, but the average user spends almost 4x more time searching through our members than viewing any other page! In this session, we’ll show you how to update, enhance, and present your business the way YOU want to be seen.
Learn MoreWe sit down with Shelly Streenz from Oh Baby Hair and Day Spa for some tips and tricks for selling your products via Social Media. Shelly, along with her daughter Lexi, will review how to use videos and discuss what trends they are seeing for 2021. This presentation will include some ideas on marketing and tips to grow your social media audience and engagement.
Learn MoreSherri Chinski from Reiser, Chinski & Co., LLP discusses the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) deductibility in 2021. Sherri will discuss the new revenue ruling and revenue procedure for PPP and will encourage people to reach out to their congressmen about changing the current rules.
Learn MoreThis presentation unveils the first-ever county-level comprehensive economic study of wind and solar energy economic benefits in Illinois, prepared by Dr. Loomis with Illinois State University. Power Up Illinois and Dr. David Loomis of Illinois State University will present information on the total impact to date and future project investments from renewable energy across the state. With more than $8 billion in private investment spending and 50,000 new jobs projected, Dr. Loomis' presentation will provide important insight for business and educational leaders alike, into how our growing renewables industry will shape the future of the economy across Central Illinois. McClean County remains the top wind producer in Illinois, collecting over $48 million in property tax payments from wind energy projects since 2007.
Learn MoreThe Chamber presents the conclusion to our four-part "State of" series with the State of Bloomington-Normal. This conversation features Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner, and Normal Mayor Chris Koos, as well as their accompanying City Managers.
Learn MoreIn this Townhall, Town of Normal leadership reviews the town's Small Business Relief program.
Learn MoreBloomington-Normal Economic Development Council President Patrick Hoban, gives an overview of the financial resources available to businesses through the EDC and McLean County.
Learn MoreAn interview with McLean County Health Department Administrator, Jessica McKnight. She provides updates from the Health Department on the level 3 mitigations handed down by the Governor's Office, McLean County's overall COVID testing status, and news of a possible vaccination plan on the horizon.
Learn MoreIn this Townhall interview, Downtown Development Specialist, Samantha Mlot, gives an update on the current projects of Downtown Bloomington.
Learn MoreAn interview with Health Alliance Medical Plans, a 25-year partner with the Employers Coalition for Healthcare (ECHI) and a subsidiary of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, provides a thought-provoking conversation surrounding 7 steps to better health insurance. Large and small employers alike can benefit by reimaging their 2021 benefits and considering a combination of options available as they explore cost-saving measures for their business.
Learn MoreIllinois voters are being asked to choose between preserving the state's constitutionally-mandated flat income tax or changing the constitution to allow for graduated tax rates on different income levels on Nov. 3. Original research by the Illinois Policy Institute shows replacing Illinois’ flat tax with a progressive tax system would cause deep hurt to already overburdened taxpayers, especially as nearly 700,000 Illinoisans are still out of work and struggling to recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis. Illinois Policy Institute's chief economist, Orphe Divounguy, can explain how typical McLean County families and businesses would be affected by the progressive income tax, should voters approve it, as well as what other policy solutions the state should consider.
Learn MoreMarsha Griffin from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office presents the most common types of scams that are occurring and the best practices or steps you can take to avoid them and educate others about them. During the presentation, she will touch on IRS, Social Security, Grandparents Scam, Home Improvement, Identity Theft, Romance Scam, and some of the various COVID Scams their office is seeing. Marsha Griffin is a Community Outreach Liaison for the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Before coming to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Marsha was an elementary teacher for thirteen years. She resides in Jonesboro, Illinois.
Learn MoreMcLean County Clerk Kathy Michael provides an update on the 2020 November election preparations.
Learn MoreIs your organization prepared for disasters? This program is designed to help your business, school, or organization become better prepared for disasters and other emergencies. Red Cross Ready Rating Member organizations have access to an online assessment that is easy to use and measures their current readiness level. And based on their score, receive immediate customized feedback from the American Red Cross emergency preparedness experts. Members then receive the tools and resources needed to take important preparedness steps.
Learn MoreBusinesses are stuck on the frontline of enforcement when it comes to masking policies. Equip yourself & your business with the right tools to safely implement these policies & avoid escalated situations. This seminar is presented by Meyer Capel Law.
Lorna Geiler with Meyer Capel Law presents a seminar on how you as a business can enforce mask policies and how to train your employees to communicate the policies and to address situations to limit the risk of it escalating.
