Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce

Today’s luncheon had to be one of the most informative ones we’ve offered! Kari Martin Leyva from the Chatham Fire Department let us know the signs to look for when someone is having a heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke, etc. and what action you can take when you see it happen. She also covered CPR techniques for adults and babies, as well as how to use an AED machine.

Our Business Exhibitor was Jessica Derhake, owner/founder of JD Haley People Strategies, LLC. She brings a wealth of HR experience that she would be happy to share with you and your business! She also has added JD Haley Studios to her business, which can help with the design of your marketing materials; and is a published author and illustrator of a children’s book, “Goodbye, Starlight.”

Finally, a million thanks to Zach Thornton and staff at the Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr, for hosting our event and providing A/V assistance, and of course, their always delicious lunch!

If you weren't able to attend today's luncheon and would like the links to the presenters, see below:

Chatham Fire Department/American Heart Association Training Center: https://cfd-il.com/?page_id=4374

JD Haley People Strategies: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xmwZFRcaQ7DhVRyytM5YjTQm06_S0xP_/view?usp=sharing

The Chamber is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to three Glenwood High School graduating seniors.

Ashlyn Chopra, Stella Lopp, and Annabel Mollerud, will each receive a $1000.00 scholarship to be applied to their college education.

Ashlyn is the daughter of Jessica and Ashish Chopra. She will be studying Business Analytics on the Pre-Law Track at the University of Dayton.

Stella is the daughter of Lauri and Brian Lopp. She will be continuing her education at Indiana University, and intends to pursue a pre-medical track with a major in Human Biology, as she works toward a future career in medicine.

Annabel is the daughter of Jennifer and Gregory Mollerud. She will be attending the University of Arkansas to study Nursing, with the goal of one day being a Nurse Anesthetist.

The Chamber Scholarship Program exists to help area students pursue their future plans, while promoting business within the community.

We're delighted to welcome Big Dog Business Coaching to the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce. Big Dog Business Coaching, led by partners Robert Ferriell and Chris Hartsook, help individuals and businesses achieve exponential growth through “10X” strategies and mindset. Their approach combines expansive thinking with disciplined ex*****on, giving clients a clear framework to scale with purpose and consistency while fostering habits that sustain long-term success.

Beyond driving business results, Robert and Chris believe strong businesses are the backbone of thriving communities. Their work extends beyond coaching—fostering leadership, strengthening local economies, and creating a ripple effect that benefits families, organizations, and the community at large.

Learn more about them at bigdogbc.com, or give a listen to Robert's local podcast, Elevate Springfield, where he highlights business leaders, community voices, and personal growth stories.

Looking for somewhere new to eat tonight? Try SauceHouse Wings & Fish in Chatham! And while you're there, thank them for becoming the newest member of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce.

SauceHouse Wings & Fish, brings the flavor with crispy wings, seasoned fish, and mouthwatering sauces. From quick bites to family meals, every order is cooked fresh and packed with taste.

SauceHouse is located at 321 N. Main St. in Chatham. Customers can dine in, call (217-280-4764), or order online through DoorDash or Clover. SauceHouse’s hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed on Monday.

Congratulations to Clean Cut Painting & Handyman, Springfield for being chosen as the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Month for May!

Clean Cut Painting & Handyman is more than a business; it’s a family legacy rooted in Decatur and growing across the Central Illinois region. With over 30 years of combined experience in the industry, Dara and Colby Geiser began operating Clean Cut Painting and Handyman Services in 2018.

What sets Clean Cut apart is their unwavering dedication to family values. Colby and Dara Geiser, alongside a team of seasoned professionals, have nurtured and grown Clean Cut into a thriving woman-owned and family-operated business. Many of their employees have been part of the Clean Cut business since its inception, embodying the spirit of commitment and continuity.

In 2024, Clean Cut began expanding their footprint to the Springfield area, and brought in their son, Jack, to help lead that initiative.

Give Clean Cut Painting & Handyman a call at (217) 494-7028, or email [email protected] to set up an appointment, and let them exceed your expectations in creating spaces with a commitment to quality, integrity, and professionalism.

The Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Clean Cut Painting & Handyman, Springfield, as our Member of the Month for May.

Chatham Area Chamber Ambassadors, Jeff Dillman, Will Formea, Dalton Minder, Justin Guernsey, Meredith Ferguson, and Emily Canham chose to feed kids who take part in Compass for Kids’ after school program, as a team-building activity today! Not sure who had more fun-the Ambassadors or the kids!!

Great to see everyone at our Ribbon Cutting to celebrate new member, Scooter's Coffee in Chatham! Thanks to Scooter’s generosity, 20% of sales today will benefit the Ball Chatham Food Pantry. Scoot in if you have the chance!

We're delighted to announce that Carpenters Local 270 has joined the Chatham Area Chamber!

Much of the skilled craftsmanship defining the Village of Chatham’s new Municipal Center is being handled by the professionals at Carpenters Local 270. It will be great to see their work as the project progresses in the next year! Local 270 has over 1,300 highly-trained and skilled journeyman carpenters and apprentices working in the industrial, commercial and residential fields.

Local 270 is located at 211 W. Lawrence Ave., in Springfield.

Please join us in welcoming Navigator Wealth Strategies to the Chamber! Navigator Wealth Strategies, located at 6300 S. 6th St. Frontage Road East in Springfield, specializes in Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, and Wealth Management. At their core, they are a team of financial planners who believe that trust is earned through action—and that doing the right thing is non-negotiable.

Whether you're planning for your first home, your child’s education, or a well-earned retirement, they’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Their team brings together deep expertise with a heart for service, offering guidance that’s not only strategic, but sincere.

Reach out to them at 217-679-4199.