2026 Annual Gala

McLean County Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence at 2026 Annual Gala: “Saturday Night Live” Edition

Bloomington-Normal, IL – The McLean County Chamber of Commerce brought energy, humor, and heartfelt recognition to the stage at its 2026 Annual Gala on February 7th at the Illinois State University Bone Student Center. With a creative “Saturday Night Live” theme, this year’s event blended live sketches, video segments, music, and awards into an unforgettable celebration of the businesses and leaders driving McLean County forward.

Thanks to the support of Presenting Sponsor Commerce Bank, the evening welcomed hundreds of business and community leaders for a night dedicated to honoring excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the local business landscape.

“This Gala is always a highlight of our year, but this one truly captured the creativity, resilience, and spirit of our members,” said Charlie Moore, President & CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to celebrate not just achievement, but the passion that make our business community so strong.”

A Night of Celebration and Community

The evening opened with a high-energy production inspired by the iconic live television format, complete with a live band, comedic monologues, and a “Weekend Update”-style segment featuring local leaders.

Guests first heard from host Chris Downing, Associate Vice President of Development and Community Engagement at Heartland Community College, who set the tone for the evening reflecting on what it truly takes to be a business owner. He spoke to the resilience, adaptability, and determination required to lead in today’s environment, reminding the audience that behind every successful business is a leader juggling challenges, solving problems, and showing up each day with vision and grit.

Following Downing, presenting sponsor, Commerce Bank represented by Chase Kusnerik, Assistant Vice President of Commercial Banking, emphasized the importance of partnership, innovation, and continued investment in McLean County’s future. Kusnerik served as the 2025 President of the Chamber’s Bloomington-Normal Young Professionals (BNYP) group.

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2025 Board Chair Meghan O’Neal reflected on a milestone year for the Chamber, highlighting the celebration of its 125th anniversary, advancement of key initiatives such as healthcare coalition transitions and regional collaboration efforts, and downtown investment efforts. O’Neal expressed pride in the progress made during her term and gratitude for the board, staff, and members who helped move the Chamber’s mission forward.

Incoming 2026 Board Chair Nicole Hoffman then shared an enthusiastic and forward-looking vision for the year ahead. She emphasized a renewed focus on membership growth, the development of a coordinated regional talent pipeline strategy in partnership with Heartland Community College, and the launch of a new Women in Business Conference scheduled for June. Hoffman underscored the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening businesses through connection, advocacy, and shared opportunity, encouraging members to continue building momentum together in 2026.

“A strong business community is measured not just in projects and plans, but in rooms like this—full of people who care enough to show up, collaborate, and lead,” Hoffman said. “In 2026, together, we’re going to get it done.”

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Launch of the Chamber Foundation

A major highlight of the evening was the official launch of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization created to expand grant opportunities and provide tax-advantaged investment options to support workforce development, leadership growth, and community advancement.

Foundation Board Chair Aimee Beam announced an initial fundraising goal of $75,000 by December 2026, with early momentum bolstered by a lead gift of $15,000 from COUNTRY Financial.

“The Foundation allows us to transform collaboration into collective impact,” Beam shared. “This is about investing in both people and place to ensure McLean County remains competitive and thriving for generations to come.”

Honoring Excellence Across Industries

The heart of the Gala remained its Business Excellence Awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance, community involvement, and leadership within their respective categories.

The Chamber proudly recognized the following 2025 award recipients:

Legacy of Excellence Award: Leanna Bordner

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The 2025 Legacy of Excellence Award was presented to Leanna Bordner, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Woman Administrator for Redbird Athletics at Illinois State University. In addition to her 33 years of leadership in collegiate athletics, Bordner has made a profound impact across the Bloomington-Normal community through extensive civic involvement. She currently chairs the Oakdale Promise Council, serves on the Visit BN Sports Commission, and leads the Red Cross Evening of Stars. Her service has also included leadership roles with the American Red Cross, YMCA, Easterseals, Kiwanis, THRIVE Rotary, and the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, where she previously received the Athena Award. Bordner’s commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and building opportunities for others reflects a lifetime dedicated not only to excellence in her profession, but to strengthening the fabric of McLean County itself.

Ambassador of the Year: Jada Taylor, Brighter Smiles & Beauty

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Jada Taylor, owner of Brighter Smiles and Beauty, was honored as the 2025 Andy Butler Ambassador of the Year. Since launching her business in 2022, Taylor has quickly become an engaged and enthusiastic Chamber Ambassador, consistently supporting ribbon cuttings, events, and new member outreach. Known for her positive energy and dedication to mentoring fellow entrepreneurs, she embodies the spirit of the late Andy Butler—building authentic relationships and championing the success of others throughout the business community.

Nonprofit Excellence Award: The Immigration Project

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The Immigration Project received the 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to serving immigrant families across Central and Southern Illinois. Through accessible legal services, education, and advocacy, the organization works to strengthen families, promote stability, and expand opportunity. Their impact reaches far beyond individual cases, helping build a more inclusive and economically vibrant community.

Micro Business Excellence Award: Mazter Mindz Media

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Mazter Mindz Media was named the 2025 Micro Business Excellence Award recipient, celebrating their innovation, creativity, and personalized service. Owner Steph Mazanowski, has made a significant impact in digital media production and storytelling, helping local businesses elevate their brands and connect with audiences.

New & Emerging Business Excellence Award: Nautical Bowls

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Nautical Bowls earned the 2025 New & Emerging Business Excellence Award for their rapid growth, community engagement, and fresh approach to healthy dining in Bloomington-Normal. Since opening, the business has quickly established itself as a vibrant addition to the local food scene, offering nutritious options while actively participating in Chamber events and community initiatives.

Small Business Excellence Award: Keg Grove Brewing Company

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Keg Grove Brewing Company was recognized with the 2025 Small Business Excellence Award for their exceptional business performance and deep community involvement. As a locally owned brewery and gathering space, Keg Grove has become a staple in downtown Bloomington, known not only for quality craft beverages but also for hosting community events and supporting other local businesses.

Large Business Excellence Award: Four Seasons Health Club

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Four Seasons Health Club received the 2025 Large Business Excellence Award in recognition of its longstanding commitment to health, wellness, and community leadership. With decades of service in McLean County, the organization has continually invested in facilities, programming, and member experience while supporting numerous local partnerships and initiatives.

Looking Ahead

As the evening concluded with an after-party celebration, the message was clear: McLean County’s business community is collaborative, forward-thinking, and ready to lead.

For more than 125 years, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce has served as the voice of business—connecting members to resources, advocacy, and relationships that drive growth. The 2026 Annual Gala served as both a celebration of that legacy and a launchpad for the year ahead.

Click Here To Watch Gala Videos

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Powered by Sponsors and Partners

The Gala’s success was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Commerce Bank and Feature Sponsor O’Brien Auto Team of Bloomington Normal. A complete list of sponsors can be found on the Chamber website.

The Chamber also recognized the 2026 Board of Directors, Chamber Staff, Gala Partners, and Elected Officials who helped make this night possible.