2026 Chair's Membership Breakfast
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Chair’s Membership Breakfast, bringing members together to explore the benefits of Chamber membership, review accomplishments from 2026 and learn about strategic priorities for 2027. The event highlighted the programs, resources and advocacy efforts available to members and the role their investment plays in advancing business success throughout McLean County.
Presented by Ameren and hosted by 2026 Board Chair Nicole Hoffman, Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at Commerce Bank, the breakfast highlighted the role of the Chamber’s nearly 1,000 member businesses in supporting economic growth, workforce development, advocacy and professional connections throughout McLean County.
The breakfast featured remarks from Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Jimmy Clayton, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and member testimonials from Aimee Biles, Director of Normal Flight Volleyball Club, and Jon Orns, Business Development Supervisor at VIVO.
"When you invest in the Chamber, you are doing more than paying dues. You are investing in a program of work that serves this whole county. Your investment gives businesses a voice on public policy. It helps develop the workforce our employers need to compete. It helps professionals grow in their careers. And it creates the connections that help businesses of every size find new customers and partners," said Nicole Hoffman, 2026 Board Chair.Â
The breakfast launched the Chamber’s new Capstone Investor level, recognizing businesses that invest $25,000 or more annually across the Chamber’s program of work and the McLean County Chamber Foundation. Gibson Area Hospital was announced as the first 2027 Capstone Investor, demonstrating its commitment to advancing business success and investing in McLean County’s future.
BJ Wilken, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal YMCA and incoming 2027 Chair of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, announced the Chamber’s next major strategic initiative: the McLean County Strategic Vision Plan which builds on the recently released Talent Alignment Strategy.
The Talent Alignment Strategy, developed in partnership with Heartland Community College and the McLean County Chamber Foundation, identifies opportunities to better align education, workforce preparation and employer needs to help build a work-ready talent pipeline for local businesses.
During the discussion, Aimee Beam, Board Chair of the McLean County Chamber Foundation, shared how the Foundation was established with a commitment to giving back to our community and investing in initiatives that create opportunities for local businesses and residents. Through efforts like the Talent Alignment Strategy, the Foundation is helping turn that commitment into action.
The Strategic Vision plan will bring together business, government and nonprofit leaders to establish a shared vision for McLean County’s future and create a roadmap for the next decade.
The Chamber’s priorities for 2027 reflect its commitment to helping members maximize their investment through access to resources, business advocacy, professional development and opportunities to connect. By listening to member needs and creating experiences that support business growth, the Chamber will continue working to ensure members have the tools, relationships and support they need to succeed.
Thank You To Our Sponsors Who Made This Event Possible:
Presenting Sponsor: Ameren Illinois
Venue Sponsor: City of Bloomington
