Mclean County Chamber of Commerce Foundation
THE FOUNDATION'S IMPACT
Through coordinated action, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is advancing workforce development and expanding small business support — creating a community where people are proud to live and work.
Our Mission
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, strengthens our economy through its initiatives focused on workforce and talent alignment and small business growth. Together with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation creates a powerful coordinator that is building capacity for future leaders and creating a community where people are proud to live and work.
Our mission is simple. To fund workforce, leadership, and community development initiatives that strengthen the competitive advantage of McLean County business.
"Supporting the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Foundation felt like a natural extension of the work I do every day in Economic Development. Our community thrives when we invest in the people, businesses, and leadership that shape our region’s long‑term success. The Foundation’s mission aligns closely with those values; building talent, strengthening our workforce, and creating opportunities that make McLean County a place where individuals and businesses can grow.
I chose to donate because I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to nurture the ecosystem that supports our local economy. The Foundation is going to do meaningful, future‑focused work, and contributing to that effort is one small way I can help champion the community I care so deeply about.
If my gift can help accelerate even one program, one entrepreneur, or one emerging leader, then it’s an investment well made!"
Sam Mlot
Economic Development Advocate, City of Bloomington
We’re investing in the Chamber Foundation because we care about this community—our clients, employees and future employees, and the people who live and work here. Supporting efforts that strengthen our community’s vision and develop the workforce aligns with our values, and this investment is an important way we contribute to that progress.
COUNTRY Financial
Leadership Investor
"Receiving a scholarship to attend the 2026 Women in Business Conference meant so much to me. It gave me the opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life, invest in my own growth, and connect with an incredible community of women.
Jessica Maren's keynote really resonated with me. Her message that we can't avoid hardship, but we can get better at bouncing forward, was exactly what I needed to hear. I especially appreciated her perspective that hope isn't something we simply find, but something we can intentionally return to by focusing on what we can control, building small wins, and continuing to grow."
Nicole Monson
Humane Society of Central Illinois
WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT
Our Initiatives
Through coordinated action, we're investing in the people, businesses and opportunities that move McLean County forward.
Workforce Demands
Inspire collaborative, innovative and intentional connections between education, community and business partners to address McLean County's workforce demands.
Small Business, Big Impact
Equip small businesses with financial resources that fuel expansion, strengthen operations and support long-term success.
Scholarships
Provide scholarships for programs that invest in the next generation of workforce and community leaders through an informed, rigorous curriculum.
A Vision for Quality of Place
Create a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, supported by vibrant spaces, inclusive opportunities and shared pride in where we live, work and play.
Collective Community Investment
Encourage corporate social responsibility and advance strategic investments that strengthen our workforce and quality of place.
FAQs
Meet Our Board
Aimee Beam, Chair
Craig McCormick, Secretary
B.J. Wilken
Charlie Moore, Treasurer
Kim Schoenbein, Chair Elect
Julie Dobski
Cheryl Magnuson
Steve Seibring
McLean County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The foundation's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 57545372.