Ribbon Cutting

Wed., Jan. 7, 4:30 p.m.

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 501 E. Capitol Ave., Suite A, Springfield

Renee Rothschild Events will be hosting a ribbon cutting at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce office. Join Renee as she celebrates joining the chamber for her business!

January Luncheon

Thu., Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E. Adams, Springfield

January’s luncheon topic is, Helping Main Street Navigate Washington’s Tax Changes. The presenter is Brian Bates, senior tax manager at Coonrod Financial Services. This year saw numerous changes that have direct tax implications for your business. It’s not too late to learn how to shelter your business from tax fallout and take advantage of any new tax benefits. The business exhibitor is Ryan Sinks, owner of RJS Home Remodeling & Architectural Landscaping. Lunch is a pasta buffet: Romaine salad, garlic bread, pasta with tomato-basil sauce, pasta with Alfredo sauce, cookies and brownies and water and iced tea. Lunch is $20 per person. You have the option to pay online when you register at the link provided, or pay at the door with check, cash, credit card or member punch card. RSVP by 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 5. If you register and your plans change, please notify the chamber office as soon as possible by emailing Director@chatham-il-chamber.com since we must pay for every confirmed reservation. Please note that you will be billed for the cost of food if you do not cancel your reservation by the RSVP deadline.

Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance Annual Meeting

Tue., Jan. 13, 8 a.m.

Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, 531 E. Washington St., 5th Floor, Springfield

Save the date for the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance annual meeting. A formal invitation with full event details and registration information will be shared soon.

Record Clearance Event

Mon., Jan. 19, 1-6 p.m.

CAP 1908 Social Innovation Center, 1100 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield

Record Clearance Event

Rise & Shine

Wed., Jan. 21, 7:30-8:45 a.m.

TPH Strategies, 2060 W. Monroe St., Springfield

Join The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals networking group, RISE Springfield, January 21 at TPH Strategies. Meet fellow young professionals in the Springfield area, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast from Nelson’s catering. Learn about RISE co-founder Nick Gentile, commercial lender at Prairie State Bank & Trust, who will speak on why it’s important to give back to your community and how it adds to your personal and professional growth. Brush up on your tax-season trivia for the chance to win one of the TPH Strategies branded swag items. Bring your business cards to enter for a chance to have TPH Strategies match your charitable donation to a not-for-profit organization (up to $500) of your choice. Registration is encouraged for this event, but not required.

Wake up Chatham Chamber

Wed., Jan. 21, 7:30-9 a.m.

Pole Barn Chic Events, 4491 Old Chatham Road, Springfield

Start your day with coffee and conversation with the Chatham Chamber Area Chamber of Commerce. Connect with chamber members and meet other business owners and operators, and learn more about the local business community. Businesses interested in joining the Chatham Area Chamber are invited to stop by for more information. Thank you to Pole Barn Chic for hosting our breakfast event! Though there is no charge for the event, RSVP by January 16 so our hosts can make appropriate plans.

SSGA-Local & State Incentives for Business

Thu., Jan. 22, 4-6 p.m.

CAP 1908 Social Innovation Center, 1100 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield

SSGA-Local & State Incentives for Business

CAPture Workshop-Blueprint to Action: Structuring Goals

Fri., Jan. 23, 9-10:30 a.m.

CAP 1908 Social Innovation Center, 1100 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield

CAPture Workshop-Blueprint to Action: Structuring Goals

Mid-Illinois Communications Association

Wed., Jan. 28, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Horace Mann, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield

Join MICA and Casey Claypool, executive director at Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, to learn about the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Explore the strategic communications and event-planning work behind the year-long Centennial Celebration of Route 66. It’s a rare look at how a historic milestone is being turned into a modern, multi-layered campaign. We’ll dive into how the team is shaping the brand story, coordinating partners, engaging audiences and planning large-scale events that honor the legacy of Route 66 while driving tourism and community impact. If you’re involved in PR, marketing, tourism or community engagement, this session may help inspire your planning for 2025 and beyond. Members receive a discount on ticketed events, please log into your account before you register for the event.

HR Essentials for Business Leaders

Thu., Feb. 5, 7:30-10:30 a.m.

BRANDT, 2935 S. Koke Mill Road, Springfield

The program will begin with roundtable sessions focused on specific issues, followed by a legal update. Roundtable topics this year include: 1. Hiring in the AI era 2. Navigating employee pay and benefits in challenging economic times 3. Connecting people, performance and business results 4. Practical ways to develop employees in small companies. After the roundtables, Brown, Hay & Stephens will provide a legal update on current legislation critical for employers to know. The seminar will conclude with a question and answer session with representatives of Brown, Hay & Stephens, partner sponsor American Central Insurance Services and supporting sponsor Central Illinois Chapter- Society for Human Resource Management providing answers to your burning HR questions. A hot breakfast from Nelson’s Catering will be served.

Coffee & Connections

Tue., Feb. 10, 7:30-8:45 a.m.

Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet, 2941 Plaza Drive, Springfield

Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet will host the February Coffee & Connections. Complimentary coffee, juice and breakfast items will be offered. Join us and network with other chamber members.

Chatham Chamber Board meeting

Wed., Feb. 11, 7:30 a.m.

Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce St., Chatham