Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce

We are excited about this new event on our calendar this year. Space is limited, so register today! Flex your networking skills while enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy high tea with several types of tea served as well as three different plates of treats. This event provides a platform for business professionals to connect, learn, and inspire one another, while also welcoming all members of our vibrant business community. Thank you to First Mid for sponsoring this event and to Byron Bank for supporting! https://lnkd.in/gwdxWqKT

Build the Ensemble Before You Build the Team Are you wondering what happened with our Annual Women's Breakfast? We've made some exciting changes to our Spring Breakfast to ensure inclusivity, so everyone feels welcome. Our speaker, Tom Farley, brother of the late comedian Chris Farley, delivered an inspiring session discussing addition, the impacts of addiction on families, resources for people in all stages of life, and the importance of Building the Ensemble before You Build the Team. We are so lucky to have such incredible people in our community that can share their experiences and resources to help people in difficult situations.   Thank you to General Mills for sponsoring this event as well as Rosecrance for supporting and bringing us this incredible speaker! 

We are coming down to the wire on registration for the Belvidere Area Leadership Academy. Next week we kick off this eight-month series for those interested in building relationships, improving leadership skills, understanding how the community works, and increasing your business network. Register today for this incredible opportunity. https://lnkd.in/gFTrxgZC

Are you wondering what happened with our Annual Women's Breakfast? We've made some exciting changes to our Spring Breakfast to ensure inclusivity, so everyone feels welcome. Our speaker, Tom Farley, brother of the late comedian Chris Farley, promises to deliver an inspiring talk. You can find it on our calendar titled, "Build the Ensemble before You Build the Team." Thank you to General Mills for sponsoring this event as well as Rosecrance for supporting and bringing us this incredible speaker. Please visit our website to purchase your ticket to this event. https://lnkd.in/grqnSi_Z

March Breakfast Before Business: How to create an environment to make your customers and employees choose you and your business in a competitive market. Join us for Breakfast to hear Alicia Perez Owner of Neighborhood Cleaners, along with Amanda and Gary Kieper share thoughtful strategies to retain your employees and customers. •Are you an employer that appreciates your employees?  •Do you create an environment that will make an employee choose to stay with you when minimum wage makes it a “bidding” war for employees?  •Are you an employee that adds value to your employer? What does that actually mean?  •A customer has chosen your business, what do you do to keep them? What are inexpensive marketing ideas to keep them coming back?  •Marketing budget: Do you budget anything?  •With rising costs of goods for your customers, what makes them come back and spend that money with you? Members can register for this FREE Breakfast Before Business on our website. https://lnkd.in/g6ma8gPj

Thursday night was a sizzling evening at the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook-off! Fierce competitors brought their best chili and refreshing drinks to the table. We had a fantastic panel of judges who sampled way more chili than I would be able to consume! With criteria including Flavors, Presentation, and Uniqueness, the judges selected a delicious salsa verde and pork chili from Big Jon's Dogs and More to award "Best Chili." The "Best Booth" category had several additional criteria including Team Spirit, Costumes, Decor, and a signature beverage. It wasn't hard to guess during setup that the team who brought the 20-foot inflatable igloo was probably going to win Best Booth, but there were so many creative presentations that I know it was a difficult decision for our judges. The winner of the "Best Booth" award went home with Americold.  Last year we introduced a special prize for "People’s Choice" based on attendee feedback and continued that award this year.  The Belvidere Police Department won the hearts of attendees with a complex chili that included smoked pork along with a pinata filled with adult treats. Brave individuals had to wear the "Drive Sober" glasses while trying to break open the pinata to show what an alcohol impairment can do to a driver. We had a great time and are already looking forward to next year! Here are the photos of the winners. You can find the rest of the event photos on our website. BelvidereChamber.com

Join us for a Fun Night of Competitive Team Building! Trivia Night is going to be a blast and we still have a few tables available for you to join in the fun.   We will open the doors at 5:30 and kick off the night with a pizza and salad buffet and networking hour. The competition will begin at 6:30.   Learn More.... https://lnkd.in/gNS9kGgt

Welcome new members of the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce! We are thrilled you have joined us! First Community Credit Union Hard Rock Casino Rockford Sanctuary Hospice Women of Today's Manufacturing (WOTM)

2 weeks from tomorrow is one of our most fun events of the year. It isn't too late to sign up to compete. This event is open to all of our members to stop by and try all the delicious chilis. Feel free to bring a friend, but this is an adult event. Can't wait to see you, on Thursday, Feb 22 between 5:30 and 8 pm at the Community Building. Thank you to Americold Logistics, LLC., BELVIDERE COSMO CHARITIES INC, Bucciferro Family McDonald's, Hamblock Ford, and State Representative Dave Vella for sponsoring this event.

2024 Belvidere Area Leadership Academy Registration is now open. Space is limited, so register soon! Introducing the Belvidere Area Leadership Academy: An 8-month journey for emerging leaders, newcomers, and those eager to dive deeper into our community. Our diverse class brings varied backgrounds and perspectives, creating a dynamic learning environment. Explore Boone County's history, opportunities, and successes. Become a catalyst for positive change with us.   The Leadership Academy is dedicated to honing leadership abilities and deepening understanding of business, government, and civic affairs. Through direct engagement with key figures in Boone County, participants can anticipate: ·    Exclusive Networking: Connect with the influential figures shaping Boone County’s essence. ·    Insider Perspectives: Gain privileged access to successful organizations via enlightening company tours. ·    Engaging Conversations: Interact with a diverse spectrum of leaders, both established and emerging, fostering lively discussions. ·    Personal Growth: Discover and amplify your unique leadership strengths while identifying growth opportunities. ·    Cultivated Opportunities: Access avenues that propel your growth as a leader in personal development, business, and the community. Learn More... https://lnkd.in/gu2gmhps Thank you to the sponsors of this series: MR. GOODWATER, INC. Butch Rosecke Byron Bank