CLINTON — Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau held it annual dinner last weekend at the Clinton Country Club. It was an evening of recapping, reminding, and rewarding.

2018 was a quiet year for the Chamber. Most production was behind the scenes - setting up theChamber for its 2019 goal to be more member-oriented. Changes to the Web site were made, includingmembership applications and dues payment options, updates of member information, and revamping of programs and tourism.

As for drama, Ed Cicenas, Former Chamber President and owner of EMC Photography joked, “…no Exelon plant closure threats this year, no closing of the Haunted House. We did lose Walmart – but for small local businesses that can be a blessing in disguise. The only controversial role we took on was part of our mission.”

The mission of the Chamber is to promote commerce and help businesses grow in the Clinton area.

This is accomplished by supporting all of its members. A member asked for support on a controversial topic, the Chamber Board discussed at length, and voted in support. 

“Despite what many people still get confused about, we are not part of the city or county government,” Cicenas said. “In fact,sometimes supporting our members means we might disagree with the city council…Our organization holds a key role in economic development in the area.”

Cicenas introduced the room to the Chamber board, including newcomers John Oliver, of Richland Community College, Brad Barton, of Ace Hardware, and former vice president of the Chamber, Byron Conner, of Clintonia Eagle Theater who is now the Chamber president. During dinner the attendees enjoyed music from the Clinton High School Jazz Band under the direction of Nathan Wheeler.

The night ended with the member awards ceremony. Each member was divided into one of four categories.

Their fellow chamber members voted. There were several finalists in each category. The winners

received a plaque with their business or organization’s name. The winners are:

2018 Nonprofit of the Year: Rotary Club of Clinton, Illinois

2018 Small Business of the Year: Clintonia Eagle Theater

2018 Medium Business of the Year: Ace Hardware

2018 Large Business of the Year: Clinton CUSD 15

The Chamber of Commerce holds and helps with events throughout the year. Upcoming events are the

Agri-Business Banquet on February 23 and the Business Expo on March 27. Gun raffle tickets are

now available at the Chamber office or with any of the Board Members. Follow the Chamber on

Facebook @visitclintonil for pictures of the annual dinner. For more information or to answer questions, contact the Chamber at (217) 935-3364 or email chamber@clintonilchamber.com.