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Pontiac Chamber and the Coronavirus

I want to share our thoughts on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep you informed of the Chamber’s current state of operations.

The Chamber has been monitoring the developments of the Coronavirus and staying on top of the latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) along with state and local officials to understand the developments and follow necessary guidelines established to help prevent the spread of the virus. I have registered with the CDC to receive updates as they occur.

At this time, the Pontiac Area Chamber remains fully operational and ready to service our members. However due to an overabundance of caution and the safety of our business community and our PTHS students; Betsy Westergreen and I have agreed to postpone the Instagram Workshop.

We are continuing to plan for the Annual Meeting Banquet scheduled for March 31st at the Elk’s. We will monitor the ongoing situation and make a decision as early as possible and notify our members of any status changes when necessary. We recognize these are uncertain times for everyone and we remain committed to supporting our valued members.

The CDC has most recently made this statement which we are following: “Decisions about the implementation of community measures will be made by local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate, and based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness. Implementation will require community engagement, with ongoing and transparent public health communications.”

Thank you all for your support of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce.

Cat Coppinger-Executive Director

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Pontiac Chamber and the Coronavirus

I want to share our thoughts on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep you informed of the Chamber’s current state of operations.

The Chamber has been monitoring the developments of the Coronavirus and staying on top of the latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) along with state and local officials to understand the developments and follow necessary guidelines established to help prevent the spread of the virus. I have registered with the CDC to receive updates as they occur.

At this time, the Pontiac Area Chamber remains fully operational and ready to service our members. However due to an overabundance of caution and the safety of our business community and our PTHS students; Betsy Westergreen and I have agreed to postpone the Instagram Workshop.

We are continuing to plan for the Annual Meeting Banquet scheduled for March 31st at the Elk’s. We will monitor the ongoing situation and make a decision as early as possible and notify our members of any status changes when necessary. We recognize these are uncertain times for everyone and we remain committed to supporting our valued members.

The CDC has most recently made this statement which we are following: “Decisions about the implementation of community measures will be made by local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate, and based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness. Implementation will require community engagement, with ongoing and transparent public health communications.”

Thank you all for your support of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce.

Cat Coppinger-Executive Director

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Hot Topic

Press Release from Livingston County Clerk’s Office

Kristy A. Masching
Livingston County Clerk & Recorder
112 W. Madison Street
Pontiac, IL 61764-1871
Ph. (815) 844-2006
Fax: (815) 842-1844

March 12, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Polling Place Re-Location: Pontiac Precinct #1

The polling site at Evenglow Lodge for voters in Pontiac Precinct #1 is being relocated from the Evenglow Lodge to the Pontiac United Methodist Church (Asbury Room located in the basement), 219 N Chicago Street for the Tuesday, March 17, 2020 General Primary Election.
Questions, call 815-844-2006

L:/KristyM/Election/N:/Kristy M/Election/Electn Eqpmnt Schdls-Tech Info-Poll Site Cntcts/Polling Site Relocation-Evenglow Lodge P#1

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 Chamber Events, Chamber News

Issues & Eggs with the SBA

Thank you to Lolitha McKinney and Amy Lambert from the Small Business Association for presenting to us at our March Issue and Eggs at Edinger’s Filling Station.  We were all surprised to learn that the SBA will meet with you at no cost, confidentially and one on one to help you with your business plan, mentoring and counseling, marketing and even lending. Whether you have already started your business, you’re hoping to start a business, planning an expansion or even need help getting back on your feet after a disaster; the SBA is there. If you would like that individualized help you can call Amy at 844-369-8898 or alliancesbdc.org to request an appointment. Thanks to Edinger’s for great service and another wonderful breakfast. Notice how I am teasing you with Mary’s rolls?

Our next Issues & Eggs is scheduled for May 19th and will be our annual State of the City. If you would like to know more about our event; you can call Cat or Danielle at 815-844-5131.

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Cat Goes to Springfield

Cat made her first trip to the State Capital in Springfield, recently, and was able to represent the Chamber by way of a non-profit, bi-partisan group called ReadyNation. Their focus is on leveraging the experience, influence, and expertise of Chambers and business executives to help build a skilled workforce by promoting solutions that prepare our children to succeed in education, work and life. She appeared before the Education Appropriations Committee; a committee that  our very own, ranking Republican member, State Representative, Tom Bennett serves. The topic was on Early Childhood Education. Cat enjoyed her experience and seeing Rep. Bennett in action.

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 Chamber Events, Chamber News

DHS Gives I-9 Form Workshop

Did you know that all employees must have an I-9 completed and on file within three days of being hired? Did you also know that if this is not done, it is incorrectly filled out or if supporting documents are fraudulent; you as the employer can be fined?

Ben Bauman, Special Agent ICE-DHS came to the Pontiac Chamber to talk to us about the Department of Homeland Security and the I-9. The Homeland Security Act was enacted in 2003 after the tragic events that occurred on 9/11.

Ben went over the proper way to fill out the I-9 both on the employee’s side and that of the employer. He explained there is a free certification online that he recommends all HR departments take to cover your business from I-9 casualties. Visit ice.gov/image to sign up for the free certification and to learn more.

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 Chamber News, Member News

“Fargo” Turns Back Time in Downtown Pontiac

Downtown Pontiac was transformed to the 1950’s when the FX TV series “Fargo” was being filmed this week. Season 4 takes place in Kansas City, Missouri and is scheduled to premiere April 19, 2020.

(Photo credits go to Carolyn Ledford of The General Store and Cat Coppinger of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce)

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 Chamber News, Member News

Pontiac Chamber Welcomes New Member

The Pontiac Chamber is happy to welcome, Pam Deaton a licensed health insurance agent located in downtown Bloomington. Pam represents Healthmarkets which is a nationwide insurance brokerage. She started her health insurance career more than 15 years ago and continues to help individuals, families, and small businesses understand and obtain the best health coverage. In addition to health insurance, Healthmarkets – Pam Deaton offers supplemental insurance such as cancer, accident, dental, vision and life policies; plus annuities, 401K Plans, and more.

When she isn’t busy managing her insurance business and giving back to the communities she serves, Pam loves to spend time with her 3 kids; Alycia (19), DJ (16), and Donovan (Don Don, 13). They all stay busy with school and sports; and yep, Pam likes to be the encouraging, loud sports mom.

A caring, giving, supportive, hard worker is how those that know Pam would describe her. She would like to say thank you to everyone for their business, support and dedication in helping her reach her goals.

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 Chamber News, Member News

Pontiac Chamber Welcomes New Member

The Pontiac Chamber is excited to welcome a new member! Robin Sorenson-Monat .Robin tell us, ” You only get 60 seconds to make a first impression and your hair and skin are the first thing people see.With my business I am able to help people build their confidence and their careers through a naturally based product line that promotes their BEST self forward. My family helps keep me grounded as well as busy!!! As a wife, mom of four a flexible career is a must! I’ve been in business over 4 years and have helped many people solve their hair and skin dilemmas all while offering them the flexible opportunity that I have grown to love. Chaos and confidence are a great mix and I am proud to be a Monat business partner and look forward to helping everyone find their perfect mix to create their own best first impression”.

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 Chamber News, Member News

Pontiac Chamber Helps Member

We love hearing from our members! Stacey Shrewsbury, Director, Heartland Community College Pontiac gave us some good news, “Thank you so much for your efforts on behalf of the chamber to promote the Essential Workplace Skills: Communicating Effectively class. We went from a possible class size of 6 to 17 in about 24 hours! The Chamber’s support in sharing this program information with area business was greatly appreciated.” We were happy to send an E-Blast to get the word out that seats were still available. This is a free benefit of being a Pontiac Chamber of Commerce member. What can we do for you?

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