Chamber Members,

Over the next several days you have the opportunity to vote in support of the proposed merger between Mattoon Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce.

At no time during the months of committee meetings did anyone on the chambers’ merger committee expect false and misleading information to be circulated or members to feel pressured into a vote. We want members to ask questions to be better informed. The boards held four community forums, distributed informational brochures, posted items on the website and have fielded many questions. We welcome all voices, including those concerned about cultural differences, location, board composition, and other matters, and to be involved in the future conversation and decision-making processes. You are a member and you can decide how you want to vote. You have until 5 pm, July 21 to cast your ballot.

If you have any questions, please contact the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce at 217-235-5661 at your convenience. We feel the need to provide additional information.

Chamber Size

There is no denying that Mattoon and Charleston are two different cities, but with essentially the same population, which in Charleston’s case includes the thousands of students. Students consume goods and services differently than those who make their homes here. And therefore Charleston likely has fewer businesses to comprise the chamber.

Events

Charleston and Mattoon chambers have different events that help support them. Charleston’s largest event is its Tour de Charleston that attracts more than 300 bicyclists who visit the area and spend their money here. Mattoon has a long-standing and successful golf tournament. Both chambers host ribbon cuttings, business after hours and provide members with a monthly newsletter. We’re not so different.

Carrie Young Estate

There has been chatter about the Carrie Young Estate Trust. Carrie Young left her estate for the betterment of the community of the City of Mattoon for the benefit of its residents. That will remain unchanged. For several decades the Mattoon Chamber has awarded funds from this trust. Should the vote be successful, the new chamber will continue to follow the guidelines in the trust to disperse funds for the betterment of the residents of Mattoon, as it always has.

Board Composition

And lastly, the composition of the board. The committee decided that instead of identifying a certain number of board members to serve from each town, that the best candidates would be nominated for which members can vote. So many people from Mattoon work in Charleston and vice versa. Which town are they representing – the one in which they work or the one in which they live? For this reason, the committee felt it was important to nominate the persons who would be actively engaged. As it always has been, it is required that any prospective board members be a representative of an organization that is a Chamber member.

Our world and economy are changing. We’ve heard arguments that this group just wants to keep Mattoon the same as it always has been. We want the wider community to grow and prosper because when businesses do well, we all benefit. 

The Mattoon Chamber Board