Above and Beyond with Prairie Home Alliance
Prairie Home Alliance celebrates 50 years in business and receives the inaugural Above and Beyond Award for community impact and workforce leadership.
Prairie Home Alliance
Why We Reimagined Networking at the Peoria Area Chamber
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce has reimagined its networking events to better serve today’s business leaders. After listening to member feedback and evaluating engagement trends, the Chamber transitioned from traditional Business Before and After Hours to more intentional experiences like Business Growth Breakfast and new signature networking events. Learn why the change was made and what members can expect next.
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Top 5 Reasons CLS Should Be Part of Your 2026 Goals
Community Leadership School (CLS) is one of Greater Peoria’s most impactful leadership experiences. Discover the top five reasons professionals and employers make CLS part of their annual goals, from confidence-building to community engagement. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open now.
Madeline Herrman
PRESS RELEASE: Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 2025 Thanksgiving Luncheon Presented by Caterpillar and Heyl Royster
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2025 Thanksgiving Luncheon with more than 600 business leaders. The event featured keynote speaker Bradley University President James Shadid, recognized community impact award recipients, and announced the Chamber’s honor as the 2025 IACCE Large Chamber of the Year.
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Peoria Takes a Strategic Step Forward in Talent & Leadership Development
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Managing Director for Talent and Leadership Strategy, Madeline Herrman, has been selected for the ACCE Foundation’s 2025–26 Fellowship for Talent Development. Her participation will help shape regional strategies to build a stronger, data-driven workforce pipeline that connects businesses, educators, and community partners across Greater Peoria.
Jessica Linder Gallo, President & CEO
How Technology Is Powering the Future of Illinois Small Business
Technology is transforming how small businesses in Central Illinois operate. Discover how AI, automation, and digital tools are driving growth across Illinois, based on insights from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Empowering Small Business Report.
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Navigating the New Tax Law: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Recent updates to federal tax law introduce several changes that may impact small businesses, including adjustments to the Qualified Business Income deduction, research and development expense rules, Section 179 expensing limits, and employer-provided child care credits. This overview, based on guidance from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, highlights key provisions and steps businesses can take to prepare for upcoming tax seasons.
Savana Nelson, VP of Marketing & Member Relations
Discover Your Potential… Connect to Your Community: Community Leadership School Returns for a New Season of Growth and Impact
Discover how the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership School (CLS) empowers emerging leaders to connect, collaborate, and create impact across Greater Peoria. This 16-week program blends leadership development with hands-on community projects, offering participants direct access to local changemakers and organizations shaping our region’s future. Applications for the 2026 CLS cohort are open now—don’t miss your chance to grow your leadership and make a lasting difference.
Megan Wineland, CLS Committee Chair
Implementing EOS: Driving Clarity, Culture, and Results
Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transformed the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce from a reactive organization into a strategically aligned, results-driven team. In her Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) project, the Jessica Linder Gallo reflects on how EOS strengthened clarity, accountability, and culture by restructuring roles, introducing measurable scorecards, and aligning programming with the Chamber’s mission. The results speak volumes: membership upgrades increased spending by
Jessica Linder Gallo, President & CEO
Earning the Certified Chamber Executive: A Decade in the Making
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jessica Linder Gallo reflects on her decade-long journey to becoming a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE), the highest honor in the chamber industry. With fewer than 600 leaders worldwide having earned this distinction, Jessica shares leadership lessons learned along the way, the personal growth that shaped her, and the evolving role chambers play as conveners for business and community. Her story highlights resilience, clarity, and the importance of embracing
Jessica Linder Gallo, President & CEO