At the Table

This is where business, leadership, and community meet. Pull up a chair.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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

Wednesday, August 20, 2025
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

Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Reflecting on My First Weeks in Peoria

New to Peoria, Madeline Herrman, Managing Director of Talent and Leadership Strategy at the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, reflects on her first weeks in the community. She shares her early impressions of Peoria’s forward-thinking business climate, vibrant local culture, and collaborative spirit. From bold conversations with community leaders to discovering local dining gems, Madeline highlights the strong connections that drive growth in the Greater Peoria region. She also outlines her role in leading

Madeline Herrman, Managing Director of Talent & Leadership Strategy

Thursday, July 31, 2025
TechChicago Week 2025: Charting a Path for Central Illinois' Innovation Ecosystem

Alex Sierra, VP of Operations, shares key takeaways from TechChicago Week 2025, highlighting how Central Illinois can capitalize on emerging innovation trends. Hosted by P33, the event brought national leaders together to discuss Illinois’ “Big Bets”: quantum technology, clean energy and compute infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth. From breakthroughs in quantum science to aligning AI with sustainable energy, the statewide strategy calls for collaboration between government, private industry, and

Alex Sierra, VP of Operations, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce