The Bushnell Chamber of Commerce convened on October 14, 2025, to discuss key initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and community events.
The meeting opened at 5:30 p.m., with members approving minutes from August and September, as well as the Treasurer report provided by Renee Ford. Members also signed a thank-you note to Bushnell Market for their generous meat and cheese tray at the September social.
A major development announced was the decision to re-implement Bushnell Bucks, the Chamber’s local currency designed to encourage shopping within member businesses. Each Buck will be uniquely numbered, with an official seal in the works. Only Chamber members will be authorized to accept the Bucks. A 1% fee to participating businesses aims to cover production costs and generate a modest revenue stream for both business and the Chamber. A letter will soon be sent to all Chamber businesses inviting them to opt into accepting Bushnell Bucks.
To enhance transparency and community engagement, the Chamber approved a new process for publicizing meeting minutes. After executive board approval, minutes will be forwarded to Community News Brief, which will craft a story for publication. This story will then be reviewed by the executive board before being shared with the McDonough Democrat for wider dissemination.
The Chamber also set a regular meeting schedule for the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The Chamber plans to make a donation to the VFW for use of their facilities.
Officer responsibilities were reviewed, with updates to be finalized and distributed by Secretary Cindy Ridle. Treasurer Renee Ford, now working at MidAmerica National Bank in Canton, confirmed she will continue her Chamber duties, with Austin assisting on membership management and invoicing.
In digital outreach, Lisa Webb has volunteered to train Chamber members on managing the Facebook page, website updates, and QR code integration for coupons and member information. Lynne Campbell will also assist with QR code implementation.
Community events were highlighted, including the upcoming Bushnell Trunk or Treat on October 31. Cindy Ridle and Holly Brint will decorate a Jeep and distribute candy, generously donated by H & W.
Ribbon cuttings for H & W and Ferris Autobody are pending, with H & W postponing theirs until 2026 upon completion of their new building.
Holiday preparations are underway with plans to decorate downtown light poles with large bows, potentially sponsored by local businesses to feature their names. Kim Pierce will research promotional options.
Announcements included:
- The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs has a new director focusing on supporting new business growth.
- Music Trivia to benefit the Bushnell pool will take place November 8.
- ADM has confirmed the closure of its Bushnell facility.
- The Field of Flags display honoring military members and veterans will be at Bushnell Junior High School.
- Lynne Campbell is developing a Shop Local Gift Guide for the holidays and will contact businesses.
- H & W is expanding their office and bay space with plans to hire more employees.
- Mark Rodeffer will transfer from Bushnell Banking Center to Raritan Bank, with Sarah McCleery stepping in as manager.
- M & B will host No Sales Tax Days on November 7, 8, and December 7.
- Cindy Ridle will hold open houses at From the Farm Creations on November 15 and 29.
- Seven Hills Crafts and Creations will increase hours at their Bushnell store after summer show travels.
The Chamber continues to foster a collaborative environment to support local businesses and community engagement in Bushnell.
- Next meeting: Second Tuesday of November at 4:30 pm (location TBD due to Veterans Day) All businesses are welcome to join.
For more information, or to join contact the Bushnell Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or at https://www.bushnellchamber. org/ or call Holly at M&B Furniture 309-772-2111.
