Though its methods have evolved throughout its 100-year history due to the rise of technology, the Centralia Chamber of Commerce’s mission of assisting businesses, new and established, remains the same.

Originally serving as a hub to inform the community of area businesses, the chamber has since put priority on making sure its members are visible on online platforms where consumers now search for services.

According to chamber director Marcus Holland, one thing every business needs is to be found, something the chamber can assist with.

“When we talk about marketing, promotions and social media, it can be overwhelming. There may be are a lot of to-dos,” Holland said. “The first thing with the chamber is that we can help you be found. It’s something we do as our consultant services.”

Holland continued, “I will sit down with a business, and we will look at their social media accounts. We’ll look at Google, Yelp, and the Apple Maps and Google Map apps. We’ll look at the business and see where they are on the list. If they’re not being found on those websites, they’re not going to be found when people look for them.”

Regarding new businesses, Holland said the chamber will provide the proper services to help the business launch and ensure it will be seen, both on the web and by the community.

“When a business is starting, we can help by referring them to the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) out of Edwardsville,” Holland explained. “Their job is to help businesses get started. Once someone has a business plan, and they start offering services, that is when they should join the chamber.”

“We can help them with their initial introduction into the community,” Holland continued. “We do a ribbon cutting, where we invite the local municipalities. They will meet the mayor, the economic development director, chamber members, and the local media. From there they get exposure in local media and social media.”

Those wishing to enlist the chamber’s services may do so by contacting the office.

Centralia Chamber of Commerce

618-532-6789

210 E. Broadway, Centralia IL

office@centraliachamber.com