Great Networking Opportunity... Greater Decatur Chamber Business Breakfast
The first Wednesday of each month, nearly one hundred business professionals meet at Richard Treats Center for breakfast and the opportunity to learn about our community first-hand from informative and timely speakers.
Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. and is $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
CHAMBER BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Doug Zemke, President of Millikin University will be the featured speaker at the Chamber Business Breakfast on Wednesday, May 7 from 7-8 a.m. at Richard's Treat Center at Millikin University.
Mr. Zemke will speak about "A current view of Millikin University."
Save money by registering early by calling 422-2200 or sign up online at www.decaturchamber.com.
February 2008 Featured speaker William Clevenger, Executive Director of the Decatur Park District.
BUSINESS BREAKFAST Featured speaker Bill Clevenger, Executive Director of the Decatur Park District, presented an overview of potential lakefront development plans. The goal is to attract visitors to the lake, enhance recreational opportunities, and connect key features such as Nelson Park, the Beach House restaurant, the Children's Museum and Scovill Park and Zoo via bike trails and waterways.
The conceptual plan also includes novelty shops and a boardwalk along the perimeter of the lake. On the lake's east end, a “Decatur Cove” would connect the Boy Scout Camp and Sportsman's Park, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the lake, hike wooded trails, and bird watch, currently the country's number one spectator sport. An enhanced lakefront will be achieved with the collaboration of the Decatur Park District, the city of Decatur, state and federal governments, local businesses and private individuals.
Mr. Clevenger also discussed Decatur Airport, which currently offers flights to St. Louis via Great Lakes Airline. Efforts are ongoing to attract additional airlines and increase air travel options for local residents. He asked that the community continue to support the Decatur Airport, as ridership is the key to ultimately attracting and retaining air service. He also highlighted the UPS facility in the Airport's Business Park just south of the terminal building, adding that transportation and improved access are critical to attracting new businesses to the area.
DECATUR URBAN CORRIDORS PLAN
Kevin Breheny presented an overview of the Decatur Urban Corridors Master Plan at the Chamber Business Breakfast on January 9th. Those who attended were shown detailed plans on a proposal to enhance Decatur 's future facade.
Emphasizing that the entry corridors provide the first impression of the city, the master plan concentrates on the major routes leading in and out of the city, as well as the general look and theme of downtown and the surrounding areas. Breheny pointed out that things as simple as visually appealing light fixtures, park benches and green space will vastly improve the city's overall appearance. The city would also like to incorporate monumental structures at strategic locations within the city, to complement the brick theme of the corridor plan.
Other topics included the lakefront and the replacement of dilapidated buildings with more green space. Breheny also noted that the corridors plan will only be successful as a partnered effort with the city, business and community joining together to do their part in changing the overall appearance of Decatur . The city has received a 1.5 million grant which will be used on the first stage of the plan staring on the stretch of Eldorado between Church Street and Front Street .
For more information on the Decatur Corridors Master Plan call Greg Crowe at the City of Decatur 424-2727.
December 2007 Featured speaker Steve Garman, City Manager
Garman spoke about "The Three R's - Readin', Residential and Retail, How Public Private Partnerships are Helping to Redefine a School District, Improve Local Housing and Reenergize a Local Economy"
February 2008 
January 2008 
