Greater Decatur Chamber Help Desk
Ask A Question
The Chamber is your silent partner in business. We are here to help answer all your business questions … and if we don't know the answer then we know who will. We assist an average of 50 calls weekly referring member businesses and processing a variety of questions about the community, business and government. Do you have a question? We may already have the answer in our Frequently Asked Questions section. If not, simply email your question to helpdesk@decaturchamber.com or call 422.2200.
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Online Help Desk – Chamber Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join the Chamber??
The Greater Decatur Chamber is the Voice of Business for Macon County . We are a pro-business NETWORK providing SERVICE , POLITICAL ADVOCACY , and LEADERSHIP to strengthen EDUCATION , COMMUNITY IMAGE , and LOCAL BUSINESSES . We offer a variety of services to meet your businesses needs from networking events, buy local programs, state and federal lobbying, employee development courses, employee recruitment tool, free employee drug testing (to qualifying businesses) and more.
I'm a new business just starting and I can't afford the Chamber right now.
We understand that cash flow can sometimes be a challenge for new businesses. That is why we offer a payment plan which deducts your Chamber dues in monthly installments automatically from a checking or savings account.
How do you become an Ambassador?
Call the Chamber office at 217-422-2200 and request an Ambassador application. Return the completed application to our office and you will receive notification of the next Ambassador meeting.
What is the local sales tax?
8% sales tax; 10% for restaurants (2% food tax and 8% sales tax). This applies to the city limits of Decatur .
How far is Decatur from Springfield ? 36 miles
Chicago ? 179 Miles
St. Louis ? 120 miles
Do we have phonebooks?
Yes, we do have phone books available at our office free of charge. We do not mail phonebooks.
What is the unemployment rate for Decatur & Macon County?
6.2% (December 2008)
I'm starting a new business and want information on grants? loans? general info on starting a business?
The best place to obtain information about starting a new business is the Small Business Development Center at 217-875-4004 or www.extension.uiuc.edu-sbdc.
SCORE at 217-424-6297 or www.decaturscore.org.
What is the phone number for the Visitor's Bureau? 217-423-7000 or www.decaturcvb.com.
Downtown Decatur Council? 217-423-3475 or www.downtowndecatur.com.
City manager's office? 217-424-2801 or www.ci.decatur.il.us.
Name the major employers in Decatur .
Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur Memorial Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur Public School District, Ameren, Caterpillar, Inc., Mueller Company, Tate & Lyle, Millikin University, Richland Community College, County of Macon, City of Decatur, PPG Industries.
Who are the representatives, senators, etc. for our district and their contact information?
For a complete list of contact information for your legislators visit our Legislators web page.
Does the Chamber offer insurance for small businesses?
The Chamber does not offer insurance, but we have many insurance companies that are members of the Chamber.
You can go to our website at www.decaturchamber.com , click on ‘Business Directory' and type in the category ‘Insurance' or, if you do not have internet access, call our office at 217-422-2200.
Building permits and inspections?
For inquiries about building permits or building inspections, contact the City of Decatur at 217-424-2787 or www.ci.decatur.il.us.
Where can I get a copy of my birth certificate or marriage license?
The Macon County Clerk's office is at 141 S. Main Street , 1 st floor. (You have to have been born/married, etc. in Macon County .)
I need information on the demographics of Decatur , where do I get that?
Call the Economic Development Center at 422-9520 or www.decaturedc.com.
