K - MBA Advocacy The Chamber's goal for Education is a two-pronged approach focusing both on K-MBA education issue advocacy and through member-to-member Chamber education, ultimately leading to economic development.

This year, The Chamber has been active in the following accomplishments for K – MBA Advocacy:

• Dropout Taskforce efforts resulted in a 6.8 percent dropout rate ... the lowest since 1985.
• Partners In Education has helped prepare over 4000 students in Macon Co. for college and careers.
• District 61 opened Hope Academy , it's first new school in 30 years.
• Richland Community College 's Nursing Program is rated best in the country.
• Millikin University opened it's new ADM-Scovill Hall.