About Us

Dedicated to developing local economic growth & community presence.

Formed on February 2, 1838, The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce is the oldest Chamber of Commerce in the state of Illinois. The Chamber has played a role in our business community ever since.

We hope to keep helping our businesses grow and thrive in our area for years to come. As a Tri-state region Chamber of Commerce, we proudly have members in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce is a non for profit group that is dedicated to developing local economic growth and community presence. It revolves around the premise that business can help drive businesses. The GACC achieves this goal through a multitude of outlets: membership services, business and networking events; marketing communication; community involvement and more.

AFFORDABLE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS


OUR CHAMBER IS ONE OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE WAYS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESSES QUALIFY FOR OUR ACORN PROGRAM –  JUST $130 For your First Year

GROWTH AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: Network with your peers at events such as Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Business Blends and educational presentations!

EXPOSURE AND VISIBILITY: Promote your business through the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce website, Chamber Referrals, E-Blasts, Calendar Postings and Social Media postings!

TRAINING CLASSES: Take educational and certification training classes for free or at discounted rates. Not only do you have the opportunity to attend, but you have the option to conduct one of the classes too!

Our region’s strength is it’s dedication to preserving history while embracing progress and ingenuity. Start-ups and entrepreneurs are welcome as we have a thriving tourist industry that draws a large annual customer base. We are a small town with big ideas, and we are proud to call the beautiful rolling hills of the Driftless area our home.

Come and see for yourself why so many are falling in love with #GalenaCountry

An American treasure to call HOME.

Board of Directors

Emma Jane Mayer

Chairman
Country Inn & Suites and Hummingbird House Events

Colin Sanderson

Director of Sales and Marketing Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
.

Madeline Hawkins

Vice Chairman
Galena High School

Patrick Powaser

Founder & President, Gradient Coaching & Consulting

Rick Fronek

Ambassador of the Year, 2024-CEO- Worksmarter4u

Nikki Nolan

Treasurer
IBT/UMB Business Banking Relationship Officer

Edgar Mendez

AMB Ambition Owner/Founder
.

Austin Gerlich

Commercial Loan Officer – First Community Bank of Galena
.

Christine Melaas

Secretary
Owner, Basket Case
.

CJ Wolfenden

Co-Owner of Tacktics Galena 
.

Barb Hocker

Director Galena Area Chamber of Commerce
.

Brianne Van Hemert

Owner, Scent Workshop, Senior Care Administrator, Midwest Medical Center

Todd Larson

Manager – Walmart 
.

Ambassadors

Ashley Peterson

First Community Bank

Sam Metz

Country Inn and Suites

Maggie Truppa

Edagle Ridge Resort and Spa

Danielle Cline

DC Rise Real Estate

Liz Fancomb

Dupaco

Michelle Bass

dc Rise Real Estate

Ellen Schlaman

Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery

Mike Casper

JCE CO-OP

Michelle Sullivan

1826 Creative

Ellen Schlaman

Galena Cellars

Britt White

Galena Cellars

Katie Pingel

Vendeezy Vending and AMB Ambition

Kelly Sanderson

Amber Felderman

Dupaco

Lisa Radke

Choice Real Estate

Donna Hwley

Jeep Jingle

Angie Bruun

Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery

Chelsea Wurster

Ashley Fleege Kreider Services

Robyn Basten

Amazing Escapes Travel & Tours