About Us
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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.
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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
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Christine Melaas
Secretary
Owner, Basket Case
.

CJ Wolfenden
Co-Owner of Tacktics Galena
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Barb Hocker
Director Galena Area Chamber of Commerce
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Brianne Van Hemert
Owner, Scent Workshop, Senior Care Administrator, Midwest Medical Center

Todd Larson
Manager – Walmart
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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