
August 2025 Monthly Newsletter
From meet-the-teacher nights and school calendars to locally made meals, after-school programs, and more—this month’s newsletter is your guide to starting the school year strong while supporting local.
August is here, and that means it’s time to sharpen those pencils, pack the lunches, and get ready to kick off a brand-new school year—while supporting local every step of the way!
Here’s what you’ll find inside this month’s edition:
🔹 Member Spotlights – Be sure to check them out in the newsletter, website and on our Facebook page every Saturday!
🔹 August Luncheon – Don’t miss out on connecting with the future of business in our community!
🔹 Summer Bucket List Challenge — Print your own copy, read our blog, and join us on Facebook as we celebrate summer with community fun and photo sharing!
🔹 August Ribbon Cuttings – Don’t miss out on celebrating Lawrence County new members and new facilities!
🔹 Takeover Tuesday Spots Available! – Want to increase your business’s social media presence?
🔹 Now Hiring? Let Us Help! – “Don’t Hate Mondays”! Let us know if we can assist.
🔹 Welcome New Members! – We’re excited to welcome to the Chamber!
🔹 Monthly Insight – “Shine Bright with Our Business Spotlights!”
Located in the heart of Lawrenceville, First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust is committed to serving the community with integrity and exceptional customer service. Offering a full range of personal and business banking services—from accounts and loans to credit cards and investment options—their friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help you reach your financial goals.
First Mid also believes in giving back. Their team regularly supports local events, schools, and non-profits, making a lasting impact beyond the bank. We’re proud to have First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust as a valued member of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce!
Wabash General Hospital has long been a leader in rural healthcare, providing high-quality, compassionate care in Mt. Carmel and across southeastern Illinois—including their Lawrenceville Clinic at 11362 Country Club Rd. From emergency care and orthopedic surgery to cardiology, oncology, and women’s health, they bring advanced services close to home.
More than just a hospital, Wabash General is a true community partner. Their team supports local events, health initiatives, and school programs, making a lasting impact both inside and outside the clinic walls. We’re proud to recognize Wabash General Hospital as a dedicated Chamber member and healthcare champion in our region.
For style, self-care, and top-tier service, Rachel Michele’s Salon & Tanning is a local favorite. From expert cuts and color to tanning and waxing, Rachel and her team combine creativity with professionalism to help clients look and feel their best.
Inside the salon, you’ll also find Pretty Skin by Nora—a boutique skincare studio offering personalized facials, lash lifts, and body waxing. Nora’s calming, knowledgeable approach ensures every guest receives a relaxing and customized skincare experience. Together, these two businesses offer beauty and confidence under one roof!
Located in Lawrenceville, Riverside Relief offers personalized massage therapy focused on relaxation, pain relief, and holistic wellness. Services include Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, hot stone, and therapeutic massage—all tailored to your specific needs.
More than a massage studio, Riverside Relief is a place where clients feel genuinely cared for. With a peaceful atmosphere and a commitment to personalized care, they help our community prioritize self-care and well-being. We’re proud to spotlight Riverside Relief as a valued Chamber member!
Located in Olney, Richland Nursing and Rehab is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care through short-term rehab, long-term care, and memory support services. With 24/7 nursing care, on-site therapies, and a warm, homelike environment, their team helps residents achieve comfort and independence.
More than a care facility, Richland is a true community. Residents enjoy daily activities, beautiful outdoor spaces, and meaningful connections that make it feel like home. We’re proud to spotlight Richland Nursing and Rehab for their commitment to quality care and community support.
Nestled in Lawrence County, the City of Sumner is a proud small town with a big heart. Known for its welcoming spirit and strong community values, Sumner blends rural charm with steady progress. City leadership is committed to safety, connection, and quality of life through well-maintained parks, essential services, and local partnerships.
From hosting community events like Springfest Marketplace to supporting local businesses and civic efforts, Sumner is an active force for good. We’re proud to spotlight the City of Sumner for their ongoing dedication to making Lawrence County a great place to live and work.
Based in Richland County, Air Evac Lifeteam 150 is a vital link in southeastern Illinois’ emergency response system. Their dedicated team of pilots, nurses, and paramedics provides 24/7 air medical transport, delivering rapid, lifesaving care when every second counts.
In addition to critical care flights, Air Evac 150 is active in local outreach—offering safety education, event support, and a membership program to help families manage emergency costs. We’re proud to spotlight Air Evac Lifeteam 150 for their commitment to both life-saving service and community support.
Located in the heart of Lawrenceville, Mi Casita is a family-owned restaurant known for bold flavors, authentic dishes, and friendly service. From sizzling fajitas to signature margaritas, it’s a go-to spot for everything from quick lunches to celebrations with friends.
With colorful décor, daily specials, and a welcoming team that treats every guest like family, it’s easy to see why Mi Casita has become a local favorite. Whether dining in or grabbing takeout, you’re sure to enjoy a flavorful experience every time.
En Pointe Dance Academy in Lawrenceville provides a welcoming space where dancers of all ages and skill levels can grow in confidence and technique. With classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop, the studio blends strong instruction with creativity and fun.
Students enjoy opportunities to perform, compete, and connect through dance—all while being part of a supportive, family-oriented environment. Learn more about class offerings and registration at En Pointe Dance Academy’s website.
Tucked along 12th Street in Lawrenceville, The Copper Courtyard is a beautiful, flexible space ideal for weddings, showers, meetings, reunions, and more. With both indoor and outdoor options, the venue combines modern amenities with a peaceful, private setting.
Locally owned and thoughtfully managed, The Copper Courtyard is known for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable pricing, and attention to detail—making every event feel personal and memorable.
Fall in Lawrence County wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Dorney’s Pumpkin Patch in Lawrenceville. This family-run favorite offers rows of pumpkins, mums, and gourds perfect for your fall decor—and plenty of photo-worthy moments!
With kid-friendly activities, group visits, and welcoming traditions, Dorney’s is more than a pumpkin patch—it’s a seasonal experience rooted in community.
Make it part of your fall tradition!
The Lawrenceville Area Ministerial Association brings together local faith leaders to serve, support, and uplift the community. From organizing prayer events to supporting food pantries and local families, their work fosters unity and compassion across Lawrence County.
Partnering with the Chamber and other organizations, this group is a vital force for good—offering spiritual care, practical help, and a warm welcome to all.
Whether you’re protecting your home or planning for retirement, Jim Fontanyi with Country Financial offers trusted, personalized insurance and financial services right here in Lawrence County.
More than just an agent, Jim is a dedicated community supporter who brings hometown values and expert guidance to every client.
Based in Lawrenceville, Herb Social offers a wide range of high-quality cannabis products in a welcoming and educational environment. From flower and edibles to wellness items, their team is committed to helping customers find the right fit safely and responsibly.
More than a dispensary, Herb Social supports local causes and promotes wellness throughout Lawrence County.
The Rotary Club of Lawrenceville is a service-driven group of local leaders dedicated to improving our community through volunteerism, youth programs, and civic initiatives. Their efforts support scholarships, literacy, health, and beautification across Lawrence County.
Rotary’s reach extends globally through partnerships that promote clean water, health, and humanitarian relief. It’s service with heart — right here at home.
A&E Auto Glass is Lawrenceville’s go-to for fast, reliable auto glass repair and replacement. From chips to full windshield replacements, their skilled technicians use high-quality materials and offer mobile service for maximum convenience.
Known for great service and trusted expertise, A&E Auto Glass keeps you safe and rolling with confidence.
Located on the square in Lawrenceville, Covenant of Grace Church of God is a vibrant, welcoming church known for heartfelt worship, strong fellowship, and community outreach. With ministries for all ages and a deep commitment to service, they continue to be a source of hope and connection for many.
All are welcome to grow, serve, and find support at Covenant of Grace.
Based in Lawrenceville, Halter Machine and Welding provides expert metal fabrication, custom welding, and machinery repair for a variety of industries. Known for precision work and dependable service, they handle everything from small fixes to large-scale projects with skill and care.
Trusted by businesses and individuals alike, Halter is your go-to for quality craftsmanship and reliable results.
Headquartered in Vincennes, Indiana, Franklin Well Services has been a trusted name in the oil and gas industry for over 30 years. Serving Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky, they specialize in services like acidizing, hydraulic fracturing, cementing, and coil tubing—backed by state-of-the-art equipment and a seasoned team.
Known for their industry-leading safety standards and innovation, Franklin Well Services continues to set the bar in the Illinois Basin.
Republic Services is Lawrence County’s trusted provider for curbside trash and yard waste collection. They supply blue totes for easy disposal and offer dumpster rentals for larger cleanups. Bulk trash pickup is also available for items like mattresses and furniture (appliances not accepted). For details or to manage your service, visit Republic Services.
From meet-the-teacher nights and school calendars to locally made meals, after-school programs, and more—this month’s newsletter is your guide to starting the school year strong while supporting local.
The Chamber proudly offers ribbon cuttings and grand opening ceremonies to celebrate new businesses. We invite and encourage all Chamber members to attend these events to show support for our local business community. These gatherings provide excellent networking opportunities and include photo coverage for social media and local news outlets, ensuring your business gets the recognition it deserves.
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of popular events each year, including the Celebrity Chef, Fall Festival, and Basketball Capital Classic. These annual events offer chamber members valuable opportunities for participation and advertising, providing a fantastic way to boost your business’s visibility and connect with the community.
In today’s marketplace, having a strong online presence is essential. The Chamber recognizes this and uses platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect, engage, and support our community of businesses.
Our Chamber Luncheons provide a relaxed, informal networking opportunity where you’ll have the chance to connect with everyone in the room. Join us for our June’s Luncheon on Wednesday, August 20th at 1:00 PM sponsored by Hi Way Church of God . Learn more about Hi Way Church of God, service times, youth programs and more.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members, enjoy a meal together, and hear updates from across the community.
Back-to-school isn’t just about pencils and paper — it’s a time of transition, excitement, and (let’s be honest) a little chaos. Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher, or grandparent helping out, there are countless ways to make the season smoother and support our amazing local businesses in Lawrence County.
Lawrenceville CUSD #20, Illinois
Looking to boost your business’s visibility on social media? Take advantage of Takeover Tuesday! This is a fantastic opportunity for Chamber members to have an entire day dedicated to showcasing their business on our Facebook page. Whether you want to promote a special event, highlight a new product or service, share behind-the-scenes content, or introduce your team, Takeover Tuesday is your chance to engage with the community in a meaningful way. We provide the platform—you provide the content! There is an available date for September, the 16th and 30th, so secure your spot now by reaching out to the Chamber office.
If you’re hiring, let us help get the word out with our “Don’t Hate Mondays” job postings! Every Monday morning after 10 AM, we post a roundup of all Chamber members who are currently hiring. This is a great way to reach local job seekers and ensure your openings get the attention they deserve. In addition to featuring your job postings on our Facebook page, we can also share them on the Chamber website for even greater visibility. If you have an open position, send us the details by the end of the week, and we’ll include it in the next “Don’t Hate Mondays” post!
To find out more about becoming a Member Click below.
At the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, we love celebrating the heartbeat of our community—you, our local businesses! That’s why we continue to grow our Business Spotlight Initiative, an ongoing effort to make sure every member gets a chance to shine.
Our Business Spotlight is all about elevating our members by telling your stories, showcasing your services, and helping the community connect with what makes you you. With nearly 200 member businesses, we’re committed to giving each of you your moment in the spotlight throughout the year.
✅ Monthly Newsletter & TV Spotlights:
Each month, we highlight 16–20 member businesses in our newsletter and on the TV display in the Chamber office. This isn’t new—we’ve been doing this for years—but we’re now working even more intentionally to rotate in more members consistently each month, aiming to spotlight everyone over the course of the year.
✅ Saturday Spotlights on Social Media:
Every Saturday, we feature four of that month’s spotlighted members across our Facebook. These engaging posts help amplify your reach and invite the community to learn more about what you do.
✅ Events & Community Engagement:
Many of our spotlights tie into member events or Chamber initiatives, like our themed gatherings or business luncheons. We want your story to be seen and heard!
📲 Engage With Your Spotlight:
When your business is featured, share the post, comment, tag friends, and interact with the community! A little engagement goes a long way in spreading the word.
🤝 Join Us at Events:
Attend Chamber events to connect with fellow businesses and deepen your presence in our growing network.
🎯 Keep Your Info Updated:
Make sure we have your most current logo, hours, photos, and contact info—so when it’s your turn in the spotlight, we can represent you well!
Our Business Spotlight is more than just a feature—it’s our way of honoring the diverse, hardworking businesses that make Lawrence County thrive. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting started, your story is worth sharing.
Let’s shine together!
Lawrence County Memorial Hospital is proud to be a Larence County Chamber Member. Being a member helps keep us involved in community events and the needs of Lawrence County.
July is here, and we’re keeping the summer spirit alive with fun, family, and community! Our annual Independence Day Parade & Tailgate is just around the corner on Thursday, July 3rd, followed by the City of Lawrenceville’s Fireworks Show—a celebration you won’t want to miss! We also launched our Summer Bucket List Challenge in June to inspire everyone to explore, shop, and support local all season long. There’s still time to join in and make the most of your Midwest summer right here in Lawrence County!