It is hard to believe that summer is already beginning to wind down and a new school year is just around the corner! As students, teachers, administrators, and families prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, Lawrence County is once again coming together to support our local schools and students.
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!
🔹 Now Hiring? Let Us Help! – “Work It Wednesday’s”! Let us know if we can assist.
🔹 Welcome New Members! – We’re excited to welcome to the Chamber!
Unplugged IT is a trusted technology partner helping businesses protect their information, reduce downtime, and keep their technology operating efficiently. Their proactive managed IT services include network monitoring, routine maintenance, automatic software updates, antivirus and antimalware protection, and unlimited remote and onsite support during regular business hours. Their experienced team works closely with clients to solve technical problems, make informed technology decisions, and create reliable IT systems that allow business owners and employees to focus on serving their customers and growing their organizations.
In addition to managed IT support, Unplugged IT offers cybersecurity services, managed threat detection, anti-ransomware protection, cloud identity protection, password management, two-factor authentication, security awareness training, and backup and disaster-recovery solutions. Their team also designs and installs customized audio-visual and automation systems for conference rooms, training spaces, theaters, museums, public venues, and digital signage. Services can include video walls, commercial television and projector installations, integrated lighting and audio controls, and one-touch technology for meetings, events, and presentations. To request a quote or learn how Unplugged IT can support your business, call 812-494-9000 or visit unpluggedit.com. Their business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Located on Jefferson Street in downtown Lawrenceville, Hoke’s Endless Possibilities is a locally owned custom printing and gift shop dedicated to bringing creative ideas to life. Founded in 2020 by Laura Hoke, the business offers personalized products for individuals, families, schools, sports teams, organizations, special events, and local businesses. Whether you are creating matching shirts for a family reunion, preparing decorations for a celebration, or searching for a meaningful one-of-a-kind gift, their team can help turn your vision into something special.
Hoke’s Endless Possibilities offers custom T-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel; personalized signs, pillows, and home décor; custom banners, backdrops, and event signage; and promotional products such as mugs, keychains, tote bags, and other branded merchandise. Their wide selection makes it easy to celebrate important moments, decorate your home, promote your organization, or surprise someone with a unique gift made just for them. Learn more and explore their products at hokesendlesspossibilities.com.
Red Hill Community Unit School District #10 proudly serves students and families throughout Bridgeport, Sumner, and the surrounding Lawrence County community. The district provides education for students from prekindergarten through 12th grade across three schools: Bridgeport Grade School, Sumner Attendance Center, and Red Hill Junior/Senior High School. From building strong academic foundations to preparing students for college, careers, and life after graduation, Red Hill CUSD #10 is committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities and supporting the growth of every student.
Beyond the classroom, Red Hill students have opportunities to participate in athletics, fine arts, band and choir, FFA, business education, clubs, and other activities that encourage leadership, teamwork, creativity, and school pride. Dedicated teachers, administrators, support staff, families, and community partners work together to help students succeed while strengthening the communities the district serves. To find school announcements, calendars, staff information, employment opportunities, and other resources, visit cusd10.org or contact the district office at 618-945-2061.
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Republic Services is a trusted provider of curbside trash and yard waste collection for residents throughout Lawrence County. Their reliable services help keep homes, neighborhoods, and communities clean while ensuring waste is handled safely and efficiently. Residents are provided with blue totes for convenient trash and yard waste disposal, and dumpster rentals are also available for larger projects, renovations, and major cleanups.
In addition to regular curbside collection, Republic Services offers bulk-item pickup for belongings that will not fit inside standard totes. Items such as mattresses, furniture, and certain electronics may be collected for an additional fee by scheduling a pickup in advance. Please note that appliances such as refrigerators and freezers are not accepted. To learn more, schedule a service, rent a dumpster, or manage your account, visit the Republic Services website.
As a new school year begins, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is excited to welcome new and returning students from Lawrence County and throughout the region. Whether you are beginning your college journey, continuing your education, changing careers, or exploring a new skill, IECC offers a variety of associate degree, certificate, workforce training, and transfer programs designed to fit different goals and schedules. With affordable tuition, convenient campus locations, flexible learning options, and additional degree opportunities through educational partnerships, students of all ages can find a pathway that works for them.
IECC also provides helpful academic advisors, financial aid opportunities, career services, tutoring, and other student support resources to help students succeed from enrollment through graduation. Those searching for a new career are also encouraged to visit IECC’s websites to explore current employment opportunities and learn more about joining their team. Take the next step toward your educational or professional goals with a trusted resource located right here in our region!
For a sweet treat and a taste of nostalgia, stop by Dairy Dee in Sumner, Illinois! 🍦 A longtime local favorite, Dairy Dee is known for serving delicious soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, shakes, Tundras, Chocodees, and other cool, creamy treats. Whether you are craving a classic cone, a loaded sundae, or an extra-indulgent milkshake, there is something on the menu to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Dairy Dee also offers a variety of snacks, hot dogs, and classic favorites that are perfect for a quick lunch, an afternoon treat, or a stop with family and friends. 🍔🌭 With friendly service and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, Dairy Dee is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the sweeter moments in life. Be sure to stop by and treat yourself while supporting a local Lawrence County business!
The Lawrence County Treasurer’s Office, led by Treasurer Barbie Morey, plays an important role in managing the financial responsibilities of Lawrence County. Located at 1106 Jefferson Street, Suite 1, in Lawrenceville, the office manages county funds, collects real estate taxes, issues motor vehicle licenses, and conducts the annual sale of delinquent real estate taxes. Deputy Treasurers Sarah Swain and Allyson Fahr assist with daily operations and help provide residents with dependable, professional service.
The Treasurer’s Office is committed to transparency, accessibility, and helping residents understand property taxes, payment options, tax bills, and upcoming tax sales. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For questions or assistance, call 618-943-2016 or email lawrence_co_il_treasurer@yahoo.com. Their knowledgeable team is dedicated to serving Lawrence County residents with professionalism, accuracy, and care.
Located at 1215 State Street in Lawrenceville, New Leaf Fitness & Spa offers a complete wellness experience centered around fitness, relaxation, and community. Since opening in 2015, this locally owned business has transformed a former 1930s car dealership into a welcoming destination for healthy living. The fitness center features two floors of modern exercise equipment, along with yoga, spin, cross-training, steam rooms, and saunas. With a growing community of members, New Leaf provides a supportive environment for people at every stage of their wellness journey.
New Leaf is also home to The Mandarin Spa, which offers therapeutic massage and specialized treatments, including Himalayan Salt and Biomat therapies. Visitors can relax at COCO’s Café & Wine Bar, featuring espresso, wine, beer, handcrafted cocktails, light menu selections, and live music on Friday evenings. The Barn at New Leaf provides a beautiful rustic venue for weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, and other special occasions. New Leaf Fitness & Spa is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For nearly four decades, B & E Heating & Cooling Inc. has proudly served Lawrenceville and the surrounding area with dependable heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning services. Their experienced team helps residential and commercial customers stay comfortable through the hottest summer days and the coldest winter nights. Services include HVAC installation and replacement, system repairs, routine maintenance, air-duct cleaning, and ventilation solutions designed to improve comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality.
Whether you need a new heating or cooling system, seasonal maintenance, or help with an unexpected repair, B & E Heating & Cooling Inc. is committed to providing professional service and quality workmanship. Visit them at 1505 12th Street in Lawrenceville, call 618-943-6211, or learn more at bandeheatingandcooling.com. Their years of experience and dedication to customer satisfaction have made them a trusted choice for HVAC services throughout the community.
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As the new school kicks off, Vincennes University is ready to welcome students from Lawrence County and communities throughout the region. Whether you are beginning college for the first time, returning to complete a degree, preparing for a new career, or looking to strengthen your skills, VU offers a wide variety of associate and bachelor’s degree programs, certificates, technical training, and online learning opportunities. With flexible options and career-focused programs, students can find an educational path that fits their goals, schedules, and future plans.
Now is a great time to explore available programs, apply for admission, and register for fall classes. Vincennes University offers academic advising, financial aid assistance, tutoring, career services, and other student support resources to help students succeed throughout their educational journey. Those interested in joining the VU team can also visit the university’s website to view current employment opportunities and learn more about available positions.
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For more than 75 years, Lawrence County Memorial Hospital has served Lawrence County with compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to quality care. Located in Lawrenceville, LCMH provides a wide range of healthcare services, including family medicine, pediatric care, specialty services, diagnostic imaging, surgery, laboratory services, and 24-hour emergency care. As a Deaconess Illinois Health partner, the hospital also helps expand local access to specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and more, allowing patients to receive important services closer to home.
Beyond the hospital and clinic walls, LCMH continues to be a valuable community partner. Their team supports local events, health fairs, youth programs, wellness initiatives, screenings, school sports physicals, and other efforts designed to improve the health of our community. Lawrence County is fortunate to have a trusted and forward-thinking healthcare provider dedicated not only to treating patients, but also to helping our entire county thrive.
Located at 516 Vigo Street in Vincennes, Ewing Printing Co., Inc. has been a trusted name in the printing industry since 1918. Founded by Walter A. Ewing, this family-owned business has grown from producing county record books into a full-service printing company serving businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the region. Their team offers a wide variety of products, including banners, guidebooks, mailers, wedding invitations, logos, signs, vehicle lettering, and other custom printed materials.
Ewing Printing also provides commercial printing, professional graphic design, direct-mail services, advertising design, and faxing services. Whether you need marketing materials for your business, signage for an event, custom invitations, or help bringing a design idea to life, their experienced team is ready to assist. Call 812-882-2415 or visit ewingprinting.com to learn more about their services.
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 March’s Luncheon on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM at W.B. Gray Building Bridgeport, IL, sponsored by Haven of Bridgeport. Learn more about what services Haven of Bridgeport offers, plus learn what they are doing in Lawrence County
Mark your calendars! The 63rd Lawrence County Fall Festival is coming back to the square in Lawrenceville on September 16-19, 2026!
We are thrilled to welcome Swyear Amusements back again for four days of fun.
You won’t want to miss it, so watch for more details to come.
Image courtesy of Swyear Amusements
Looking to hire? Searching for a new career opportunity? Let the Chamber help connect local employers with local talent through our Work It Wednesday job postings!
Each Wednesday afternoon, we feature a roundup of Chamber members who are currently hiring, helping your open positions reach job seekers throughout the community. It’s a simple and effective way to increase visibility and attract qualified applicants.
In addition to being featured on our Facebook page, job openings can also be shared on the Chamber website for even greater exposure. If your business or organization has an available position, send us the details by the end of each week, and we’ll include it in the next Work It Wednesday hiring spotlight!
To find out more about becoming a Member Click below.
Engaging in activities aimed at attracting visitors to our local area is more than just a community initiative—it’s a strategic move to bolster our members’ businesses and contribute to the overall economic vitality.
Benefits for Chamber Members:
1. Increased Foot Traffic: Tourism promotion brings in a fresh influx of visitors, creating opportunities for increased foot traffic to our members’ establishments, be it retail stores, restaurants, or service providers.
2. Expanded Customer Base: A thriving tourism industry introduces our members to a broader customer base. Visitors become potential customers, providing businesses with a chance to grow and diversify their clientele.
3. Collaboration Opportunities: Tourism initiatives often involve collaboration between local businesses. Chamber members can seize the chance to form partnerships, creating attractive packages or joint promotions that appeal to tourists and locals alike.
4. Economic Growth: A robust tourism sector contributes to the overall economic growth of our community. As visitors spend money locally, our members directly benefit from the positive economic ripple effect.
5. Enhanced Community Visibility: Tourism promotion elevates the profile of our local area, shining a spotlight on the unique offerings of our chamber members. This increased visibility can translate into long-term brand recognition and loyalty.
6. Support for Small Businesses: Particularly beneficial for our small business owners, tourism promotion provides them with a platform to compete on a broader scale, attracting attention and support that may have been previously untapped.
