"The Rochelle Chamber of Commerce has been a great asset for us over the past 15 years. They have provided us with the resources and connections that helped us grow our business from the ground up. Not only are they easy to work with, but they are constantly looking for ways to help local businesses grow and succeed."
"I had the pleasure of meeting Peggy Friday in the spring of 2017. Since then the entire Rochelle Chamber of Commerce has extended all of their resources to provide assistance and advise us on growing and promoting our local small business.
Peggy and everyone at the office has taken the time to get to know us, our needs & our business personally. Jennifer has designed a countless number of advertisements & marketing items for our new store. Her patience and hard work are equally as impressive as her creativity with design. Our relationship with the Chamber has opened countless doors allowing us to build relationships within our community, take part in activities and our new advisory board. These are priceless benefits and we couldn’t be more grateful!
It really is a partnership that brings our community together & provides positivity, knowledge, training and a helping hand whenever and however we may need. We are thrilled to have such unwavering support from our local Chamber and always look forward to working with them."
I am writing to speak about the relationship that has been established between the Tyson DC in Rochelle, and the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce. Over the past two years we have been heavily involved with the Chamber and have sponsored different events. The staff with the Chamber has always been mindful of what is best for Tyson Foods and what is best for the City of Rochelle. It’s very refreshing to know that this relationship exists.
The Chamber is very good about letting us know when there are new businesses in the area. We have had several opportunities to be part of grand openings and discussions with local businesses due to this. This has allowed us to immediately forge relationships with the new businesses.
I am excited and looking forward to the upcoming years with the Chamber of Commerce on what we can accomplish as a partnership in the city of Rochelle.
The Rochelle Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rochelle are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of Sunshine Bakery at 346 May Mart Drive, Rochelle located inside Central Bank Illinois. The newly-remodeled space features a café menu of cookies, cupcakes, artisan breads, custom-designed cakes and desserts, fresh salads, soups, and a host of handcrafted candles and wooden gifts. An offering of locally-blended JavaMania Coffees and beverages will be featured daily. Custom orders are available.
Over the years, Owner Samantha Barkus has watched her business grow too big for the space in her home. “Chris and I are so grateful for the opportunity to invest in our own community, create treats that help others celebrate their special occasions, and open a storefront that also offers healthy lunch options, a full beverage menu, and on-hand treats”, said Barkus. “This is all possible because of the support and warm welcome of our family, friends, customers, chamber, city, and local businesses and we couldn’t be more grateful”, she added.
Barkus also serves on the City’s Commercial & Retail Advisory Board.
Barkus is pleased with support received from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Sauk Valley College. Emily Zimmerman, SBDC Specialist says, “Behind every small business, there's a story worth knowing. Sunshine Bakery has been a dream of Samantha's for a long time and it is wonderful to see her passion and hard work coming to life”. She adds, “ The SBDC is here to support Sunshine Bakery in any way that we can going forward and we cannot wait to stop in for a sweet treat”.
“A stand-alone scratch-bakery has been on the community’s wish-list for some time”, said Peggy Friday, Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director/CEO. “The space is elegant and inviting. The scented soy candles for purchase are a great way to take the bakery smells home”. A Chamber Ribbon Cutting and community event is being planned to officially welcome the new retail business.
Thank you to our Naming Sponsors!