Local Art Exhibit - Maryam Ghadiri

Walk through our cafe and enjoy a collection of local art by Maryam Ghadiri. No admission fee to view the art on the cafe side.  If you’d like to visit the cats in our lounge, you can make a reservation h......More

Walk through our cafe and enjoy a collection of local art by Maryam Ghadiri. No admission fee to view the art on the cafe side.  If you’d like to visit the cats in our lounge, you can make a reservation here. Pieces will be available for sale.  10% of each art sale is donated to our partner non-profit rescues. As always, we donate 20% of the profits from our food, drink and merch sales back to our partner rescues.  Enjoy art, grab a drink, help cats. Maryam Ghadiri Maryam Ghadiri majored in engineering but has been passionate about art from a young age, starting drawing classes at the age of 10. She later took painting lessons under a professor at Tehran University for seven years. Specializing in abstract art, she works primarily in watercolor and mixed media. Maryam has exhibited her work in solo and group shows in Tehran, Los Angeles, and Urbana-Champaign. In 2020, she won first place in the Town and Country Art Show and third place in a state competition in Illinois. Follow Maryam on Instagram

The Scratching Post is Champaign's Cat & Board Game Cafe. Enjoy our light snack and drink menu, purchase a game pass to access our massive library of 500+ board games, or make a reservation to visit our cat lounge where 20+ adoptable cats are waiting

Small Business Owners Resource Group sponsored by First Mid Bank & Trust

Presented by: Group Lead: Ryan Scritchlow Purpose: The Small Business Owners Resource Group (SBORG) is a confidential, peer-driven forum for small business owners to engage in monthly roundtable discussions. The group pro......More

Presented by: Group Lead: Ryan Scritchlow Purpose: The Small Business Owners Resource Group (SBORG) is a confidential, peer-driven forum for small business owners to engage in monthly roundtable discussions. The group provides a platform to share experiences, address common challenges, and gain insights from fellow entrepreneurs. Occasional expert-led sessions offer additional perspectives on pertinent topics. Eligibility Criteria Business Ownership: Must be the owner or co-owner of a small business. Solopreneurs (businesses without employees) are not eligible. Business Size: Employs between 2 and 30 full-time employees (excluding the owner). Meets the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards relevant to their industry. Industry Exclusivity: Only one business per industry is permitted to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and avoid direct competition. Industry classification will be determined based on the primary NAICS code of the business. Chamber Membership: Must be a current member in good standing with the hosting business association. Commitment to Participation: Strongly encouraged to attend at least 8 of the 12 monthly meetings annually. Actively engage in discussions and contribute to a supportive peer environment. Confidentiality and Conduct: Agree to uphold the group's code of conduct, ensuring a respectful, non-judgmental space. Maintain confidentiality of all shared information to foster trust and openness. Contribution to Group Dynamics: Willingness to facilitate discussions or assist in organizing guest speaker sessions periodically. Share relevant experiences and insights to enrich group learning.

Large Conference Room, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, Il. 61820

Table for Ten

A Seat at the Table Could Change Your Career: Don’t miss your chance to be part of the exclusive Table for Ten network. Reserve Your Seat at Table for Ten: Exclusive Monthly Networking Lunches What: Table for Ten is an organized networking lunch for professionals......More

A Seat at the Table Could Change Your Career: Don’t miss your chance to be part of the exclusive Table for Ten network. Reserve Your Seat at Table for Ten: Exclusive Monthly Networking Lunches What: Table for Ten is an organized networking lunch for professionals to make meaningful connections in an intimate setting. Where: Beef 'O' Brady's 100 Trade Center Dr. Suite 101 When: July 30, 2026 Why: Expand your network, share insights and collaborate with like-minded professionals. How: Register now—only ten spots available per lunch. First come, first served. Cost is $25.

Beef O'Brady's 730 W. Town Center Blvd. Champaign, Illinois

OSF Behavioral Health Ribbon Cutting

OSF Behavioral Health has expanded, and they are inviting the community to learn more about the new services being provided. 

1405 W. Park St #301 Urbana IL

Leadership from the Inside Out: Creating Difference-Making Cultures

Join National University President Dr. Mark Milliron for a special conversation with Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and one of the world's leading voices on workplace culture and leadership. Drawing on more than 35 years of global business experience, R......More

Join National University President Dr. Mark Milliron for a special conversation with Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and one of the world's leading voices on workplace culture and leadership. Drawing on more than 35 years of global business experience, Ridge transformed WD-40 into a high-performance organization with employee engagement levels exceeding 90%. Today, as founder of The Learning Moment and widely known as "The Culture Coach," he helps leaders create environments where people thrive. In this engaging discussion, attendees will explore practical strategies for building trust, strengthening engagement, developing people through learning, and creating cultures that drive both business success and human fulfillment. Whether you're a business leader, manager, entrepreneur, educator, nonprofit professional, or aspiring leader, you'll leave with actionable insights for cultivating a workplace where people—and organizations—can flourish.

Zoom: https://nu.zoom.us/webinar/register/3417847562508/WN_p-vNCKmzS7mmZKbqDcM7Kw

LEAD Champaign County 2026

Presented by: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders LEAD Champaign County is designed to shape emerging professionals into confident, community-minded leaders. O......More

Presented by: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders LEAD Champaign County is designed to shape emerging professionals into confident, community-minded leaders. Over the course of nine weeks, participants will gain practical leadership skills, strengthen their communication and professionalism and build a valuable network of peers across industries. Through weekly sessions led by local business and civic leaders, participants explore topics such as leadership styles, strengths-based development, strategic communication and civic engagement. The program benefits both the employee and employer by investing in long-term professional and personal growth. LEAD Champaign County Mission To attract and empower the next generation of community leaders in Champaign County. To connect young professionals to their peers, local resources and opportunities for service, leadership and advocacy. To engage participants in creating a stronger community. Program Kickoff Event To start the program, participants are invited to a casual networking and trivia night on August 27, 2026. This kickoff event is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, start building relationships and set the tone for the weeks ahead. Light appetizers will be provided. Additional food and beverages available for purchase. Nine-Week Program Schedule (Tentative): Come back for more details! WEEK 1 - Thursday, August 27: Opening Reception and Kick-off Event Location TBA Trivia To kick off LEAD Champaign County, participants will gather to meet and get to know each other better over some food and drinks. Participants will be given further additional materials and details about the class. WEEK 2 - Thursday, September 3: Leadership Foundations & Strengths Analysis 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL Presented by Dr. Gayle Spencer, Illinois Leadership Center Focus: Understanding personal leadership styles and strengths WEEK 3 - Thursday, September 10: Effective Communication & Personal Branding 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL Presented by Dr. Stephanie Stuart, Parkland College Focus: Crafting your professional presence and leadership voice WEEK 4 - Thursday, September 17: Emotional Intelligence & Leadership 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chamber Office, 303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL Presented by Heidi Esther, Heidi Esther Unlimited, LLC Focus: Learning how to develop and lead with emotional intelligence WEEK 5 - Thursday, September 24: Team Building & Collaboration 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Allerton Park & Retreat Center,  499 Old Timber Rd., Monticello, IL Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes are best) and bring water if needed. This will be an outdoor, (light) physical activity. Please plan and dress accordingly. WEEK 6 - Thursday, October 1: Community Leadership & Civic Engagement 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chamber Office,  303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL Panelists from United Way, Champaign Rotary and City of Champaign Focus: leading beyond the workplace—nonprofit boards and public service WEEK 7 - Thursday, October 8: Navigating Conflict & Difficult Conversations 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chamber Office,  303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL Presented by Liz Borman, CIHRG Focus: Managing workplace challenges and resolving conflicts effectively WEEK 8 - Thursday, October 15: Preparing for Leadership Roles 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chamber Office,  303 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL Presented by various business leaders in Champaign County Focus: How to position yourself for promotions and leadership opportunities WEEK 9 - Thursday, October 29: Etiquette Luncheon & Graduation 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location TBD Presented by Patricia Simpson, Game-Changing Etiquette Participants will receive a crash course on the basics of business dining etiquette from Patricia Simpson of Game-Changing Etiquette. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to feel comfortable and confident at your next business meal. *Times may be subject to change. Updated information will be sent to participants as it becomes available.  View other sponsorships HERE! Questions? Contact [email protected] or 217.359.1791

Registration for this kick-off session will register you for the course. All sessions will be held in person. Unless otherwise noted, all sessions take place at the Chamber office.

Trivia Night @The Scratching Post CU!

Put your trivia knowledge to the test for a CASH PRIZE.  Your ticket price goes into the pot for first place prize! Tickets are $3 per person and can be paid when you arrive. Cash is preferred and the full ticket price goes into the pot for first place prize. ......More

Put your trivia knowledge to the test for a CASH PRIZE.  Your ticket price goes into the pot for first place prize! Tickets are $3 per person and can be paid when you arrive. Cash is preferred and the full ticket price goes into the pot for first place prize. Teams of 6 or less check-in starts at 6:45pm for 7pm start. email [email protected] to let us know how many people are on your team so we can reserve the correct size table for you. Trivia is held on the cafe side, separate from the cat lounge.  If you’d like to make a reservation to meet the cats, you can do that here! 

The Scratching Post is Champaign's Cat & Board Game Cafe. Enjoy our light snack and drink menu, purchase a game pass to access our massive library of 500+ board games, or make a reservation to visit our cat lounge where 20+ adoptable cats are waiting

Board Game Demo Days @The Scratching Post CU!

Saturdays are Demo Days!  We’ll have a game set up at the end of our bar and we’ll take you through a quick demo to get a feel for how to play.  All demo day games are available for sale and available in our library, so if you like the demo, you can buy a copy for your......More

Saturdays are Demo Days!  We’ll have a game set up at the end of our bar and we’ll take you through a quick demo to get a feel for how to play.  All demo day games are available for sale and available in our library, so if you like the demo, you can buy a copy for yourself or purchase a game pass to play our library copy. 20% of the profits from the sales of our food, drinks and merch are donated back to our partner rescues, so buying a game from us levels up your good vibes.  August Demo Games Schedule Saturday, August 8 – GenCon Haul! Saturday, August 15 – GenCon Haul! Saturday, August 22 – One Round? Saturday, August 29 – Squirrel Away September Demo Games Schedule Saturday, September 5 – Purrfect Potions Saturday, September 12 – Cat Fluxx Saturday, September 19 – Cucumber Catastrophe Saturday, September 26 – Cat Says Moo

The Scratching Post is Champaign's Cat & Board Game Cafe. Enjoy our light snack and drink menu, purchase a game pass to access our massive library of 500+ board games, or make a reservation to visit our cat lounge where 20+ adoptable cats are waiting

D&D Night @The Scratching Post CU!

D&D Night @The Scratching Post! Come to D&D Night @The Scratching Post! Will we be making character sheets for our lounge cats? Yes. Will there be “pew pew” sound effects? Believe it. Bring your own D&D group, get tickets for a one-shot led by one of our GMs or j......More

D&D Night @The Scratching Post! Come to D&D Night @The Scratching Post! Will we be making character sheets for our lounge cats? Yes. Will there be “pew pew” sound effects? Believe it. Bring your own D&D group, get tickets for a one-shot led by one of our GMs or just hang out and enjoy the vibes. D&D night will be on the cafe side, separate from the cat lounge.  If you’d like to visit the cats you can make a reservation here! Bring Your Own D&D Group Email [email protected] to let us know how many people you’d like to reserve a table for.  Game passes are $5/person and for D&D night we’re donating all game pass fees to our partner non-profit rescues! Check out our Discord! Get Tickets for a One Shot Campaign D&D One Shot w/Professional Game Master Persephone Lovell Professional Game Master Persephone Lovell will be present, running a one-shot session of The World’s Most Popular Tabletop RPG! Registration for this event is limited; tickets available below, to a maximum of 8 players. Bring a Level 3 5e (either 2014 or 2024, your pick!) character, else pre-made characters will be available to choose from. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Persephone at [email protected], or feel free to @ her on the Scratching Post Discord! Get your D&D ticket here! 

The Scratching Post is Champaign's Cat & Board Game Cafe. Enjoy our light snack and drink menu, purchase a game pass to access our massive library of 500+ board games, or make a reservation to visit our cat lounge where 20+ adoptable cats are waiting

Women Elevating Women Resource Group

Women Elevating Women Resource Group (WEWRG) Group Lead: Heidi Esther Purpose Statement The Women Elevating Women Resource Group (WEWRG) is dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering community for professional women affiliated with chamber member organizati......More

Women Elevating Women Resource Group (WEWRG) Group Lead: Heidi Esther Purpose Statement The Women Elevating Women Resource Group (WEWRG) is dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering community for professional women affiliated with chamber member organizations. Through monthly roundtable discussions, mentorship opportunities, and occasional expert-led sessions, WEWRG will: Promote personal and professional growth among members. Facilitate meaningful connections and networking opportunities. Address challenges unique to women in the professional sphere. Encourage the sharing of experiences, strategies, and resources. By creating a space for open dialogue and mutual support, WEWRG will elevate the contributions and successes of women within the business community.   Eligibility Criteria Professional Affiliation: Applicants must be employed by a business or organization that holds current membership in good standing with the chamber. Role: Open to professional women across all levels and industries who are committed to personal and professional development. Commitment: Members are expected to actively participate in monthly meetings and contribute to group discussions and activities. Conduct: Members must uphold the group's values of respect, confidentiality, and support, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.  

Large Conference Room, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 303 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, Il. 61820