Frequently Asked Questions
General
According to the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a A chamber of commerce is an organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interests, while advancing their community, region, state or nation.
There is strength in numbers and with a membership of 580+ strong, the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce is the "Voice of Business" for Decatur-Macon County.
Joining the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce has many benefits included in its tiered membership structure that allows you to customize your membership level to meet your business' unique needs. Whether you are seeking discounted advertising packages, employee development courses, recruitment tools, employee drug testing, or simply networking opportunities, the Chamber has what your business needs.
We exist to grow our local businesses and advocate on their behalf with a strong, unified voice for business-friendly legislation. We strive to help build and promote our community to provide an atmosphere that attracts, retains and expands our local economy.
For information on available buildings, sites, workforce data, demographic information or incentives, contact the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur - Macon County at 217-422-9520.
Use this startup calculator from the Wall Street Journal as a tool to estimate what your expenses will be before opening the doors to your new business.
Become a part of First Step FastTrac, a 12-week course on business ownership that can help you realize that dream. This program is presented by SCORE and Millikin University's Center for Entrepreneurship.
For general information on starting a new business including: sources, grants and loans, contact SCORE at 217-424-6297.
Demographic information is available from the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. You may reach the EDC at 217-422-9520 or online at www.decaturedc.com.
As of July 1,2011, Decatur's sales tax rate is 9% (7.25% Illinois tax + 1.75% local sales tax) for general merchandise and 11% for restaurants (additional 2% food and beverage tax).
Please click here for more information from the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Springfield, IL - 36 miles
Bloomington, IL - 45 miles
Champaign, IL - 47 mies
Peoria, IL - 86 miles
St. Louis, MO - 135 miles
Indianapolis, IN - 172 miles
Chicago, IL - 180 Miles
The Macon County Clerk's office archives all local birth records and marriage licenses.
Stephen Bean, Macon County Clerk
Main Office:
Macon County Office Building
141 South Main Street, Room 104
Decatur, IL 62523
Contacts:
Phone: (217) 424-1305 or (217) 424-1307
Tax Extension: (217) 424-1308
Voters Registration: (217) 424-1309
Email: sbean@co.macon.il.us
Hours:
M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
excluding legal holidays
Industry
Ameren
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Caterpillar, Inc.
Mueller Company
PPG Industries
Tate & Lyle
Healthcare
Decatur Memorial Hospital
St. Mary's Hospital
Education
Decatur Public School District
Millikin University
Richland Community College
Government
City of Decatur
County of Macon
Please visit our membership directory page for contact information on all our members.
Decatur is located in the following legislative districts:
IL House of Representatives:
96th District
101st District
102nd District
IL Senate:
48th District
51st District
Congressional:
13th District
For inquiries about building permits or building inspections, contact the City of Decatur at 217-424-2787 or www.ci.decatur.il.us.
Decatur Area Visitor's and Convention Bureau
217-423-7000 or www.decaturcvb.com
Decatur City Manager's Office
217-424-2801 or www.ci.decatur.il.us
Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois
1-309-688-5124
Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County
217-422-9520 or www.decaturedc.com
We have local phone books available at our office free of charge.
We will not mail phonebooks.
Please visit our relocation information page for more local resources
YES! We understand that cash flow can sometimes be a challenge for new businesses. That's why we offer a payment plan which automatically deducts your Chamber membership dues in monthly installments from your checking or savings account.
For less than the price of a bottle of water per day, you can enjoy the valuable benefits of a Chamber membership.
Contact our Finance Coordinator at 217-422-2200 for more information on paying your dues annually, quarterly or monthly!
10.4% (June 2012) visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) website for the most current rate.







