C.A.S.T … Cheryl Geer was the guest speaker and shared information about Metamora’s food pantry and what it takes to run it so that they can help those in need.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Chamber of Commerce held its meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The meeting opened at 6:15 p.m. with introductions of the guests present, followed by a reminder for members early in the evening that the chamber’s direction would be shaped largely by what businesses and organizations tell them they need most.
With survey packets included in meeting folders, leadership urged attendees to complete the forms and return them promptly, emphasizing that feedback helps determine which events, programs, and outreach efforts are truly beneficial to the community.
Members were asked to fill out the surveys that night, if possible, rather than taking them home and forgetting to return them, with additional options provided for dropping them off later.
Several member resources were also highlighted, including prescription savings cards made available in the room.
Attendees were encouraged to take cards for themselves, employees, and family members, with the chamber noting the cards may be useful even for those who already have insurance coverage.
Before moving into the main program, members were asked to confirm that the chamber has the correct contact information on file for each business or organization.
Leadership noted it is important that the right person receives chamber communications, and asked members to verify email addresses and the cell phone numbers tied to their accounts.
A new chamber text messaging program was also announced, set to begin the next day. Members were told they would receive an opt-in message and would need to accept it to receive chamber texts.
The chamber said the texting system will not be used excessively, but is intended to provide timely reminders and updates, particularly in the weeks leading up to meetings or community events.
Attention then turned to the chamber’s communications and promotional opportunities. A newsletter was discussed, with the next edition expected to be released around February 1, 2026.
Businesses and organizations were invited to submit announcements, upcoming events, promotions, and other information for inclusion.
The chamber also promoted additional ways to spotlight businesses, including short presentations by members and the sharing of content such as photos or videos through the chamber’s social media channels.
Leadership also referenced member benefit programs available through broader regional partnerships, noting resources such as employee-related programs and other services are outlined in chamber materials and on the chamber website.
Members were encouraged to make use of the online resources, including business listings and links that allow the public to connect with chamber member businesses.
The meeting featured a guest presentation from Cheryl Geer of C.A.S.T., a local food pantry serving the Evergreen community, based in Metamora.
Geer described the pantry as a community-supported effort that relies on donations and volunteer labor from churches, local organizations, businesses, and individuals.
In addition to volunteers who help distribute food, the pantry needs help with pickups, stocking, inventory, and building upkeep, including ensuring refrigeration and facilities meet required standards.
The pantry has also seen growing demand; 71 individuals were served on a recent day, illustrating the level of need in the area.
Attendees were told the pantry also seeks donations of personal care items and cleaning supplies, including paper products and laundry detergent, and that monetary donations help cover items that are often in short supply.
Geer emphasized that the pantry maintains confidentiality and, in the course of its work, does not turn people away.
After the guest presentation, the chamber reviewed several of its activities from the past year. Among the items discussed was the chamber calendar, which has been distributed around the community through local businesses and public locations.
Members were encouraged to submit photos for future calendars, particularly historic images of area businesses or community scenes. The chamber also reviewed its financial awards program, which provides four $1,000 scholarships. The program includes support not only for traditional college paths, but also for students pursuing trades and career programs, with funds intended to help cover tools, supplies, and other needs for entering the workforce.
The chamber described the program as volunteer-driven, with students earning entries toward scholarship drawings through community service participation.
An additional scholarship component was also described for the student who accumulates the most volunteer hours over time.
Beautification efforts were also covered, including downtown flower planters that require ongoing maintenance throughout the growing season.
The chamber discussed a plan for the coming year to launch an adopt-a-week approach, allowing businesses to sign up for watering responsibilities for set periods.
The chamber said the goal is to spread out the workload while keeping the downtown looking its best and providing businesses a visible way to contribute.
Plans to continue Party in the Park were also discussed. While last year’s event faced challenges, including weather conditions, it was described as successful overall with strong attendance and children’s activities.
The chamber said it intends to hold the event again this year and noted the need for more volunteers, with committee work structured so volunteers can take on manageable roles, including four-hour shifts.
The possibility of additional community events was also mentioned, with examples ranging from themed nights to other family-oriented gatherings.
The chamber also promoted its Chamber Bucks program, describing it as a gift certificate system that can be used at participating member businesses.
The chamber said the certificates are sold at face value and are intended to encourage local spending and keep dollars circulating in the community.
Another portion of the evening included a discussion of a bank rebranding, with remarks acknowledging that not everyone is immediately comfortable with change.
In the presentation, it was emphasized that while branding may shift, the underlying ownership structure and day-to-day operations remain in place.
The change was framed as a long-term strategy aimed at growth, improved market visibility, and positioning for future business conditions. Additional community collaboration was also briefly referenced, including an upcoming veteran’s recognition program being planned in partnership with the library and historical society.
Members were encouraged to share historical business photos that could be scanned and preserved for community use.
The meeting closed at 7:21 p.m. after an open floor discussion inviting suggestions for future chamber projects, downtown improvements, and ways the organization can better promote local businesses.
Ideas discussed included continued beautification projects, possible assistance in connecting businesses with grant opportunities for improvements such as storefront work or safety upgrades, and broader efforts to support growth and revitalization in the Metamora area.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.