The city of Marseilles wants to work more with the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Jeff Hettrick spoke to the city council last night about what they can do together after being asked by Mayor Jim Hollenbeck. Hettrick says the chamber wants to create an environment that lifts up all the businesses around the Illinois River Valley. It’s not just about the businesses that have joined the chamber. He says if it affects people in Ottawa, it’s going to affect people in Marseilles.
He says he also wants businesses around the Illinois River Valley to be on the same page.
Illinois River Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Reynolds says she’s ready to work with the city to promote businesses as well. But, there is some tension between the local chamber and Hollenbeck. He brought up some past issues with some of the board members that affect him personally.
There was no future plan announced by the chamber or the city last night. But Hollenbeck says he’s thankful for what the Ottawa chamber has done to support the city in the past even though they are not a member.