08/28/2026
This article compliments of Roelif Loveland
Today’s program featured relatively new IVAC Executive Director, Lucas Burris, as he gave the club a wrap-up of the many Chamber of Commerce activities. He was introduced by Rotarian Neal Knauf.
Burris grew up in Oglesby – attended LP High School – then graduated from North Central College with a degree in Broadcast Communication and Political Science. He came back to the area – and was most recently the Assistant General Manager and Voice of Pistol Shrimp Baseball.
“We create solutions for our members” he stated. The wide variety of programs and IVAC member benefits was outlined in his presentation. From manufacturers and contractors to retailers, healthcare providers, restaurants and family-owned companies, the success of the region depends on strong connections between business and community. For decades, the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (IVAC) has played an important role in building and strengthening those connections.
Lucas highlighted two of the IVAC programs that have made the Chamber highly popular with their 422 members - including “Lemonade Day” and the Illinois Valley Community Leadership Academy. IVAC serves as a central connector for businesses across Peru, LaSalle, Oglesby, Spring Valley and surrounding towns. It helps to unify economic development efforts in a region historically built on manufacturing, transportation, mining, and agriculture. It also acts as a bridge between small businesses, major employers, schools and local government.
One of the chamber’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring people together. Through business “After Hours”, ribbon cuttings, leadership initiatives, Meet the Mayors Luncheon, educational programs, and community partnerships, IVAC helps create relationships that strengthen both commerce and civic life. In small communities like ours, personal relationships still matter greatly, and the chamber provides an important platform where business leaders, educators, public officials and entrepreneurs can collaborate.
