Effingham, IL – January 27, 2025 – 2024 marked a significant milestone for Becky Brown as she celebrated 30 years of dedicated service with the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.
The journey began in 1992 when Brown decided to pursue a full-time education at Lake Land College, earning an associate’s degree in accounting. During her studies, she was referred to Elaine Nuding with CEFS, who recognized the importance of office experience for her resume. Nuding connected Brown with Norma Lansing at the Effingham County Chamber, leading to an internship that laid the foundation for a remarkable career.
“I had never worked in an office environment before, so Elaine wanted to help me gain some practical experience,” Brown recalls. “During my internship at the Chamber, I met so many people, learned about the business community, and discovered the valuable role the Chamber plays in supporting local businesses.”
After graduation, Brown began working in Effingham but quickly realized her passion for the Chamber’s mission and the people she worked with, including Lansing and Pat Copple. When the receptionist position opened, she didn’t hesitate to express her interest.
“That same day, I stopped by the Chamber and asked Norma if I could have the job,” she says. “Thirty years later, I’m still thriving here.”
Over the years, Brown advanced to the role of Membership Director, where she oversees the recruitment and retention of Chamber members. With her guidance, the Chamber has grown significantly and now proudly supports over 500 members.
“I’m honored to have played a part in the Chamber’s growth and to help ensure that our members receive value from their investment,” Brown shares. “This milestone is a testament to the relationships we’ve built and the impact the Chamber continues to have on our community.”
In addition to her role at the Chamber, Brown has reached several personal and professional milestones throughout her career. She became a Dale Carnegie graduate in 1996 and later served as an assistant in 1999. In October 2013, she earned her NFPC certification, further solidifying her professional expertise. In 2020, Brown was recognized by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) with the Dana Ketterling Lifetime Achievement Award – Bronze Level for achieving $175,000 in sales. Most recently, she was named Rotarian of the Year for 2022-2023 by the Sunrise Rotary Club, honoring her commitment to service beyond the Chamber.
Brown’s 30 years of service reflect her dedication to fostering connections and supporting the local business community. As the Chamber continues to grow, her commitment to its mission remains unwavering.
Brown was honored for her years of Chamber service at the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) Conference in November in Springfield, IL.
Community members and local businesses are encouraged to discover the many advantages of Chamber membership, including access to networking opportunities, valuable resources, and strong community support. For more information, visit EffinghamCountyChamber.com or contact Membership Director Becky Brown at (217) 347-6283.
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Pictured: Becky Brown at the IACCE Fall Conference in November 2024.
About the Effingham County Chamber
Since its establishment in 1917, the Effingham County Chamber has emerged as the foremost advocate and supporter of local businesses. With a commitment to fostering growth and prosperity, the Chamber offers leadership opportunities, volunteer programs, and business-building initiatives tailored to the vital needs of Effingham County enterprises. By harnessing the collective support, talent, and resources of its members, the Effingham County Chamber leads the way in driving business success and fostering community growth.