Area chamber of commerce to cease operations at end of year | Business

OREGON, Ill. — An area chamber of commerce will halt operations at the end of the year.

The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce announced on Facebook that it will suspend its current operations on Dec. 31. The Chamber said the decision was made after several years of financial hardship that made their current business model unsustainable.

The Chamber said they made efforts to reduce costs, including selling their building and moving to Phelps Plaza, lowering spending, limiting software expenses, and cutting staff hours.

Leaders at the Chamber said they would work toward finding a solution.

“The Chamber Board will stay in place and work through the process of restructuring, or potential closure and dissolution,” wrote the Chamber on their post.

The Chamber said they regretted the suspension had to happen but also offered optimism for their community.

“Though the Chamber will be suspended, our hope for this community remains strong. The Oregon area is a remarkable place, full of resilient people and limitless potential,” wrote the Chamber.

“Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in the greater community. The strength has always come from its people—and its people remain extraordinary.”

The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce said next steps for members would be communicated, outstanding questions would be answered, and any dues collected would be returned for 2026 before their suspension.