Ed Dowd, Executive Director, Mattoon Chamber of Commerce. Photo submitted by Mattoon Chamber.
For Immediate Release – October 28, 2025
Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Announces Retirement: Letter from Ed Dowd
“It has been an absolute pleasure serving our members for the past 11 years. Mattoon has weathered many challenges and achieved even more successes while I have had the opportunity and honor to lead the organization. After much thought and consideration, I have decided to retire from the Chamber effective December 31, 2025.
My family and I have spent more than 25 years living, working and growing in this amazing community. I will continue to be one of the, if not the No. 1 champion and cheerleader for our community that I love so dearly.
I am proud to say our membership is growing, and we have nearly 350 members, making the Mattoon chamber of Commerce an important voice, not only locally, but throughout the state and nation. Our membership has increases 18% since 2015.
Many chambers have been losing membership, whereas we continue to gain and thrive. It has been so refreshing to continue to be asked “What is going on in Mattoon? You, are making things happen!”
We have an outstanding board of directors who were chosen by the members from a diverse field of organizations that include banking, finance, small business, legal, large employers and education. They have plans in place to ensure a smooth transition in leadership with a highly qualified candidate to lead the organization into the future.
Thank you once again for the honor to serve you over the last 11 years. I cannot wait to see what is next for the chamber and the Mattoon community!”
Sincerely,
Ed Dowd
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