MARCH 2026  19 
We are happy to announce that the Illi-
nois Chamber Foundation, in partnership 
with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 
Foundation, will host its second annual 
National Civics Bee competition at the 
University of Illinois Springfield campus 
on July 31st at 2:00 PM.
	
Following the success and enthusiasm 
from last year’s event, we are excited to 
carry this momentum forward and see 
what this year’s competition will bring. The 
National Civics Bee continues to highlight 
the importance of civic knowledge and en-
gagement while giving students the oppor-
tunity to demonstrate their understanding 
of government, community involvement, 
and civic responsibility.
	
As we celebrate and support the next 
generation of civic leaders, we hope you 
will be able to attend and cheer on these 
impressive young participants. Your sup-
port helps encourage civic learning and 
inspires students to stay engaged in their 
communities!
	
Be sure to follow our social media 
platforms to stay up to date on event 
information and highlights leading up to 
the event!
Save the Date: 
Friday, July 31, 2026
You’re invited to join us in celebrating the 
talented finalists in Illinois!
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, July 31, 2026 
2:00PM
University of Illinois Springfield  
Student Union
One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703-5407
Registration:
Please contact Jill Vancil  
jvancil@ilchamber.org
ABOUT THE BEE
The National Civics Bee is an 
annual competition that 
encourages young Americans 
to engage in civics and 
contribute to their 
communities. 
As they compete for prizes, 
students strengthen their 
civics, writing, and public 
speaking skills, and form 
friendships with other young 
leaders along the way.
One of the Illinois Chamber’s premiere 
signature events of the year is our annual 
lobby day known as “Chamber Day.” 
This year, we are happy to be celebrating 
our 9th Annual Chamber Day on the 
morning of April 16, from 8:00am – 
11:30am at the President Abraham 
Lincoln Springfield. 
	
The registration and sponsorship 
link can be found here, and tickets 
are available on an individual basis or 
through the purchase of a table. For more 
information about Chamber Day, please 
reach out to Callie Brenden. We look 
forward to seeing you there!
PRO
G R O W T H
B U S I N E S S
I L L I N O I S
CHAMBER DAY
APRIL 16, 2026
ABRAHAM LINCOLN HOTEL
SPRINGFIELD
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
CHAMBER EVENTS
CHAMBER DAY | APRIL 16
NATIONAL CIVICS BEE | JULY 31

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