BLOOMINGTON, IL — The McLean County Chamber of Commerce welcomed over 600 attendees to the 2026 Twin Cities Showcase, presented by CEFCU, hosted at the Illinois State University CEFCU Arena on May 13, 2026. The annual event once again highlighted the importance of building meaningful connections between businesses and the community while celebrating everything that makes McLean County a great place to live and do business.
Featuring more than 100 exhibitors from a wide variety of industries and business sizes, the Twin Cities Showcase provided attendees with the opportunity to discover local products and services, connect face to face with business owners, community organizations, and nonprofits, and sample flavors from the Bloomington-Normal restaurant industry. From small businesses and solopreneurs to large companies and nonprofits, the event showcased the diversity and innovation that continues to drive McLean County forward.
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For the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, the Showcase represents more than a traditional business expo. The event serves as an important platform for fostering both business-to-business and business-to-community connections that strengthen the region as a whole.
"Events like the Twin Cities Showcase are essential because they create space for real, face-to-face connections. Those conversations are what turn familiarity into trust and trust into long-term community growth and business success," said Charlie Moore, President & CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.
As presenting sponsor, CEFCU emphasized the importance of supporting events that promote community engagement and local economic growth.
"We love being in the community, sharing our brand, and learning about other businesses we can partner with," said Kimmy Schoenbein, Business Development Account Executive, CEFCU. "You're going to do business with people that you feel familiar and comfortable with and that's why we love sponsoring Twin Cities Showcase. This event allows community members and business owners to meet and put a face with a company, it's not just another email, it's an opportunity to develop a relationship."
In addition to the exhibitor experience, attendees enjoyed the Taste of Twin Cities, sponsored by Chestnut Health Systems, which featured samples from local food vendors and restaurants across McLean County. Taste of Exhibitors included: Rader Family Farms, Bonchon Bloomington, Ancho & Agave, Moe's Southwest Grill, Jet's Pizza, Portillo's Restaurant, Bloom Bawarchi Indian Restaurant & Bar, Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Fiala Brothers Brewery & Beer Hall, and D.P. Dough.
"It was awesome connecting with so many people today and so many families that are impacted by epilepsy," said Christie Goodman, Owner of Maddie's Hope. "Being a brand new nonprofit, a lot of our expenses come directly out of pocket, so we are extremely grateful the Chamber was able to offer a nonprofit discount this year. Without that assistance we would not have been able to have a booth today, spread our organization mission, and connect with families who need our support."
Year after year, the Showcase continues to be a reminder that McLean County's strength comes from connection. When we take the time to engage with one another, whether as neighbors, business owners, or community partners, we create something larger than any event. We build trust, spark collaboration, and reinforce the shared commitment to making this region a place where people and businesses can thrive together.
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce extends its gratitude to all exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees who made the 2026 Showcase a success, and looks forward to continuing to foster these meaningful connections at the 2027 Twin Cities Showcase.
