Recently the Macon Area Chamber of Commerce was the recipient of a $941.89 Shop Local Champaign grant provided by the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments. The Macon Chamber developed a Live, Life, Local campaign encouraging the patronage of local businesses. The grant funds were used to promote shopping locally by advertising on radio stations and distributing printed shopping bags for businesses to utilize. In response to COVID-19, the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments received funding from the Economic Development Administration to support local communities and promote economic development activities.