Our Mission
With the innovative combination of the membership driven Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development agencies, Vermilion Advantage will create and sustain an environment for all individuals and businesses to succeed and grow within the Danville and Vermilion County area.
Our History
In 2002, the Economic Development Corporation and the Danville Chamber of Commerce merged into the organization we now know as Vermilion Advantage.
Combining what was then 125 years of experience and dedication to Vermilion County, Vermilion Advantage is working for businesses, large and small, to enhance all aspects of community living – quality of life, successful business and retail climate and the general welfare of Vermilion County’s residents.
Investing in our future is important to everyone for the overall goal, success and vision for Vermilion County.
Meet the Vermilion Advantage Team
Dana Rowland
Chamber of Commerce Director
drowland@vermilionadvantage.com
Mike Levin
Vermilion County Trustee Director
mlevin@vermilionadvantage.com
Jodie Ingram
Workforce Education Director
jingram@vermilionadvantage.com
Lisa Thompson
Data & Finance Administrator
lthompson@vermilionadvantage.com
Sarah Haase
Operations Assistant
sarah@vermilionadvantage.com
Board & Executives
Vermilion Advantage Board members give generously of their time, expertise and financial resources to support our efforts to grow and improve Vermilion County. Collectively, they establish the directives for implementing and attaining our goals.
Executive Directors
- Chair: Gary Tucker, Thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components
- CEO/President:
- 1st Vice Chair: Dr. Seth Miller, Westville High School
- Vice Chair: Phil Muehl, Retired Executive
- Imm. Past Chair: Jeff Fauver, Fisher Bank
- Secretary: Jackie Vinson, Vermilion Housing Authority
- Treasurer: Matt Smiley, Old National Bank
- Director: Deanna Witzel, DND Witzel Enterprises
- Director: Gardner Peck, Danville Metal Stamping
- Director: John Hart, Danville District #118
- Director: Heather Tucker, Carle – Hoopeston
- Director: David Schnelle, Danville Sanitary District
- Director: Shanon McMasters, First Financial Bank
- Director: T.J. Morris, Iroquois Federal
- Director: Jon Stalcup, Owens-Corning
- Director: JT Barnhart, OSF Healthcare Sacred Heart
- Director: Dr. Randy Fletcher, DACC
- Director: Rick Elkin, Heartland Properties Group
- At Large: Rickey Williams, City of Danville
- At Large: Steve Miller, Vermilion County Board Chairman
- Ex-Officio: Paul Faraci, State Senator
- Ex-Officio: Brandun Schweizer, State Representative
Directors
- Sandy Blunier, Viscofan
- Tracy Carter, Village of Hoopeston
- Tom Coursey, Thyssenkrupp Crankshaft
- Ross Darby, Trigard
- Rev. Dale DeNeal, Second Church of Christ
- Tim Donahoe, McLane Midwest
- Darren Duncan, Duncan Farms
- J.R. Fregia, Courtesy Ford
- Aaron Goodrum, IBEW 538
- Matt Grandone, Mervis Industries
- John Griebat, Grain Craft
- Tara Hafner, Christie Clinic
- Tom Hashimoto, Hyster-Yale
- Tonya Hill, DACC Foundation
- Larry Kuchefski, Coldwell Banker
- Angie Lazzell, United Way
- Todd Lee, Retired Executive
- Travy McClellan, IBEW Local 538
- Amanda McCoy, Golden Nugget Danville
- Michael Mervis, Vermilion Development
- Abby Muehl, Danville Country Club
- Andy Price, Aqua Illinois
- Casey Reece, Chevron Renewable Energy Group
- Hayley Siefert, Keller Williams Realty
- Auston Surprenant, Danville Area Board of Realtors
- Bill Wear, Village of Tilton Mayor
- Allison Winter, Comm. Foundation of E. Central IL, Development Director
- Julie Zimmerman, Genpact
- Tyler Zindars, Westwood Equity Partners
Vermilion Advantage is the recipient of the IACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year 2025.
