About Us

The RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) serves the following communities in southwestern Illinois: Alton, Bethalto, East Alton, Elsah, Foster Township, Godfrey, Grafton, Hartford, Roxana, South Roxana, Wood River, and Wood River Township.

The mission of the Growth Association is to provide leadership required to attract, promote and support new and existing enterprise growth throughout the Riverbend community.

The RBGA is comprised of members from small businesses including solopreneurs, financial institutions, non-profit organizations, healthcare, government, and education working together to improve the quality of life and employment opportunities for the people of the Riverbend.

We invite you to become a part of this growing organization.

The RBGA is the unified voice for the Riverbend area. The goals of the Association include retention, expansion and recruitment of business; limited promotion of tourism; and the coordination of resources to assist with quality education programs, all ingredients of a healthy community.

JOHN KELLER

President

618-467-2286 office

618-791-8792 cell

jkeller@growthassociation.com

STEFANIE WITHERS

Member Engagement Director

618-467-2284 office

618-550-3168 cell

swithers@growthassociation.com

DEBBIE HAGEN

Communications Director

618-467-2287 office

618-946-1474 cell

dhagen@growthassociation.com

What Our Members Say About Us

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it demonstrates our organization's interest in being supportive and active members of the community.

Danny Adams, St. Louis Regional Airport

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because I can offer my customers the resources/ referrals that they might need to assist in their day-to-day activities/ needs.

Martha Schultz, First Mid Bank & Trust

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it helps us build relationships, grow awareness, and stay connected!!

Boston Talley, Refuge

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it keeps my business engaged, visible and invested in our community values. 

Alana Yount, Waggoner Equipment Rentals, LLC

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because it brings awareness about the importance of being the eyes and ears for vulnerable children in our community.

Erin Bickle, Refuge

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because beyond visibility and networking, membership gives us a voice in regional business conversations. RBGA serves as a forum where issues like workforce development, education, infrastructure, and economic policy are discussed in ways that directly impact companies like ours. Being at the table ensures we can help shape the environment we operate in - and contribute to initiatives that build a strong pipeline for future talent and industry growth.

Jane Saale, Cope Plastics, Inc.

Being a Chamber member is valuable to my business because the networking that is provided is unmatchable. You only get out of it what you put into it, but if you attend on a regular basis, it is a vital connection.

Christy Schult, Community Hope Center