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Thursday, September 25, 2025

Illinois DOGE Deep Dive: Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce

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Thomas Reid Mackin, Executive Director at Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce | linkedin.com

Thomas Reid Mackin, Executive Director at Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce | linkedin.com

Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce was approved to receive a $250,000 grant in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.

Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce states that its mission is: “This Chamber of Commerce offers a platform for networking, collaboration, and growth within the community.”

You can learn more about the organization at its website.

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.

In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.

According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.

Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Ann ClevenDirector
2024-2024Cesar LopezDirector
2024-2024Daniela Miriam DurandDirector
2024-2024Lawrence R LynchBoard President
2024-2024Pete SchmuggeTreasurer
2024-2024Thomas Mackin IiiExecutive Director
2024-2024Thomas Reid MackinExecutive Director
Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
-Cesar LopezDirector-
-Marsha GolaszewskiDirector-
-Riccardo MartinezDirector-
-Thomas Reid MackinExecutive Director-

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