Decatur, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The 2024 Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce Awards, held Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Country Club of Decatur, was a night to celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations that fuel progress and purpose in the region. Among the evening’s most celebrated honorees was Cassie J. Yoder, founder and owner of Cass Concepts, who was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year. Her agency, celebrating its 20th year, was also named Small Business of the Year.
“To even be finalists alongside legacy businesses like Brinkoetter Realtors and Staley Credit Union was an honor,” said Yoder. “These organizations have served our community for decades, and it means so much to be recognized in such an inspiring company.”
Yoder, a Sullivan High School graduate, began her professional journey at Lake Land College studying Radio-Television Broadcasting. While there, she earned multiple honors from both the Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. She continued her academic path with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Eastern Illinois University, with a focus on Corporate Communications, followed by a Master’s degree in Recreation, Sport & Tourism from the University of Illinois. This advanced program—emphasizing leadership in marketing, management, social development, and environmental stewardship—led Yoder to the classroom again but in a different way. Yoder then taught at both Richland Community College and Lake Land College, mentoring future professionals in media, marketing, tourism and communications.
Since founding Cass Concepts in 2005, Yoder has grown the agency into a powerhouse of creativity and strategy. Headquartered in downtown Decatur, Cass Concepts is a full service creative agency that specializes in branding, design, social media strategy, video production, event planning, websites, and storytelling for clients across industries. Known for its “community over competition” philosophy, the agency has become a trusted partner to both local and regional clients who seek bold, people-first marketing.
“At Cass Concepts, we believe in the power of people-first storytelling, bold strategy, and community over competition,” said Yoder. “We’re not just another marketing agency—we’re the team in your corner. The ones who listen first, ask the right questions, and dive deep into your business to uncover what makes you different. Then we take that and run—with branding, design, websites, social media, events, video, and everything in between.”
As Cass Concepts celebrates two decades of creative impact, the agency will host an official 20th anniversary ribbon cutting celebration on June 11, 2025, at its downtown Decatur headquarters. The event will be open to the public and serve as a tribute to the business’s growth, resilience, and continued commitment to the region.
The Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce, with over 130 years of service as the “Voice of Business,” continues to recognize and support leaders who drive economic growth, community development, and entrepreneurial excellence. This year’s Chamber Awards highlighted the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Decatur’s business community.
Yoder concluded, “This recognition is truly shared with our team, our clients, and our community. We are here because you believe in the power of good stories—and we’re honored to help tell them.”
Comments