Michael Embrey has recently announced his candidacy for the office of 2nd Ward Council member for the City of DeKalb. Embrey has lived in the community for the past 50 years, coming to DeKalb to be the NIU Marching Band Director. After leaving the university he stayed in DeKalb to start his business and professional career.
“I am running for 2nd Ward Council because I’ve lived here most of my adult life and want to see conditions for the citizenry return to a more favorable status. As a homeowner and business owner, I want to keep this town as a great place to start a business and raise a family. I have experience in business finance and both regional and national community service experiences to be an effective city council member. I will work hard and make sure every citizen’s voice is heard.”
Embrey feels too often the citizens of DeKalb are not told the truth about the status of the community and the finances needed to run the city and related agencies. The branding of the image of the city and university has declined over the past 20 years. Local citizens interviewed feel there is little input into the concerns and direction of the city. Major concerns stated are taxes, infrastructures, crime, lack of residential growth, university decline, and support for small business owners.
“I encourage voters to engage in change. I will embrace organizational challenges and how to resolve them, as well as project a positive vision of the future and the steps to actualizing it. Change for many doesn’t come easy, but the end result will speak for itself with a better future for all who care and want to make a difference in DeKalb.”
Embrey is actively involved in regional and national tourism organizations, being on the Board of Directors for three tourism groups. He has received regional and national awards for his work with Military Veterans and veteran organizations. Recent acknowledgements include the State of Illinois Veteran of the Year, in 2021, 2022, and 2024, with national recognition in 2023. He was recently honored at the 2024 NIU Homecoming for his work with the NIU Marching Band. In addition to his travel company, he continues to work in the entertainment production arena, having created many events in DeKalb.
Mr. Embrey recently announced the return of Kishwaukee Fest coming this July, summer 2025. His home and business office are in DeKalb.
and new Facebook page: Embrey4DeKalb
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