“It Can Happen Here”: Derek Barichello Brings Optimism and Action
Derek Barichello isn’t just changing careers—he’s shifting roles from storyteller to storymaker. In a recent episode of the We Are Here podcast hosted by Paul Webster and Tony Ross, Barichello introduced himself to the community in his new roles as Executive Director of the Streator Chamber of Commerce and facilitator for the Streator Area CEO Program.
His voice may be familiar to many from his years as a journalist at The Times, but now, instead of reporting on progress, he’s determined to help create it. “As a journalist, you’re not supposed to get your hands dirty,” Barichello said. “Now I can.”
Barichello, a Streator native who left to study journalism at the University of Illinois and work in places like Georgia and New York, has come full circle. After covering stories like the Rita Crundwell scandal in Dixon, he returned to LaSalle County and eventually made his way back to Streator. He now brings a storyteller’s lens to his mission of building pride, promoting business, and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The CEO Program is one of his biggest passions. It challenges students from Woodland and Streator High School to create real businesses and see them through to a public trade show. “I love what they’re doing,” Barichello said. “It’s not just about ideas—it’s about action.”
His dual roles are uniquely complementary. The Chamber of Commerce works to promote and support local businesses. The CEO Program helps create new ones. “There’s power in numbers,” he said. “The Chamber can provide the promotional and organizational support that small businesses often can’t do on their own.”
But he doesn’t shy away from tough truths either. “One of the biggest challenges is overcoming Streator's image,” he said. He described customers walking into local shops and asking, “Is it safe here?” His answer is clear: “We live here. We work here. It is safe.”
From manufacturing to mom-and-pop boutiques, Barichello sees a lot to be proud of. He highlighted Vactor’s collaboration with local schools, the growth of downtown businesses, the impact of the Walldogs murals, and Streator’s overlooked potential for tourism.
His message to listeners was both hopeful and direct: “It can happen here. Believe that. Then think: how can it?”
If you haven’t already, give the full conversation a listen on the We Are Here podcast. It’s a thoughtful, energizing interview—and a reminder that building a better Streator starts with believing in it again.
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For more information or to get involved with the Chamber or CEO Program, email info@streatorchamber.com or streatorareaceo@gmail.com. The Chamber’s next big event is the Annual Golf Outing at The Eastwood on June 13.
