2022 Award of Excellence Honoree

Marilyn Jones Stritzel

The Award of Excellence, which recognizes a Chamber member who has made significant contributions to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. This person demonstrates personal and professional leadership in the community.

At the Awards ceremony, Jessica Farmer of SouthernTrust Bank, highlighted Marilyn presence as a fixture within the Chamber with her dedication, compassion, and support over the years. Not only in sponsoring events, but in her roles on committees, service on the Board, and commitment to the Marion community. Her knowledge base across many industries has given her a unique perspective on business needs and she has founded several over the years while raising her family and being active in her church.   

"Marilyn Jones has been a pillar of the Marion Chamber for a very long time. This Award of Excellence is a small token of our appreciation to her for all she's given!" -  Jared Garrison, 2022 Board Chair.

2022 Business / Industry Award Honoree

Our Local Educators

The Business/Industry of the Year Award recognized a business or industry that has deeply impacted the Marion business community. Honorees were selected by the members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee. 

The 2022 Business/Industry of the Year Award honors our local educators. At the event Ed Cunningham, Market President Illinois Region at Deaconess Illinois introduced this year's honorees and the role they continue to play in developing the leaders and employees of the future. The current workforce challenges and the face of learning have changed drastically in the last few years, and their commitment and passion for learning and workforce development is deeply appreciated by the Marion community and business leaders.     

The following Chamber members accepted the award on behalf of their industry:

• Brehm Preparatory School - Represented by Faculty Member Courtny Vincent
• John A. Logan College - Represented by Provost Director Melanie Pecord
• Marion Community Unit School District No. 2 - Represented by School Board President Joe Blyer
• Southern Illinois University – Carbondale - Represented by Camille Davidson of the SIU School of Law

“Generation after generation, the skills and training of our local educators provide a firm foundation for the business and civic community. Their adaptability and ongoing commitment to the youth of our region, especially during the recent uncertainty of COVID, is a testament to their training and dedication to our community’s future,” said Karen Mullins, Executive Director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. 

2022 Citizen of the Year Award Honoree

Kerry Martin

The Citizen of the Year award honors an individual who shows significant contribution to the Marion community as well as excelled in a field outside the Chamber. Nominees were submitted from the Chamber membership and finalized by the Award Committee. They were then voted on by the membership.  Kevin Beckemeyer with Legence Bank presented this year's award on behalf of the Chamber to Kerry Martin.

"Congratulations to Kerry Martin! This award perfectly reflects the endless hours he has poured into our community." - Jared Garrison, 2022 Board Chair 

2022 Distinguished Business Honoree

The Pavilion

The Citizen of the Year award recognizes a business that has given significant service to the Marion 

Chamber of Commerce and its mission. The recipient of this award must be a member business of the

Marion Chamber of Commerce. Nominees were submitted from the Chamber membership and finalized by the Award Committee. They were then voted on by the membership. Julie Campbell with Campbell Insurance Group presented this year's award on behalf of the Chamber to The Pavilion.

"We deeply appreciate the Pavilion's support of Chamber Programming and providing a venue for post COVID events that would allow us to meet the needs of our members and the flexibility based on attendee needs." - Karen Mullins, Chamber Executive Director

2022 Distinguished Member Honoree

Matt Carnaghi

The Citizen of the Year award recognizes a Chamber member who has given significant service to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and its mission. Nominees were submitted from the Chamber membership and finalized by the Award Committee. Nathan Columbo with Clearwave Fiber presented this year's award on behalf of the Chamber to Matt Carnaghi.

"Congratulations to Matt Carnaghi for serving and helping to improve our organization this past year!" - Jared Garrison, 2022 Board Chair   

2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees

Kathy Lively & Wayland Sims

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated dedication and achievement in a professional capacity for 30 years or more. Nominees were submitted by the Membership and finalized by the Awards Committee.

Wayland Sims has been an institution in the Marion Business community since the 1960s. His talent for business and eye for design guided him through various long-standing businesses and the establishment of Distinctive Interiors in 1975.  
 

Kathy Lively has planned a vital role in work force development from her years at John A Logan College to her role as CEO of Man-Tra-Con for two decades. 

At the awards ceremony, Mary Jo McCurdy with First Southern Bank presented the award to Kathy Lively. Wayland Sims was unavailable to attend the awards ceremony and will be honored at the April Membership luncheon.

2022 Mayor's Service Award Honoree

Tom Logan

The Mayor's Service Award honors a business or industry who has gone above and beyond to serve the Marion community. The honoree is selected by the Mayor of the City of Marion. At the awards ceremony, Mayor Michael Absher presented this year's award to Tom Logan.

"I am excited to honor Tom Logan this year with the Mayor's Service Award. Every time I hear his story, I learn something new and truly inspiring!” Said Mayor Mike Absher in reflection of Logan. “Tom has literally changed our World for the better through his Marion Medical Mission. Marion is blessed to be able to claim him as a resident and that he calls Marion home."

2022 Young Professional Leadership Honoree

Laura Chairez

The Young Professional Leadership Award honors an individual who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40. Nominees were submitted from the Chamber membership and finalized by the Award Committee. They were then voted on by the membership. Mark Dynis with SIU Credit Union presented this year's award on behalf of the Chamber to Laura Chairez.

"Laura is the epitome of excellence and initiative! Not only did she start a business right as COVID was unfolding but she maintained and grew her business!" - Jared Garrison, 2022 Board Chair