The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its mission, members and community at its 102nd annual awards celebration on Friday, January 20, 2023, at The Pavilion in Marion. The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and 2022 award winners.

One of the awards that will be given during the event is the Business/Industry of the Year Award. The Business/Industry of the Year Award honorees were selected by the members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee. The award is being sponsored by Heartland Regional Medical Center.

The 2022 Business/Industry of the Year Award winners are:

·       Our educators

o  Brehm Preparatory School

o  John A. Logan College

o  Marion Community Unit School District No. 2

o  Southern Illinois University – Carbondale

Brehm Preparatory School

From Brehm Preparatory School:

"Since 1982, Brehm Preparatory School has been empowering junior high, high school, and college students with learning disabilities and differences to recognize and optimize their potential throughout their lives. By fostering a family environment where the educational, social, health, wellness, and emotional needs of each student are addressed through a focused, holistic program, students are able to receive instruction and guidance in the areas of education, vocation, independent living, health and well-being, and social-emotional development. The title of educator at Brehm is not reserved for those who are certified in the field of education and their chosen subject matter. Students are provided multiple opportunities per day to grow in their own individualized education programming. The Brehm educators encompass a partnership of teaching faculty, student life facilitators, independent living staff, recreation personnel, licensed speech-language pathologists, nurses, licensed clinical social workers, the administrative team, farm crew, maintenance staff, technology department, vocational counselors, kitchen staff, and parents. This team meets students where they are and guides the students to thrive. Despite setbacks related to staffing challenges, an unpredictable economy, and the worldwide pandemic, the educators at Brehm Preparatory School continue to teach, empower, and innovate in their community to reach students who have struggled with traditional school. Succeeding again is one thing; happy again is everything."

John A. Logan College

From John A. Logan College:

“THANK YOU for recognizing our awesome faculty. All of our teachers, those in traditional classes, those in community education classes, and those who manage our GED and alternative high school classes face adversity on a daily basis. But, they rise to the occasion. Their experience guides them as they shepherd the students who are seeking information, council, and basic needs. Some say we are in a post-pandemic world, however, the impact of the pandemic still exists. Our students have anxieties stemming from the pandemic that they are still working through. Our teachers help to mitigate their anxieties while also navigating the day-to-day rigor of being a collegiate student. JALC is here for the students. Our teachers want to teach and are most happy when they are teaching. Our teachers also want to help and it is their nature to nurture along the way. Way to go, JALC Teachers! You are rock stars!”

Marion Community Unit School District No. 2

From Superintendent, Keith Oates:

"I am so proud of our teachers and administrative team at Marion CUSD #2 for how they have overcome the many challenges since the spring of 2020. With no advance notice they banded together as a district family to assist each other to become remote educators, mental health support systems, meal delivery service, and anything else required to assist our students. Our caring staff continues to incorporate new student supports and teaching methods as we continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic. Looking back, the past couple of years has been a challenge but that has brought our district closer together as a family with a focus on student learning sharper than ever. They are all heroes for how they serve our students each and every day!

Marion Unit #2 is very appreciative of the Chamber's recognition of their hard work and service."

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

From SIUC Chancellor Austin A. Lane:

“When faced with challenges unlike others we have seen in our lifetimes, Salukis meet them with grit, determination and spirit, imagining a better world and their place in it. At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, we made our plans and adapted them when needed. By looking after each other, we have been able to offer in-person instruction since fall 2021.

We are proud to provide Salukis with a world-class education at a doctoral research university in one of the most beautiful areas in the state and the country. We have spent the past two years reaching out to students in the Southern Illinois region, letting them know the gem they have in their own backyard. Here, our undergraduates have opportunities reserved for graduate students elsewhere, and they will have the support of our dedicated faculty and staff.

I am grateful for all that our students have done to enrich our campus and our community. When I look to the future, I am filled with hope, thanks to the collective efforts of Salukis.”