The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its mission, members and community at its 102nd annual awards celebration on Friday, January 20th 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 Distinguished Business Award, which is given to a business that has made significant contributions to the community and is a member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were asked to submit nominations from October-November for the award. This year, the Chamber opened up the selection of the winner to its membership through voting that began in November and officially ended December 1.

The 2022 Distinguished Chamber Member Award finalists are:

·      Vernell’s Interstate Service

·      The Pavilion

·      WSIL News 3

Vernell’s Interstate Service

From Vernell’s:

           “Vernell’s Interstate Service has offered the best in towing and emergency roadside for Southern Illinois assistance for over 60 years. We are a family-owned Company. What began as a two-bay shop is now a 14-bay, 20,000 square foot facility that houses a towing service, heavy-duty repair shop, 24/7 express repair and fully stocked parts department. Since the beginning our motto has been, “We are there,” and we live up to that motto every day.

Vernell’s is always on call – flat tire, stuck in the snow, car won’t start? Vernell’s has you covered around the clock. From commercial vehicles, we offer 24/7 emergency roadside service and express repair. Our recovery team is always on call to handle any heavy-duty towing needs, as you’ve probably noticed on Interstate 57.

           Our technicians also work on RV engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, and even trailers!

And did you know that Vernell’s offers paid, secured parking? We even offer long-term parking for those who need it. Currently we have more than thirty employees wither several of those employees being with us for over two decades.

           We pride ourselves on our customer service attention to detail and we want out customers to be 100% satisfied… with the proof of being in our countless 5-star reviews. We are proud to have served the community and surrounding area for over 60 years and we look forward to another 60 (at least) and today we are also proud to be members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.”

The Pavilion

Most everyone knows the Pavilion is “Your Premier Event Center” for summits, conferences, weddings, concerts, market days, expos, and business meetings as well as opportunities for children to meet Santa, the Easter Bunny, and every Disney Princess ever created. 

Less known is the vital role the Pavilion has quietly played over the years in contributing to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. A long-time Chamber business member, the Pavilion has continuously made itself available to accommodate the functions necessary for the sustainability of the Chamber such as board and committee meetings as well as other networking and business building events. It’s partnership with the Chamber has brought to our members and the community the Annual Awards Banquet, multiple leadership conferences, and the SI Made Expo to just name a few. Many of these events have brought back fellowship, camaraderie between businesses, and a sense of normalcy after a couple of tough years. Outside of the Chamber calendar, events hosted by the Pavilion bring thousands of people through the Marion city limits each year who visit restaurants, retail shops, and stay in our local hotels.

The employees of the Pavilion have contributed greatly to the Chamber partnership as well. They strive to ensure each event, no matter the size, is handled efficiently and with professionalism. The Executive Director, Jared Garrison, has held seat on every standing and special event committee available at the Marion Chamber. He currently serves on the board of directors where he holds the Chairman seat. 

The Pavilion truly represents a business making significant contributions to the Marion community through the Chamber of Commerce.

WSIL News 3

From Matt Linsin, WSIL News 3 Creative Services Manager:

"We are a Mid-West Emmy award winning heritage television station that reaches 3 states and 43 counties. It's a large area to cover and we see it as a great responsibility. Responsibility to provide accurate journalism that tells the stories that matter to the people of Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, and Southeast Missouri.

Lives are at stake when severe weather shocks our communities. With a team of meteorologists dedicated to tracking storms, we arm viewers with the knowledge they need to keep themselves and their families safe.

We aren't all serious though. We know how to have a good time and celebrate Unsung Heroes, pets that need adoption, and local non-profits. Heck, we just teamed up with the Southern Illinois Foundation to raise over $230,000 for local charities and non-profits! Giving back is a huge part of who we are and how we operate on a daily basis and it feels like we've just begun."

“The Marion Chamber Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony is Marion’s most prestigious event of the year, said Jared Garrison, executive director of The Pavilion and chair of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “We have worked tirelessly throughout the year, engaging and connecting with one another to grow and enhance our community. This event is a celebration of all our efforts towards that work with the highlight of the evening being our award nominees and recipients."

Tickets to attend are $65 a person or $500 for a table of 8 or $750 for a table of 12 and are available by calling the Marion Chamber of Commerce at (618) 997.6311, visiting marionillinois.com or emailing director@marionillinois.com.