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 Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations were sought for individuals who have demonstrated dedication and achievement in a professional capacity for 30 years or more. The Lifetime Achievement Award honorees were selected by the members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee. This Award is sponsored by First Southern Bank.

The 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award winners are:

·       Kathy Lively

·       Wayland Sims

Kathy Lively

Throughout her career, Lively has touched innumerable lives and businesses. She began her days in the workforce as a teenager working during her high school summer breaks at Maytag.

Graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in English education, she inspired many young minds but eventually discovered a new calling at John A. Logan College teaching the adult education program. This program was recognized as one of the leading, benchmark adult education programs in the country. She served on federal and state boards of adult education. Through her connections there, she took on the role of CEO of Man-tra-con in the early 2000s.

Lively's first passion is helping people. In her position with Man-tra-con, she provides crucial assistance in helping people find and retain long term employment that is not only fruitful but gives them the ability to provide well for their families. Her second passion is helping employers in "beautiful Southern Illinois" find committed and well-trained employees.

These passions and her hard work have set the bar statewide and nationwide for workforce programs. Her presence and expertise in the workforce and economic development of Southern Illinois has helped gain thousands of jobs for our region and added sustainability for new and existing businesses.

She prides herself in the development of herself and her team. They attend nationwide conferences for continued growth as well as increased knowledge and education in workforce training. Lively remains connected to each team member at every level regardless of any responsibilities she may have outside of her office. She is the definition of a servant leader, and her passion is truly helping people.

“Kathy’s commitment to workforce development has impacted our community in immeasurable ways – from the individual looking to start their next career to businesses looking to invest and establish a foothold in our community. Her work and commitment to our region will be felt for years to come,” said Karen Mullins, executive director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

Wayland Sims

Sims, a lifelong resident of Marion, graduated from Marion High School in 1955. He later attended Southern Illinois University and graduated in 1960 with a degree in marketing.

His business adventures started shortly after college when he purchased the Uptown Kitchen. He later purchased the Gem Café, which was located in the basement of the Goodall building on the Marion square. The Gem Cafe had a rich history which was enjoyed by patrons of all ages for many years.

After an extensive renovation to the Gem Café, Sims opened The Uptowner restaurant and cocktail lounge. He ran the restaurant for nearly 15 years with the help of his family and dear sister Jenny (affectionately known as Jen). Sims sold the Uptowner in 1971.

Sims attended design school to pursue his passion in art and design. He opened his first design business which was called Wayland Sims Interior Design in 1971. Sims then opened Distinctive Interiors in 1975. Sims purchased the Woolworth building on the Marion square, and, after an extensive renovation, he opened Distinctive Interiors in this location. Sims remained there until 1985 when he purchased the Cox Furniture and Hardware building.

In 2001, Sims purchased his present location at 2800 Outer Drive, Marion.

“I have enjoyed over 20 years at this location serving the community and my loyal clients,” Sims said.

Sims recently sold Distinctive Interiors in March 2022 to Lowell and Michelle Anderson.

“I remain as an employee during the transition to ensure that Distinctive Interiors will continue to be a unique high end design store for all to enjoy for many years,” Sims said.

“Wayland has had the unique opportunity to see Marion evolve and its business/retail community change to meet the needs and wants of our area. His enthusiasm and investment has made Marion a retail and hospitality destination,” said Karen Mullins, executive director of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.