2023 Award Honorees
We would like to thank everyone who took part in the Awards Banquet and Award Ceremony on January 19th at the Pavilion. Below are profiles of our 2023 'Of The Year' winners!
2023 Award of Excellence Honorees
Southern Illinois Chili Cookoff & Patricia Odum
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. Nominees were submitted from the Chamber membership and finalized by the Annual Banquet and Awards Committee.
At the Awards ceremony, Jessica Farmer of SouthernTrust Bank and 2022 award honoree Marilyn Jones Stritzel presented the 2023 Award of Excellence award to the Southern Illinois Chili Cookoff and Patricia Odum. Both honorees embody the volunteer spirit that makes this area so special and support at risk members of our community.
The Chili Cookoff Team was started by a group of individuals who simply wanted to do something to bring the community together to have a day of fun and in the process raise a few dollars for some local charities. Their hard work and dedication has led to one of the biggest annual community events in Marion and has raised thousands of dollars for many local charities. They exemplify how just a few people with an idea can put a plan in action and make a big difference in a community. Patricia Odum had a dream to help struggling veterans who need a place to call home. She sacrificed everything she had to make that dream come true. She is an inspiration to all and shows us that sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and follow your heart. We are honored to recognize these individuals for making Marion a generous place! - Michelle Hamilton, 2023 Chamber Board Chair
2022 Honoree Marilyn Jones Stritzel with 2023 Chamber Board Chair Michelle Hamilton celebrate 2023 Award of Excellence honoree, the Southern Illinois Chili Cookoff.
2022 Honoree Marilyn Jones Stritzel with 2023 Chamber Board Chair Michelle Hamilton celebrate the 2023 award honoree, Patricia Odum.
2023 Citizen of the Year Award Honoree: Dale Fowler
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 Annual Banquet and Awards 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 Dale Fowler.
Dale Fowler is not just a state senator. He is a champion for all of southern IL and has gone above and beyond his duties as senator to help our region. His foundation that helps area children and creating the SI Home Expo are two prime examples of the impact Mr. Fowler has made to help all of the citizens of southern Illinois. -- Michelle Hamilton, 2023 Chamber Board Chair
Honoree Dale Fowler with 2022 honoree Jerry Martin, 2023 Board Chair Michelle Hamilton, and Kevin Beckemeyer with Legence Bank.
2023 Distinguished Business Honoree: SIU Credit Union
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 Annual Banquet and Awards Committee. William Davis with Deaconess Illinois presented this year's award on behalf of the Chamber to SIU Credit Union.
SIU Credit Union has been a wonderful partner to help us further engage with the next generation of employer and consumes and meet the goals of our Strategic Plan. We appreciate their fun and approachable style to learning and youth engagement.- Karen Mullins, Chamber Executive Director
SIU Credit Union staff pose with 2021 honoree Jared Garrison with the Pavilion, and William Davis with Deaconess Illinois.
2023 Distinguished Member Honoree: Jeff Mayer
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 Annual Banquet and Awards Committee. Chris Ahart with Clearwave Fiber presented this year's award on behalf of the Chamber to Jeff Mayer.
Our Distinguished Member Award recipient, Jeff Mayer, has been instrumental in refurbishing our downtown square. As a lifelong resident of Marion, Mr. Mayer grew up in a time where the square was a vibrant downtown area where residents could meet, shop, eat and visit. His efforts in bringing that back to our city provides residents with a small town feel while our city continues to grow and expand in other areas. This provides our residents the best of both worlds! -- Michelle Hamilton, 2023 Chamber Board Chair
Honoree Jeff Mayer, 2022 honoree Matt Carnaghi, 2023 Board Chair Michelle Hamilton, and Chris Ahart with Clearwave Fiber.
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees
Harry L Crisp II & Vernell Sellars
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 Annual Banquet and Awards Committee.
At the awards ceremony, Deborah Hogg represented First Southern Bank and 2022 Rita Sigley presented the awards to Harry L Crisp II and Vernell Sellars (Represented by Shawn Hughes).
Harry Crisp has spent his entire life in Marion. This is where his business has employed thousands of our residents, where he raised his children and where he has given back so much to the community. I can't think of anyone who is more deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award than Mr. Crisp. -- Michelle Hamilton, 2023 Chamber Board Chair
Vernell Sellers is a prime example of how someone can start a small business and expand it to a thriving operation. As he expanded he could have moved to a larger area to serve more people but his dedication to southern Illinois kept him here. Mr. Sellers has provided many employment opportunities and taken care of thousands of people who live here or are just passing through. -- Michelle Hamilton, 2023 Chamber Board Chair
Honorees Harry L Crisp II and Shawn Hughes with 2022 honoree Rita Sigley of Hill Printing and 2023 Board Chair Michelle Hamilton.
2023 Mayor's Service Award Honoree: Sam Lattuca
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 Sam Lattuca.
Sam is a wonderful resource to our community that not only reminds us of the rich history of Williamson County, but the lessons we can learn as we move forward into the next chapter of our region's development. - Karen Mullins, Chamber Executive Director
Honoree Sam Lattuca with Mayor Michael Absher and Michelle Hamilton, 2023 Board Chair.
2023 Young Professional Leadership Honoree: Rachel Stroud
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 Annual Banquet and Awards Committee. They were then voted on by the membership. Kim Babbington with SIU Credit Union presented this year's award on behalf of the Chamber to Rachel Stroud.
Rachel Stroud is a young, professional leader! We need young professionals to stay in our region and serve in our community. Ms. Stroud not only came back to southern Illinois after graduating college but jumped right into working with our youth by coaching volleyball. She has taken on many different leadership roles and has become well known in the community for being a hardworking, energetic leader. - Michelle Hamilton, 2023 Chamber Board Chair
Honoree Rachel Stroud with 2022v honoree Laura Chairez, 2023 Board Chair Michelle Hamilton, and Kim Babbington with SIU Credit Union.
