The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its mission, members and community at its 103rd annual awards celebration on Friday, January 19th 2024, at The Pavilion in Marion. The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and 2023 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.

The 2022 Distinguished Chamber Member Award finalists are:

·      James Arthur Design Co

·      Men in White Painting LLC

·      SIU Credit Union

James Arthur Design Company

Established in 2007, James Arthur Design Co. began as a one man show. Owner, James Moseman's, vision came to life when he wanted to bring creative design solutions to Southern Illinois. Named after his grandfather, whose legacy of creativity and craftsmanship inspired him, the company quickly gained recognition for its attention to detail and unique approach. Over the years we, JADC, have grown steadily, now housing a team of seven talented individuals.

Our portfolio speaks volumes about our success, - spanning across various client types - working with small businesses, municipalities, large factories, tourism offices, and storage building manufacturers. Every project we complete combines functionality and aesthetics to demonstrate a dedication to making solutions that surpass mere visual attractiveness.

James Arthur has been an active participant in the Marion Chamber of Commerce, engaging in various events like the golf scramble and Apogee leadership programs. Our company's involvement goes beyond attendance; one of our colleagues, Matt Carnaghi, serves on the Camber Board, illustrating a dedication to contributing to the local business community. Carnaghi's commitment was awarded last year when he received the Distinguished Member of the Year.



From humble beginnings to becoming a respected design firm in the heart of downtown Marion Illinois, it is an honor to be acknowledged for the hard work, original ideas, and the devotion we have put into our craft. We are thankful for the Board's consideration for this award. It serves as a warm reminder to each one of us that our efforts as well as hard work have made an impact in Marion and beyond.

Men In White Painting LLC

Men In White Painting is a full service painting company that combines old-school business values and character with modern conveniences of technology to make the experience of hiring a painter easy.

They offer a full range of drywall finishing and painting services, as well as professional cabinet refinishing, and decorative concrete services. 

With locations in Mt Vernon and Marion, they are attempting to be able to serve more customers in the southern Illinois region, while elevating the experience customers have with the trades. 

They pride themselves on being a leader in bringing dozens of younger men and women back into the trades, discovering the financial and personal value that comes from having a skill set that few others possess. 

SIU Credit Union

SIU Credit Union is honored to be considered for the Distinguished Business award, and we’re proud to be part of the greater Marion community.

SIU Credit Union was originally formed in 1938 as the Jackson County Teachers Credit Union, but we have had a presence in Marion for most of that time as well. SIUCU has been welcomed by the Marion community with open arms. We currently serve more than 44,000 members, and over 6,000 reside right here in the Hub of the Universe.

SIU Credit Union’s Marion branch has existed in several locations and variations over the years, with our current branch at 2809 Outer Drive near the mall established in October of 2004. Over the years, we have merged with other area credit unions, including one that was affiliated with the Marion VA hospital.

Something many people still don’t know: While we have “SIU” in our name, if you live or work in one of the southernmost 24 counties in southern Illinois, you are eligible to join SIU Credit Union regardless of anyone’s affiliation with the university. We are a member-owned financial cooperative where members, in both the business community as well as your neighborhoods, receive benefits in lower fees, competitive rates and other convenient services.

SIU Credit Union has prided itself in our financial education programs for years. Our Banzai program has a prominent status in most all schools in Marion CUSD #2 and nearly 300 schools in the southern Illinois region. Financial literacy begins at an early age and helps build stronger family units and subsequently stronger communities.  One of SIU Credit Union’s foundational principles is helping educate people of any age about responsible use of their finances.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce also recognizes the benefits of a financially healthy community and agreed to co-sponsor and organize two different educational events at Marion High School known as the “Bite of Reality.” Nearly 700 students learned about budgeting and making tough decisions about wants versus needs, and we all had a lot of fun participating in it. Of course, the Chamber Family came out strong with over 50 volunteers at these events and helped make them a success as well.

We also understand the importance of helping area businesses and civic organizations wherever we can, and we sponsor events at the Pavilion, Marion Stadium, the Cultural and Civic Center, along with any other worthy projects in the community throughout the year.

We are thrilled to be mentioned with our fellow nominees this year and are proud to serve the citizens and businesses of Marion. We love being a part of the Marion community and look forward to being a part of its continued growth and prosperity in the years to come. 

“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.