The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its mission, members and community at its 1023rd annual awards celebration on Friday, January 19, 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 Chamber Member Award, which is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce, demonstrates personal and professional leadership in 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:

·       TJ Cowan

·       Jeff Mayer

·       Cheri Romonosky

TJ Cowan

Cowan born in Arlington Heights IL made Southern IL his home in 1988 where he has thrived ever since. Graduating SIU with an Industrial Engineering degree (and a wife… college was good) his focus shifted to adding value to existing business. After spending years teaching continuous Improvement and program management within Automotive, Department of Defense and Healthcare, he put those disciplines to the ultimate test. Cowan now is Founder/CEO of Cold Blooded Coffee & Roastery and Cold Blooded Smokehouse with massive expansions actively in the works. Cowan is best known as a contrarian and exposing the potential of those around him. “A rising tide lifts all ships, be the relentless tide”. Our communities know us for what we do, how we do it and most importantly why we do it. Strengthening our surrounding businesses through collaboration, supply chain and training is a win for SoILL. Cowan is also the Ambassador Chairperson for the Carterville Chamber of Commerce and speaker on Business start-up growth through intentional design.

“I give so much credit to my wife Jackie which is the GM of both businesses, she gets it.” The Cowan’s live in Williamson County with Norah (9) and Miles(4) and are in the process of founding two additional businesses. “We can’t wait to unveil how everything is complimentary by design and the additional commerce that it will bring to the area.” 

Jeff Mayer

A life-long resident of Marion, Jeff Mayer has cherished growing up in Marion. He obtained a Bachelors in Business Management at Southern Illinois University in 1991 and after graduation began to play an active role in the recent automotive growth and brand expansion in our area. Beginning in early 90s at Marion Toyota, he started in sales and worked through upper management to become President and Owner in 2011. Jeff has been part of the Toyota Dealer Council in 2011 to 2015 and returned to the Council in 2021. He has also taken part for 8 years on the Toyota Dealer Advertising Board of Directors. While developing Toyota’s brand in Marion, he also became President and Owner of Marion Subaru in 2005 and took on Marion Collision Center in 2011. 

In recent years, Jeff founded JM Vision Real Estate Development in 2019 and is honored to be part of the redevelopment of the Marion downtown. This includes the recent restoration and renovation of the Goodall building, originally constructed in 1900. This building was reinvented with 15,000 square feet of residential, retail, and meeting spaces – while preserving the historic personality of the building.  In recognition of his efforts, Mayer was given the Landmarks Illinois ‘Award for Rehabilitation’ in October 2023.

Mayer’s volunteer and charitable efforts are driven by causes that he feels he can make an impact. Recent activities include, Williamson County Historical Society, Project CAR, Hospice of Southern Illinois, The Women's Center Southern Illinois, AdoptaClassroom.org, Southern Illinois University Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, Gumdrops of Carterville, Southern Illinois Athletics, and Athletic Departments serving the youth of Marion, Herrin, and Carterville.

Cheri Romonosky

Cheri is a proud Southern Illinois native who was born and raised in Harrisburg. She graduated from Harrisburg High School and later attended Southeastern Illinois College. Cheri and her husband, Bob, still call Harrisburg their home, where they live with their three feline children. Although they do not have children of their own, Cheri has always been very involved in the lives of their nieces, nephews, and now great nieces and nephews.

For the past 17 years, Cheri has dedicated her career to Aisin Mfg. Illinois in Marion. She currently holds the position of Human Development/PR specialist, a role that has allowed her to actively engage with the community. Cheri has organized numerous events, including food drives, veterans’ food and clothing drives, Toys for Tots, St. Jude fundraisers, Knock Out Cancer fundraisers, and Coats for Kids drives. Additionally, she plays a vital role in promoting Aisin to local clubs and organizations.

Cheri's community outreach extends beyond her work at Aisin. She is an active member of the Marion Chamber, having served on the board and the Sister City committee and volunteered for Bite of Reality. Cheri is also a member of the advisory board of Heartland Regional Medical Center and the Spring Grove Cemetery board. Lastly, Cheri is committed to making a difference in her community and volunteers at the Lighthouse Shelter. She has also been on the Williamson County Traffic Safety Days committee for several years.

“I am happy to have been involved with the Marion Chamber for the past 16 years. I have met some great people along the way and am very thankful for those relationships. As a former business owner, it is important to know there is support when you need it. The Marion Chamber is an invaluable resource not only for the small business owner, but anyone who is involved in business.”

“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.