Awards Ceremony & Auction

Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony

The 104th Annual Awards Banquet and Auction is tentatively set for Friday, January 17th, 2025 at the Pavilion in Marion. This banquet is an occasion to celebrate the previous year and our 'Of The Year' honorees. 

EVENT TIMELINE

SOCIAL HOUR AT 5:30 pm 

The Social Hour kicks off with live music, delicious appetizers, fun photography, and delicious signature drinks. 

Bid of great Silent Auction items provided by amazing fellow Chamber members. Proceeds from the Silent Auction go to the
Chamber Foundation.

The popular Wine & Spirit Pull features new and current favorites.

DINNER AT 6:30 pm 


AWARDS CEREMONY 7:30 pm
Join us as we honor the 2024 Citizen of the Year, Distinguished Member, Distinguished Business, Young Professional Leadership, Lifetime Achievement, and Awards of Excellence.


TICKETS

REGISTRATION
TICKETS Table of 12: $750; Table of 8: $500, & Individual Tickets: $65
DRESS CODE Cocktail Attire


Tickets will be available in October.

'OF THE YEAR' AWARDS

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize members of the Marion community. 

The Banquet & Awards Committee is currently accepting nominations for the following awards. While many awards honorees are finalized by this committee, Citizen of the Year and Young Professional Leadership honorees will be selected by the Chamber Voting Members.


Nomination Deadline is August 31st.


You are welcome to submit nominations for the 2024 'Of the Year' awards through our online portal. 
Citizen of the YearDistinguished MemberDistinguished BusinessYoung Professional Leadership, and Lifetime Achievement.


Distinguished Member - Recognizes a Chamber member who has given significant service to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and its mission. This person demonstrates personal and professional leadership in the community. Honoree selected by Committee.


Distinguished Business - 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. Honoree selected by Committee.


Citizen of the Year - Recognizes an individual who has shown significant contribution to our community and who has excelled in a field outside of the Chamber. Honoree selected by voting members.


Young Professional Leadership - Recognizes a Chamber member who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40. Honoree selected by voting members.


Lifetime Achievement - Recognizes an individual for their dedication and achievement in a professional capacity for 30 years or more. Honoree selected by Committee.


Award of Excellence - An individual or group who has went above and beyond to serve the Marion community. Honoree selected by Committee.


2024 Nomination Page (Online)

IN MEMORIAM

The Annual Dinner Committee honors those we have lost in the past year who have contributed to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Marion area. The tribute will be played during the annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Auction & Awards Banquet. 


To submit an honoree, please complete the form below, call the Marion Chamber at 997.6311, or email director@marionillinois.com.


Submit Online

2024 Event Sponsors

Social Hour Sponsor

Wine & Spirit Pull Sponsor

Award Sponsors

Online Silent Auction Sponsors

Decor Sponsor

'Save the Date' & Invitation Sponsor

Photography & Photo Booth Sponsor

Program Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

  • 2024 EVENT INFORMATION

    Over 440 Chamber members and guests gathered at the Pavilion for the 103rd Chamber Annual Banquet. Registration went smoothly thanks to our volunteers: Jamie, Nicole, Megan, Matt, Judy and Registration sponsor Futivia! Our Coat Check, sponsored by Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois was managed by Take Action Today volunteers. The Ballroom and Expo areas looked beautiful thanks to the Hospitality sponsor visitsi and Decor sponsor Southern Illinois Rejuvenation Center. MHS FBLA students, hosted by Campbell Insurance, greeted attendees and helped them find their seats. Regional and state Chamber Directors were hosted by SIU School of Law.

    The Social Hour, sponsored by Mayer Networks, included delicious Appetizers provided by Crystal's Catering and sponsored by Vernell's Interstate Service , fun photo opportunities at the 360PhotoBooth, sponsored by Banterra Bank and Commercial Janitorial Services. Attendees enjoyed live music from the Daniels Sons, sponsored by SIH.

    Our Silent Auction spotlighted items provided by amazing fellow Chamber members and sponsored by AISIN Group and Golden Eagle Distributing. Proceeds from the Silent Auction and Duck Spree will go to the Chamber Foundation.

    Our popular Wine & Spirit Pull sold out early and was sponsored by
    Farmers State Bank! Thank you to Julie and Amanda for managing this year's pull. Attendees enjoyed sweet, savory, and classic flavors with our Signature Drinks - sponsored by Black Diamond Harley Davidson, First Southern Bank, and Futivia.

    Dinner was provided by Crystal's Catering, dessert is sponsored by
    SouthernTrust Bank and Coffee was hosted by Priority Staffing Group.

     

    Our awards ceremony was filled with applause as we recognized 2023 award honorees:

    Award of Excellence: Southern Illinois Chili Cook Off and Patricia Odum

    Mayor's Service Award: Sam Lattuca

    Citizen of the Year Award: Dale Fowler

    Distinguished Business Award: SIU Credit Union

    Distinguished Member Award: Jeff Mayer

    Lifetime Achievement: Harry L Crisp II & Vernell Sellars

    Young Professional Leadership: Rachel Stroud


    We were also honored to recognize those lost in the past year with our In Memoriam. Check out images of our honors and the night on the Annual Banquet More official pictures will be posted in the coming weeks. 


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      Marion High School FBLA Students greeted guests. Thank you!

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      Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal provided by Crystal's Catering and Dessert.

      Dessert Sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank

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      Emcee Jon Wofford 

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      Attendees enjoyed pre-event snacks

      Sponsored by Vernell's insterstate Service

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      Attendees mingle and check out Silent Auction Items.

      Silent Auction sponsored by Golden Eagle Distributors and AISIN Group

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      Groups gathered for our new Photo Stage for images to print out and send to their phones.

      Sponsored by Commercial Janitorial Services

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      Attendees had the option to mix and mingle with fellow members. 

      Hospitality Sponsor visitSI

      Programs Sponsor Zeller Construction.

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    IN PERSON SILENT AUCTION 

    Our Silent Auction spotlights great items provided by our members, community partners, and national vendors - including memorabilia, one of a kind items, jewelry, trips, and local items to enjoy all year round!  Proceeds from the auction go to the Marion Chamber Foundation. 


    Thank you for everyone who took part!!

    

    2023 IN MEMORIAM

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      Award of Excellence - Patricia Odum

      Sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank


      A Chamber member who has made significant contributions to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. 


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      Award of Excellence - Southern Illinois Chili Cookoff

      Sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank


      A Chamber member who has made significant contributions to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. 

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      Citizen of the Year - Dale Fowler

      Sponsored by Legence Bank


      An individual who has shown significant contribution to our community and who has excelled in a field outside of the Chamber. 


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      Distinguished Business - SIU Credit Union

      Sponsored by Deaconess Iliinois

      Recognizes a business that has given significant service to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and its mission.


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      Distinguished Member - Jeff Mayer

      Sponsored by Clearwave Fiber


      This award recognizes a Chamber member who has given significant service to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and its mission.


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      Lifetime Achievement - Harry L Crisp II & Vernell Sellars

      Sponsored by First Southern Bank


      An individual who has demonstrated dedication and achievement in a professional capacity for 30 years or more. 



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      Mayor's Service Award - Sam Lattuca


      A business or industry who has went above and beyond to serve the Marion community.



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      Young Professional Leadership Award Honoree - Rachel Stroud

      Sponsored by SIU Credit Union


      An individual who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40.


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    Blog Post: 2023 'Of the Year' Award Honorees
    By Karen Mullins 12 Jan, 2024
    2023 Mayor's Service Award Honoree
    By Karen Mullins 01 Jan, 2024
    2023 Distinguished Member Finalists
    By Karen Mullins 01 Jan, 2024
    2023 Distinguished Business Finalists
    By Karen Mullins 21 Dec, 2023
    2023 Lifetime Achievement Award
    By Karen Mullins 14 Nov, 2023
    We are excited to honor the 'Southern Illinois Chili Cook-off' and Patricia Odom as our 2023 Award of Excellence honorees.
    By Karen Mullins 25 Oct, 2023
    2023 Young Professional Leadership Award Nominees
    23 Oct, 2023
    2023 Citizen of the Year Nominees

    2023 EVENT INFORMATION

    The 102nd Annual Awards Banquet and Auction took place on Friday, January 20th, 2023 at the Pavilion in Marion. This banquet is an occasion to celebrate the previous year and our 'Of The Year' honorees. 


    Our awards banquet kicked off with a social hour sponsored by Pepsi MidAmerica. Attendees enjoyed signature drinks, a virtual and in-person silent auction, wine & spirit pull, a delicious dinner, and awards.  Please check out event spotlights!


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      Emcee Jon Wofford 

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      Attendees enjoyed pre-event snacks

      Sponsored by Consume

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      Attendees mingle and check out Silent Auction Items.

      Silent Auction sponsored by Golden Eagle Distributors and AISIN Group

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      Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal provided by Crystal's Catering and Dessert.

      Dessert Sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank

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      Groups gathered for our new Photo Stage for images to print out and send to their phones.

      Sponsored by Commercial Janitorial Services

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      Attendees had the option to mix and mingle with fellow members. 

      Hospitality Sponsor visitSI

      Programs Sponsor Zeller Construction.

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      Chamber Executive Director, Karen Mullins, recaps the previous year.

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      Marion High School FBLA Students greeted guests. Thank you!

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    ONLINE / IN PERSON SILENT AUCTION 

    Our Silent Auction spotlights great items provided by our members, community partners, and national vendors - including memorabilia, one of a kind items, jewelry, trips, and local items to enjoy all year round!  Proceeds from the auction go to the Marion Chamber Foundation. 


    Thank you for everyone who took part!!

    

    LIVE AUCTION 

    This year we added a Live Auction element to the event featuring great getaways. SIH was our live auction sponsor and the giveaways include members Blue Sky Winery and Your Jeweler.  The other package features spa and golf experiences in Pinehurst NC.

    2022 IN MEMORIAM

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      Award of Excellence - Marilyn Jones Stritzel

      Sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank


      A Chamber member who has made significant contributions to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. 


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      Business & Industry of the Year - Our Local Educators

      Sponsored by Deaconess Illinois


      A business or industry who has went above and beyond to serve the Marion community.


      Represetned by Members Marion Unit #2, Brehm Preparatory Academy, John A. Logan College, and Southern Illinois University.

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      Citizen of the Year - Kerry Martin

      Sponsored by Legence Bank


      An individual who has shown significant contribution to our community and who has excelled in a field outside of the Chamber. 


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      Distinguished Business - The Pavilion

      Co-Sponsored by Futivia & Campbell Insurance Group


      Recognizes a business that has given significant service to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and its mission.


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      Distinguished Member - Matt Carnaghi

      Sponsored by Clearwave Fiber


      This award recognizes a Chamber member who has given significant service to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and its mission.


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      Lifetime Achievement - Kathy Lively & Wayland Sims

      Sponsored by First Southern Bank


      An individual who has demonstrated dedication and achievement in a professional capacity for 30 years or more. 



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      Mayor's Service Award - Tom Logan


      A business or industry who has went above and beyond to serve the Marion community.



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      Young Professional Leadership Award Honoree - Laura Chairez

      Sponsored by SIU Credit Union


      An individual who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40.


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    Blog Post: 2022 'Of the Year' Award Honorees
    By Karen Mullins 25 Jan, 2024
    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!
    By Karen Mullins 02 Feb, 2023
    We would like to thank everyone who took part in the Awards Banquet and Award Ceremony on January 20th at the Pavilion. Below are profiles of our 2022 'Of The Year' winners!
    03 Jan, 2023
    2022 Award of Excellence Honoree
    29 Dec, 2022
    2022 Mayor's Service Award Honoree
    27 Dec, 2022
    2022 Distinguished Business Finalists
    22 Dec, 2022
    2022 Business/Industry of the Year
    20 Dec, 2022
    2022 Distinguished Member Finalists
    15 Dec, 2022
    2022 Citizen of the Year Finalists
    13 Dec, 2022
    2022 Young Professional Leadership Award Finalists
    08 Dec, 2022
    2022 Lifetime Achievement Award

    2022 EVENT IMAGES

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    2021 IN MEMORIAM

    2021 Award Spotlights

    By Karen Mullins 29 Jun, 2022
    Each year, the Marion Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize 'Of The Year' award recipients. These individuals and businesses spotlight what makes our community a great place to live and work.
    By Karen Mullins 09 May, 2022
    The Award of Excellence is given to an individual or group who has gone above and beyond to serve the Marion community. We are honored to name Cornerstone Church and the Southern Illinois Miners as the 2021 honorees. This year’s award is sponsored by SouthernTrust Bank and Campbell Insurance.
    By Karen Mullins 06 May, 2022
    The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating milestones and our business community at its 101st annual awards celebration on June 24th, 2022 at the Pavilion in Marion (rescheduled from January 14). The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and our 2021 award winners. Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were asked to submit nominations in October for 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 year’s award is sponsored by First Southern Bank. We are excited to announce the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are: John Markey of Centerstone Hill Printing & Office Supply Company
    By Karen Mullins 05 May, 2022
    The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating milestones and our business community at its 101 st annual awards celebration on January 14, 2022 at the Pavilion in Marion. The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and our 2021 award winners. Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were asked to submit nominations in October for the Distinguished Business Award. The Distinguished Business Award goes to a business that has made significant contributions to the community. The recipient must be a member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to announce the 2021 Distinguished Business Award finalists are: Commercial Janitorial Service Pepsi MidAmerica Priority Staffing Group
    By Karen Mullins 03 May, 2022
    The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating milestones and our business community at its 101st annual awards celebration on June 24th, 2022 at the Pavilion in Marion (rescheduled from January 14). The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and our 2021 award winners. Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were asked to submit nominations in October for the Young Professional Leader Award. The Young Professional Leader Award is given to an individual who demonstrates excellence and initiative in their business or profession and is under the age of 40. We are excited to announce the 2021 Young Professional Leader Award finalists are: AnnaMarie Cook Maci McCurdy Megan Regan
    By Karen Mullins 02 May, 2022
    The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating milestones and our business community at its 101st annual awards celebration on June 24th, 2022 at the Pavilion in Marion (rescheduled from January 14). The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and our 2021 award winners. Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were asked to submit nominations in October for the Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year Award goes to an individual who has shown significant contribution to our community and who has excelled in a field outside of the Chamber. This year’s award is sponsored by Legence Bank. We are excited to announce the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award finalists are: Jeff Mayer Jeremy Pinkston Russell Williams
    By Karen Mullins 21 Apr, 2022
    The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating milestones and our business community at its 101 st annual awards celebration on June 24th, 2022 at the Pavilion in Marion (rescheduled from January 14). The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and our 2021 award winners.
    By Karen Mullins 12 Apr, 2022
    The Marion Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating milestones and our business community at its 101st annual awards celebration on June 24th, 2022 at the Pavilion in Marion (rescheduled from January 14). The program will feature presentations by the Chamber, elected officials, and our 2021 award winners. Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce were asked to submit nominations in October for the Distinguished Member Award. The Distinguished Member Award goes to an individual who has made significant contributions to the community through the Marion Chamber of Commerce. This person demonstrates personal and professional leadership in the community. The recipient must be a member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. This year’s award is sponsored by Clearwave Communications. We are excited to announce the 2021 Distinguished Member Award finalists are: Julie Campbell Janet Jensen Matt Reising
    By Karen Mullins 08 Apr, 2022
    Read about the 2021 Marion Chamber Business/Industry Award Winner: visitSI

    January 2021 Event

    The Annual Dinner planning committee would like to thank everyone who took part in this year's Virtual Awards Celebration on January 14th, 2021.  This year's awards program was streamed for free to our members and the public and shortened from our normal program so we could focus on spotlighting our award nominees and recipients. 


    We encouraged our members to enjoy our virtual Pre-Event and Afterparty sponsored by Pepsi MidAmerica, which featured music by Eli Teller and 90s Kidz Band.  The video is available on this page.

    Event Program

    ONLINE SILENT AUCTION 

    This year's Silent Auction was online and featured the same type of items enjoyed by attendees at previous events.  This includes memorabilia, one of a kind items, jewelry, trips, virtual experiences and local items to enjoy all year round!  Below are some of the items and experiences we featured  this year.


    This year's category sponsors

    

    2021 Video

    2021 EVENT SPONSORS


    2020 'Of The Year' Awards

    Business & Industry of the Year: Front Line Workers 

    Learn more about our Award Winners.

    Citizen of the Year:  Amanda Throgmorton

    Learn more about Amanda Throgmorton.

    Distinguished Business: Fowler Heating & Cooling

    Learn more about Fowler Heating & Cooling.

    Distinguished Member: Brian McHugh

    Learn more about Brian McHugh.

    Young Professional Leadership: Dalus Downs

    Learn about Dalus Downs.

    Lifetime Achievement: Joe & Toni Hayes and Tom Logan

    Learn More about Joe & Toni Hayes.

    Learn More about Tom Logan.

    Mayor's Award of Service: Marion United

    Selected by Mayor Michael Absher, this honoree is recognized for service to their community. 

    Learn more about Marion United.

    Award of Excellence: Laborers' Union Local 773, Shawn Vincelette, & Karen Mullins

    Learn more about Laborers' Union local 773.

    Learn more about Shawn Vincelette.

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