Committee Service
Chambers have been serving communities for centuries and are always looking for ways to innovate and meet the unique needs of their community. These needs are defined by their members and implemented by dynamic groups of people. The Marion Chamber of Commerce is successful because of the dynamic people who donate their time and expertise to this organization through committee service. We are always looking for new ideas and energy to further our vision for Marion's progressive future.
Our committees are made up of regular Chamber members. The groups are led by Committee Chairs who run meetings and discussion. Our chairs are mainly board members so they can report at our quarterly Board Meetings.
If you would like to sign up for a committee, please contact the Chamber office at
618-997-6311, by
email, or log into your membership portal and look under 'Engagement'.
Our Groups center around themes of the Chamber's 2023 - 2025 Strategic Plan.
GROUPS FOCUSING ON ADVOCACY & MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
Business Advocacy Task Force
The goals of the Business Advocacy Task Force are to focus on getting elected and community leaders together to work on concerns facing the business community, economic vitality, and quality of life - including workforce, professional development, and business resources. The task force is a non-partisan organization and shall neither endorse candidates for public office/political parties. The Committee meets monthly, usually on the second Thursday of each month at 8 am.
Member Impact Group
This group meets quarterly to develop member marketing resources, create effective member networking experiences, and build a stronger membership core to align with the Strategic Plan. The Committee meets quarterly, usually on the third Tuesday of the month at noon.
Ambassador Committee
Regularly contacting new and current members to help grow the connection between the member and their Chamber. This is through encouraging members to attend various Chamber networking/events, discovering ways the Chamber can fulfill member needs, encouraging Committee service and Member-to-Member Programs, and showing new members other ways to get involved and get the most of out their Chamber membership.
GROUPS FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABILITY & GROWTH
Annual Banquet and Awards Committee
The Marion Chamber of Commerce hosts a banquet and awards program in January to celebrates the previous year. This event also marks the transition of the Board of Directors and leadership for the upcoming year. The event includes a silent auction, dinner, entertainment, speakers, and awards. The Committee is responsible for coordinating the choosing of members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce for the Business/Industry of the Year, Distinguished Business, Distinguished Chamber Member, Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Mayor's Service and other awards, which are awarded at the Annual Dinner. The Committee meets as needed from August - February.
Golf Scramble Committee
The annual golf scramble in September is a fundraiser for the Chamber. The Committee is responsible for organizing the event, securing sponsorships, securing entertainment, and promoting team registrations. The Committee meets as needed from June-October.
Sister City Committee
The Committee works to celebrate the relationship between Marion and Kanie Town Japan. The committee works on the alternating visits between the two communities and student/host family experiences. The committee begins to meet 6 months prior to an upcoming visit or trip.
Nominations Committee
This committee functions to develop the Board of Directors. Voting members are invited to nominate themselves or be nominated by a member of the committee. This includes a minimum of one candidate for each vacancy to be voted on for members of the Board of Directors. Once the ballot is finalized, they maintain that the election is conducted as outlined by the Chamber By-Laws. The Committee is made up of many former members of the executive committee and other Board members. The Committee meets as needed from September-December.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee reviews the monthly financial statements, oversees the development of an annual budget and makes other financial recommendations to the board. The Finance Committee meets as needed. The Finance Committee will have two subcommittees: Audit and Budget.
Remuneration Committee
The Committee is responsible for the review of the remuneration of the Chamber's staff. Additional responsibilities include editing the Employee Manual, review of Staff Benefits, and IRA for the coming year. The Committee meets quarterly.
GROUPS FOCUSING ON TALENT & EDUCATION
APOGEE
This fall leadership program brings businesses together with innovative and entertaining speakers. This event is designed to mentor and expand the roles of leaders in our community. The Committee meets monthly from February - November.
Bass Tournament Committee
The Committee is responsible for coordinating the annual Bass Tournament, which usually takes place in the spring. Proceeds from this event go toward the Chamber's Scholarship Program. The Committee meets as needed from February - May.
Grad Spree Committee
The Committee is responsible for all planning, fund-raising and coordination of activities for the drug/alcohol free celebration for the Marion High School graduating seniors. The Grad Spree event takes place on the night of Marion High School Graduation. The Committee meets as needed from January-June.
Scholarship Committee
The Committee is responsible for awarding the Grad Spree Scholarship and the John A. Logan One Year Tuition Waiver based on the amount of money generated by the fundraising efforts from the previous year. The committee has a set of guidelines for each scholarship. The fcholarhip funds are provided by the Chamber Foundation. The Committee meets as needed September – May.
