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.
If you would like to sign up for a committee, please contact the Chamber office at
618-997-6311.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Advocacy Blog Posts
RESOURCES
EThOs
Marion is lucky to have several partners to enrich the leadership development in our region. Founded in 2021, EthOs (Entrepreneurial & Technical Opportunities) Marion is an emerging project to attract and support innovative thinking and working in the heart of southern Illinois. EthOs Marion will be a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports the creation and growth of startups and scalable companies. To accelerate the success of entrepreneurs, EthOs will foster symbiotic relationships by providing access to startup funding and to business professionals, consultants, and coaches. We are excited to spotlight their Podcast and Mastermind Program (Marion Chamber Members enjoy a discounted rate for these sessions).
Featuring Local Leaders
EThO's "Small Town Big Business" Podcasts are hosted by Russell Williams and Allison Hastler. They focus on entrepreneurial development through an interview format with small business leaders and other city leaders in Marion. The purpose is to promote small business development in Marion (and the surrounding area) and attract entrepreneurs to Marion. These podcasts are produced and supported in partnership with Luke O'Neill and Swinford Publications. Sponsors include Fowler Heating and Air Conditioning, SouthernTrust Bank, WAG Foundation, and Union Street Arts. The STBB podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Podbean, and YouTube.
Join Quarterly
EThOs Mastermind Groups offer a combination of collaborative learning, inspiration, brainstorming, and support in a group setting to sharpen your leadership, business, and personal skills. Perfect for professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders wanting to develop their personal mindset and public skills. The Mastermind group meets on Wednesdays at noon for 9 weeks. There is normally 4 sessions per calendar year.
To learn more about the current session or upcoming sessions, please contact Russell Williams at 618-694-6586 or rwleadership@gmail.com.
Southern Illinois Leadership Institute
Presented by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation
Building diverse leaders for nonprofit organizations is critical for the overall wellness and development of our communities in southern Illinois. The Southern Illinois Leadership Institute will offer emerging leaders individual leadership development, community-based service opportunities, and a broader understanding of the region’s economic, civic, and cultural drivers.
Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy
The IWIL Training Academy prepares and propels women to pursue elected and appointed positions to advance progressive, democratic ideals.
Delta Leadership Institute
Created to empower a corps of leaders with the tools, experiences, and networks to address these local and regional challenges. The DLI Executive Academy trains leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries to improve the economic competitiveness and social viability of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt.
US Chamber RSS Feeds
Districts are noted by numbers on the left hand menu. In our region, the 117th is in blue and the 118th is in red.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR
LEGISLATORS: U.S. Congressional District #12:
US Representative Mike Bost - Republican
Contact Information:
300 East Main Street, Suite 4
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-457-5787
Fax: 618-457-2990
23 Public Square, Suite 404
Belleville, IL 62220
Phone: 618-233-8026
Fax: 618-233-8765
1440 Longworth House Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-5661
Fax: 202-225-0285
US Senator Tammy Duckworth - Democrat
Contact Information:
8 South Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
230 South Dearborn Street
Suite 3900
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone (312) 886 - 3506
524 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2854
Fax: (202) 228-0618
US Senator Richard J. Durbin - Democrat
Contact Information:
250 W. Cherry Street, Suite 115-D
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-351-1122
Fax: 618-351-1124
525 South Eighth Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-492-4062
Fax: 217-492-4382
1504 Third Avenue, Suite 227
Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: 309-786-5173
Fax: 309-786-5404
230 S. Dearborn Street, Ste. 3892
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-353-4952
Fax: 312-353-0150
711 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-2152
Fax: 202-228-0400
Senate District #59:
State Senator Dale Fowler - Republican
Contact Information:
2 North Vine, 6th Floor
Harrisburg, IL 62946
(618) 294-8951
(618) 294-8950 FAX
M103 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5509
Representative District #117:
State Representative Dave Severin - Republican
Contact Information:
1301 Enterprise Way
Suite 40A
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 440-5090
Fax: (618) 440-5091
208N Stratton North
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-1051
Fax 217-782-1275
Statewide Officials:
Governor JB Pritzker - Democrat
Contact Information:
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831
Office of the Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-2121
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton - Democrat
LtGovernorsOffice@illinois.gov
Contact Information:
214 State Capitol Building.
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-558-3085
Fax: 217-558-3094
100 W. Randolph St., Ste 15-200
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-5240
Fax: 312-814-5228
Attorney General Kwame Raoul - Democrat
www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
Contact Information:
601 South University Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-529-6400
500 S. Second Street
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-1090
100 W Randolph St., 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-3000
Secretary of State Jesse White - Democrat
Contact Information:
213 State Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-782-2201
Fax: 217-785-0358
Comptroller Susana Mendoza - Democrat
Contact Information:
325 West Adams
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217-782-6000
Fax: 217-782-7561
100 W. Randolph St., Ste 15-500
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-2451
Fax: 312-814-2986
Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs - Democrat
Contact Information:
219 State Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-2211
Fax: 217-785-2777
1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217-785-6998
Fax: 217-557-5871
100 W. Randolph St., Ste 15-600
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-1700
Fax: 312-814-5930
Williamson County, Illinois
Administration Building
407 North Monroe
Marion, IL 62959
Tim Atkisson
County Commissioner
takisson@williamsoncountyil.gov
Phone: 618-998-2137
Jim Marlo
County Commissioner
jimmarlo@williamsoncountyil.gov
Phone: 618-998-2141
Brent Gentry
County Commissioner
Phone: 618-998-2138
City of Marion
1102 Tower Square Plaza
Marion, IL 62959
Website: cityofmarionil.gov
Phone: 618-997-6281
Mayor Michael Absher
Mayor & Public Affairs Commissioner
mayorabsher@cityofmarionil.gov
Doug Patton
Accounts & Finances, Public Works Commissioner
John Barwick Jr.
Public Health & Safety Commissioner
John Stoecklin
Public Property Commissioner
Jim Webb
Street & Public Improvements Commissioner
