Welcome New Members since the last luncheon:

• Olive Garden – Joleen Watson
• Third Baptist Church – Kay Jamieson (registered)
• BGA Home Services – John Mekelburg

Recent Projects

We would like to thank everyone who attended and supported this years’ APOGEE. A lot of great conversations took place at the event, and we were pleased with the number of young professionals who also joined in the discussions. Special thanks to presenting sponsors Heartland Regional Medical Center, River Radio, Withers Broadcasting, and WSIL for underwriting this year’s event.
 
Last week, Chamber voting members received an electronic Chamber Board election ballot. About 10% of the voting members have taken part, so please vote by December 1^st. If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber office. Those elected to the Board will serve for 3 years. Nominees include (please stand when your name is called): Julie Campbell, AnnaMarie Cook, Carl Lange, Sandra Mann, Cale Newlin, Jason Powell, Reece Rutland, and Megan Zeller.

Our new board members will begin their service at our Annual Banquet and awards ceremony. This year’s event will be on January 19^th at the Pavilion. Ticket reservations are available now with formal invitations going out later this month. Leading up to this year’s event, we would like to recognize some of this year’s award nominees and honorees. Please stand as your name is called or raise your hand if you are part of a group that is being honored/recognized.

• Our Lifetime Achievement honorees are individuals who have impacted our business community for 30 years or more. Both of this year’s honorees are part of family legacies in our business community, we would like to recognize Harry L Crisp of Pepsi MidAmerica and Vernell Sellars of Vernell’s Interstate Service. Learn more about this year's honorees.   
• The Citizen of the Year award recognizes an individual that has excelled in a field outside of the Chamber and has made a significant contribution to our community. This year’s nominees embody that civic spirit, and we are humbled at their dedication to veteran services, and regional development, and business entrepreneurship: Dale Fowler, Jason Powell, and Nick Holdinghausen. Learn more about this year's nominees.   
• Award of Excellence recipients are groups or individuals who have gone above of beyond for the Marion community. Our first group has given spice to the fall with their annual cookoff. Over the past 14 years this group has engaged the business community and raised $300,000 to support local charities. Our first group is the Southern Illinois Chili Cookoff. Our second award honoree has made her dream of supporting local veterans a reality with the creation and foundation of Haven House here in Marion. Her grassroots efforts and community building to support our veterans is why Patricia Odom is being honored with this award.  Learn more about this year's honorees.     
•  While many of our awards recognize long standing service, we are happy to recognize those still early in their career and do amazing things for our area. This year’s Young Professional Leadership nominees are well known for their volunteerism and dedication to take Marion into its next chapter. They include AnnaMarie Cook, William David, and Rachel Stroud. Learn more about this year's nominees.   

We are hiring a new Programs Coordinator at the Chamber office. Information about the position is posted on the Chamber’s blog. This part time position will be focused on events, marketing, and development of new partner programs in the coming year.

Upcoming Projects

Join us for the following networking events with fellow member businesses!

• Take Action Today Ribbon Cutting this Wednesday at 10:30
• Brinkley-Ross Ribbon Cutting on November 30^th at 4:30
• Business After Hours at the new Marion City Hall on December 5^th from 4 – 6 pm
• Business After hours at Walker’s Bluff, date to be announced.
   

As we plan for next year, we have several opportunities and resources for you to take advantage of.

• In preparing for the April 2024 eclipse, reserve your glasses by Mid-November! Make sure and check out the partial solar eclipse this Saturday!
  Eclipse Glasses Reservation
  
• In further preparation for the event, we are planning to have our next community guide available in March. We are planning for 5,000 issues with Ad space
  and directory listings available along with community resources and information. Reserve your space this month!
  Reservation Form
• We are continuing to roll out our new dues structure. We are shifting from the employment-based fair dues platform to an investment-based dues model. Dues Structure and Information
• The request forms for 2024 luncheons and quarterly eBlast sponsorships are available now at marionillinois.com/marketing.

Over 150 measures are scheduled to go into effect this year and will impact Illinoisians in a variety of ways. This month’s speaker panel will focus on laws that will impact our businesses and employers. Several fellow members also have tables set up for one-on-one conversations, but let’s welcome this month’s speakers:

Program Facilitator: Camille Davidson – Dean of SIU School of Law

Panelists

• Casey Parker with SIU School of Law
• Martin Parsons with Legal Advocacy Headquarters