Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 122017

Welcome New Members!

Wal-Mart
Jason Baker

Website
jlbaker.s00216.us@wal-mart.com
Join Date: 11/17/2017

Crab Orchard & Egyptian Railroad
Jordan Buck

Website
jbuck@progressiverail.com
Join Date: 11/21/2017

NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics
Tom Reece

Website
terecce@novacare.com
Join Date: 11/22/2017

Shine On A Dime
Traci McLaughlin

Website
shineonadime00@gmail.com
Join Date: 12/05/2017

Smoothie King
Brian Ziegler

Website
sk1470@smoothieking.com
Join Date: 12/05/2017

Lucky's Beer Wine Spirits
Jeff Diederich
jdiederich@diederichgroup.com
Join Date: 12/05/2017

SpecCon, Inc.
Rodney Evrard

Website
jodie@specconcrete.com
Join Date: 12/05/2017

Camp Manitowa
Dan Grabel

Website
dan@campmanitowa.com
Join Date: 12/05/2017

 

Have you...

  • Looked into saving money on your electricity and natural gas bills with the Marion Chamber's Electricity and Natural Gas Aggregation. Click here to learn more. 
  • Found us on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+?
  • Seen or shared our Marion Profile Book? Click here!
  • Filled our our Member Survey?
  • Completed your Traffic Catcher System? Click here to see who has and to learn more. 
  • Familiarized yourself with our Member Benefits? Click here to read about them!
  • Seen your Member-to-Member Discounts? Click here to save!
  • Promoted yourself to Marion Chamber members? Click here to learn more.
  • Displayed your "Member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce" window decal at your business? If you need a new decal, click here or email assistant@marionillinois.com.

Let us put the Spotlight on your Business!

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is happy promote members on the homepage of the Chamber's Web site in the Member Spotlight section for $150.

Note that one Member Spotlight is featured a month. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A company may only request a Member Spotlight once a year.

Member Spotlight Schedule:
To grab your spot in the spotlight, email director@marionillinois.com or call 618.997-6311 and let us know what month you'd like.

Send a Member eBlast!



The Marion Chamber of Commerce is happy to send promotional eBlasts once a week on behalf of members as a member benefit for $50. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A company may only request a Member eBlast once a month. Click here for the form. 

Space available for your business on the Chamber's digital sign AT REDUCED PRICE!

Dear Marion Chamber of Commerce members,

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee members have drastically reduced the cost to advertise on the Chamber's digital sign.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce makes the electronic sign available for rent to a wide variety of Chamber members, local businesses, organizations, community groups and residents. 

Ads can be up to 2 lines of text with the typical line containing about 18 characters (including spaces). Ads run twice for 15 seconds each on a 5-minute loop. We allow for a maximum of 10 ads, which means each ad is live on the board 576 times every day and approximately 17,520 times per month. The sign runs 24/7 so your message gets greatest exposure. All ads must be paid in full before the advertisement goes live.

For more information or to take advantage of this great opportunity, click 
here.

Thank you,
Dalus Ben Avi
Executive Director

Would you like to host a BAH?



Have you thought about hosting a Business After Hours event? Schedule yours today!

Business After Hours events are usually held on the fourth Thursday of the month, unless the Chamber member has a special need for a different date or calendar conflicts at the Chamber arise.

The hours for a Business After Hours event are to be determined by the Chamber member. However, 4:30-6:30 p.m. is recommended.

The Business After Hours Program fee is $100. 

Email director@marionillinois.com, call 997-6311 or fill out 
this form to schedule your BAH event today! 

Chamber responsibilities include:
  • Promoting the event through all of our communications (newsletter, Web site, social media, Monthly Membership Luncheon announcements, etc.)
  • Provide member mailing labels for invitations

Chamber member suggestions:
  • Send special invitations to Chamber Members and their customers (must include Chamber logo on printed materials)
  • Provide food and beverages at the event 
  • Provide door prizes at the event
  • Make a presentation about your business/organization

Business After Hours Program Schedule:
  • February - December 2018 - AVAILABLE

Would you like to sponsor a Monthly Membership Luncheon?

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is happy to to offer to members the sponsorship opportunity at the Monthly Membership Luncheons, held on the second Tuesday of each month (except for January) for $150.

Each Monthly Luncheon will have only one sponsor, and that sponsor is entitled to:
  • a logo in the luncheon invitation
  • opportunity to speak for up to three minutes at the luncheon
  • a table set up by the registration table at the luncheon.
The opportunity is limited to one Monthly Luncheon Sponsorship per business per year. 
The Monthly Membership Luncheon Sponsorship Schedule is:
To become a Monthly Membership Luncheon sponsor, email director@marionillinois.com with what month you'd like to sponsor or call the Chamber at (618) 997-6311.

Inclusive Playground Update!

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation will include the thermometer in the Marion Chamber of Commerce newsletter. Please contact the Marion Park District for more information about the Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground.

 

Dear Friends,
 
Keeping true to our mission statement, the vision of the Marion Park District is to create a universally designed play environment, an inclusive playground, at Ray Fosse Park that increases the opportunities for children of diverse abilities.  With the community’s help, we wish to build a playground area that creates a safe and fun environment for children and adults of ALL abilities.  This will be a play and fitness space that becomes a destination for the entire Southern Illinois area to enjoy.  This project will include a multi-generational fitness area so both children and adults can lead a more active and healthy lifestyle, spend quality time together and foster new friendships and memories.
 
The project cost will be approximately $375,000.  The Marion Park District has committed $150,000 of Capital Improvement funds to the project.  Heartland Regional Medical Center has promised $100,000 and has become our ‘named’ partner in this endeavor.  Marion Noontime Rotary Club has committed $10,000 to make this vision become a reality.  We are beginning to receive smaller private and corporate donations, as well.
 
The Marion Park District is comprised of seven (7) parks located within the City of Marion. In total our parks are comprised of approximately 115 acres. We feature ten (10) ball fields, twelve (12) soccer fields, four (4) tennis courts, three (3) basketball courts, one (1) skate board park, one (1) roller hockey court, one (1) 18 hole disc golf course and a 220,000-gallon Aquatic Center. All of the parks feature playground equipment as well. In addition, our parks feature two (2) Boy Scout/ Girl Scout cabins, which are used for scouting activities and rentals to the public for a variety of events; we also have fourteen (14) shelters within our park system.
 
Beginning in the Fall of 2016, the Marion Park District began undertaking an aggressive Capital Improvement initiative.  To date we have updated park services equipment, added fall protection to our playgrounds, renovated 6 infield playing surfaces at Ray Fosse Park, developed a professionally designed 18-hole disc golf course, Pharaoh’s Way Disc Golf at Pyramid Park and replaced 3 large slides in various parks.  In addition, we will be opening THE Bark Park in January of 2018.  It is in Russell Street Park and features over 29,000 square feet of interactive play.  This modern dog park will feature large and small dog play areas and will be a ‘membership’ park to provide security for both patrons and canines.  Additionally, with the generosity of a private foundation, we will be renovating the tennis courts in Russell Street Park in the Spring of 2018.
 
Other visions being considered by the Marion Park District Board of Commissioners are adding beach volleyball and bocce courts at Ray Fosse Park.
 
Any tax –deductible donations by individuals or businesses are welcome to help in our goal to build the “Inclusive” playground.  Any requests or questions need to be directed to the Marion Park District at (618) 993-3940.  For more information about the inclusive playground or to make a donation, click here
 
Please join with us and together, we can continue to create a Parks System that EVERYONE can enjoy. Thank you for your support to the Marion Park District!
 
      
Ashley Gott, President of Board
Marion Park District 


Jack Reed, Director of Parks and Recreation
Marion Park District

Chamber News

Shop Southern Illinois program underway!
11/06/2017

Chamber launches Chamber Gift Certificate program
11/08/2017

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at Artstarts on November 17
11/17/2017

November New Member Quarterly Luncheon held at Tequila's
11/21/2017

Many of the Marion Chamber's Silent Auction items have been announced
11/26/2017

Marion Chamber of Commerce 97th Annual Awards Banquet & Auction to be held January 19
11/26/2017

Entertainment chosen for 97th annual Marion Chamber Awards Banquet & Auction
11/26/2017

Diamond Drop to benefit The Poshard Foundation
11/26/2017

Marion Chamber announces 2017 Business/Industry of the Year
11/27/2017

Finalists for the Lifetime Achievement Award have been announced
11/28/2017

Finalists for the Citizen of the Year Award have been announced
11/29/2017

Finalists for the Young Professional Leader Award have been announced
11/30/2017

Finalists for the Mayor’s Service Award have been announced
12/01/2017

Finalists for the Distinguished Member Award have been announced
12/02/2017

Finalists for the Distinguished Business Award have been announced
12/03/2017

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at Factory Connection's new location
12/07/2017

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at Lucky's Beer, Wine & Spirits
12/08/2017

Nine elected to Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
12/12/2017

December Monthly Membership Luncheon held at The Pavilion on December 12
12/12/2017

Request for Proposal - Golf Scramble
12/14/2017

Ribbon Cutting ceremony held for NovaCare Prosthetics & Orthotics
12/18/2017

Deadline for Wine & Spirit Pull donations 1/4


The Marion Chamber of Commerce’s 97th annual Awards Banquet & Auction will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018, and will include a Wine and Spirt Pull fundraiser. During the Social Hour, guests are encouraged to buy a cork for $15 or two for $25 which will have a corresponding number to one of the bottles of wine or spirits on hand. Your business participation by donating a wine or spirit valued at $20 or more to be used in the Wine & Spirit Pull would be very much appreciated. All donations will be accepted through Thursday, January 4. To donate a bottle or bottles, click here to download the donation form. You may also call the Marion Chamber at 997.6311 or email director@marionillinois.com to make a donation. 

There are several benefits that you will see when you make a donation to the 2018 Annual Dinner Wine & Spirit Pull:
  1. We are expecting around 400 people in the community to be attending the annual dinner seeing your business’ name associated with the item you donated.
  2. All donors will be listed in a story on the Chamber’s Web site with links to each donor’s Web site.
  3. There will be an email sent out before the dinner letting people know about the items in the 2018 Annual Dinner Wine & Spirit Pull.
  4. Donors who have submitted their items by January 4 will be included in the 97th Annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet & Auction program.
We would be more than willing to personally pick up any donation or they may be dropped off at the Marion Chamber office.

On behalf of the Marion Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Committee, we graciously accept your donation. Thank you for your support in making this another successful event!

In Memoriam Submissions now taken



The Annual Dinner Committee would like to honor 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 97th annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Auction & Awards Banquet. 

Please download and complete this form or fill out this online form about anyone who has contributed to the Marion Chamber of Commerce and/or the Greater Marion area who has passed away in 2017. You may also call the Marion Chamber at 997.6311 or email director@marionillinois.com to submit someone who has passed for the In Memoriam.

Submissions made prior to January 4, 2018, will be included in the In Memoriam tribute played during the 97th annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Auction & Awards Banquet on January 19 at the Pavilion.

While they are gone, they shall not be forgotten. 

Deadline for Silent Auction donations 1/4



The Marion Chamber of Commerce’s 97th annual Awards Banquet & Auction will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018, and is the chief annual fundraiser for the Chamber. A fabulous evening is planned, and we hope you will join us! We expect more than 400 guests to attend, all leaders in our community.

Please complete this online form or this downloadable form to make a donation for the banquet's Silent Auction. You may also call the Marion Chamber at 997.6311 or email director@marionillinois.com to make a donation. 
 
We also hope you will consider making a donation for the Banquet’s Silent Auction. The auction is a fun way to raise funds for the Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation. By donating an item, gift certificate, service or monies, you can directly support the Chamber Foundation’s unique programs, which include scholarships for Marion-area graduates, the Marion High School Graduation Spree event, and other Marion Chamber of Commerce community-oriented programs. The Marion Chamber of Commerce works with business and professional people to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in the community. The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity, ensures the continuing advancement and mission of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. 
 
Our goal is to raise more than $5,000 from the Silent Auction. 
 
There are several benefits that you will see when you make a donation to the silent auction.  
  1. We are expecting around 400 people in the community to be attending the annual dinner seeing your business’ name associated with the item you donated.
  2. All donors will be listed in a story on the Chamber’s Web site with links to each donor’s Web site.
  3. There will be an email sent out before the dinner letting people know about the items to be auctioned. 
  4. Donors who have submitted their items by January 4 will be included in the 97th Annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet & Auction program.
  5. Your donation will be tax-deductible. Following the Annual Dinner event, please contact the Chamber office to receive your donor acknowledgement letter.
We are excited about your support of our new and improved Silent Auction this year at the 97th Annual Marion Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet & Auction.  All donations must be received at the Chamber by January 4, 2018, so we can adequately market your donation to the members. If you are unable to deliver your donation, please contact Dalus at the Chamber office and she will coordinate one of the members of our Committee to pick up your donation.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chamber.  Once again, thank you for making your donation and we look forward to seeing you at the Awards Banquet on January 19, 2018. 

TWO Masterminds to choose from! Marion and Carterville Mastermind Groups signups open now!

Grow yourself and make an impact on others! Mastermind Group signups beginning now for Marion and Carterville groups!

  1. The Marion Chamber of Commerce and the Carterville Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to host the first 2018 Mastermind Group on Fridays from 8:15 - 9:30 a.m., beginning January 12 and ending March 9 (9 weeks), at Irons in the Fire Event Center (above Crown Brew Coffee Co.) in downtown Carterville. This group is limited to the first 15 enrollments. The enrollment fee of $125 for Marion & Carterville Chamber members ($135 for non-Chamber) fee includes a book and is due before January 8. Register by clicking here. All registrations for Mastermind Groups are now handled by Russell Williams.  Click here for the Carterville Mastermind Group flier.
  2. The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host the first 2018 Mastermind Group on Mondays from noon to 1:15 pm January 8 - March 12 (8 weeks with no meetings on MLK Jr. Day and Presidents' Day) at Heartland Regional Medical Center Classroom 1 (downstairs) except for February 26 when the group will meet in Classroom 2. This group is limited to the first 15 enrollments. The enrollment fee of $125 for Marion Chamber members ($135 for non-Chamber) fee includes a book and is due before January 8. Lunch and drinks provided complimentary of Heartland Regional Medical Center. Contact Russell Williams at 618-694-6586 or russell.williams@brehm.org to secure a seat or for more information. Register by clicking here. All registrations for Mastermind Groups are now handled by Russell Williams.  Click here for the Marion Mastermind Group flier.
“Change your habits change your life” is a popular saying but which habits lead to your sustained long-term success? This Mastermind Group will use Brad Lomenick’s book “H3 Leadership” to focus on developing the right daily habits and routines that build success for us as individuals and leaders of others.

Join a group of like-minded, forward-focusing individuals, working towards the common goals of growing ourselves, reaching our potential, and raising the bar on our leadership!

Experience the incredible energy that participants bring to this facilitated group setting. Masterminds can be an extremely powerful tool to take your thinking and actions (and therefore results) to the next level! Dive deep into leadership topics with supportive like-minded leaders and learners. Mastermind Groups offer a unique opportunity to learn from others’ perspectives and experiences; and safely share your individual challenges and opportunities.

The facilitator is Russell Williams, Certified Leadership and Personal Growth Coach, Speaker, and Teacher.

Leadership Marion is a development program for CEOs, Entrepreneurs, Managers, and All Potential Leaders coordinated by the Marion Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee.

Business After Hours program at AES Solar, 01-25-18

A Business After Hours for AES Solar, 1804 Supply Road in Carterville, will be held on January 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. with tours of the showroom, drinks, appetizers, raffle, prizes and networking.

Click on the image below to RSVP. 

Chamber launches Chamber Gift Certificate program

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is launching a Chamber Gift Certificate program. Members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce are encouraged to sign up to be a part of the program. 

How to sign up:


Facts about the Chamber Gift Certificates:

  • Each certificate is personalized at the buyer’s request
  • Certificates can be purchased in any denomination
  • It’s the perfect gift! The recipient has a choice of more than 100 places in the Marion area to use their certificate: retail, shopping, car repair, entertainment, dining, etc.
Participation is smart marketing:
  • Promotion: The Chamber promotes the program on the Chamber Web site, social media, in the Chamber newsletters and more. Your business name is promoted on every certificate. A special icon is used in the Chamber Directory for all participants, and you are provided a special “Marion Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates Accepted Here” decal to display at your business.
  • Simple and cost-effective: No paperwork, just mail the redeemed certificate to the Chamber. We reimburse you 95% of the face value, in a timely manner. The Chamber keeps 5% to cover supplies, administrative costs and promotions.
  • One year expiration date.
How it works:
  • Marion Chamber Gift Certificate is purchased from the Chamber office.
  • Recipient redeems gift certificate using entire amount (no change need be given) to purchase goods or services, choosing from one of the many participating businesses listed on the face of the gift certificate.
  • Participating business signs the gift certificate acknowledging redemption.
  • Participating business turns in the gift certificate to the Chamber office (via mail or in person) and, within two weeks of receiving the redeemed certificate, the Chamber will issue a reimbursement check for 95% of the face value of each redeemed Gift Certificate.
Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter - Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 122017